Once you arrive in Palembang, the energy hits you right away—it’s hot, busy, lively, and full of movement. This city is one of the major urban hubs on the island of Sumatra, kind of like Jakarta’s. It’s also a big industrial center, known for its oil, coal, rubber, and palm oil production. So yep, a lot of people come here for work or business.
But Palembang isn’t just about business and busy streets. Dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a city filled with stories—from ancient kingdoms to riverside traditions and iconic local food. It’s a place where history, culture, and daily life blend into something truly unique.
So, what to do and see in Palembang? Let’s take a look.
About Palembang
If you’re planning to explore Sumatra, don’t skip Palembang—the capital of South Sumatra and one of Indonesia’s most historic cities. In fact, Palembang is believed to be the oldest city in the country, dating all the way back to 628 AD. That makes it over 1,300 years old!
Palembang was once the center of the mighty Sriwijaya Empire, the largest Buddhist kingdom in Southeast Asia. At its peak, Sriwijaya’s influence stretched across the archipelago, even reaching parts of Java. One of its legacies? The magnificent Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, which many historians connect to this powerful empire.
The city itself lies along the banks of the Musi River, with the iconic Ampera Bridge stretching proudly across it. This river isn’t just a pretty backdrop—it’s the busiest waterway in Sumatra. From coal barges to fishing boats and water taxis, the Musi is alive with movement day and night.
Along this river, you’ll also find many of Palembang’s most important historical and cultural landmarks. And of course, it’s where the city’s famous dish was born: pempek, delicious fishcakes served with sweet-and-spicy cuko sauce. Trust me, no trip to Palembang is complete without tasting pempek.
Things to Do and See in Palembang
Ampera Bridge
You can’t say you’ve been to Palembang without seeing the Ampera Bridge. Built between 1962 and 1965, this bright red bridge stands as a symbol of the Indonesian people’s spirit and struggle. It connects the two main parts of the city—Seberang Ulu and Seberang Ilir, or the upstream and downstream sides of Palembang.
Back in the day, the middle part of the bridge could actually lift up to let large ships pass through the Musi River. Although that feature no longer works, the bridge remains one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Located right in the heart of Palembang, Ampera Bridge stretches 1,117 meters long. Look up and you’ll see clocks on both of its tall towers—another classic detail that gives it charm, especially at night when it lights up beautifully.
Kemaro Island
Just about 6 km east of Ampera Bridge, right in the middle of the Musi River, sits Kemaro Island—a small, peaceful spot with a big cultural charm. Even though it’s surrounded by industrial zones like fertilizer and oil factories, the island feels like a world of its own.
Covering around 79 hectares, Kemaro Island is known for its strong Chinese heritage and connection to Palembang’s local traditions. You’ll find a striking 9-story pagoda, the Hok Tjing Rio Temple, and even the legendary tomb of a Sriwijaya princess—all linked to a love story between a Chinese prince and a local royal daughter.
The name Kemaro means “dry,” because this island famously never floods—even when the Musi River rises.
To get there, you can hop on a getek (traditional wooden boat) from the docks near Benteng Kuto Besak or 16 Ilir. The round-trip usually costs about Rp 100,000 (around USD 6,02) per boat.
If you want to experience the rich culture of Sumatra, you can also visit Medan: What To Do and See in North Sumatra
Monpera
Just west of the Ampera Bridge, near Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin I (SMB I) Mosque and Museum SMB II, you’ll find Monpera—short for Monumen Perjuangan Rakyat (The People’s Struggle Monument). This towering building honors Palembang’s role in Indonesia’s fight for independence.
Inside, there are eight floors filled with dioramas, war relics, and historical exhibits. At the top, you can climb up through a spiral staircase surrounded by five “lookout holes.” The reward? A panoramic view of Ampera Bridge and the city skyline.
Monpera is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:45 PM, and on weekends from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Entrance tickets are affordable, ranging from IDR 10,000 to 20,000 (USD 0,6 -1,2).
Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Museum
Right near the Ampera Bridge, this museum is a must-visit if you want to dive into Palembang’s rich history and culture. The Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Museum holds everything from ancient inscriptions and artifacts from the Sriwijaya era, to dioramas and weapons from Indonesia’s independence struggle. There’s also a section displaying traditional Palembang clothing and even a model of a classic Palembang-style bedroom.
