Palembang, capital of Indonesia’s South Sumatra province, is a port city on the Musi River. The river, scene of a floating market, is lined with houses on stilts and spanned by the Ampera Bridge. At the bridge’s northern end stands the palatial Museum Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II, exploring regional history. The archaeological site and sacred hill of Bukit Siguntang overlooks the city.
The best time to visit Palembang is during the dry season from May to September. This period offers pleasant weather and is ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Ampera Bridge 🌉
One of Palembang’s most iconic landmarks, this suspension bridge crosses the Mus River and offers stunning views of the city. It’s especially beautiful when lit up at night!
Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Museum 🏛️
This museum features Palembang’s history, including traditional clothing, artifacts, and old photographs that showcase the local culture and heritage.
Kuto Besak Fortress 🏰
A historical fortress by the river, once serving as the royal palace of the Sultanate of Palembang. It’s a great spot for a walk and to take photos with views of the Ampera Bridge.
Musium Batik 🖼️
This museum showcases the art of batik, a traditional textile dyeing technique, and features beautiful examples of Palembang batik patterns.
Palembang Indah Mall 🛍️
A modern shopping center where you can shop for both local handicrafts and international brands.
Sudirman Street 🍽️
A popular street for enjoying street food and traditional Palembang snacks, like Pempek (fried fish cakes with vinegar).
Taman Punti Kayu 🌳
A city park with lush green spaces, swimming pools, and a mini zoo—perfect for a relaxing day in nature.
Pulau Kemaro 🏝️
A small island on the Musi River that features a pagoda and a Buddhist temple, making it a peaceful retreat with a cultural touch.
Try Pempek 🍛
This iconic Palembang dish is a must-try! Pempek is a fish cake typically served with a sweet and sour vinegar sauce. Don’t miss the chance to try Pempek Kapal Selam, a variation that includes a boiled egg inside.
Visit Floating Market 🛶
Take a boat ride to explore the floating markets along the Musi River, where vendors sell local goods and fresh fish from their boats.
Take a Boat Ride on the Musi River 🚤
Hop on a boat for a scenic cruise along the Mus River, where you’ll enjoy views of the Ampera Bridge and other waterfront landmarks.
Explore the Palembang Night Market 🌙
The night markets in Palembang come alive after sundown, with a vibrant atmosphere and a variety of local foods, including grilled meats, satay, and traditional snacks.
Visit the Palembang Grand Mosque 🕌
One of the most important religious sites in the city, the grand mosque features beautiful Islamic architecture and is open to visitors who want to learn about local Islamic culture.
Hike at Bukit Siguntang ⛰️
For those who enjoy hiking, this hill offers a great view of the city and its historic ruins. The hill is also home to a Muslim cemetery and several historical tombs.
Palembang's food scene is a rich blend of traditional Indonesian flavors with unique local specialties. The city is best known for its Pempek, but it also boasts a wide variety of delicious dishes that showcase its Sundanese and Malay influences.
✅ Pempek – A traditional fish cake served with cucumber pickle and vinegar sauce. The best versions are fried until crispy. You’ll find variations like Pempek Kapal Selam (with an egg inside) and Pempek Lenggang (grilled).
✅ Tekwan – A fish soup with fish balls, mushrooms, and a light broth, typically enjoyed with rice noodles.
✅ Model – A variant of Pempek, served with stir-fried tofu and peanut sauce.
✅ Pindang Patin – A spicy fish soup made with Patin fish (local river fish), seasoned with a tangy, aromatic broth.
✅ Sate Jeroan – Grilled organ meats (typically liver and intestines), served with a spicy peanut sauce.
✅ Kemplang – A smoked fish cracker, often served as a snack or appetizer.
✅ Es Kacang Merah – A dessert drink made with red beans, coconut milk, and ice.
🏆 1. Pempek 123 – One of the most famous spots for Pempek in Palembang, offering a variety of styles including Kapal Selam and Lenggang.
🏆 2. Pondok Pempek – A legendary restaurant serving authentic Pempek, Pindang Patin, and other traditional dishes.
🏆 3. Pahlawan Resto – Known for its Pindang Patin and other local delicacies, served in a beautiful garden setting.
🏆 4. Martabak HAR – A well-loved place for Martabak, a stuffed savory pancake typically filled with minced meat or eggs.
🏆 5. Warung Makan Tepi Laut – A great spot for grilled seafood like squid and fish, served with local spices.
🏆 6. Cafe D'Liquid – A modern café serving a mix of Indonesian and Western dishes, offering a cozy ambiance with a riverfront view.
🏆 7. Sate & Sop Buntut Bundo Kanduang – Famous for Sate and Oxtail Soup, often served with rice and spicy sambal.
🏆 8. Roti Bakar 88 – A local favorite for toast with a variety of fillings like chocolate, cheese, or condensed milk.
🏆 9. Taman Sari Resto – A spacious, traditional restaurant that offers a variety of local Palembang dishes with a nice atmosphere.
🏆 10. Es Kacang Merah & Kue Cubir – A popular street food spot known for its refreshing red bean dessert and sweet traditional cakes.
Palembang’s culture is deeply rooted in its Sundanese and Malay heritage, enriched by its history as a major trading hub. The city’s customs, traditions, and daily life reflect this blend of Islamic, Malay, and Javanese influences.