In the vibrant heart of Kuala Lumpur, where skyscrapers shimmer and heritage endures, the Saloma Bridge stands tall, not merely as a pedestrian crossing, but as a living tribute to Malaysian arts and identity.
Opened to the public on 5 February 2020, this bridge does more than connect Kampung Baru with KLCC. It links eras, stories, and communities.
A Name that Echoes Through Time: Who Was Saloma?
The bridge is named after Saloma, the legendary songstress and actress who rose to fame in the golden era of Malay cinema during the 1950s. Born Salmah Ismail, she was known not just for her melodious voice and elegant presence, but also as the wife of the iconic P. Ramlee.
Her legacy, deeply woven into Malaysia’s entertainment history, lives on through this stunning structure that bears her name.
More than a functional bridge, Saloma Link is a cultural homage. It introduces a new generation to a name that helped define the golden age of Malay performance arts.
Design That Marries Culture and Modernity
Saloma Bridge isn’t just meaningful, it’s beautiful. Inspired by the traditional "sirih junjung", a ceremonial arrangement of betel leaves used in Malay weddings, the bridge’s form reflects elegance rooted in tradition. Its 69-metre length arches gracefully across the Klang River, featuring a tubular structure with dynamic curves and an illuminated façade.
At night, the bridge transforms into a mesmerising display of colours, thanks to over 4,000 LED lights. The shifting lights celebrate Malaysia’s national palette red, blue, yellow offering a dazzling experience whether viewed from afar or walked through in person. Tourists, photographers, and locals alike flock here to capture its glow, making it one of the most Instagrammable spots in KL.
Bridging Cultures, Communities, and Tourism
Functionally, the Saloma Bridge connects Kampung Baru, a historic Malay enclave, with the ultramodern KLCC district. But symbolically, it does much more: it bridges the cultural past with the cosmopolitan present. On one end, traditional wooden houses and local warungs; on the other, the glass towers of corporate Malaysia.
For visitors, it provides a strategic walking route, just 15 minutes from the Petronas Twin Towers to Kampung Baru. It’s a delightful walk that blends visual beauty with cultural immersion. Tourists can stroll across the bridge by day or night, then explore local flavours on the Kampung Baru side, nasi lemak, satay, ikan bakar, and more await.
Free, Accessible, and Welcoming to All
One of the best parts? It’s completely free. The bridge is open 24/7 and easily accessible via public transport, including LRT (Masjid Jamek station) and the Monorail (Maharajalela station). It’s also cyclist-friendly and often used by joggers and locals as part of their daily routine.
Beyond its aesthetic and symbolic appeal, Saloma Bridge represents an evolving vision of what urban infrastructure can be functional, inclusive, and meaningful.
Why Saloma Bridge Matters
In a fast-paced city undergoing rapid development, it’s easy for heritage to be overlooked. But Saloma Bridge proves that progress doesn’t have to erase history. Instead, it can celebrate it.
This bridge isn’t just a piece of architecture, it’s a poetic reminder that identity, culture, and innovation can walk hand in hand. It invites people to pause, reflect, and appreciate the richness of Malaysia’s cultural tapestry, even in the midst of a modern metropolis.
