Jembatan Akar

Jembatan Akar

Before entering the city of Padang, our final destination, we will visit a bridge which is literally growing stronger as the years go by. This bridge is the Jembatan Akar, ("bridge of roots") made of the roots of two ancient trees, spanning over a small, wild steaming river. The bridge is located some 70 kilometres south of Padang.
Pedestrian bridge at Burung Belantai	The bridge can be reached by taking the coastal road to Painan. After passing Padang's Teluk Bayur harbour, the road proceeds land inwards, winding up some hills, and descending to the coast again following the bends of a small river. On the way, some long and slender pedestrian bridges are built enabling residents to cross the river, quite impressive given the state some of these are in.

At Pesisir Selatan (between Pasar Baru and Salido) turn left. The direction is indicated on a road sign. From here you have still some 20 kilometres to go. The road follows a small river in a valley, offering breathtaking views of green sawa's. Pedati's, cars drawn by water buffalo's, dominate the traffic for transportation of rice and other goods. The road gets smaller, the valley narrower. The sawa's make place for a dense forest. The road gets so tight that two cars can hardly pass each other. You start to doubt whether you took the right turn. When you don't expect it anymore, you will suddenly see a small warong at the left side of the road. Inside, pictures on the wall betray that you must be there. A small path down to the stream brings you to your destination ...
Left: Still some 20 kilometers to go ... Below: The Jembatan Akar
Jembatan Akar