The capital of Indonesia’s South Sumatra province is Palembang – a port city located on the Musi River. Scattered with scenes of floating markets, the river is crossed by the Ampera Bridge and lined with traditional houses on stilts. At the bridge’s northern end stands the palatial Museum Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II, a great spot to delve into the region’s history. Overlooking the city, is the archaeological site and sacred hill of Bukit Siguntang.
With so much to explore, dive into our guide and discover the 7 best in sights in Palembang you won’t want to miss!
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Kemaro Island
Located in a small delta of the Musi River, about 6km downstream of the Ampera Bridge, Kemaro Island is a famous tourist attraction in South Sumatra due to its scenic beauty, along with various temples and festivals which tourists can visit and enjoy. The island acts as a recreational site for many, as it is located 40km away from the hustle-and-bustle of the main city of Palembang.
The island is also home to a Chinese Vihara (Klenteng Hok Tjing Rio) which has nine flights of stairs and is situated in the middle of Kemaro Island. The structure has a typical Chinese-style of architecture and is known as the iconic symbol of the island. Tourists tend to flock here during major Chinese festivals like Cap Go Meh or the Imlek New Year. The venue also has other impressive structures, such as a Buddhist temple and the grave of Prince Tan Bun An from China, and Princess Siti Fatimah of Sriwijaya.
Palembang Icon Mall
Palembang Icon is a relatively new shopping mall which is loved equally by both locals and tourists. It was established in 2014 and is also known by other names like Picon, Pl or Palkon and offers multiple stores and showrooms that stock famous international and local brands. The mall is located in Kelurahan Lorok Pakjo, in the Ilir Barat Satu district of Palembang city.
The Palembang Icon is widely regarded by locals and many living in the area to be the biggest and the best mall in South Sumatra – perfect for a spot of holiday shopping! The building has a total of five floors, with a balcony on the topmost floor offering impressive views of Palembang city. The mall is also home to a small pond located within its complex and boasts one of the first branches of Cinemaxx Cinema outside of Jabodetabek, complete with eight studios including the Regular Studio, Ultra XD studio and the Cinemaxx Gold studio.
Jl. POM IX, Lorok Pakjo, Kec. Ilir Bar. I, Kota Palembang, Sumatera Selatan 30137
Monpera
Monpera, or the Monument of People’s Struggle, is a famous tourist attraction on Sumatra Island due to its rich history and magnificent concrete structures. This heritage site was built to honour and memorialise the local rebellion against the Dutch colonists, telling the story of life before and after the declaration of Indonesia’s independence which took place on the 17th of August, 1945.
The monument is known for its jasmine flower-shaped structure and the buildings surrounding it, including the main gate with six concrete forks. Standing at 17 metres tall with eight levels and 45 lanes, the building provides a breathtaking view of downtown Palembang, including the nearby Grand Mosque of Palembang.
Jl. Merdeka No.1, 19 Ilir, Kec. Bukit Kecil, Kota Palembang, Sumatera Selatan 30113
Ampera Bridge
The Ampera Bridge is a vertical lift bridge in Palembang that connects Seberang Ulu and Seberang Ilir which are separated by the Musi River. The bridge stands at a length of 224m and spans 61m with a 9m clearance beneath it. The bridge was constructed with the aim of creating a landmark as impressive as Tower Bridge in London.
Ships can no longer pass under the bridge, as it was officially declared closed in 1970 due to the significant travel disruption caused by the bridge’s large wings, which took around 30-minutes each time to open. During the time that the bridge was functional, it could lift at a speed of 10m per minute, enabling ships of up to 44.5m in height to pass beneath it. Ballast weights used to be used to balance the bridge, however they were removed in 1990 to avoid potential accidents.
Connects Seberang Ulu and Seberang Ilir, two regions of Palembang
Bukit Siguntang Hill
Bukit Seguntang is a small hill about 30m high and is located around 3km further from the northern bank of the Musi River. The region is home to a multitude of religious relics dating back to the Sriwijaya Empire of Palembang, and is therefore considered very sacred to the locals.
The hill is famous for the many Buddha statues that were unearthed beneath the hill. It is considered to be part of the Mahameru Mountain, referred to as the centre of the cosmos by followers of the Hindu and Buddhist faith.
Several Buddha statues showing him in different manifestations have been excavated here, which have been found along with an inscription describing a gruesome and bloody battle. This interesting complex and gardens also house several tombs of other significant Malay-Srivijayan figures – it’s a real must-visit for history lovers!
Bukit Lama, Ilir Barat I, Palembang City, South Sumatra 30137
Kuto Besak
Now serving as the HQ of the Kodam II/Sriwijaya defence command, Kuto Besak was originally a fortified palace and one of the four kratons of the Sultanate of Palembang, with Kraton Kuto Gawang, Kraton Beringin Janggut and Kraton Kuto Batu/Kuto being its three predecessors. Before the Dutch took over in 1821, it was a royal residence for years since it was established in 1797 by its patron ruler, Sultan Mahmud Bahauddin. At the request of his forefather, Mahmud Badaruddin, construction of Kuto Besak began in 1780 and took 17 years to complete, where it remained his residence until his exile to Ternate by the Dutch.
Jl. Sultan Mahmud Badarudin, 19 Ilir, Kec. Bukit Kecil, Kota Palembang, Sumatera Selatan 30113
OPI Water Fun
Palembang City has several fantastic water parks, with OPI Water Fun being one of the most loved. Spanning 3 hectares in the heart of the city, OPI Water Fun offers a variety of exciting rides, fun water activities and vibrant parks to explore. Even if swimming isn’t your thing, you and your family can enjoy a day filled with fun! The park has something for everyone – kiddie pools and rides for the little ones, adrenaline-pumping attractions for adolescents and adults, and peaceful green gardens for older visitors to sit and relax.
Komplek OPI Mall Jl. Gubernur HA. Bastari Jakabaring, Sungai Kedukan, Rambutan, Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra 30967
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With its unique blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty, Palembang offers an enriching experience for every traveler. These top sights we listed will surely make an unforgettable visit!
