Palembang Trip

Besides Musi River and the splendor of Ampera Bridge in Palembang City, South Sumatera Province also possesses a series of other must-see destinations of interest.

1. Ampera Bridge
As a landmark, the bridge is indeed admired by many. Belonging to the length of 1,117 meters and 22 meters in width, Ampera Bridge sits as number one landmark of Palembang, surpassing various other sites in terms of popularity. 

Ampera Bridge was inaugurated by the first president of Indonesia; Soekarno, in 1965 and was the largest in Southeast Asia at the time. This bridge connects Seberang Ulu (Upper Riverbank) and Seberang Ilir (Lower Riverbank) areas separated by Musi River. In addition to being utilized as an interface/connector between the city’s two areas, Ampera has now been transformed into a lovely destination of visit.

With its beautiful architecture and Musi as its underlaying river, Ampera is an enticing attraction for tourists to take photographs. The beauty of Ampera Bridge becomes even more radiant at night time. Dozens of beautiful lights adorn the bridge, giving reason for beholders to be amazed.
Whenever you feel peckish or even hungry, riverbanks of Musi can be a favorable option for your culinary-tourism destination, with dishes of various typical Palembang menus, such as pempek (fishball in spicy dark sauce), celimpungan (fishball in greenish coco-milk soup), pindang patin (catfish-like freshwater fish in clear soup), and a host of other delicacies.

2. Gelora Sriwijaya

If Jakarta has Gelora Bung Karno Stadium; Palembang also has a landmark stadium, named the Gelora Sriwijaya in Jakabaring Sport City (JSC). The site is regularly used as a sports center in Palembang; as well as a favorite destination for sporting tourists. The site also belongs to a lake that is frequently utilized by local tourists to have picnic or mere hangout with their friends and families. The lake was the venue for water skiing sport during the South East Asian (SEA) Games on 2011. The vicinity has park benches, making it a fun and comfortable hang-out place in the afternoon. In addition to enjoying beautiful view of the lake, you can exercise and jog around the lake.

3. Kemaro (Ever Dry) Island
In the middle of Musi River, there is a fairly large island known as Kemaro or Everdry Island. The name was given to depict the situation of despite being in the middle of the river, Kemaro has never been flooded or always dry (kemarau). Chinese nuances is quite thick in the air of the Kemaro Island. 

The site is suitable for tourism destination that can be visited especially during Lunar New Year celebrations (Chinese New Year). The Island bears a large pagoda of 9 levels, as well as a temple. More to be noted, the island also has unique sites of attraction, such as the “love tree” and tomb of Princess Siti Fatimah; (of a former ruler in Palembang).

The Chinese Temple in Kemaro Island is named Hok Tjing Rio temple, with red painting of the towering pagoda among the green trees, making it easy to spot. Walking to the other side of the island, that’s where you will find the 2006-built 9-storeys pagoda which is the island’s main attraction. It is considerably high (in comparison to other building on the Islands), making the pagoda appears to be towering the island’s centre.

4. Kuto Besak (Big Gate) Fortress 
Kuto Besak Fortress was initially a palace building in which during the eighteenth century utilized the central of Palembang Darussalam’s Sultanate. It is located in Jalan Sultan Mahmud Badarudin, or about one and a half miles Northwest of Ampera Bridge. Tourists can visually enjoy the old building that is still appearing firm and magnificent. In addition, travelers can surely witness the beauty of Musi River, since Kuto Besak Fort is located just on its bank.

In the afternoon, the panorama will look even better, when sunset is sparkling on the river’s surface and rendering it to look even more beautiful with the reflection of the nearby Ampera Bridge.


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