This park was established in the Dutch Colonial period, in line with the plan of the Regent (Mayor) of Palembang at that time who wanted to transform Palembang as a garden city similar to Bandung City in East Java, which had already became a famously beautiful garden city amongst the Dutch East Indies. That was why in year 1900, Talang Semut area was transformed “as green as possible” by planting large trees that shade. There is also a park built as a gathering place and recreation place for Dutch citizens who lived in Palembang. Even until now, the shady trees still stands strong, giving the beautiful green atmosphere to the region. The area also features colonial architecture houses which make Talang Semut and Kambang Iwak Park of the favorite places of Palembang residents to unwind/ hangout or have picnics.
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10. Kampung Kapitan (Captain’s Village)
One of the uniqueness of the houses in Kampung Kapitan is on their design which is a mix of architectural styles from the Netherlands, Palembang and China. “Kapitan” itself comes from calling given to a Chinese Captain in Palembang by the name Tjoa Ham Hin. He was the last Chinese Captain who lived in the former kingdom of Srivijaya. Viewing Ham Hin’s ancesstral lineage, it can be concluded that this village had existed even before 1850 BC; as he was the tenth generation from the first settlers. You can walk around and see the Kapitan Village comprising 15 groups of house buildings on stilts. The most interesting is the third Kapitan’s ancient house overlooking Musi River.
11. Tourism Museums
Sriwijaya Museum Archaeological Park or formerly known as Karanganyar Archeological Site is a former settlement area comprising parks and gardens associated with the Srivijaya Kingdom located North of Musi in Palembang, South Sumatera. In this area, a network of canals, ditches and ponds were found, which were arranged neatly and orderly that depicts the area as a man-made. It is believed that at least for certain timespan, the center of Sriwijaya Kingdom in Palembang was located at this site. Archeologists found many ancient relics that indicate this area was once a center of human settlement and activities.
Other museum in Palembang is Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Museum which is on the riverbank of Musi, situated at Jalan Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin No. 2 – Palembang. In this museum you can visually enjoy a collection of 556 artifacts, ranging from the legacy of the Kingdom of Srivijaya to the Darussalam Sultanate era of Palembang. Another museum not to be missed is the Museum Balaputradewa which houses about 3580 collectibles divided into a number of categories; historical (stories), ethnography, feology, ceramics, tools of modern technology, art (in the form of engravings), flora and fauna (biological diversity) and geology as well as the traditional Limas House, as well as the house of Ulu Al.
12. Siguntang Hill (Bukit Siguntang) Tour
Siguntang Hill, the highest point in the landscape of Palembang City, had been known to store some important historical heritages from the heyday of Srivijaya Kingdom. Siguntang Hill is one of the most visited religious tourism site in South Sumatera. Statues, stupas and inscriptions have been found here.
No wonder Bukit Siguntang become religious tourism destination. A 2,77 meters tall Buddha statue made of granite (not naturally available anywhere in or near Palembang) was located in this place, which has been relocated to the frontyard of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Museum. Some findings from Bukit Siguntang are stored in the National Museum, such as the large head of a Buddha statue which received inspiration from Pala Art Style flourished in North India.
In ancient times, the hill is believed to be used as a place to perform religious ceremonies. During the era of Palembang Kingdom (prior to Darussalam Sultanate era), Bukit Siguntang was considered a sacred and charismatic place. Now, the area has been declared as one of the conserved regions in Palembang. However, Siguntang Hill occasionally becomes very crowded. Sigentar Alam Warlord, Kembang Dadar Princess, Rambut Selako Princess, Bagus Kuning Commander and Bagus Karang Commander were believed to be royal families and other public figures of ancient time, that were buried here. During the Buddhist holidays, the area is usually crowded, like during the Vesak festival.
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