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
3. Kemaro (Ever Dry) IslandIn 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. next page
5. Musi River
Kali Musi Palembang SumatraAfter visiting Kemaro Island and Kuto Besak Fortress, it is now the time to enjoy the panorama along Musi River. Functioning not just a transportation route for the people of Palembang, Musi River possesses 750 km length and is also a must-see tourism destination if you are traveling to Palembang, the City of Pempek.One of the traditional way of enjoying the view of Musi is a by going along its body with “ketek”; is a traditional wooden boat of Palembang. These ketek vehicles can be hired in the small pier/ harbor under Ampera. No need to worry about the tariff, because the price proposed by the operator is usually open for negotiation. The smarter you are in bargaining, of course the cheaper the cost will get.
6. Grand Mosque (Masjid Agung) of Palembang +of+Palembang-300x225.jpg)
From the year 1819 to 1821, a few renovations were conducted by the Dutch Colonial Government. After that era, further expansions were done in 1893, 1916, 1950, 1970, and the last in 1990. The mosque is very typical of Palembang tradition. Most of the wood contained in the architecture of the mosque has typical Palembang carvings called “Laker”. Today, the original building of the mosque is located within the new building, inaugurated by the fifth President of Indonesia; Megawati Sukarnoputri. The shorter of the two towers is the only part that retains originality from initial build. Also to be noted, the mosque was initially surrounded by Musi River; it is an interesting site to visit.
7. Punti Kayu Tourism (Pine) Forest 
Punti Kayu Tourism Forest is the only tourism forest in Palembang, located 6 kilometers from the city center. The forest is a conservation area employeing the developmental concept on the principles of protecting biological diversity of plants and animals.Punti Kayu’s features range from panoramic pine forests (pine mercussi) which has aesthetic value as attractive scenery, as well as a mini zoo with wild animals; long-tailed monkey (Macaca fasicicularis), monkeys (Macaca nemistriana) etc.
There are a horseback arena, elephant area, flower garden, children’s playground, a boat dock, a children’s pool, a suspension bridge, open stage, and marquees as well. In addition to the zoo, this attraction also has a crocodile farm, and is known to be the largest city pine forest in Indonesia.
8. Songket (traditional cloth of Palembang) Center in Tanggo Buntung
Songket is typical Palembang fabric/ cloth. The making of songket in this particular area has been going on since the 1700s, gradually improving to be the central area for business as well as the largest songket craft centre. Here, you can choose from a lot of stores that display their eye-catching collection of songket. Not only as cloth, songket is nowadays already set up in such a way that provides a variety of forms such as shirts, dresses, bags and even shoes and so forth. Aside from songket, in this area is where you can find typical souvenir of Palembang, directly from the crafters. Some songket stores here among others are Cek Ipah, Cek Ilah, Fikri Collection, Zainal Songket, and others..previous | next
9. Kambang Iwak Recreational Area
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..
10. Kampung Kapitan (Captain’s Village)Kampung Kapitan is located in the First Upper Riverbank District of Palembang, in the riverbank of Musi. The village has a still-visible long story of acculturation that has occurred since hundreds of years ago. This place is a symbol of diversity and harmony between religious communities and citizens of various customs and ethnics. Upon entering this 20-hectares area, we will feel as if we stood in the old days of Palembang’s life during 16th to 18th centuries. Many ancient buildings are still authentic, surviving in the midst of recent modernization; whereas the unique architecture of the building has stood for about about 2 centuries long. 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 +Tour-300x195.jpg)
1. Ranau LakeRanau Lake is the second largest lake in Sumatera Island. The lake was formed by great earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, located in the border between West Lampung Regency in Lampung Province and South Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU) in South Sumatera. With beautiful natural scenery and the cool air, Ranau Lake conserves natural freshwater biota.One of the exciting activities here is fishing. But those who want to just relax, can buy directly grilled fish caught by the fishermen. In the middle of the lake there is Marisa Island that has natural hot springs. The island also has waterfalls and vast rice fields, whereas most of the land is covered by forests and inhabited by some primates. 2. Goa Putri (Princess Cave)
Goa Putri is a leading tourist destination in South Sumatera province, located 230 kilometers from Palembang, or 35 kilometers from Baturaja, the district capital of Ogan Komering Ulu (OKU) Regency. This cave is located about one kilometer from the Sumatera highway linking Baturaja and Muara Enim. The cave is filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Stalactites are calcium carbonate that hangs and freezes in the cave ceiling and can be found in limestone caves. Stalagmite is a cone-shaped rock overlooking the ice can be found on the cave floor. In Goa Putri, stalactites and stalagmites meet to form a unique pillar. This cave also has a pool in which the water comes from the caves connected to Semuhun River which empties into the Ogan River (one of Musi’s tributaries).
The pool width is 20 meters and 160 meters in length. In some parts of the cave there are big rocks where you can sit and even sleep. The cave is dark even though there are some lights mounted on all sides. Dim lighting renders the cave to look somewhat magical.Pagaralam Regency1. Mount Dempo Standing 3,195 meters above sea level, Dempo is the highest mountain in South Sumatera. Classified as an active volcano and stands in the line of Bukit Barisan Mountains, Dempo is the only mountain-tourism site in South Sumatera. In the forest to the summit of Mount Dempo lays a small stream with clear water. Hikers can take advantage of the river’s water for drinking during the trip. To climb, visitors have to go through the forest area by tracing a path that filled with roots of large trees which block the path. Being dense and silent, the sounds of bird chirpings can occasionally be heard. From a certain height, visitors can see the green expanse of tea garden. Tea plantation area of 1,500 hectares is owned by Nusantara Plantation VII holding. If visitors look further they would see Pagar Alam City. The panorama gets more charming when it is seen at night, because you will see sparkly lights that adorn Pagar Alam City. At Mount Dempo there is also an anvil for international-standard paragliding enthusiasts. This anvil is the highest and largest in Indonesia.2. Lematang WaterfallsLematang Waterfalls of beauty lies in Pagar Alam City; approximating 277 kilometers from the capital city of South Sumatera; Palembang. The beauty of Lematang Waterfalls becomes one of the tourism icons and must-see site in Pagar Alam City, in addition to the notorious Dempo Mount and tea plantation. With a-40 meters altitude, Lematang Waterfalls possesses beautiful panorama. Underlaying the waterfalls, a crystal clear river with huge boulders, adding to its impression of being exotic.previous | next .
