Palembang Travel Guide

Plan the perfect trip to Palembang with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, activities to do, and food and drink scene in Palembang.


Introduction to Palembang

Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra, is one of the oldest cities in Indonesia. It has a rich cultural heritage that dates back to the Srivijaya empire period in the 7th century. Situated on the banks of the Musi River, Palembang is famous for its traditional Malay foods, Musi River tourism, and cultural landmarks.

In this ultimate travel guide for Palembang, we have compiled a list of top-rated attractions, outdoor adventures, traditional foods, accommodation, and transport options to help you plan your perfect trip.

List of Places to Visit in Palembang

Palembang has a lot of attractions to offer its visitors - from culturally significant museums and historical sites to natural attractions like scenic views, parks, and outdoor adventures.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Palembang is a city rich in history and culture. Some of the culturally significant museums and historical places to visit in Palembang are:

  • Pulau Kemaro Island: This small island on the Musi River is famous for the legend of Kemaro island and the Chinese temple “Vihara Buddha Dharma”.
  • Kuto Besak Fortress: This historic fort is located in the center of Palembang city and was built during the Palembang Sultanate era in the 18th century.
  • Sriwijaya Kingdom Museum: Located in the center of Palembang, this museum showcases the history of the ancient Srivijaya Kingdom.
  • Museum Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II: This museum showcases the life and times of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II, the last sultan of the Palembang Sultanate.
  • Museum Balaputra Dewa: This museum showcases the Palembang traditional clothing “songket” and other traditional crafts.

Natural Attractions of Palembang: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Apart from culturally significant museums and historical sites, Palembang’s natural attractions are also worth exploring. Some of the natural attractions are:

  • Bukit Siguntang: This scenic hillside offers a panoramic view of Palembang city and houses an important historical site.
  • Kemaro Island: Apart from being a culturally significant site, Kemaro Island is also a great place to enjoy scenic views of the Musi River.
  • Al-Munawar River Park: This park is a popular place for locals to enjoy outdoor activities such as jogging, cycling, and picnicking.
  • Kenten Forest Park: This park is located on the outskirts of Palembang, and it’s perfect for hiking, cycling, and bird watching.
  • Ampera Bridge: This iconic bridge connects the city of Palembang and offers a breathtaking view of the Musi River.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Palembang

Palembang offers some excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. Some of the popular routes are:

  • Bukit Siguntang Hiking Trail: This trail takes you to the top of Bukit Siguntang, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Palembang city and explore historical sites.
  • Ampera Bridge Biking Trail: This trail is perfect for cycling enthusiasts, and it takes you along the Musi River and offers a breathtaking view of Palembang city.
  • Al-Munawar River Park Hiking Trail: This trail takes you through the lush green landscape of the Al-Munawar River Park and is a great place for a morning or evening walk.

Best Things to Do in Palembang: Activities and Tours

Apart from museums, historical sites, and outdoor adventures, Palembang also offers various activities and tours to its visitors, some of which are:

  • Musical Fountain Show: This show is a spectacular display of water and lights synchronized with classic Indonesian music and is one of the top attractions in Palembang.
  • River Cruise: A scenic river cruise along the Musi River is a great way to explore the city and its landmarks.
  • Traditional Malay House: Palembang is famous for its unique Malay house architecture, which is a blend of Malay and Chinese influences. Visitors can experience the traditional lifestyle and attractions of Palembang by visiting a traditional Malay house.
  • Palembang Culinary Tour: A culinary tour of Palembang will introduce you to the city’s unique and exotic foods such as Pempek, Mie Celor, and Tekwan.

Week-Long Itinerary for Palembang

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Palembang:

Day 1: Arrival and check-in at the hotel Day 2: Visit Kuto Besak Fortress, Museum Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II and Sriwijaya Kingdom Museum Day 3: Bukit Siguntang hiking trail and Al-Munawar River Park Day 4: Kemaro Island, Vihara Buddha Dharma, and Musi River Cruise Day 5: Balaputra Dewa Museum, Ampera Bridge Biking Trail, and Palembang Culinary Tour Day 6: Traditional Malay House visit and Kenten Forest Park Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Palembang

Palembang is famous for its traditional Malay foods which are a blend of Malay and Chinese influences. Here are some of the must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pempek: A savory fish cake that is available in various shapes and sizes.
  • Mie Celor: A signature noodle dish that is served in a thick and flavorful broth made from coconut milk and shrimp.
  • Tekwan: A light fish soup that is served with bouncy fish balls.

Local Beverages

  • Es Kacang Merah: A refreshing drink made from red beans, shaved ice, coconut milk, and syrup.
  • Sekoteng: A hot traditional drink made from ginger, cinnamon, peanuts, and sweet potatoes.

