Imagine walking along a narrow wooden walkway, its weathered planks creaking softly under your feet. The air is thick with the scent of saltwater and the rhythmic hum of boats traversing the river. This is Kampong Lurong Sikuna, one of the many stilt villages that make up Kampong Ayer, Brunei’s historic water village.
This is where life continues to play out on the Brunei River, untouched by the hustle of modern life. The story of Kampong Lurong Sikuna, a quaint settlement named after the English word “schooner” due to its past use as a ship anchorage, is one of resilience and adaptability.
Life unfolds at a leisurely pace. The houses, built on sturdy stilts, are a testament to the ingenuity of generations past. Once traditional Malay homes, crafted from sturdy bulian wood, they now boast modern amenities like electricity, running water, and even the occasional air conditioner. You might even see a cat lazily curled up on a porch, nonchalantly watching the river flow.
But Kampong Lurong Sikuna is more than just a collection of houses. It’s a pulsating heart of a tight-knit community where the residents navigate life on the water with an unmatched grace. They move between homes by boat, these colorful water taxis known as “perahu tambang” serving as a lifeline and transport for the villagers.
There’s a quiet harmony between tradition and modernity here. While life on the water still holds its unique charm, Kampong Lurong Sikuna recently experienced a transformation. The Projek Perintis Menaik Taraf Kampung Ayer, an initiative of the Sultan of Brunei, focused on beautifying the water village and upgrading the settlements. New, modern houses, built with high-quality materials, now stand as a testament to this ongoing project.
This project, implemented in the 2010s, aimed to improve living conditions while retaining the Kampung Ayer charm. It gave Kampong Lurong Sikuna a stronger foundation and integrated sustainable practices into its structure. It’s a symbol of progress, highlighting the spirit of the community and its commitment to preserving its identity and legacy. The presence of modern, well-built structures amidst the traditional stilt houses creates a fascinating contrast, showcasing the harmonious co-existence of past and present.
The story of Kampong Lurong Sikuna is a testament to human adaptability – a place where life continues to flow, embracing change while holding on to its heritage. So step onto the walkway, feel the gentle sway beneath your feet, and let yourself be swept away by the mesmerizing charm of this unique water village.