There are three popular Jalinsum routes: the Western Cross Road (Jalinbar), the Central Cross Road (Jalinteng), and the Eastern Cross Road (Jalintim).
Jalinbar stretches from Banda Aceh, Sibolga, Natal, Pasaman Barat, Pariaman, Padang, Tapan, Muko-muko, Bengkulu, Kota Agung, Bandar Lampung, to Bakauheni. Most of this route is in good condition with smooth asphalt, though it is relatively narrow for large vehicles.
Jalinteng extends from Banda Aceh, Takengon, Kabanjahe, Parapat, Padangsidempuan, Lubuksikaping, Bukittinggi, Muara Bungo, Sarolangun, Lubuklinggau, Martapura, Kotabumi, and Bakauheni.
Meanwhile, Jalintim passes through Banda Aceh, Kuala Simpang, Pangkalan Brandan, Medan, Kota Pinang, Bagan Batu, Duri, Pekanbaru, Rengat, Jambi, Tempino, Palembang, Pematang Panggang, Mesuji, Kalianda, and Bakauheni.
On the Jalintim route, the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road (JTTS) now supports travel. Those traversing Jalintim and Jalinteng can access JTTS sections, such as Medan-Tebing Tinggi, Duri-Pekanbaru, and Palembang-Bakauheni.
The thrill of driving on the long stretches of toll roads is not only for Jalintim users but also for travelers from some cities along Jalinteng, such as Bukittinggi, Padang, and Muara Bungo.
Buses departing from these cities often turn toward Muara Bulian near Jambi City, joining Jalintim to enter the toll road from Palembang.
Others continue along Jalinteng, passing through Lubuk Linggau and Sekayu, before connecting to the toll road in Palembang.
Reportedly, there will soon be a connection to the toll road branch from Bengkulu to Palembang, currently under construction.
For those who love tourism, especially the charm of beautiful beaches along Sumatra’s west coast, Jalinbar is an attractive choice. Along this route, you’ll find stunning ocean views with the distinctive waves of the Indian Ocean.
In certain cities along this route, you can stop to enjoy various attractions, such as in Bengkulu.
This city, known as the Rafflesia City, offers fascinating destinations like the Long Beach (Pantai Panjang), Fort Marlborough, Soekarno’s House, and more. You can stay in this city before heading to Padang.
The distance from Padang to Bengkulu is approximately 550 kilometers, and from Bakauheni to Bengkulu is around 670 kilometers. Traveling from Bengkulu to Padang, you’ll mostly enjoy views of the ocean, palm oil plantations, and rubber estates.
However, once you reach Painan in Pesisir Selatan Regency, West Sumatra, you’ll encounter a variety of surprises.
Although still centered on the sea and beaches, the attractions here are professionally packaged, continuing all the way to Padang. To fully experience the amazing charm of Padang, staying overnight is recommended. Sometimes, even two days aren’t enough.
From Padang, the journey continues to Natal, located in Mandailing Natal Regency, North Sumatra. It’s about 400 kilometers of smooth roads passing through Pariaman, Tiku, and Pasaman Barat.
It’s advisable to stay overnight in Natal. When planning your trip, aim to arrive in Natal by Monday evening, as Tuesday is market day. A variety of local products are available, including dried fish, traditional foods, and agricultural produce.
Natal is an old town and a bustling seaport during the Dutch colonial era. Douwes Dekker, later known as Multatuli, once served as a Dutch administrator here before aligning with Indonesia’s independence movement.
From Natal, it takes about six to seven hours to reach Sibolga. But don’t worry, there are plenty of fascinating sights along the way.
Without realizing it, you may spend an entire day on this route. The roads are smooth and relatively new.
Along the way, you can enjoy views in Singkuang and Tabuyung, the three-tiered Simatutung Waterfall, and the pristine Lake Siais.
The route ends at Batangtoru before continuing to Sibolga, where you can stay overnight before heading to Barus, Subulussalam, and Singkil.
From Sibolga to Singkil, you’ll spend plenty of time enjoying the beauty of this Jalinbar route, especially for religious tourism, which is famous in Barus, Tapanuli Tengah Regency, and Singkil in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam.
From Singkil to Banda Aceh is approximately 659 kilometers—a long but enjoyable journey. Along the way, you’ll pass well-known cities like Subulussalam, Tapak Tuan, Meulaboh, and Calang.
Such is the condition of Jalinbar Sumatra. The sensations are truly extraordinary, and you’ll discover many new experiences.
Let’s stop here for now. Next, we’ll explore the sensations of Jalinteng Sumatra, which also offers fascinating destinations, including Lake Toba and Bukittinggi. (Musriadi Musanif)
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