Did you know, natural bridges made from tree roots do not only exist in India, they also exist in Sleman. What does it look like?

In Sleman Regency, specifically in Padukuhan Kurahan IV, Margodadi Village, Kapanewon Seyegan, there is a unique bridge. The bridge is not made of concrete or iron, but from tree roots.

The bridge is made from the roots of preh and white banyan trees which are intertwined and form a bridge. The length of this bridge is about 10 meters.

The beauty of the root bridge is like in Hollywood films. Travelers will feel like they have been invited into a fairy tale when they visit here.

Before it went viral like now, the bridge apparently had a long history with local residents. Previously, the bridge was the main access for residents to get to other villages.

One resident of Kurahan IV, Mangkuharjono (73), said that he did not know exactly when the bridge was built. However, he believes that the tree root bridge has existed for hundreds of years. The bridge itself has been there since he was little.

“When was this root bridge built? I don’t remember, it’s been there since I was little. It’s possible that it has existed since the Japanese era, during the time of my great-grandparents,” said Mangkuharjono when met at the bridge location, some time ago.

As far as he knows, the bridge was originally built from leftover lorry tracks from the sugar factory in Cebongan which were arranged over the Sipolo river. Over time, tree roots spread throughout the tracks. The residents eventually used the bridge to go to other villages and to the rice fields.

“The roots spread to the bridge. So people don’t know if they put them so they spread there, it’s natural,” he explained.

From what he said, this root bridge has become popular again after many cyclists stopped by. The beautiful scenery with various plants such as bamboo, coconut, etc. makes gowesers feel at home resting and taking photos there.

“On Saturday or Sunday morning it will definitely be busy from early morning. Now there are 5 food and drink traders from local residents here,” he explained.

How to Get to the Tree Root Bridge in Sleman

The tree root bridge in Sleman can be reached in about 45 minutes from the Malioboro area. Tourists who want to go there can take Jalan Godean or follow Google Maps by writing the name of the Root Bridge.

To be able to enjoy the beauty of the tree root bridge, tourists only need to pay as willingly as possible. There are no entrance tickets or parking tickets yet.

One of the tourists, Tri (51), a resident of Wirobrajan, Jogja City, deliberately took the time to go to the tree root bridge because he was curious. According to him, this place would be interesting if it could be better managed and conceptualized.

“I came here with my wife on purpose. I found out about it from social media. A friend shared a post recently. Even though they say it’s been around for hundreds of years, it went viral recently,” he said.

He hopes that the management can add several supporting facilities to this tourist destination. According to him, it will also be more interesting when visitors can get an explanation of the history of this bridge.

“This includes unique potential for root bridges because it is natural and cannot be made instantly,” he said.