Take a water taxi ride through Kampong Ayer, often called the "Water Village". Located in Belait Bay in Brunei, this cluster of over forty villages that are constructed on stilts over the water, house over 30,000 people and has small retail shops, cafes, schools, mosques, and even a police and fire station. Some of the houses even have air conditioning, satellite television, electricity, and internet access! This unique sight of houses that seem to float above the water are at the heart of Brunei's seafaring roots and have existed for over a thousand years. The government is trying to preserve Kampong Ayer, but the modern world is creeping in quickly and many have resettled onto dry land. So, while you still can, hop on board a gondola - we mean water taxi - to see this marvelous "Venice of the East".