Ombilin coal mine, Coal mine in Sawahlunto City, Indonesia
The Ombilin coal mine sits in a narrow valley within the Bukit Barisan mountain range, surrounded by the Polan, Pari, and Mato hills. The site contains a mining museum with original equipment, historical items, and a preserved tunnel system that visitors can explore today.
A Dutch engineer discovered coal deposits here in 1868, leading to the start of Southeast Asia's first large-scale commercial coal mining operation in 1876. The mine grew and shaped the region for many decades afterward.
The mining area still shows preserved colonial buildings and worker housing that shaped how Sawahlunto developed and looks today. These structures tell the story of when thousands of people worked here to extract coal.
The site is easy to reach and has marked paths through the mining areas and around the museum building with exhibits. Wear comfortable shoes since you will walk quite a bit while exploring the grounds.
The old mining grounds have been turned into a leisure park featuring a zoo, a lake, and horseback riding facilities. This blend of industrial history and modern recreation makes the place quite unusual.
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