Where to Stay in Palembang: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Palembang offers a range of accommodation options that cater to all budgets. From luxurious hotels to budget hostels, here are some of the best places to stay in Palembang:

  • The Zuri Palembang: A luxurious 5-star hotel located in the heart of Palembang city.
  • Aryaduta Palembang: A 4-star hotel that offers stunning views of the Musi River and is located in the city center.
  • The Excelton Hotel: A mid-range hotel located in the city center that offers modern amenities.
  • An-naafi Guesthouse: A budget-friendly guesthouse located in the city center.

What to Buy in Palembang: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Palembang is famous for its traditional crafts such as “songket” (a type of traditional Palembang fabric), silverware, and wood carvings. Here are some of the souvenirs and local products you can bring home:

  • Songket: A traditional Palembang fabric that is hand-woven using silk or cotton threads.
  • Silverware: Palembang is also famous for its intricate silverware that is used for various occasions.
  • Wood Carvings: Souvenirs made from wood carvings are widely available in Palembang and are perfect for bringing back a piece of Palembang culture with you.

Local Culture and Customs of Palembang

The local culture and customs of Palembang are a blend of Malay and Chinese influences. The people of Palembang are known for their hospitality and friendly nature. Here are some of the customs and traditions you should be aware of:

  • When visiting a traditional Malay house, it’s customary to take off your shoes before entering.
  • The people of Palembang greet each other with a handshake or by placing their hands together (like in a prayer position) and saying “assalamualaikum” (peace be upon you).
  • During religious festivals and ceremonies such as Eid al-Fitr and Nuzulul Quran, it’s customary to wish people “minal aidzin wal faidzin” which means happy holiday.

Best Time to Visit Palembang

The best time to visit Palembang is between May and September when the weather is dry and pleasant. The monsoon season in Palembang occurs between October and April and can be quite rainy, making outdoor activities difficult.

Do’s and Don’ts of Palembang

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Palembang:

Do:

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or other religious sites.
  • Carry a scarf to cover your head when entering religious sites.
  • Greet people with a smile and a friendly “hello” or “assalamualaikum.”

Don’t:

  • Don’t wear revealing clothing in public.
  • Don’t eat or drink in public during the month of Ramadan (the month of fasting for Muslims).
  • Don’t take photographs of people without their permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Palembang

Palembang is generally a safe city to visit. However, it’s always advisable to take precautions to avoid any unfortunate incidents. Here are some safety tips:

  • Keep your valuables safe and avoid carrying large sums of money.
  • Use only licensed taxis or transportation services.
  • Avoid walking alone at night in remote areas.

Health in Palembang

It’s advisable to consult your doctor before traveling to Palembang and ensure that your vaccinations are up to date. It’s also essential to carry mosquito repellent and stay hydrated to avoid heatstroke.

Getting to Palembang: Transportation Options and Logistics

Palembang is well connected to other Indonesian cities through air, road, and sea. Here are the different transportation options:

Airports Near Palembang

  • Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport: This airport is located 10 km east of the city center and is accessible by road.

Bus Stations Near Palembang

  • KM 12 Palembang: This bus station is the main bus station in Palembang and is located 12 km from the city center.
  • Pondok Betung Bus Station: This bus station is located 13 km from the city center and is accessible by road.

Other Options

  • Ferry: Palembang is also accessible by ferry from nearby islands such as Bangka and Belitung.

How to Get Around in Palembang

Here are the different ways to get around Palembang:

  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Palembang and are reasonably priced.
  • Ojek: Motorcycle taxis are also available for short distances within the city.
  • Becak: Becaks or cycle rickshaws are a traditional mode of transportation in Palembang, and they are a unique way to explore the city.
  • Angkot: Angkots are minivans that operate on fixed routes within the city and are a cheap way to get around Palembang.

Where to Go Next from Palembang: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Palembang is a gateway to many nearby destinations and excursions within Sumatra. Here are some of the nearby destinations:

  • Bukit Tinggi: A scenic town located in the lush green hills of West Sumatra.
  • Bukittinggi: A historical town famous for its Dutch colonial architecture.
  • Tanjung Setia: A popular surf destination in Sumatra.
  • Krakatoa Island: A volcanic island that’s famous for a volcanic eruption in 1883.

Conclusion

Palembang is a city with a rich cultural heritage, natural attractions, and unique Malay cuisine that’s worth exploring. We hope this comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your perfect trip to Palembang.

The LRT Palembang crossing the famous Ampera Bridge The LRT Palembang crossing the famous Ampera Bridge Pempek Kapal Selam and Keriting in Kuah Cuko. Pempek Kapal Selam and Keriting in Kuah Cuko.