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Palembang

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Palembang

Palembang is the capital city of South Sumatra and the second-largest city on Sumatra Island. Once the seat of the Kingdom of Sriwijaya, this city still has plenty of historical legacies, as seen from the well-preserved old buildings around it. As a big city, Palembang is divided into two areas, Seberang Ulu and Seberang Ilir, parted by the Musi River but connected through Ampera Bridge. Palembang is also famous for its local delicacies: pempek, model, tekwan, and pindang. So delicious, tourists are willing to travel here just to enjoy the authentic taste. Aside from that, Palembang also has historical museums like Kuto Besak Fortress Museum, which used to be the center of Kesultanan Palembang; Balaputera Dewa Museum, which houses Palembang's prehistoric collections; and Zainal Songket Museum.

Get to Know Palembang

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Palembang

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Palembang

A guide to Palembang's local transportation

Trans Musi

LRT

Feeder

Oplet

Ketek Boat

Car Rental

One of the most-used public transportation systems in Palembang is Trans Musi, a bus with six routes integrated into the LRT network. The bus starts to operate from 06.00 to 18.00. The ticket price ranges from 3.000 IDR to 5.000 IDR, and payment can be made via e-money or cash.

Practical Tips for Palembang

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What are the top tourist attractions in Palembang?

The top tourist attractions in Palembang include the majestic Ampera Bridge, a symbol of the city, and the historical Kemaro Island with its beautiful pagoda.

Aside from Ampera Bridge and Kemaro Island, you can also explore the unique Musi River on a boat tour or visit the charming Dutch-style Kuto Besak Fort. To get to know Palembang’s rich cultural heritage, visit The Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Museum or the Great Mosque of Palembang.

Don't miss the vibrant Pasar 16 Ilir Market and enjoy the serene beauty of the Kambang Iwak Public Park.

How do I get to Palembang from Jakarta?

You can get to Palembang from Jakarta by taking a domestic flight. Several airlines offer daily flights from Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) to Palembang's Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport (PLM). The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

What to do at Palembang at night?

There are several tourist attractions you can visit in Palembang during nighttime. One destination that is also a favorite among locals is the Sudirman Walk. Sudirman Walk is a street filled with free entertainment like pantomime and street performances, as well as street foods.

You’re also recommended to visit the Ampera Bridge during nighttime. Once the sun goes down, the bridge will be lit up with colorful lights, creating a beautiful sight.

Kambang Iwak is also a great option. This city park was built in the 1900s, the park has an artificial lake with a fountain in the middle that will light up in various colors during the night.

What is the best time to visit Palembang for a vacation?

The best time to visit Palembang for a vacation is during the dry season, which is from May to October. During this period, the weather is generally sunny and rainfall is less frequent, allowing for more enjoyable outdoor activities and sightseeing.

What are some must-try local food in Palembang?

In Palembang, you must indulge in some iconic local delicacies that tantalize the taste buds. Pempek, a beloved dish, features fishcakes served with a zesty sauce made from vinegar and chili.

Another must-try is Tekwan, a comforting fish soup enriched with mushrooms, prawns, and aromatic herbs. For a unique taste, savor Laksan, a dish consisting of rice noodles cooked in a flavorful coconut milk broth.

Lastly, don't miss out on Mie Celor, where yellow noodles are bathed in a luscious prawn and coconut milk-based broth.