Savouring Palembang: A Riverside Journey Through Culture and Cuisine

TheIndonesia.co - From the moment you land at Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport (PLM), Palembang greets you with a vibrant mix of heritage and hospitality. Now more accessible than ever—thanks to upcoming direct flights to Kuala Lumpur starting July 18th, 2025—this South Sumatran city has steadily opened its arms to travellers from abroad. Whether you arrive via these new international routes or through Indonesia’s domestic hubs, the journey begins with the promise of discovery.

According to Antara News Agency, The Palembang City Tourism Office in South Sumatra is encouraging the development of creative tourism villages in 18 districts to provide a wider variety of tourist destinations for both local and international visitors.

"Residential areas or villages in this city have tourism potential ranging from traditional houses, local crafts, to regional culinary specialties," said the Head of the Palembang Tourism Office, Sulaiman Amin, in Palembang on Wednesday (July 9th, 2025).

Embracing the River City

Palembang, famously dubbed the “Venice of Sumatra,” unfolds across both banks of the majestic Musi River, a living artery that carries history and daily life alike. A serene evening cruise offers a front-row seat to this scene—floating markets, traditional houses, and distant oil refineries crafting a tapestry of contrasts, all under the glow of the iconic Ampera Bridge. As the sun slips below the horizon, you’ll understand why locals and tourists alike linger here, seeking that perfect blend of nostalgia and novelty.

Iconic Landmark: Ampera Bridge

Commissioned in 1965, the Ampera Bridge once lifted its span much like historic drawbridges, a feature now obsolete yet etched in collective memory . Stretching 1,177 meters in crimson steel across Seberang Ulu and Seberang Ilir, it remains the city’s symbol—best appreciated at twilight. The river reflects its lights, transforming the scene into a cinematic spectacle. Don’t miss an evening riverside stroll or a table at Ampera Walk, where you can enjoy the view while sampling local fare.

Culinary Heartbeat: Burgo and Pempek

While the bridge dazzles, your taste buds will find deeper joy in two signature dishes:

Burgo, a soft and savoury rice crepe served rolled and bathed in spiced coconut milk soup. Often complemented with fish paste, garlic, and turmeric, it’s a comforting way to begin your day.

Pempek, Palembang’s legendary fish cake made from freshwater fish and tapioca. Whether it’s kapal selam (stuffed with egg), keriting (curly), or lenjer (log-shaped), the chewy texture draped in kuah cuko—sweet, sour, spicy—makes every bite unforgettable.

For an authentic experience, venture to the floating pempek stalls near Benteng Kuto Besak (BKB). Boats such as Cek Merry’s line the Musi’s edge, serving steaming plates of pempek (as cheap as Rp1.500 each), the gentle sway of the river enhancing the flavour. Later, explore Ampera Walk for a riverside dinner of burgo or pempek amid locals and tourists alike.

Fortunes of Flavour: Floating Cuisine

Watching a vendor ladle sultry broth over freshly sliced burgo at a morning stall is an experience in itself. By nightfall, floating pempek boats glide gently in the currents beneath the bridge. Try Cek Sri or Mang Juju—among the most beloved locally—and order alongside tekwan (fish ball soup) or mie celor if you’re extra peckish. With prices between Rp7.000–15.000 and drinks for Rp2.000–5.000, it’s a wallet-friendly indulgence.

Weaving Culture: Creative Villages

Travel beyond the riverfront, and you’ll discover Palembang’s push toward “kampung kreatif” (creative villages) across 18 sub-districts. These clusters of traditional homes, artisans, and cooks are transforming everyday life into tourism gold.

In Kampung Kapitan and Kampung Arab Al-Munawar, centuries-old wooden homes preserve colonial and Malay heritage—ideal for cultural immersion. Farther afield, Rumah Limas dwellings provide insight into local architecture, while songket–a glittering hand-woven silk or cotton with metallic threads—comes to life beneath skilled fingers.

