Immerse Yourself in the Histories of This Ancient, Historic City– Palembang!

The nickname Venice of The East is not designated to Palembang for no reason. This nickname was what the Dutch used to refer to this beautiful city, respective to its 120 canals during the Dutch colonization period. The city of ancient heritages and one of the oldest cities ever lies in Southeast Asia, Palembang is one of the destinations in Indonesia where you could immerse yourself in amazing history.

Planning for a visit to Palembang? Apart from a culinary visit to taste Pempek from its place of origin, your visit to Palembang should consist of these places we have provided below. Peek into Palembang’s history, cruise into the soothing waters of Musi river, and finally: set your heart to breathe in the fresh air amidst the greens.

Palembang Visit: Where to Go? 

Keen to immerse yourself in the histories of this ancient historic city? Wait no more and scroll below to find out where you could go to in the city of Palembang!

1. Enjoying the Night Lights of Palembang in Ampera Bridge

Known as Palembang’s most famous city landmark, Ampera Bridge is a vertical-lift bridge built in 1962 and is inaugurated in 1966 by the first president of Indonesia, Soekarno. This bridge connects two parts of the city– the south bank and the north bank.

It was once built to allow ships to pass by underneath, however, it could no longer support this possibility due to engineering mishaps. However, this bridge is still as gorgeous as it looked like prior– retaining most of its original shape. 

The beauty of this bridge is added by the beautiful vibrant neon lights activated at night– which calls for the best to be during a nighttime visit. Nearby the bridge, you could find various shops and food stalls. Have a munch and enjoy the moving neon lights around!

2. Exploring Ancient Legends in Kemaro Island

This verdant, tree-filled mystical island is also a landmark of tourism in Palembang. Famous for its 9-story pagoda, this island keeps a story too deep to be kept. Situated by the edge of the Musi riverbank, this island is only 6 km away from the famous Ampera Bridge. 

Reputedly, just in front of its most famous 9-story pagoda, is a cemetery of two newlywed couples that were drowned in Musi river. This pagoda was built to reminisce these two couples, which despite their tragic end, their love story continues to inspire many throughout the ages– the famous love story between the Chinese prince and the Palembang princess. 

This place is also known to be the place of worship for the Buddhists, shown by lots of Buddhist-inspired architectural buildings, including the temple. Aside from these buildings, you could also find The Tree of Love, which symbolizes the prince and the princess’ love. It is said that those who carve their names and their couples’ on this tree, their love would last forever 🙂

3. Soothe Yourself in the Serene Air of Bukit Siguntang Hill

Bukit Siguntang Hill is a hill situated by the northern bank of Musi river, within close vicinity with the city of Palembang. Known as an archeological site, Bukit Siguntang is a silent witness of the greatness of the kingdom of Sriwijaya. 

This hill is known as a sacred place– within lies the ancient tombs of the ancient royals and aristocratic families from the Kingdom of Sriwijaya. With what lies within, it’s unquestionable if this place is among one of the most places frequented by tourists. 

Aside from the ancient heritage that you could find within this hill, this hill is also a place where serenity and calmness interact. Dominated by the green seas of trees, this place could help you imagine what it would be like to live during this ancient time.

4. Great Mosque of Palembang

Aside from being a place of worship for the Muslims, the Great Mosque of Palembang is also an incredible place for a visit. Its beautiful architecture is influenced by three major styles: Indonesian, Chinese, and European. Indeed t-mates, as you have guessed, Palembang is a place where various cultures intertwined and influence each other. The beauty of diversity indeed 🙂

This mosque was built by Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin I Jaya Wikramo, as an attempt to replace a prior mosque that was burnt from a war between the Dutch and Palembang locals in 1659. Though this mosque has been renovated countless times, it still retains its true original form. An attempt to preserve history, alright!

5. Kuto Besak Fortress

Kuto Besak Fort is originally an 18th-century sultanate palace in Palembang. It was once the center of sultanate authority before its abolishment by the Dutch colonial government. It was then built into a fort during the Dutch colonial period, which took around 17 years to complete.

A part of Palembang long history, this fort now houses various food stalls and dining shops and is one among other places where you could experience the taste of Palembang through its food. It is, however, also a great place for you to witness sunset along with cruising boats in Musi river. Truly a sight to see!

6. Take Decent Pictures with Oldschool Backgrounds in Al Munawar Arab Village

Do you happen to define yourself as an old-school photo hunter? If you do, don’t miss a visit to Al Munawar Arab Village during your visit to Palembang. The houses in Al Munawar Arab Village is unique with middle-eastern architectural designs. 

Seventeen houses in this village are built in a similar manner, namely houses on stilts with marble floors with unique motifs. You could explore this village and take pictures of this unique village. No worries, the locals of this village are very welcoming of tourists, but they also require you to wear decent clothing during your visit 🙂 

7. Tracing History at Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Museum II

In close proximity to The Great Mosque of Palembang and Kuto Besak fort, lies a museum that keeps various traces of history from both during the Sriwijaya era and the sultanate of Palembang. This place was once known as the home of a Dutch resident J. L. van Sevenhoen, which was then destroyed and changed into this building we know today.

In this museum, you could find various traces of history like wedding throne, keris– a local weapon, until traditional clothing! The collection raches into a fantastic number of 798! 

8. Venture Above the Soothing Waters of Musi River

750 kilometers long, Musi river is the heart of Palembang which connects two distinct parts of the city: the northern part (Sebarang Ilir) and southern part (Sebarang Ulur). Housing several types of boat docking by the edge of the river, you could make use of these boat rents to have a cruise along the river. 

Whilst doing so, you could also witness the gold-tinted skies of the sunsets as you cruise along and see various famous destinations such as the famous Arab village from afar.

9. Enjoying the Fresh Breeze of Punti Kayu Forest

Missing that green, nature outlooks? This calls for a visit to Punti Kayu Forest! Dominated by the aesthetically-pleasing pine trees, this place is a perfect spot for you to take pictures and enjoy the fresh breeze of the air amidst the green around you.

Not only you could find green trees and grass during your visit, but you could also enjoy their various offers of fun sites, such as miniature of the world wonders, even flying fox and other outbond activities! 

10. Take a Peek into the History of Sriwijaya Kingdom at Srivijaya Kingdom Archaeological Park

Formerly known as Karanganyar Archeological Park, Sriwijaya Kingdom Archaeological Park houses various remnants of the Sriwijaya Kingdom, starting from artifacts, gardens, and habitation areas. This place used to be a place of the political power of the kingdom, proven by the 9th-century man-made canals, Buddhist statues, and Chinese pottery you could find within the site.

Feeling Inspired? Plan Your Visit to Palembang Now!

The ancient and historical remnants you could find in Palembang are sure abundant, does it not, t-mates? Palembang is particularly perfect for those who have a thing for history and would like to experience the remnants of this ancient beauty.  Whilst you are there, don’t forget to take a look at our 10 must-try cuisines for the best Palembang culinary experience ever!

Set your heart for a visit to Palembang? Always opt for tiket.com for best-deal flights and comfortable accommodation for your stay in Palembang 🙂

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