Palembang

Description

The capital of South Sumatra itself! Palembang is indeed one of Indonesia’s oldest cities worthy of the name “Venice of the East”. This town is best known for its great cuisine as well as its cultural and historical heritage, but that’s not all Palembang has to offer! 

The world’s largest wood carving of the Quran exists in Palembang! The Al Quran Al Akbar has stood since 2011 and tourists around the world come to marvel at its majesty. Not only that, Palembang has plenty of mosques with multicultural architecture as people of various ethnicity lives in this city. The Masjid Agung Palembang and Masjid Cheng Ho are their famous examples.

Get familiar with Palembang’s local cultural sites! Palembang’s Kemaro Island presents its legend and culture like no other place in Indonesia. The Kemaro island is always crowded with visitors coming especially for the 9-stories Pagoda. Aside from the largest Quran carving, Palembang was also once the home of Southeast Asia’s longest bridge in 1965, The Ampera Bridge.

Want to bring something home from Palembang? This town has plenty of markets that will provide them! Pasar 16 Ilir Barat Permai is the center for traditional Palembang garments and textiles, while Pasar Cinde supplies various Palembang sweets and delicacies. You can’t say you’ve been to Palembang if you haven’t tried their authentic Pempek! Visit Pempek Candy to bring home big batches of this iconic cuisine! Pempek can last over a week if you freeze them well.

Nearby Airports

Palembang is served by the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport. Taxis and buses are available as the primary transport options from the airport. The taxi fares are on average Rp 80,000, while the buses may cost Rp 75,000 per passenger.

Halal Restaurants

Palembang has many Muslim-friendly restaurants available! The most recommended Halal restaurants are Pempek Candy, Mie Celor 26 Ilir H Syafe’i, Martabak HAR, Sarinade, and Rumah Makan Sri Melayu.

Mosques

Masjid Agung Palembang is the most iconic mosque in Palembang known for its colonial history. It was burned by the dutch and then rebuilt in another location. Another famous mosques in Palembang are Masjid Lawang Kidul, Masjid Kiai Marogan, Masjid Suro, and Masjid Sultan Agung.

Things to Do and See in Palembang

• Sultan Mahmud Baharuddin II Museum
• Benteng Kuso Besak
• Bukit Siguntang
• Musi River
• Ampera Bridge
• Kemaro Island