Kampong Ayer

Kampong Ayer Review

One of several localities in Asia labeled the 'Venice of the East', Kampong Ayer—literally, 'Water Village'—is a neighborhood of homes built on stilts out on the Brunei River. They are linked by a maze of boardwalks that make a fascinating place to spend an hour or two wandering randomly. The area has been inhabited in this way for more than 800 years. Around 30,000 people currently live here and have resisted government attempts to relocate them onto dry land. But while from a distance this may appear to be a slum, most of the homes are large and have running water, electricity, and even air-conditioning in many cases. The area is also served by its own neighborhood schools, mosques, police and fire stations.