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.