This Miri to Brunei bus left Pujut Bus Terminal at 8.15a.m. with only 7 passengers. After crossing the border and completing the immigration formalities, the bus arrived at Bandar Seri Begawan waterfront at 11a.m.
Here I am now in Brunei and glad that I have now covered all the 10 countries in ASEAN. A personal achievement but nothing to boast about.
BSB is the smallest capitals in ASEAN. It’s located on the estuary of Brunei River. Its a city of contrasts. The Sultan is among the wealthiest in the world and it’s subjects though not in absolute poverty but just living by.
The city has tall buildings and good infrastructure of roads. It’s a modern city if one look at the business district. Facing the modern city façade, lying in the middle of Brunei river is Kampong
Ayer. This clearly show the two faces of the city. One modern, the other hanged on from its past.
Kampong Ayer (water village) is a historical settlement of Bruneians with cluster of traditional wooden houses built on stilts on Brunei River. All the houses are accessed and connected by series of wooden platforms walkways and bridges. Hence it’s often dubbed as “Venice of the East” River taxis do roaring business picking passengers between the mainland and the sea village. Most boats can access directly to individual house. Some of the houses are dilapidated while many have satellites dishes.
Actually, there are many villages within this settlement. I saw mosques as well as a police post. There are even sundry shops and cafeterias. The friendly resident I spoke to told me there is piped water and electricity as well as tv and internet services. She said her grandparents has been living in this present house.
There is also a Chinese temple
