JAMBATAN TAMPARULI - THE LEGEND OF SULONGKOI

Tamparuli, a small town in the heart of Sabah, Malaysia, in the Tuaran district, is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Nestled amidst lush greenery and rolling hills, this charming town offers a unique blend of traditional and modern influences.

Visitors to Tamparuli can explore its vibrant local markets, where fresh produce and handmade crafts are abundant. The town is also famous for its iconic Tamparuli Bridge, a picturesque spot that attracts both locals and tourists alike.

For those seeking adventure, the surrounding areas provide opportunities for hiking, exploring waterfalls, and experiencing the diverse wildlife of Borneo. The warm hospitality of the locals adds to the town's appeal, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing getaway or an immersive cultural experience.

Whether you're wandering through its quaint streets or enjoying the breathtaking views, Tamparuli promises a memorable journey filled with discovery and charm.

It is famous for the Tamparuli Suspension Bridge, a popular tourist attraction and even more iconic after the creation of the "Tamparuli Bridge Song" by Justin Lusah in the 70s. 

The Legend of Solungkoi

This story began around the 1930s - 1950s, when the British wanted to build a new bridge to connect the North and West Coast of Sabah.

The engineer in charge was named Robinson. The problem was, no matter how many times they built it, the bridge kept collapsing, swallowed by the current of the Tuaran River.

The village shaman, an old woman called Odu-odu, was called in. She said the bridge was built on a sacred site, and its guardian — a water spirit called Tombuakar / Tonduakar / Ombuakar — was angry.

The spirit demanded a human sacrifice — a beautiful maiden — to be buried alive under the bridge's foundation as compensation.

This is where the love triangle comes in.

At that time, Robinson had fallen in love with a very beautiful Dusun girl named Solungkoi. Their love story was well-known in the local community.

But there was a local young man named Intang who was also obsessed with Solungkoi. When his love was rejected, Intang wanted revenge. He was the one who manipulated Odu-odu and Robinson to choose Solungkoi as the sacrifice, because there was no other girl more beautiful at that time.

The Betrayal

Robinson was torn — between his career and his lover. In the end, he chose to sacrifice Solungkoi.

One night, during a tapai (rice wine) drinking feast, Solungkoi was made drunk and taken to the bridge unconscious.

When she woke up, her hands and feet were already tied, about to be lowered down to the bridge's piling to be buried alive.

Before she was buried, Solungkoi managed to scream her curse:

"THE TAMPARULI BRIDGE WILL NEVER BE STRONG AS LONG AS ROBINSON'S LIFE AND BLOOD ARE NOT ALSO IN THIS BRIDGE!"

The Mysteries That Remain Until Today

The bridge became strong. After the sacrifice, the British iron bridge built in 1933 has remained intact until today, even after countless major floods.

Solungkoi's name plate. Regretting his actions, Robinson is said to have carved Solungkoi's name on an iron plate and attached it to the piling where she was buried. Divers who have dived under the Tamparuli River bridge claim the plate can still be seen today, but its exact location is kept secret for safety reasons.

Robinson's suicide. Out of remorse, Robinson eventually killed himself by letting himself be drowned by Tombuakar — only then was Solungkoi's curse lifted.

Locals also make a distinction: the Tamparuli Hanging Bridge (the wooden, shaky one for pedestrians and a tourist icon) is NOT the same as the Tamparuli Iron Bridge where the Solungkoi sacrifice happened. Many people think they are the same.

That's why there is the famous Sabah song "Jambatan doh Tamparuli" composed by Justin Lusah in the 70s — a song about a girl in high heels crossing the shaky bridge. Behind the cheerful melody lies the tragic story of Solungkoi.

Until today, locals still believe Solungkoi's spirit is the guardian of the bridge, and her whispers can be heard whenever there is a tragedy or accident in the area.

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

16 October 2026: 1:34 a.m.