Jambi Travel Guide

Jambi is capital city of the province of the same name in central Sumatra. It is a port town in the east of the province and is most noted for its access to the nearby ancient city of Muara Jambi.

Worth It?: Only really for visits to the nearby Muara Jambi temple complex.
What to Do: shop, see Muara Jambi.
Best Time to Go: April through to October in the Sumatran dry season.
How Long?: A day or two in Jambi at most.
Trivia: as a center of Buddhist learning, Muara Jambi reigned from the 14th century.

Jambi came about because of its positioning on the busy India and China trade routes and its proximity to the nearby Muara Jambi from the ancient Srivijaya Kingdom. This large temple complex, 26kms from Jambi, is the main reason for visiting. It is Sumatra's largest archaeological site and was the seat of the Melayu Kingdom for centuries.

There's not much else worth seeing in Jambi although it does have some decent hotels, shops and eateries. Head to Batik & Handicraft Atelier, just out of the town center, for handicrafts. Other villages nearby worth checking out are Mendalo, Padang and Tanjungjohor.

Travel to Jambi - Getting There

Jambi's Sultan Thaha Airport is a 60-minute flight from Jakarta and a short taxi ride from town. There are half a dozen flights a day from the capital as well as connections from Singapore. By bus, Jambi is 10 hours from Bengkulu and between 5 and 7 hours from Malaysia by boat.

Jambi Things to Do

Jambi Attractions

Muara Jambi

although out of town, this is the main reason for visiting Jambi; an impressive temple complex which dates back to the 14th century.

Side trips from Jambi

Lake Kerinci: situated in the west of Jambi Province near Sungai Penuh, this beautiful area features endless panoramas and lodgings on the lake. Mount Kerinci, Sumatra's highest mountain, is nearby.

Events

Lake Kerinci Cultural Festival: if you are in this western region of Jambi Province, this week-long festival is all about arts and handicrafts.