Indonesia has so much more to offer beyond the familiar destinations of Bali and Jakarta. With the Indonesian rupiah remaining relatively favourable for many Malaysian travellers, now is a good time to look beyond the usual tourist circuit and discover some of the country’s lesser-explored cities.
One destination that deserves more attention is Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra. Steeped in history and culture, the city is perhaps best known for the mighty Musi River, the iconic Ampera Bridge and its legendary pempek. But spend a few days here and you’ll quickly discover that there is much more to Palembang than its famous landmarks and food.
From river cruises and historic neighbourhoods to shopping, religious attractions and plenty of local delicacies, here are 16 things you should do on your next visit to Palembang.
1. Take a Ride on the LRT
One of the easiest ways to explore Palembang is by taking its Light Rail Transit (LRT) system.
Built in preparation for the 2018 Asian Games, the Palembang LRT was Indonesia’s first operational LRT system. It connects areas on both sides of the Musi River and passes the magnificent Ampera Bridge, offering passengers a different perspective of the city.
Even better, the LRT connects Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport with the city, making it a convenient and affordable alternative to taking a taxi or private car.
For travellers, the journey itself is part of the experience.
2. Enjoy the Ampera Bridge View at Kopi AD
No trip to Palembang is complete without seeing the Ampera Bridge, the city’s most recognisable landmark.
One of the best ways to admire it is from one of the many cafés and restaurants along the Musi River. Kopi AD, a floating café, is one option where visitors can sit back with a drink or meal while enjoying an unobstructed view of the famous bridge.
Must also try Pindang in Palembang. It is a famous traditional fish soup. It has a hot, sour, and clear broth. Cooks use local fresh river fish like patin, baung, or gabus. They mix in spices like turmeric, ginger, galangal, lemongrass, and sour asam kandis. Nowadays, they also use beef and chicken for this dish.
Try visiting around sunset, when the sky begins to change colour and the bridge lights up, transforming the Musi riverside into an especially atmospheric scene.
3. See the World’s Largest Wood-Carved Quran
Palembang is home to Al-Qur’an Al-Akbar, also known as Bayt Al-Qur’an Al-Akbar, a remarkable religious and artistic attraction featuring the complete Quran carved onto huge panels of tembesu wood.
The 30 juz are presented across 630 wooden pages, with the enormous panels featuring intricate Palembang-inspired decorative elements. Around 40 cubic metres of wood were used for the work.
Located in Gandus, the attraction offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate not only the religious significance of the Quran but also the craftsmanship and artistic traditions of South Sumatra.
4. Shop for Palembang Songket
If you’re looking for a meaningful souvenir, make sure songket is on your shopping list.
Palembang is renowned for its beautifully woven songket, a traditional textile traditionally associated with intricate metallic threads and elaborate motifs. Today, songket can be found in everything from traditional garments and scarves to modern fashion pieces and accessories.
There is a wide range to choose from, from painstakingly handmade pieces that can command premium prices to more affordable machine-produced versions.
Whether you’re buying it as a keepsake or intending to wear it, bringing home a piece of Palembang songket is like taking a little piece of the city’s heritage with you.
5. Eat Plenty of Pempek
You simply cannot visit Palembang without eating pempek.
This iconic Palembang speciality is a savoury fish-based snack traditionally made with fish and tapioca, then served with a distinctive dark, sweet-and-sour cuko sauce. Different varieties are available, including the popular pempek kapal selam, which contains an egg inside.
For a slightly more upscale experience, check out Pempek Beringin, while Pempek Minah is a more affordable and popular choice among locals.
Whichever you choose, don’t leave Palembang without trying it.
6. Dine at Pagi Sore
Here’s an interesting discovery for Malaysians who know Pagi Sore as a popular nasi Padang restaurant in Jakarta.
The restaurant actually traces its origins back to Palembang, where its first branch was established. That makes visiting the original Palembang outlet a worthwhile experience for fans of its familiar spread of Indonesian dishes.
Expect the comforting selection of nasi Padang favourites, served with the rich, spicy flavours that make the cuisine so popular across the region.
7. Take a Ketek Ride Along the Musi River
For a more local way of experiencing Palembang, hop aboard a ketek, the traditional small motorised boats commonly used along the Musi River.
A river ride provides a different perspective of the city, allowing you to see riverside communities, boats and landmarks from the water.
It is particularly enjoyable around the Ampera Bridge, where the scale of this iconic structure becomes even more impressive when viewed from below.
8. Discover the Ong Boen Tjiet House
History buffs should make time to visit the Ong Boen Tjiet House, a historic riverside residence that offers a glimpse into Palembang’s multicultural past.
The traditional house is associated with the city’s Chinese community and reflects the historical relationship between Palembang’s Chinese and Malay cultures. Its riverside location also provides an interesting look at how communities historically lived and conducted their activities along the Musi.
