Things to do in Palembang

More about Palembang

About Palembang

As the capital of South Sumatra, Palembang is a bustling city crossed by Jalan Lintas Sumatera (Trans-Sumatra Highway). Based on its history, Palembang was once the capital of the largest maritime kingdom in Southeast Asia—the Kingdom of Srivijaya. In addition to this, some even call Palembang as the oldest city in Indonesia. Considered as a city that has great tourism potential, Palembang offers many interesting seasonal festivals. One of which is the Srivijaya Festival held every June to commemorate the anniversary of Palembang. Also, Lomba Perahu Bidar (Bidar Boat Competition) is another annual festival attended by many tourists, known as the biggest event in Palembang. Besides being famous for its tourist attractions, Palembang also has one of the best fabrics in the world, namely songket. It is made manually using traditional looms. As for the colours, gold and red have become the most applied in songket. What you shouldn't miss is that this city is also a famous culinary destination in Indonesia.

Top Things to Do in Palembang

For those of you who are making an itinerary to Palembang, here are our recommendations on the best destinations to add to your bucket list

Amazone Palembang Square

Amazone Palembang Square is a family entertainment centre established in August 2001. What makes it different is that this game centre boasts fictional thematic concepts of fairy tales and Greek legends—found in its game outlet designs. Located on Jl. Angkatan 45 Pom XIII, Lorok Pakjo, Ilir Barat I, Amazone’s games can help your children train their accuracy, strength, and motor skills. To enjoy all the games, you can buy some balances at the counter. Amazing's outlets also offer games that can be enjoyed by adults, such as Family Rides, Shooting Games, Racing Games, Sports Games, and many more. 

Jembatan Ampera (Ampera Bridge)

Having a length of 1,177 meters, Jembatan Ampera is one of the most iconic landmarks in Palembang. The bridge's night view is featuring the amazing light displays, and it is worth enjoying with your partner. You can also admire the beauty of the bridge while eating Palembang specialities served on the boat. The best spot to see the charm of Jembatan Ampera is from Benteng Kuto Besak. The fortress is located on Jalan Sultan Mahmud Badarudin, 19 Ilir, Bukit Kecil, just a 12-minute (950 meters) walk from the bridge. From this spot, all parts of the bridge will be seen perfectly. Use this chance to capture some great photographs with a background of Jembatan Ampera.

Amanzi Waterpark

For those who want to do exciting water activities, do not miss the opportunity to visit the Amanzi Waterpark. This waterpark built in 2011 and offers a diverse choice of fun rides such as River Nille, The Velocity, The Raft, Zimba dan Cora Pool, Zimba Zone, The Falls, The Cyclone, and Flying Fox. Occupying an area of 8.6 acres, Amanzi Waterpark carries the theme of African wild adventure, featuring a remote tribal palace look in its interior.

Taman Wisata Alam Punti Kayu

If you are into nature, Taman Wisata Alam Punti Kayu will be a good option. It is located about 7 km from the city centre and always crowded on weekends or holidays. In this place, you can enjoy a stroll and photograph countless images in the dense pine forest. Furthermore, there are various entertainment facilities, such as children's playgrounds, a flying fox arena, a waterpark, a miniature of seven wonders of the world, and so on.

OPI Waterfun

OPI Waterfun is located on Komplek OPI Mall, JL. Gubernur HA. Bastari Jakabaring, Sungai Kedukan, Kec. Rambutan, Kabupaten Banyu Asin, Sumatera Selatan. There are plenty of water playgrounds you can try here, including Twister Cone, Speed Slide, Boom Blazer, Splash Zone, Adventure River, Kiddie Pool, and Rainbow Castle. It opens every day from 09.00 to 18.00 WIB, Most of all, its entrance ticket is quite affordable, ranging from Rp30,000 to Rp50,000 per person. OPI Waterfun also provides supporting amenities, such as gazebos, lockers, parasol tents, and so on.

Taman Purbakala Bukit Siguntang

For those who wish to learn more about Palembang's history, do not miss the chance to visit Taman Purbakala Bukit Siguntang. This archaeological site is located about 6 km from downtown Palembang. In this area, you will find many ancient findings existed since 6-13 AD.

Top Culinary in Palembang

Known as a culinary paradise, your travel to Palembang will be incomplete without enjoying its authentic cuisine. So, here are our recommendations for the best places to eat in Palembang

Pempek Candy

The most famous food from Palembang is pempek. Many restaurants sell pempek in this city, but the most famous one is Pempek Candy. Located on Jl. Jend. Sudirman No.149/8, Sungai Pangeran, Kec. Ilir Tim. I, this restaurant also sells Palembang-style pindang (a processed fish cooked by a combination of boiling and salting) and various types of authentic snacks.

Rumah Makan Pindang Musi Rawas

This restaurant is famous for its pindang udang (shrimp cooked by boiling and salting). Located on Jl. Angkatan 45 No.18, Lorok Pakjo, Kec. Ilir Bar. I, Rumah Makan Pindang Musi Rawas offers limited dining space, only about 10 to 15 tables. Consequently, visitors must be willing to stand in line, especially at lunchtime.

Mie Celor 26 Ilir H. Syafe’i

Mie celor is one of the most iconic food from Palembang. To taste the most authentic one, visit Mie Celor 26 Ilir H. Syafe’i at Jl. K.H. Ahmad Dahlan No. 2, Pasar 26 Ilir, Palembang. This type of noodle is great to eat in the morning. It features a bold and tasty broth made from coconut milk and ground shrimp.

Where to Stay in Palembang

You can find many comfortable places to stay in Palembang. One of which is BATIQA Hotel Palembang, located near several shopping destinations. There is also MaxOneHotels.com @Vivo Palembang, one of the instagrammable hotels in Palembang. Because of its attractive design, this hotel even managed to get the 2018 Traveloka Hotel Awards Winner: Best Overall.

Another option is Aryaduta Palembang, a hotel located in the Ilir Barat I. Besides being right in the heart of the city, this hotel also offers exclusive services. Check directly through the Traveloka app to find the best accommodation that meets your needs and budget. With this application, your travel in Palembang will be more comfortable and simpler.