Root Brigde in West Sumatera

Root Bridge in West Sumatra or in the Minang language called Jembatan Aka 
Jembatan = Bridge
Aka = root
located in District Bayang, Pesisir Selatan regency, West Sumatra Province, Indonesia. Last week was the first time I had a chance to visit unique bridge which is one of community pride Tourism Object West Sumatra. Root bridge is known as one of the favorite tourist attractions, not just about West Sumatra, but there was also up to outside the province, even overseas. Distance from Padang to this location is about 80 Km. Roughly takes about 2 hours if taken by private vehicle. along the way we will be treated to a view that is not boring. Beautiful and Cool scenery can be found during the trip, 
  
Not feel nearly 2 hours passed, we arrived in the location of Pasar Baru (traditional market), Bayang. Approximately 10 minutes from Pasar Baru, there is a T-junction with a direction toward the object. If you
turn to the left, will be found a paved road to the site Root Bridge. While the road straight on the main path will lead to other tourist attractions. Scenery with verdant hills still dominate. Occasionally found in the village of beautiful and crystal clear rivers. Unfortunately, along the road was not found signs of a clear direction to go to these sights.

In the end I found a tourist attraction Root Bridge after asking 3 people I meet in different places. I thought for a moment and asked myself, why fame Root Bridge as one of the main goals and leading tourist attractions of West Sumatra is not comparable with the existing facilities. If only there was more attention from all parties to improve the facilities and their management, perhaps the object of this tour will be more advanced; end of course will have a positive impact, namely improving the welfare of the surrounding community.
 
Apart from all that, it must be admitted Root Bridge is a unique bridge. The roots of two Kubang's trees (Ficus Sp.) Growing on both sides of the river water clearly. The two trees by the people in West Sumatra tree called Jawi-Jawi, almost similar to a banyan tree, only to have wider leaves. According to some sources, the idea to make the Root Bridge initiated by Pakiah Sokan. This bridge connects the Pulut-pulut's village dan Lubuk Silau's Village. The idea emerged after a bamboo bridge frequently used by the community as a bridge destroyed and dragged the flood, when the Bayang River overflowed. It is said Root Bridge has been outstanding for more than 100 years.
Uniquely, for maintenance will not use fertilizer, but use the stem of banana stems that placed them on the bridge. According to locals it is believed will grow new roots so that  this tree roots remain strong. 

Tweet