| James Kon |
LAUNCHED in April 2015, and located just a boat ride from the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex, the Kunyit 7 Lodge has already hosted guests from more than 40 countries, ranging from the United States to Switzerland, as well as Romania, Portugal and Spain.
The homestay is one of the few accommodations in Brunei Darussalam which is registered with Airbnb, a successful online marketplace that enables people to list, find and rent vacation homes.
Behind Kunyit 7 Lodge’s hospitality and homey feel is Dayangku Kemariah binti Pengiran Haji Duraman, who inherited the Kampong Ayer house from her grandparents and turned it into a lodge, to promote the culture and traditions of the water village.
The place has received excellent reviews from guests. According to Sven, who came to the lodge in June this year, “Kem’s place is one of the nicest homestays I’ve been to.
“The location is unique, the house is spacious – especially the living room and the terrace.
“It’s beautifully decorated and clean, the atmosphere relaxed and the breakfast magnificent, especially the delicious fluffy pancakes. Kem and her family are just lovely people, always good for a chat, giving you background information and advice for your travelling. If you go to Brunei, this is the place to stay.”
Mesmerising view from Kunyit 7 lodge. – PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR
Kunyit 7 Lodge, a local homestay for those who want to experience the culture and lifestyle of Brunei’s Kampong Ayer
Part of the lodge’s living room
The wall where guests from around the world have left very positive reviews
Kunyit 7 Lodge’s patio rules
Another guest, Chloe said, “It’s a beautiful and peaceful house in the middle of the water village. And Kem and Andrew are so kind and funny. I’d like to come back!”
With four rooms which can accommodate up to 12 guests, Dayangku Kemariah hopes that more locals will come to stay at Kunyit 7 Lodge, for a taste of Kampong Ayer culture.
In an interview with the Bulletin, Dayangku Kemariah said, “One of the main reasons of turning this house into a lodge is to provide the opportunity for foreign tourists and locals to experience the culture and traditions of the residents in the water village.”
Recently, Craig Allen, the US Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, said that he would like to stay at the lodge with his family, given its grand view of the Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the Yayasan Complex opposite the river.
The Kunyit 7 Lodge has also been featured in numerous travel shows in various countries.
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