Photo of the Day – Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
The water villages of Bandar Seri Begawan
Sometimes considered the “Venice of the East”, Brunei’s Kampong Ayer (or Water Village) is home to 39,000 people - 10% of the tiny Sultanate’s population. Built entirely of stilt houses and wooden walkways, the Water Village is made up of 42 small villages and is the world’s largest water village. Floating over Bandar Seri Begawan’s Belait Bay, the villages include homes, schools, mosques, restaurants and even a hospital. From a distance, the wooden structures may not look like much; but they actually enjoy all the modern conveniences like internet and air conditioning and the interiors of many are quite ornate. Visitors to Brunei can experience this unique community by hiring a water taxi for a private tour. Many residents even open their homes to tourists for a truly up-close look at village life.
