| James Kon |
THE rich cultural heritage and close-knit communities within Kampong Ayer made quite an impression on the Ambassador of the United States of America to Brunei Darussalam during his first visit to the iconic water village yesterday.
Craig Allen was first taken to the Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Gallery for a guided tour of the exhibits and a history of the water village, provided by Faten binti Shahrani of Brunei Tourism.
This was followed by a stroll around the water village, along old wooden bridges, led by Dayangku Kemariah binti Pengiran Haji Duraman, the owner of Kunyit 7 Lodge.
Allen made a stop at the residence of Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Ismit bin Pengarah Mukim Haji Naim, the Penghulu of Mukim Peramu, before calling at the house of Haji Mohamad Sufri bin Haji Mohd Zain.
The ambassador then went to the house of Pengiran Haji Abdul Halim bin Pengiran Tejuddin and finally concluded the four-hour tour of the water village with a stop at Kunyit 7 Lodge, where he learned the skills of making ketupat (rice dumplings).
Ambassador of the United States of America to Brunei Darussalam Craig Allen conversing with Penghulu of Mukim Peramu, Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Ismit bin Pengarah Mukim Haji Naim
Craig Allen pointing at old photos
Taking a closer look at ‘ketupat’ weaving. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR
Speaking to the Sunday Bulletin, Allen said, “I’ve never walked here before, but it was a wonderful cultural experience walking into people’s homes and to be welcomed so warmly.
“The great variety of houses is remarkable, with some old and some new. Before visiting Kampong Ayer, I didn’t have a clear understanding of it – but this is the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan, this is the heart of Brunei.”
He shared his impressions of the family and community life within the village: “It’s a wonderful feeling of how Bruneian people can live together so closely and so cooperatively.
“Related family units living so close together is something that the local Malay people can be proud of.
“Here in Brunei, so often there is a large family unit that brings stability and benefits to its members, especially children, who are able to grow up in a big family environment. I wish I had grown up with cousins and uncles, as well as aunties around.”
He felt the water village had good potential for foreign visitors to gain insights into Malay culture and history.
“We always welcome Americans to visit Brunei, and we would like them to know that Brunei is a peaceful and prosperous country that has old and wonderful tradition. This is a story that is not well-known in the United States.”
Besides the historic water village, Allen also said that Brunei has other unique places of interest, such as the Temburong rainforest and its beautiful mosques.
“With the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP),” he said, “this will allow free trade and much easier exchange of tourists, which will help boost the tourism industries of both Brunei and the United States.”
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