An S-shaped bridge
Over Sumatra's longest river.
Muhamad Izzul Fiqih — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Novrialdi D Putra — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Roby diery — CC BY-SA 4.0
An S-shaped pedestrian bridge across the Batanghari, Sumatra's longest river, in the heart of Jambi city, linking the centre with the Jambi Seberang district on the far bank, with its old villages and timber houses. Since opening in the past decade it has become the city's emblem and a favourite outing. At the bridge's far end stands the Gentala Arasy tower, an elegant tower holding a small museum on the arrival of Islam in Jambi and the heritage of its sultanate, with manuscripts, old Qurans and costumes, and from its top a view over the river and the city. The bridge is free and open day and evening, and the tower museum charges a token fee. The best time is sunset and evening, when the bridge is lit in colours mirrored in the river and fills with families. Combine it with the nearby Al-Falah Great Mosque: the sunset prayer, then a stroll on the bridge. Food stalls line both banks, and Jambi's local food is halal.
Over Sumatra's longest river.
Islam's history in Jambi.
The lit bridge mirrored in the river.
Over the Batanghari River, central Jambi
The Jambi Seberang district, with old villages, timber houses and shops of Jambi batik, which you can explore after crossing the bridge.