The building itself is full of history—it was once a royal palace, then used as a colonial residence, and later transformed into the museum and tourism office we see today.
Benteng Kuto Besak
Sitting proudly on the banks of the Musi River, Benteng Kuto Besak is one of Palembang’s most unique historical sites. Unlike most forts in Indonesia, this one wasn’t built by the Dutch or Portuguese—it was built by the locals in the 1700s, during the rule of Sultan Mahmud Bahauddin.
The fort once served as the royal residence, complete with a dock out front where the Sultan could access the Musi River. Its thick walls have narrow slits for peeking out or defending the fort, and old cannons still line the front gate, a reminder of its military purpose.
Just outside the fort, you’ll find a lively public square and the famous Belido Fish Statue—a tribute to the fish used in making Palembang’s beloved pempek. The area is also dotted with Dutch colonial buildings, giving the riverfront a nostalgic feel. Walking along the Musi, it’s easy to imagine how busy and important this place once was.
Wooden House of Ong Boen Tjit
This beautiful wooden house once belonged to Ong Boen Tjit, a wealthy Chinese merchant from the 17th century. Located right by the Musi River, about 4 km from Ampera Bridge, the house gives visitors a rare look into Palembang’s multicultural past.
The home is divided into three main sections: the front hall for guests, a central space with altars for deities and ancestors, and the private living quarters at the back—still occupied today by Ong Boen Tjit’s sixth-generation descendants.
Outside, you’ll find a cozy café and two charming rooms available for homestay. The house is open Monday to Saturday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and on Sundays from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Entrance tickets range from IDR 25,000 to 35,000 (USD 1,5 – 2,11).
Also read: Padang Travel Guide: Things to Do and See in West Sumatra
Food You Must Try in Palembang
A trip to Palembang wouldn’t be complete without tasting its iconic dishes—especially those made from fish. The most famous is definitely pempek, a chewy fishcake served with cuko, a tangy, sweet-and-spicy vinegar-based sauce.
If you’re into warm, soupy dishes, give tekwan a go—it’s like a noodle soup with small fish balls, light broth, and vegetables. For something richer, try pindang patin, a savory-sour soup made with catfish, chili, and local herbs. It’s full of flavor and best enjoyed with rice.
And for dessert or a sweet snack, don’t miss lempok durian, a chewy candy made from durian and palm sugar. Even if you’re not a fan of durian, the taste is milder and more approachable than the fresh fruit.
How to Get to Palembang City
As the second biggest city in Sumatra, Palembang is well-connected and easy to reach by various modes of public transport. Whether you’re flying in, taking a bus, or hopping on a train, there are plenty of options depending on your travel style and budget.
By Flight
The main airport, Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport (PLM), serves both domestic and international flights. Domestically, it connects cities like Jakarta (CGK), Surabaya, Medan (KNO), Bali, and more. If you’re coming from Jakarta, the flight takes just about 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Internationally, the airport also offers direct flights to and from Malaysia.
Learn about domestic flight: Guide to Domestic Flights in Indonesia
Airport Train: LRT
One of the coolest things about flying to Palembang is that you can hop on the LRT (Light Rail Transit) directly from the airport. It’s affordable at just IDR 10,000 (USD 0,6) and takes around 35 minutes to get you to the city center, with a stop at Ampera Bridge Station.
But LRT isn’t the only option. From the airport, you can also take a DAMRI airport bus or grab a taxi directly from the terminal. These are great choices if you have a lot of luggage or are heading to parts of the city not covered by the LRT line.
By Train
Lampung to Palembang
Southern Sumatra has a decent railway network, and one of the most popular routes is from Lampung to Palembang. The journey ends at Kertapati Station, right in the heart of the city. Unlike in Java, there’s only one train per day, departing from Tanjungkarang Station at 08:30 AM.
The trip takes about 9 hours and 20 minutes, with stops at 11 stations along the way. Tickets are super affordable—just IDR 32,000—though keep in mind the seats are quite narrow, so it may not be the most comfortable ride. Still, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the train is a solid choice.
Palembang to Lubuk Linggau
The railway network in South Sumatra doesn’t stop at Palembang—it stretches all the way to Lubuk Linggau, a city near the border of Bengkulu Province, in the western part of South Sumatra. If you’re planning a trip to Bengkulu, starting from Lubuk Linggau can actually save you some travel time.
