Make the Most of Your Vacay in Palembang, Visit These 10 Instagrammable Places!

What comes to your mind when you hear the word Palembang? If you are an Indonesian, you will probably answer “pempek”. Palembang is indeed famous for its local dishes. The local foods in this city are unique and delicious.

Aside from its local foods, you should include Palembang in your list of destination because it offers lots of amazing tourist attractions. Explore Palembang’s nature, culture, and art when you have free time, t-mates. It’s a great destination for those of you who want to spice up your social media feeds!

Read also:

• Must-Eat Foods in Palembang You Just Have to Try! 
• Visit Historical Places in Medan, New Ways to Spend Your Holiday! 
• Indonesia’s Trending Destinations to Explore 

Top Destinations to Visit in Palembang 

If you plan for a vacay in Palembang, you should visit at least its popular landmarks. We’ve curated the list of famous tourist attractions for you, check it out!

1. Play With Your Kids at Amanzi Waterpark Palembang

Paint your days in Palembang by visiting Amanzi Waterpark Palembang with your little ones. This waterpark features slides, pools, a cafe, and a swim shop. It’s a great place to chill out on sunny days. 

Get your adrenaline pumping by having fun on the waterslides or relax on the 500-meter long swimming pool. The waterpark has an epic decoration; you will feel like you’re in the middle of the forest in Africa!

2. Visit Palembang’s Famous Landmark, Ampera Bridge

Ampera Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in Palembang. This bridge connects Seberang Ulu and Seberang Ilir, two areas separated by the Musi River.

The best time to visit Ampera Bridge is at night time because you can see colorful lights decorating the bridge. Don’t forget to bring your camera, okay? ?

3. Learn History at Kuto Besak Fortress

Kuto Besak Fortress is situated near the Ampera Bridge. This fort was a center of the Sultanate in Palembang in the 18th century. This historical building was built in 1780 by Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin I and was then completed by Sultan Mahmud Bahauddin until 1803.

Apart from being a historical tourist destination, this building is also used as a location for events or entertainment festivals set in the Musi River and Ampera Bridge. Enjoy the atmosphere around the fortress and show your best selfie poses while you’re there! 😉

4. Tracing the Romantic Legend of Siti Fatimah on Kemaro Island

One of the popular tourist destinations in Palembang among millennials is Kemaro Island. Situated on the banks of the Musi River, the island is only 6 kilometers away from the Ampera Bridge. 

On this island, you can find a spectacular nine-story pagoda, known as the Hok Tjing Rio Temple. This red color building — decorated with dragon carvings — has a strong Chinatown feel. What’s interesting about this pagoda is that it has a romantic story behind it. 

Locals believe that there is a grave of a couple in the front of the pagoda. The couple was drowned in the Musi River for a long time ago and the pagoda was built to honor them. The lovers were Fatimah and Tan Bun An. Until now, the romantic legend of the married couple has always been a reason for tourists to see first hand what the pagoda looks like as a symbol of their love.

Besides the pagoda, there are also other tourist destinations on Kemaro Island such as the Love Tree, a tree with many branches that symbolize the love story of Siti Fatimah and Tan Bun An. People believe that if a couple carves a name on the tree, their love will last forever.

5. Exercising at the Historical Stadium in the Jakabaring Sports Complex

Who still remembers the Asian Games in 2018? This Asia’s biggest sporting event was held at two major Indonesian stadiums, one of them was in Gelora Wijaya Stadium in the Jakabaring Sports Complex, Palembang. This sports complex was built in 1998 and it remains well-maintained until now.

Apart from watching matches in the stadium, you can also exercise in this sports complex. Furthermore, you can also find several photo spots near the Jakabaring stadium, such as the Jakabaring Artificial Lake and the Love Bridge. Get ready to take unlimited photos! ?

6. Play Various Fun Rides at the Fun World Palembang Trade Center

No vacation is complete without shopping. While shopping for souvenirs at the Palembang Trade Center, you can also play at the Fun World Palembang Trade Center. How about spending time with your kids to play various games such as motorbike racing, claw dolls, and others? We bet it’s gonna be fun! ?

To save time and money, you can buy Fun World Palembang Trade Center tickets at tiket.com, you know! Take it easy, this playground has implemented health protocol so you and your kids can play comfortably. But, always be extra vigilant. Don’t forget to wear a facemask and keep a safe distance, alright?

7. Take Pictures with Old School Backgrounds in Al Munawar Arab Village

The houses in Kampung Arab al Munawar are very unique with Middle Eastern architectural designs. Seventeen houses in this village have the same design. The houses were made with marble floors and have unique motifs.

Even though these houses have been around for more than 300 years, they are still strong and sturdy. The woods and stones used to make these houses were imported directly from Europe. 

This village serves special culinary delights, t-mates! On certain occasions, locals will gather to eat rice mixed with raisins and side dishes such as goat curry, fried chicken, pickles, and vegetables, while enjoying the view of the Musi River.

8. Enjoy the Beautiful Architecture of the Great Mosque of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II

Apart from being a place of worship, the Great Mosque of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II is also an interesting tourist destination. The architecture of this mosque was influenced by three styles, namely Indonesian, Chinese, and European. This mosque was built by Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin I Jaya Wikramo to replace the mosque which was burned down due to the war between the people of Palembang and the Netherlands in 1659.

Since its establishment, this mosque has undergone several renovations and expansions. The last renovation and expansion was carried out in 2000 and was inaugurated by President Megawati Soekarnoputri. As you can see in the picture, this mosque has beautiful architecture and is perfect for taking pictures!

9. Visit the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Museum with Your Friends!

Near the Great Mosque of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II and Kuto Besak Fortress, there lies the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Museum. Historically, this museum was the official residence of Dutch resident J.L. Sevenhoven. After losing to the Dutch, Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II was arrested and exiled to Ternate. Then, the Kuto Lamo Palace or Kuto Kecik Palace which was built by Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin I Jaya Wikramo was destroyed and a new building was built on it.

In this museum, t-mates can see historical relics from the Sriwijaya Kingdom to the Palembang Darussalam Sultanate, such as keris and traditional clothes. The total collection in this museum reaches 798. You can take photos in this museum, but remember to keep the cultural heritage safe, t-mates!

10. Take a Day Tour with Family in Punti Kayu Forest

For those of you who work in the city, you definitely are longing for nature. If you need fresh air, you can go to the Punti Kayu Forest. This forest is dominated by pine trees and has an area of ​​up to 12 hectares. There are lots of photo spots that can make your Instagram feed even cooler!

Not only with the greeneries, but you can also take pictures with various miniature world landmarks! There are the Borobudur Temple, the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, Dutch Windmill, and the Tower of Pisa! Sounds interesting??

In addition, Punti Kayu Forest also has various rides to play. You can play duck boat, flying fox, dragon boat, and various other outbound activities. You can also camp with several choices of locations: pine forest, mahogany forest, or acacia forest. This place is suitable for a vacation with a large family. 

Plan a Vacay to Palembang, Protect Historic Sites

So t-mates, while enjoying a vacay in Palembang, don’t forget to protect the historic sites as well. We all want our children and our next generation to be able to enjoy the beautiful historical landmarks as well, right?

Whenever you go to Palembang, also remember to keep yourself safe. Pay attention to the health protocols in the area. Happy holidays and stay safe!

*All prices are valid at the time of writing