Palembang (IPA: [paˈlɛmˌbaŋ]), also called Pelembang (IPA: [pəˈlɛmˌbaŋ] or [ˈplɛmˌbaŋ]) by the locals, is Indonesia's provincial capital of South Sumatra. Situated on the lowlands where the Ogan, Komering, and Musi Rivers meet, the Palembang metropolitan area is home to more than two million people.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Palembang is one of the oldest continuously inhabitied cities in Indonesia and even Southeast Asia (perhaps second only to Hanoi). The foundation of Palembang can be dated at the latest to 683 CE, when it emerged as the imperial thalassocratic city-state of Srivijaya, one of the largest and most important Buddhist polities in ancient Indonesia. The city played a vital role in the regional cultural and economic landscape. Srivijaya controlled important chokepoints such as the straits of Malacca and Sunda, with Palembang acting as an entrepôt for commodities from all over the Archipelago and beyond.
It is quite easy to get around in Palembang since there are a lot of public buses, modified vans (Angkots or Angkutan Kota) and for short distances there is always becak. Don't be surprised if they keep packing the buses and angkots with people even though they are full. Short trips should be no more than Rp5,000. Taxis are scarce, far between, and often refuse to use meters and insists on fixed price for certain distance. Just like other Indonesian cities, the most reliable and safe taxi in Palembang is Blue Bird. On land, motorcycle taxis, ojeks, are cheap, quick, and everywhere. Boats can be hired on the river. To support the 2018 Asian Games, a light rail system was built.
1 Ampera Bridge ( Ampera LRT). Open 24 hours. The first bridge to cross the Musi River in Palembang, and was the longest in Indonesia when it first opened in 1965. Originally a vertical-lift bascule bridge, its central span stopped being lifted only several years after opening. The bridge is the most prominent landmark in Palembang, being located right at its heart, connecting the two sides of Musi River. Free of charge. (updated Apr 2024) 2 Grand Mosque of Palembang (Masjid Agung Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Jayo Wikramo), Jl. Jend. Sudirman, 19 Ilir, Bukit Kecil 30111 ( Ampera LRT). This grand mosque was first opened in 1748, and has been renovated and significantly expanded a few times.
1 Musi River. On the northern bank, the riverfront Kuto Besak and 16 Ilir plazas overlooking the Musi River and Ampera Bridge are popular spots for local families, youngsters and visitors to hang around and enjoy late afternoon breeze. There are also a row of warung terapung (floating eateries) boats on the east side of the bridge which offer various local delicacies. From the piers of Kuto Besak, one can also take motorboat trips to various destinations along the river (the price wildly varies depending on the length of the trip and the number of passengers). A trip just across the river or so (less than 2 km) usually costs Rp5,000 per person. 2 Jakabaring Sport City, Jl. Gub. H. A.
Palembang cuisine is the second most well known from Sumatra after Padang. They primarily use freshwater fish and prawn as ingredients due to the paramount role of the Musi River for the area. Spices are also generally included although not as liberal as its same-island counterpart. Malay, Indian, and Chinese culture has also influenced Palembang's culinary scene. Do try these while you are here: Pempek is the dish virtually everyone in Indonesia thinks of when mentioning Palembang cuisine. It is a dough of fish cake which can be either boiled, fried, or grilled and is eaten with a sweet and spicy sauce called Cuko, topped with cucumber and prawn powder.
Try local Palembang drink, es kacang merah, an iced drink made from azuki bean.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Jul, Palembang typically sees ~32°C daytime highs and 24 rainy days.
Cheapest destinations travellers searched recently — refreshed daily.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-07-27. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
stayonomy