It is one of those places that helps visitors understand Palembang beyond its modern cityscape.
9. Have Dinner at Angkringan Rumah Limas
For something a little different, head to Angkringan Rumah Limas, a restaurant built over the water along the Musi River.
The experience is as much about the setting as it is about the food. One particularly fun feature is the opportunity to fish for your own dinner — although, naturally, you’ll need a little patience!
Surrounded by the river and traditional atmosphere, it offers a relaxed way to spend an evening away from the city’s busier streets.
10. Explore Palembang’s Museums
Palembang’s long history is best understood by visiting some of its museums.
Start with Museum Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II, located near the city’s historic centre. The museum explores the history and heritage of Palembang, including its connection to the former Palembang Sultanate.
Meanwhile, Museum Balaputra Dewa offers a broader look at South Sumatra’s cultural and historical heritage, including archaeological collections, traditional houses and artefacts associated with the region’s past.
Together, they provide useful context for understanding the city you’re exploring.
11. Try Traditional Cakes at Harum
Palembang’s culinary heritage extends far beyond pempek.
Head to Harum, a popular destination for traditional cakes and desserts, where visitors can discover a variety of local sweet treats that may not be as familiar to Malaysian travellers.
The family-run business is particularly worth visiting for those who enjoy discovering traditional recipes and flavours that have been passed down through generations.
Come with an appetite — choosing just one can be difficult!
12. Try Something Different at Seblak Meera
Why not take a little culinary detour while you’re in Palembang?
Seblak Meera Palembang offers visitors a taste of Sundanese cuisine, adding another regional flavour to your Indonesian food adventure.
Seblak is known for its spicy, savoury and comforting flavours, making this a fun option for travellers who want to venture beyond Palembang’s own culinary specialities.
13. Visit Bukit Seguntang
For a dose of history and legend, make your way to Bukit Seguntang.
The hill is considered one of Palembang’s important historical and cultural sites and is closely associated with the legends and heritage of the Sriwijaya era.
The site is also regarded as an important archaeological and historical area, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in discovering the ancient roots of Palembang.
14. Go Shopping at Palembang’s Malls
Palembang may be steeped in history, but it is certainly not short of modern retail therapy.
Some of the city’s popular shopping destinations include Palembang Icon, Palembang Indah Mall and Palembang Trade Centre (PTC).
PTC is also home to Mulia Gold & Jewellery, a well-known destination for those looking to shop for gold and jewellery.
Whether you’re looking for fashion, souvenirs, local products or simply somewhere to escape the heat, Palembang’s malls are worth checking out.
15. Step Back in Time at Kampung Kapitan
One of Palembang’s most interesting historic neighbourhoods is Kampung Kapitan, a former residential compound associated with the Chinese Captain (Kapitan Cina) system established under Dutch colonial rule.
The Kapitan Cina was an official appointed to administer and represent the local Chinese community. The first captain associated with this area was Tjoa Hin, appointed around 1855.
Today, Kampung Kapitan offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Palembang’s multicultural history and the longstanding Chinese influence on the city.
16. Have a Bowl of Mie Celor 26
Finally, don’t leave Palembang without trying mie celor, another local speciality.
Unlike many noodle dishes, mie celor features thick noodles served in a rich, creamy broth traditionally made with coconut milk, shrimp stock and spices, often accompanied by prawns, egg and bean sprouts.
For a taste of one of Palembang’s most beloved noodle dishes, head to Mie Celor 26 Ilir, one of the city’s well-known names associated with this comforting speciality.
And Don’t Forget the Mosques
While that makes 16 things, there are a couple of places worth adding to your Palembang itinerary — particularly for Muslim travellers.
Masjid Agung Palembang, or the Great Mosque of Palembang, is one of the city’s most important landmarks. Its impressive architecture reflects the city’s layered history and Islamic heritage, while its location in the historic heart of Palembang makes it easy to combine with other sightseeing.
Another fascinating stop is the Chinese Muslim Mosque, which reflects the multicultural character of Palembang and the longstanding presence of Chinese Muslims in the city.
Palembang Is More Than Pempek and Ampera
Palembang may not immediately spring to mind when Malaysians think about an Indonesian holiday, but that is precisely what makes it interesting.
Beyond the iconic Ampera Bridge and famous pempek, the city offers centuries of history, multicultural heritage, Islamic landmarks, traditional crafts, river adventures and a surprisingly diverse food scene.
So, the next time you’re planning an Indonesian getaway, perhaps skip the usual destinations for a while and put Palembang on your list. You may just discover one of Sumatra’s most underrated city breaks.
TIPSS’ Internet connection in Palembang was powered by YooWifi. The perfect portable wifi solution device for travellers.
