Palembang

Palembang is the capital of South Sumatra province and the second-largest city on Sumatra after Medan. Situated on the Musi River, it has a rich history as the capital of the Srivijaya Empire, a powerful Buddhist maritime kingdom that controlled trade in Southeast Asia from the 7th to the 13th centuries. Today, Palembang is known for its river culture, magnificent bridges, and the iconic Ampera Bridge. It's also the home of pempek, a beloved fishcake dish, and is the host city of the annual Sriwijaya Festival. The city is a major transportation hub for southern Sumatra.

By plane

Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport (PLM) serves flights from Jakarta, Batam, Kuala Lumpur, and other Indonesian cities. It is about 15 km northwest of the city center, accessible by taxi and Trans Musi bus.

By bus

Palembang's main bus terminal, Alang-Alang Lebar, connects to cities across southern Sumatra including Lampung, Bengkulu, Jambi, and Pekanbaru.

By car

Palembang is connected by the Trans-Sumatra Highway. It is about 4 hours from Bandar Lampung and 8 hours from Bengkulu.

By boat

The Musi River is a major transport artery. Barang and ferry boats connect the city to islands in the Bangka Belitung archipelago.

Trans Musi (bus rapid transit) covers the main routes. Angkot (public minivans) are common. Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Gojek, Grab) are available, though less common than in Jakarta or Medan. Travel across the Musi River by speedboat or ferry taxi. The Ampera Bridge connects the city's riverbanks. Walking is pleasant along the river promenade.

Ampera Bridge is the iconic landmark of Palembang, a drawbridge spanning the Musi River. The Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Museum houses Srivijayan artifacts and Palembang history. The Great Mosque of Palembang (Masjid Agung Palembang) is a striking building with three-tiered roofs. Pulau Kemaro, a small island in the Musi River, features a Chinese temple and a poignant love story legend. Kuto Besak Fort (Benteng Kuto Besak) is an 18th-century Dutch fort by the riverbank. The Sriwijaya Archaeological Park at Karanganyar features replica 7th-century structures.

Take a sunset river cruise on the Musi River to see the city from the water. Visit the floating market at Pulau Kemaro. Shop for Songket fabric at the Kampung Songket weaving center. Watch pempek being made and try different varieties. Attend the Sriwijaya Festival (June) for cultural performances and exhibitions. Explore the traditional markets of Palembang Indah Mall and Pasar 16 Ilir.

Pempek is the iconic dish — deep-fried fishcake served with cuko (dark, sweet-spicy vinegar sauce). There are many varieties: pempek kapal selam (stuffed with egg), pempek lenjer, pempek adaan, and pempek kulit. Other local dishes include mi celor (noodles in coconut milk and shrimp broth), martabak HAR (Indian-style egg martabak), tekwan (fish soup with vermicelli), pindang patin (sweet-sour catfish soup), and model (fish cake noodle soup).

Es kacang merah (red bean iced dessert), es kompiang (coconut shaved ice), and fresh young coconut water are popular. Bajigur (sweet ginger drink with coconut milk) is available from street vendors.

Budget hotels (Rp 150,000–350,000) are found in the city center near the Ampera Bridge and Pasar 16 Ilir areas. Mid-range options include The Zuri Hotel, Hotel Santika, and Grand Boutique. Luxury hotels include Novotel Palembang and Aryaduta Palembang (USD 60–120).

Palembang's Songket (gold-threaded handwoven fabric) is world-famous — buy it at the Kampung Songket area in 32 Ilir. Pempek can be bought as frozen takeaway. Other souvenirs include kemplang (crackers), amplang (fish crackers), and Lempok (durian candy).

From Palembang, take a bus to Bandar Lampung (4 hours) to connect to Java via the Bakauheni ferry. Head north to Jambi (6 hours) or Bengkulu. Fly to Jakarta (1 hour) or Batam. Take a ferry to Pangkal Pinang on Bangka Island for its beaches and tin-mining history.