Flights to Palembang, South Sumatra

Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra, is one of Indonesia's oldest cities and was once the seat of the Srivijaya maritime kingdom. Today it is a lively river city split by the broad Musi, famous across the archipelago for pempek and for the red Ampera Bridge that has become its symbol. Flights to Palembang are popular with Singapore residents visiting family, business travellers heading to Sumatra's industrial belt and food lovers on a long weekend.

About Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport in Palembang

Location

Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport, often shortened to SMB II, lies in the Talang Betutu area on the north-western side of Palembang. It is the main airport for South Sumatra province and handles both domestic services from across Indonesia and a small number of international routes.

Terminals

Passengers use a single modern terminal building with separate zones for domestic and international flights. Check-in halls, prayer rooms, food outlets and baggage reclaim are all in one place, so connections and pick-ups are straightforward even for first-time visitors.

Getting to and from the Airport

The Palembang LRT runs from a station connected to the airport across the city, stopping near the Ampera Bridge area and continuing south to Jakabaring. It is an easy, air-conditioned way to avoid traffic. Airport taxis, app-based ride-hailing and hotel pick-ups are also available at arrivals if you have heavy luggage.

Direct and Connecting Flights to Palembang

Route options between Singapore and Palembang change with the seasons, so the flight schedule on this page is the quickest way to see what is operating on your dates. Tick the direct-only filter to check for non-stop departures; if none suit, compare connections through Jakarta or Batam, which are Indonesia's busiest links to Palembang.

Travellers already in Indonesia will find plenty of domestic flights to Palembang from Jakarta, Tangerang, Surabaya, Batam and other cities. Sort results by departure time or total duration to pick the itinerary that fits your day.

When to Fly to Palembang

Palembang has a hot, humid equatorial climate. The wetter months usually run from around November to March, with afternoon storms, while the middle of the year tends to be drier and sunnier. In some dry seasons, smoke haze from land fires can affect air quality, so it is worth checking conditions close to departure.

Seats from Singapore fill faster when local schools break in June and December, and again around Chinese New Year. Within Indonesia, the Lebaran holiday at the end of Ramadan is the busiest period of all, as families return home to South Sumatra. Book early if your trip overlaps with these peaks, and use the fare chart to see which periods usually cost less.

Popular Places in Palembang

Ampera Bridge and the Musi River

The Ampera Bridge spans the Musi and links the Ilir and Ulu halves of the city. Come at dusk, when the bridge is lit up, and take a boat ride along the river to see floating houses and busy riverside markets.

Kemaro Island

This small island in the Musi is home to a Chinese temple and a nine-storey pagoda, wrapped in a romantic local legend. It becomes especially crowded and colourful during the Cap Go Meh celebrations after Chinese New Year.

Benteng Kuto Besak and the Great Mosque

The old fort of the Palembang sultanate stands on the riverbank, a short walk from the Great Mosque of Palembang, one of the oldest and largest mosques in Sumatra. Together they form the historic heart of the city.

Bukit Siguntang

A green hill west of the centre, Bukit Siguntang is linked to the Srivijaya era and is dotted with old tombs. It is a peaceful place for a walk and a glimpse into the region's early history.

Al-Qur'an Al-Akbar

In the Gandus area, a gallery displays a giant Quran carved into wooden panels, one of the most unusual sights in the city and a popular stop for visitors of all faiths.

Where to Stay in Palembang

The area around Jalan Sudirman and the city centre is the most convenient base, close to malls, restaurants and the Ampera Bridge. Staying near the riverfront puts you within walking distance of Benteng Kuto Besak and evening food stalls. Jakabaring, across the river, suits visitors attending events at the sports complex, while areas near the LRT line make airport runs easy. Search the Traveloka hotel page to compare stays by neighbourhood.

Food to Try in Palembang

Pempek

Fish cakes made from mackerel or other fish and sago, served with a dark, tangy cuko sauce. Try the kapal selam version with an egg inside, and pick up vacuum-packed boxes to take home.

Tekwan

A light soup of small fish balls with glass noodles, mushrooms and jicama, often eaten as a comforting lunch.

Pindang Patin

Catfish simmered in a sour, spicy broth with pineapple and herbs, a signature dish of the Musi region.

Mie Celor

Thick noodles in a rich coconut-milk and shrimp broth, topped with egg and bean sprouts, usually eaten for breakfast.

Whether you are going for the food, for family or for business, compare flights to Palembang on Traveloka, keep an eye on the schedule and set a Price Alert so you know when fares for your dates move.