The train ride from Palembang to Lubuk Linggau takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes. There are several classes available:
- Sidang Marga (S1) for business and executive class,
- Bukit Serelo Train for economy, with tickets starting from only IDR 39,000.
Along the way, the train passes through several interesting towns. You’ll go through Prabumulih (about 1.5 hours from Palembang), known for its pineapple plantations, and Muara Enim, a coal mining area that also offers scenic nature spots like waterfalls and rolling hills.
Backindo Tip: Don’t wait to buy your tickets—they sell out quickly!
By Bus or Car
Sumatra is vast—really vast. And the distances between cities can be surprisingly long. While traveling by bus is possible, it’s often not the most practical option unless you’re on a tight budget and have plenty of time to spare.
If you do take the bus, you’ll most likely arrive at Alang-Alang Lebar Bus Terminal, Palembang’s main intercity hub. From there, it’s easy to continue your journey using local transport—hop on an angkot, ride the BRT, or call a ride-hailing app.
But if flexibility is what you’re after, renting a car or hiring a driver gives you far more control over your route and schedule—especially if you’re planning to venture beyond Palembang and explore more of South Sumatra at your own pace.
How to Get Around Palembang
Palembang may be an industrial city, but getting around is surprisingly easy, with plenty of transport options to suit your style. For the most comfortable and budget-friendly ride, you can take the LRT (Light Rail Transit) or hop on a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line—both connect key parts of the city and are easy to navigate.
If you’re after a more local experience, try riding an angkot (public minivan) or a bentor (motorized pedicab)—great for short distances and getting a taste of daily life in Palembang. Prefer something faster and more flexible? Online ride-hailing apps like Grab, Gojek, and Maxim are widely available.
Some areas are also perfect for walking—especially around the city center. You can easily stroll from Monpera to Benteng Kuto Besak, enjoying the riverside vibes along the way.
Where to Stay in Palembang
If you want to stay close to the city center, Hotel Santika Radial Palembang is a great pick—strategically located and budget-friendly. For something more upscale and spacious, check out The Arista Palembang or The Excelton, both offering comfort and a touch of luxury.
Traveling on a tighter budget? No worries! You can stay at MS Square Hotel, Ibis Palembang Sanggar, or Hotel O Wisma Bari, which is located near shopping areas and within walking distance of Ampera Bridge.
Backindo Tip: It’s best to stay near the city center for easy access to main attractions. Try to avoid accommodations near riverbank settlements, as some riverside neighborhoods can be quite rundown and less comfortable for travelers.
Where to Continue from Palembang
Pagaralam
About four hours from Palembang, the charming highland town of Pagaralam sits at the foot of Mount Dempo, one of Sumatra’s most scenic volcanoes. The journey takes you through winding roads with stunning views, and when you arrive, you’re greeted by endless tea plantations rolling across the hillsides.
It’s the perfect escape for those who love nature. Here, you can hike, sip fresh tea, and explore crystal-clear waterfalls tucked away in the lush forest. It’s quiet, cool, and full of natural beauty.
Belitung
From Palembang, you can reach Belitung Island in about 8–10 hours, including transfers. If you take an express ferry, the journey might be a bit faster depending on the schedule. The route usually goes through Bangka Island first, before continuing from Tanjung Kalian Port to Belitung. Another option is to fly via Bangka Island. Belitung does have its own airport, but there are currently no direct flights from Palembang.
Belitung is full of natural wonders: Tanjung Tinggi Beach with its white sand and giant granite rocks, the vintage Lengkuas Island lighthouse dating back to 1882, the dreamy Kaolin Lake, plus Tanjung Kelayang for island-hopping adventures.
We also write about Beliung Island, please read Belitung Island: What to Do, Where to Go + Local Tips.
Final Thoughts
Palembang is often seen as a business city, and yes—it plays a big role in Sumatra’s industrial landscape. But beyond that, it’s also a fantastic destination for curious travelers looking to dive into Indonesia’s oldest city, rich with history, culture, and of course—delicious food.
Whether you’re tasting pempek by the Musi River, exploring ancient Sriwijaya-era sites, or taking a scenic day trip to Pagaralam or Lahat, Palembang offers an experience that’s both eye-opening and uniquely local.
So, if you’re planning to explore Sumatra, don’t skip Palembang—it’s a city that may surprise you with its stories, flavors, and charm.