Dozens of temples
One of the region's largest ancient sites.
Anandajoti Bhikkhu from Sadao, Thailand — CC BY 2.0 · Anandajoti Bhikkhu from Sadao, Thailand — CC BY 2.0 · Anandajoti Bhikkhu from Sadao, Thailand — CC BY 2.0 · Anandajoti Bhikkhu from Sadao, Thailand — CC BY 2.0
One of the largest ancient temple complexes in Southeast Asia, on the bank of the Batanghari River east of Jambi city, spreading over a wide area with dozens of red-brick temples and archaeological mounds, dating roughly from the seventh to the thirteenth century, the era of the Malayu kingdom and the Srivijaya empire. The site is thought to have been a great centre of learning in its day, drawing students from across Asia. Visitors wander among the restored temples, the best known Gumpung and Tinggi, and among ancient canals and huge trees, while much still lies unexcavated under the mounds. Entry is a token fee of about ten thousand rupiah, and the site is open in daytime. It is large, so you can hire a bicycle or electric cart to get between the temples. For Arab visitors it is an archaeological and historical site explaining Sumatra's pre-Islamic era. Come in the morning before the heat, bring water and a hat, and allow at least two hours. The drive from the city is about forty minutes.
One of the region's largest ancient sites.
Drawing students from across Asia.
Ride between temples and canals.
On the Batanghari River, about 26 km east of Jambi city
For lovers of ruins, yes: it is one of Southeast Asia's broadest and least crowded ancient sites. Others will be happy with a short bike ride between the best-known temples.