Exploring Brunei City & Kampong Ayer Water Village

Highlights of the Trip 

Brunei is a small but thriving nation nestled on the northern coast of Borneo. It’s the perfect place to explore and experience authentic local culture and breath-taking natural scenery. One of the best ways to explore Brunei is to explore the country’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and its surrounding Kampong Ayer Water Village.

The area known as Kampong Ayer is literally an entire neighbourhood of homes built on stilts over the Brunei River. It is one of the world’s largest water villages, with more than 30,000 inhabitants and over 4,000 individual houses. Kampong Ayer is a great place to explore because it offers a glimpse into traditional Bruneian culture and history.

Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosques on Thursdays and Fridays. The tour will only cover the garden area and compound of the two mosques on these days.
The Brunei Museum is closed for renovation until further notice.
Please note that every Friday all tourism attractions and business premises (restaurants, shopping malls, offices, etc.) close from 1200-1400hrs for the Friday Muslim Prayer.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit

Brunei 

• Brunei Museum: This museum is dedicated to showcasing the rich history and heritage of Brunei and its people.
• Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque: Named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, the mosque is a magnificent testament to Islamic architecture and culture.
• Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque: Built in 1992 to commemorate the silver jubilee of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s reign and named after the sultan himself.
• Entrance of Istana Nurul Iman: The biggest residential palace in the world and the official residence of His Majesty the Sultan of Negara Brunei Darussalam).
• Royal Regalia Museum: A magnificent institution that houses a collection of the most treasured and revered items from the history of royalty.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Morning Market Brunei: The morning market in Brunei is a lively and bustling place where locals and tourists alike can experience the vibrant culture of the country. The market is typically open from the early hours of the morning, with vendors setting up their stalls and showcasing a wide array of products.

Yayasan Shopping Complex: This sprawling complex is not only a shopping haven, but also a cultural and entertainment hub that showcases the best of Bruneian heritage and modernity.

Water-based Activities and Cruises

• Take a scenic boat ride around the biggest Malay Water Village in the world Kampong Ayer, and visit a local home, where you can experience the daily life of the typical villager living in houses raised on stilts over the Brunei River.

Itinerary

Brunei City Tour & Kampong Ayer Water Village

At 0900hrs the tour begins with pickup from your hotel and takes you around to some of the most interesting tourist spots in the country: the Morning Market, Brunei Museum, Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, the entrance of Istana Nurul Iman (the biggest residential palace in the world and the official residence of His Majesty the Sultan of Negara Brunei Darussalam), and the Royal Regalia Museum which was constructed in 1992 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of His Majesty’s ascension to the throne in 1967. You can also take a scenic boat ride around the biggest Malay Water Village in the world Kampong Ayer, and visit a local home, where you can experience the daily life of the typical villager living in houses raised on stilts over the Brunei River. Lunch at a local restaurant is included. Refreshments and snacks will also be available. Finally, the tour will conclude with a visit to Yayasan Shopping Complex, followed by transfer back to your hotel.

✓ Lunch

Price

£129

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– The price is subject to availability.

– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Map

Tour Summary

Embark on a comprehensive tour of Brunei, starting with hotel pickup at 9:00 AM. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Morning Market, Brunei Museum, and Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, among others. Experience the unique lifestyle of Kampong Ayer, the largest Malay Water Village, with a scenic boat ride and a visit to a local home. Lunch at a local restaurant is provided, and the tour concludes with a visit to the Yayasan Shopping Complex before returning to your hotel.

FAQs

1. Can non-Muslims visit the mosques included in the tour?
   • Yes, non-Muslims can visit the mosques, but please note that entry is not permitted on Thursdays and Fridays.
2. What is included in the tour package?
   • The tour includes hotel pickup, visits to major attractions such as the Brunei Museum and Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, a scenic boat ride in Kampong Ayer, lunch at a local restaurant, and refreshments.
3. Is there a dress code for visiting mosques?
   • Yes, visitors to mosques should dress modestly, with arms and legs covered. Scarves for women may be required.
4. Are there any age restrictions for the boat ride in Kampong Ayer?
   • There are no specific age restrictions for the boat ride, but children should be accompanied by adults for safety.
5. Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
   • Some attractions may have limited accessibility for wheelchairs. Please inform us in advance if you require special assistance, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.