Musi Banyuasin Regency1. Lia Ulak LakeLia Ulak Lake located in the area of Soak Baru Village, Sekayu District, just across Sekayu City, Banyuasin Regency of South Sumatera. Generally topography in most areas of the lake is flooded lowland soil. The core area of the lake covers an area of 50 acres is the lowest part, making this area ever-flooded throughout the year. The specialty of this lake as tourism attraction especially lies within the unique shape of the lake’s sedimentation that has horseshoe-resembling shape. The freeform is likely to occur by process of sedimentation of Musi River the past. But the uniqueness of this lake’s sedimentation form can only be witnessed at certain time; it can not be seen throughout the year due to its sequential dependence towards the region’s hydrology.Lahat Regency1. Manna River RaftingLaid in the District of Tanjung Sakti of Lahat Regency, approximately 40 km from the city of Pagaralam, Manna River–which divides the Southern part of Bengkulu Province–sits in the upstream of South Sumatra. The geographical condition South Sumateran Western part, bordering the Bukit Barisan Highland–is a “paradise” for the adventurous who takes delight in natural challenges and finding new experiences. A number of fast-flowing rafter-inviting creeks are scattered in various points. This river has varying levels of difficulties, whereas it is pleasantly at the beginning, and gets more and more narrowed for the next 15 kilometers. The swift rumbling current presents quite the challenge for sports fans of rafting.
Manna River rafting category has maximum difficulties graded on the 4th level. Natural beauty in the form of the cliffs on either side of the river offers the natural beauty of tropical rain forest that is very intriguing to explore.2. Curup Tenang WaterfallsIs the highest waterfall in South Sumatera, situated in Bedegung village, Tanjung Agung District, approximately 56 km South of Muara Enim. The waterfalls’ height is 99 meters, emanating from springs that never dry in Bukit Barisan gap, having its downstream forming small river rapids that becomes the area’s attraction. 3. Mount SereloApproximately 11 miles before entering the town of Lahat, you can lay off the vehicle for a moment by the river while enjoying the view of Mount Serelo. The mountain is also known as the Mount Point for having its peak shaping similar to a pointing thumb. Ogan Komering Ilir Regency Teluk Gelam LakeLocated in the district of Tanjung Lubuk, Ogan Komering Ilir Regency, South Sumatra, Teluk Gelam Lake offers a charming natural charm. Breezy wind blowing, creating small waves on the surface of the clear water lake. In the middle of the lake lies an island covered by thousands of Gelam trees (Melaleuca leucadendron) with tiny light green colored leaves. In addition to the natural scenery, Teluk Gelam Lake offers challenging water sport facilities as well. On the edge of the lake there, a dock for canoeing and water skiing is installed, complete with start and finish tower, guide cottage (aligned huts), as well as the stands for spectators. Muara Enim RegencyBumi Ayu TempleCovering a land area of 75,56 hectares, with the outer border of 7 (seven) river trenches partly already experiencing superficiality, Bumi Ayu Temple is one of Hindu heritage sites situated in Muara Enim Regency of South Sumatera province. The temples at Bumi Ayu are “dead monuments” in the sense that they have been the monument that has been abandoned due to the recessive political power of the Hindus’ by Islam in the 16th century. Buried in the soil for decades, Bumi Ayu Temple was rediscovered by EP Tombrink in 1864. This temple is the only shrine complex South Sumatra. Until now no less than 9 parts of the temple have been discovered and four have been restored. Preservation efforts began in 1990 to present.Banyuasin RegencySembilang National ParkIs the peculiar blend of peat swamp forest, freshwater swamp forest, and riparian forest (river banks) in South Sumatra Province. Coastal areas/ forests, mainly in Sembilang and Banyuasin Peninsula are the habitat of Sumateran tigers, Sumateran elephants, tapirs, gibbons, golden cats, sambar deer, crocodiles, lizards, freshwater dolphins and various kinds of birds. Tens of thousands Siberian-origin migratory-birds can be seen settling temporarily in Sembilang, peaking in October. This is an interesting attraction for migratory birds’ observers and environmentalists alike, because we can hear the roar of these birds flying together which even sounds louder than waves of Bangka Strait. Northwest Sembilang National Park is directly adjacent to Berbak National Park in a neighboring province of South Sumatera, Jambi.Lubuk Linggau Regency Temam WaterfallTemam Waterfall is a very popular tourism destination in Lubuk Linggau Regency, South Sumatera Province. Unlike most towering waterfalls, the lake of Temam is actually shaped elongated by width of 25 meters and 12 meters of height. Temam waterfall and its subsequent river is surrounded by natural rocks and green trees; conditioning an unspoiled natural environment. On top of the waterfall, a suspension bridge that runs along 100 m allows visitors a view of the waterfalls below only within a distance of about 50m.previous .
