Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery

Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery

Galeri Kebudayaan dan Pelancongan Kampong Ayer
The gallery in 2023
Established	19 August 2009 (2009-08-19)
Location	Kampong Ayer, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
Coordinates	4.8841868°N 114.9444325°E / 4.8841868; 114.9444325
Type	Cultural and historical museum
Collections	Artefacts, traditional tools and clothing, and art
Founder	Al-Muhtadee Billah
Owner	Tourism Development Department[1]
Website	www.tourism.gov.bn

The Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery (KACTG; Malay: Galeri Kebudayaan dan Pelancongan Kampong Ayer) is a museum in Kampong Ayer of Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.[2] The gallery features exhibits on its handcrafted goods, including ceramics, woodworking, and weaving.[3]

Location

Situated in Kampung Lorong Sikuna, the KACTG occupies 565 square feet (52.5 m^2).[4] Therefore, taking a water taxi from the Dermaga Diraja Bandar Seri Begawan to Jetty 1, is the main means of transportation to the gallery.[5][6]

History

Building construction on KACTG in Kampung Lorong Sikuna began in August 2007 and was completed in June 2009,[4] under the 2007–2012 National Development Plan.[7] Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah officially launched the gallery on 19 August 2009, after it was constructed at an estimated cost of B$3 million.[4] Yahya Bakar highlighted Kampong Ayer as a "must-see" tourist destination in his address, emphasising the gallery's goals of preserving the water village's legacy, reviving cottage businesses, generating employment, and assisting Brunei's economic diversification through tourism.[8]

Exhibit and galleries

The KACTG has an observation tower with expansive views of the surroundings,[8] and it is modelled after a traditional Malay house in Kampong Ayer.[9][1] Inside, the exhibition has five sections featuring images and artefacts provided by the Museums Department that describe Kampong Ayer's history, customs, and society. A touch screen display offers further details on nearby sites, while a central hexagonal stage showcases traditional Bruneian brocade weaving skills. The gallery, which honours the settlements legacy, has grown to become a landmark in Bandar Seri Begawan.[8][1]

With displays that span activities from the 10th century to the present, the gallery provides visitors with insights into the evolution, history, and customs of Kampong Ayer. In order to help maintain and preserve the settlement's legacy, the KACTG also acts as a center for promoting regional handicrafts, offering in-person demonstrations, and offering assistance to local business owners.[4]

Events and activities

Temporary exhibitions and events were held at the gallery, such as the "Kampong Ayer Walking Trail" in 2019,[10] Green Horizons: "Sustain and Change" Art Exhibition[11] and "Tourism and Sustainable Investments" Exhibition in 2023,[12] and "Warisan Bruneiku" Exhibition in 2024.[13]

The Tourism Development Department created a walking trail that begins at the gallery and goes through five villages: Kampong Lurong Sikuna, Kampong Setia 'A', Kampong Tamoi Ujung, Kampong Peramu, and Kampong Bakut Berumput. The trail's goal is to promote locally produced goods and services. The settlement's history, customs, and artwork are displayed in the gallery.[5][14]

Gallery

• 
  The gallery at dusk
• 
  The gallery's main jetty
• 
  The interior of the gallery
• 
  The Sunken Gallery
• 
  An artwork on display
• 
  The gallery's observation tower

See also

• List of museums in Brunei

References

1. Smith, John D.; Warburton, Fiona (29 June 2012). Cambridge IGCSE Travel and Tourism. Cambridge University Press. pp. 75–76. ISBN 978-0-521-14922-8.
2. "Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery". Tourism and Development Department. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
3. The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget: Travel Guide eBook. Apa Publications (UK) Limited. 1 September 2024. ISBN 978-1-83529-101-6.
4. Information Department 2009, p. 14.
5. "Kampong Ayer: Venice of the East". BIMP-EAGA. 20 March 2023. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
6. "Kampong Ayer | Visit Water Village, Brunei". Southeast Asia Travel. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
7. The Report: Brunei Darussalam 2009. Oxford Business Group. 2009. p. 99. ISBN 978-1-907065-09-5.
8. Othman, Azlan. "Crown Prince opens Kg Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery". www.sultanate.com. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
9. PATA Compass. Miller Freeman. 2009. p. 49.
10. Nadhirah (9 May 2019). "The Launch of the Kampong Ayer Walking Trail". Borneo Insider's Guide. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
11. Noor, Adib (1 August 2023). "Local artists shine at Kampong Ayer exhibition". Borneo Bulletin Online. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
12. Kon, James (1 October 2023). "Green Horizons exhibition opens to promote eco-tourism". Borneo Bulletin Online. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
13. "'Warisan Bruneiku' Exhibition". Radio Television Brunei. 13 January 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
14. Hj Abu Bakar, Rasidah (3 May 2019). "Take visitors on a stroll along the Kampong Ayer Walking Trail". The Scoop. Retrieved 27 September 2024.

• Information Department (June 2009). Brunei Today (PDF). Vol. 11 (2). Bandar Seri Begawan: Prime Minister's Office.

External links

• Media related to Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery at Wikimedia Commons