The Darul Hana Bridge is a pedestrian bridge in the city of Kuching, Sarawak State, Borneo, Malaysia. Inaugurate on November 11, 2017, it serves as a prominent landmark connecting the Kuching Waterfront on the south bank with the north bank, where the Astana Palace and the Sarawak state Legislative Assembly buildings are located.
The Darul Hana Bridge cost 35 million Malaysia Ringgit {around 8 million USD}. The S-shape structural design was inspired by the meandering rivers of Sarawak.
The 336m long Darul Hana Bridge measures 3.25m in width and loom 12 meters above the water. Supporting in two cables that are 45 meters high from two 48-degree outward angled steel towers topped out with stylized hornbills head-like, denoting the emblem of Sarawak. The walkway would appear being help by a web of angled wires-reminiscent of the arched wings of a traditional Bidayuh bamboo bridge. Two viewing decks, both measuring 30m by 10m and located on each pier, allow pedestrians to stop and enjoy the panoramic views.
With its striking, modern architectural design, the bridge features a unique S-shape, and at night, the Darul Hana Bridge is lit up with sequential color changing light that changes color every 10-20 seconds. It appears to be alive at night with the color change and having an amazing reflection on the Sarawak River.
During the opening of the Darul Hana Bridge, the Sarawak Yang di-Pertua Negeri {the governor} Abdul Taib Mahmud explained that the name "Darul Hana" means a place of peace and tranquility, in Arabic. His explanation however didn't quell questions on why the bridge was given such an "Arabic" name, especially since Kuching in known to be multiracial, and the bridge was seen as symbol of unity by many.
Kuching resident's familiar with history noted that Kuching used to be called "Sarawak Darul Hana" when it was under the rule of the Brunei Sultanate, with some saying, that the name was used before James Brooke renamed the land to Kuching, that said, the name "Darul Hana" was said to be chosen because it was a reference to Kuching's past. Some have however pointed out that the bridge may have been named after the Darul Hana development project, which is a huge resettlement of 12 traditional Malay villages in Kuching, most of which are located nearby the bridge.
Despite the official name, locals still refer to the Darul Hana Bridge as "Golden bridge", "Waterfront bridge" and "S Bridge".
The Darul Hana Bridge is more than just a means of crossing; it's a space for leisure, offering panoramic views of the cityscape, including historical sites and the vibrant Kuching skyline. It has become a significant cultural and social point.
