Mangrove Cruise & Visit to Water Village

Cruise the wildlife-rich waterways outside Brunei's capital and then stop for tea in the Water Village, a community built entirely above the water on stilts during this relaxing tour.

Departing from the pier, you will drive to Bandar Seri Bagawan, the energetic capital of Brunei. Not far from the center of town, you will board a boat and cruise the surrounding waterways, which are lined with mangroves. Strictly protected by Brunei law, the unspoiled vegetation supports an abundance of wildlife.

While motoring through the water, your guide will explain the complexities of the mangrove ecology and elaborate on the flora and fauna. During your cruise, you may see macaques, monitor lizards, crocodiles and countless waterfowl, which feed on the bountiful supply of shrimp, crabs and other aquatic food that inhabit these waters.

Perhaps the most unusual animal living in the mangroves is the Proboscis Monkey, which sports an unusually long nose. These primates are only found on the island of Borneo, and Brunei has a thriving population of them. Although they are tree-dwellers, Proboscis Monkeys are proficient swimmers, and you may catch a glimpse of one in the water or eating vegetation on land.

On the return to Bandar Seri Bagawan, you will stop at the Water Village. More than 30,000 people live in the village which is an amazing assortment of homes, restaurants, mosques, shops and hospitals, all connected by wooden boardwalks. Surprisingly, some of the homes are quite elaborate, and you will have the unique opportunity of stopping by one for a cup of tea. Amazingly, people have lived in the Water Village for more than 1,300 years, making it one of the most historic areas in Brunei. A visit here is truly an unforgettable experience.

Re-boarding your tour boat, you will cruise back to the jetty where your coach awaits to transfer you back to the pier and your awaiting ship.