The observation tower
Village and river.
Pangalau — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Pangalau — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Pangalau — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Pangalau — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Pangalau — CC BY-SA 4.0
The Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery is a small museum on stilts over the river, in the capital's famous water village. It shows handcrafts such as ceramics, woodwork and weaving and explains the village's history, making it the best starting point for anyone arriving by boat who wants to understand the place before wandering its walkways. Building began in August 2007 and ended in June 2009, and the Crown Prince opened it on 19 August 2009, at a cost of about B$3 million. It aims to preserve the village's heritage, revive cottage industries and create jobs. Its story runs from the 10th century to today, with images and objects from the Museums Department. The building is modelled on a traditional Malay house, with an observation tower looking over the village, the river and the capital's mosque on the skyline. Inside are five sections, a touch screen and a hexagonal stage showing Bruneian brocade weaving. You see baskets, hats, fabrics and model houses, along with traditional dress and displays of old tools. The main way there is by water taxi from the royal wharf in central Bandar Seri Begawan to Jetty 1, so agree the fare before boarding. Listings give hours of 9:00 to 16:30 from Saturday to Thursday and 9:00 to 12:00 on Friday, so check them. Take care on timber walkways. These are lived-in homes, so do not photograph residents without permission, and dress modestly.
Village and river.
A Bruneian craft.
The village's history.
Kampung Lorong Sikuna, Kampong Ayer
Kampong Ayer (Water Village)To many the largest water village in the world, a whole town of wooden houses ra2 minutes walk
Tamu KianggehTamu Kianggeh is a traditional local market on the bank of the Kianggeh River in9 minutes walk
Omar Ali Saifuddien MosqueThe symbol of Brunei and, to many, the most beautiful mosque in Southeast Asia, 10 minutes walk4.6
Taman Mahkota Jubli EmasTaman Mahkota Jubli Emas, the «Golden Jubilee Crown Park», is a public riverside11 minutes walk
Royal Regalia MuseumA museum telling the story of the sultanate and the life of Sultan Hassanal Bolk13 minutes walk4.3By water taxi from the royal wharf to Jetty 1.
Listings show mornings only, so check ahead.