Revitalization Plans for Historic Red Bridge in Bau

The century-old Red Bridge at Dahan Estate in Kampung Seropak, Bau, is poised to become a vibrant tourism destination as new plans are put in place to preserve and promote this historic landmark, which is part of Bau’s cultural and eco-tourism circuit.

Nestled within the lush greenery of Kampung Seropak, this bridge has stood the test of time for over 120 years, quietly bearing witness to the area’s history.

Historical Significance

Constructed by Harpers Limited of Aberdeen, the steel suspension bridge was designed by British engineer Louis Harper to connect the former Dahan and Puak rubber estates along Tegora Road.

For many years, the bridge served as a crucial passage for estate workers commuting between the mines, plantations, and settlements in and around Bau, an area historically recognized for its gold and rubber production during the colonial period.

Serembu assemblyman Dato Miro Simuh noted that, according to Dr. Douglas Harper, a grandchild of the bridge’s engineer, the construction of the hanging bridge took place between 1903 and 1904.

Revitalization Efforts

Miro accompanied Harper on a recent visit to the site to assess the bridge’s current condition.

He explained that the bridge was originally built to facilitate access for individuals engaging in gold and antimony or mercury mining, as well as managing rubber plantations.

Initially, the British opened the area known as Tegora for antimony and gold mining, which led to the bridge’s use as a crossing to reach the mining site.

With the onset of the Japanese occupation in the early 1940s, the bridge underwent refurbishments to support access to the Tegora Mine, where mining operations were briefly revived under wartime conditions.

Future Prospects

Miro mentioned that the Japanese exploited the mine for its antimony and mercury, which were essential for bomb manufacturing.

“Mercury is an excellent explosive device,” he noted, explaining the significance of these resources during that time.

“After the Japanese occupation, the Red Bridge continued to serve as a route to the Dahan rubber estate, located about five kilometers from the former antimony mining area,” he said.

According to Miro, the bridge’s robust iron structure, a remarkable feat of early twentieth-century engineering, has allowed it to endure the test of time, even surviving World War II.

Community Impact

Today, the weathered red structure remains largely intact, silently witnessing over a century of Bau’s industrial and social evolution.

“This bridge represents more than just steel and rivets; it is a living monument to those who contributed to Bau’s early economy,” Miro remarked.

“Transforming it into a tourism or heritage site will enable visitors to appreciate the area’s rich history while also supporting the local community’s livelihoods,” he added.

Miro recalled visiting the bridge site about a decade ago when he served as the personal assistant to the late Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr. James Dawos Mamit.

Funding and Conservation

He recognized the potential to develop the century-old bridge into a tourism attraction during that visit.

“With government funding allocated for Dawos, we repaired the bridge, but it has since fallen into disrepair,” he stated.

Following his assessment with Harper and representatives from the Sarawak Heritage Society, Miro expressed a desire to conserve the original structure while enhancing its surroundings for visitors.

“From our discussions, I estimate that about RM300,000 may be required for refurbishment. I plan to allocate some funds from my rural transformation programme (RTP) to initiate this project next year,” he said, emphasizing that the aim is to create a tourist product rather than merely a historical site.

Heritage Considerations

Miro did not dismiss the possibility of rebuilding the bridge under the State Heritage Act, as anything constructed before 1940 is considered heritage in Sarawak.

He affirmed that the Red Bridge is recognized as a heritage site and should be protected under the State’s Heritage Act.

Miro assured that, even if refurbished under the Heritage Act, local residents will still be able to use it to cross the river to their farmland.

He also mentioned plans to create a well-maintained jungle track to Tegora, another historical site.

Tourism Potential

“In addition to the Red Bridge, we are also considering building a new small bridge nearby; after that, we will strategize on how to promote this area as a tourist destination or a heritage tourism product,” he explained.

“Heritage tourism is rapidly growing, and we believe the Red Bridge can play a pivotal role in shaping Bau’s tourism identity,” he noted.

“Ultimately, we hope this development will create job opportunities for our community, especially for the youth, in areas such as guiding visitors and selling local crafts and food,” Miro stated.

Miro emphasized the bridge’s uniqueness, as it was fabricated in Scotland, with its parts transported to Sarawak by ship and assembled on-site.

Engineering Marvel

“I was informed that it took approximately six months to construct the bridge parts. Considering the lack of roads at that time, this was no small feat,” he reflected.

“I have great faith in the steel used during that era. After over a century, even without maintenance, it remains standing strong and functional,” he concluded.

The revitalization of the Red Bridge is an integral part of the broader initiative to establish Bau as Sarawak’s “Heritage Gateway.”

The district is already home to a wealth of natural and cultural sites, including Gua Hantu (Ghost Cave), the Old District Officer’s Bungalow, the Bau Reservoir, and the Old Gold Mining Museum.

By linking these attractions through thematic heritage trails, Bau aims to offer a distinctive visitor experience that seamlessly integrates history, culture, and nature.

Once restored, the Red Bridge has the potential to draw a new wave of visitors, historians, and photographers eager to uncover the lesser-known heritage corners of Bau.