A detour to Kampung Tanggo Rajo, the “pempek village” near BKB, offers a chance to observe fish cakes in their making. Visitors cross the Musi via ketek (small boats) to watch laborers press fish dough and fry it before it sails straight into your palm.

Historic Tapestry: Forts, Mosques and Temples

The city’s historical core stands along the river, woven together in living monument:

Benteng Kuto Besak (BKB): Erected in the early 18th century by Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin I, this fortress offers sunset views and a riverside plaza laced with food stalls and evening breeze.

Nearby, the Great Mosque of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II stands as a testament to Palembang’s Islamic heritage. A stroll around its courtyard also reveals regal tombs and the People’s Struggle Monument (Monpera).

Cross the river again to visit the Sultan’s museum and Rumah Limas Haji Aziz, which display architectural and cultural legacies dating back to the Srivijaya kingdom.

Spiritual Storytelling on Kemaro Island

A breeze-captured boat ride takes you to Pulau Kemaro, a small haven steeped in romance and spirituality to it is a nine-storey pagoda and the Hok Tjing Rio temple, where legend says Chinese merchant Tan Bun An and local princess Siti Fatimah rest side-by-side. Visit during Cap Go Meh or Chinese New Year to witness lantern-lit festivities and cultural vibrancy. Even on lazy afternoons, the mix of temple architecture and shrine stories leaves a soul-stirring impression.

Nature & Leisure: Away from the City

If you crave green spaces, TWA Punti Kayu, just outside central Palembang, beckons with pine groves, wildlife, replicas of global landmarks, and a water park—an ideal family outing. Bird lovers can explore Pulau Burung—“Bird Island”—on the Musi, accessible via short boat trips for a serene escape . These retreats offer a refreshing counterpoint to the bustling city and rich stories of the core.

Three Days in Palembang: A Narrative Itinerary

Day One brings touchdown at PLM, a riverside hotel and a first taste of burgo at a local café. Meander toward the Ampera Bridge, where shots of crimson steel at dusk lead to dinner at floating pempek boats near BKB. Finish with a night cruise, the city's lights dancing on the dark water.

Day Two is cultural immersion: cross to Tanggo Rajo to witness pempek-making firsthand. Back on the riverfront, sip a drink by the Great Mosque before heading to Kampung Kapitan or Arab for a peek at preserved heritage. End with a sunset-bound trip to Kemaro Island, where temple bells and legend-laden air linger.

Day Three takes a greener turn at Punti Kayu, followed by lunch overlooking Musi. In the afternoon, browse the Sultan’s museum and Rumah Limas artisan area. Conclude with dinner near Ampera Walk or Riverside Restaurant, where frutas aromas pair with the final reflection of bridge lights on water.

Practical Guide for Travellers

Best time to visit: Palembang is humid year-round. Dry months from April to October suit lock-in plans—just be ready for tropical showers .

Getting around: Bajaj (auto rickshaw), Grab, or hired cars navigate city streets; small boats ferry across the river quickly.

Language & culture: Bahasa Indonesia is lingua franca; regional Malay accents may color conversation in villages.

Money matters: Use IDR. ATMs are common in the city, airport, and hotels.

Respect matters: Palembangites value warmth and decorum—greet with a smile, dress modestly at religious sites.

Why Palembang Leaves an Impression

Palembang transcends a typical trip—it unfolds like chapters in a living book. Here, rivers serve as highways and stages, burgo and pempek speak of culinary authenticity, and kampung kreatif initiatives tie economics to identity . Emerging international connections, like the new Kuala Lumpur route, echo a city renewing itself while honoring its roots .

Stepping into Palembang is to step into harmony—a place where river rhythms meet architectural grandeur and culinary warmth nourishes body and soul. Whether you're drawn to spicy fish cakes by floating stalls, stories held in wooden homes, or river promenades beneath historic bridges, this city invites you to slow down, taste deeply, and connect fully.

So pack light, come curious, and get ready for a discovery that tastes like home, even when it’s a world away. Palembang awaits—with its bridges, flavors, histories, and the Musi River’s gentle embrace.