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Palembang: A colorful city on the banks of the Musi River
Palembang is a city that bursts with history and culture. Located in the province of South Sumatra, this city is the second-largest metropolis in Sumatra after Medan. Palembang is a vital industrial center in South Sumatra, with an unbridled enthusiasm for commerce and modern lifestyles. However, despite its commercial importance and modernization, the city still holds on to its culture, the heartbeat of its distinct identity. With a rich history dating back to 7 AD, Palembang has witnessed several rulers and diverse migrations over the centuries until the Dutch rule.
The scenery of Palembang is quite diverse and beautiful. From the breathtaking Musi River with its scenic floating market on the banks of Ampera Bridge, to the bustling city center, and the majestic Sriwijaya Kingdom and Malay traditional houses, the city has so much to offer. The Musi River is a source of pride for the Palembang people, and a visit to this city is incomplete without cruising on the river with a unique boat, known as kelotok, which captures the essence of Palembang’s traditional culture. The city center is vibrant with shops, malls, cafes, and restaurants serving an array of traditional dishes, along with international cuisines.
What I like most about Palembang is how it blends its history and modernization effortlessly. The city boasts numerous historical landmarks, such as the Kemaro Island pagoda, Bekri Saint Mosque, Kuto Besak Fort, and the Great Mosque of Palembang. In contrast, the city is also home to modern landmarks like the iconic Ampera Bridge, Balap Kuda racing arena, and the ultramodern Jakabaring Sport City complex with its world-class venues.
What I dislike about Palembang is the traffic congestion during rush hours. The city’s roads and streets are often congested, especially near the iconic Ampera Bridge due to its tourist’s attractions.
Top 20 points of interest with addresses and websites:
1. Ampera Bridge: Jl. Ampera 1, Bukit Kecil, Palembang. www.amperapontoonbridge.com Rating: 4.3/5
2. Kemaro Island Pagoda: Jl. Pramuka, Tanjung Sari, Palembang, www.kemaro.com. Rating: 4.2/5
3. Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Museum: Jl. Jend A. Yani, Tangga Besi, Palembang. Rating: 4.0/5
4. Musi River: A floating market and a river cruise. Jl. Kapten A. Rivai, Palembang. Rating: 4.3/5
5. Kuto Besak Fort: Jl. Brigjen H. Bastari, 1, Kuto Besak, Palembang. Rating: 4.1/5
6. Arab Village: Jl. Sampingan, Seberang Ulu 1, Palembang. Rating: 4.0/5
7. Great Mosque of Palembang: Jl. Mayor Zen, 21, 35 Ulu, Palembang. Rating: 4.1/5
8. Mount Dempo: Pagaralam, South Sumatra. www.demposumatera.com. Rating: 4.2/5
9. Pagoda Avalokitesvara: Jl. Letkol Iskandar, Palembang. Rating: 4.0/5
10. Masjid Agung Palembang: Jl. Mayor Ruslan, Kelurahan Kedatuan Ilir, Palembang. Rating: 4.1/5
11. Bukit Siguntang: Jl. Madura-Bengkulu, Kelurahan 16 Ilir, Palembang. Rating: 4.1/5
12. Punti Kayu Park: Jl. Kol. H. Burlian, Jakabaring, Palembang. Rating: 4.0/5
13. Balap Kuda Racing Arena: Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Palembang. www.sriwijayagrandprix.com. Rating: 4.2/5
14. Jakabaring Sport City: Jl. Jenderal Sudirman, Palembang. www.palembangjakabaring.com. Rating: 4.3/5
15. Kambang Iwak Palembang: Jl. POM IX, Palembang. Rating: 4.0/5
16. Lorong 8, Palembang: Jl. Kapten A. Rivai, Palembang. Rating: 4.1/5
17. Bekri Saint Mosque: Jl. Kapten A. Rivai 4, Palembang. Rating: 4.0/5
18. Dempo Waterfall: Talang Duku, Pagaralam, South Sumatra. www.demposumatera.com. Rating: 4.0/5
19. Benteng Kuto Lamo: Jl. Kapten A. Rivai, Palembang. Rating: 4.1/5
20. Pulau Kemlaka: Muara Enim, South Sumatra. Rating: 4.0/5
Top 10 Hotels and 10 popular Airbnb with detail and price in US dollars with ratings and reviews.
Hotels
1. Novotel Palembang: Jl. R. Sukamto No.8A, Palembang. Price: $30-90. Rating: 4.3/5.
2. Aryaduta Palembang: Jl. POM IX, Palembang. Price: $35-120. Rating: 4.2/5.
3. The Alts Hotel Palembang: Jl. R. Sukamto No.15, Palembang. Price: $39-100. Rating: 4.5/5.
4. Abadi Suite Hotel& Tower: Jl. Basuki Rachmat No. 168, Palembang. Price: $22 -74. Rating: 4.2/5.
5. Grand Zuri Palembang: Jl. Demang Lebar, Daun No.8, Palembang. Price: $28-92. Rating: 4.3/5.
6. Swarnabhumi Hotel: Jl. Keramasan Raya No. 144, Palembang. Price: $23-83. Rating: 4.2/5.
7. Amaris Hotel Palembang: Jl. Letkol Iskandar No.25, Palembang. Price: $20-50. Rating: 4.0/5.
8. Favehotel Palembang: Jl. Rajawali No.8, Palembang. Price: $25-60. Rating: 4.0/5.
9. Hotel Santika Premiere: Jl. Kapt. A. Rivai No. 1, Palembang. Price: $30-80. Rating: 4.3/5.
10. Grand Inna Daira Palembang: Jl. Jenderal Sudirman No.2, Palembang. Price: $25-85. Rating: 4.1/5.
Airbnb
1. Bethany Homestay: Jl. Teuku Umar, Palembang. Price: $17/night. Rating: 4.9/5.
2. Wiratama homestay: Jl. Rengas No.10, Palembang. Price: $21/night. Rating: 4.9/5.
3. Ananda Homestay: Jl. Monjali No.33B, Palembang. Price: $20/night. Rating: 4.8/5.
4. Rumah Totop Ulu: Jl. Warung Bandrek, Palembang. Price: $19/night. Rating: 4.8/5.
5. Hila Homestay: Jl. Baturaja No.9, Palembang. Price: $17/night. Rating: 4.7/5.
6. Osar Homestay: Jl. SM Raja, Palembang. Price: $23/night. Rating: 4.6/5.
7. Kavling 594 Homestay: Jl. POM IX, Palembang. Price: $15/night. Rating: 4.8/5.
8. Surya Homestay: Jl. Sriwijaya Raya, Palembang. Price: $18/night. Rating: 4.7/5.
9. Masbuc Homestay: Jl. Rengas No.10, Palembang. Price: $19/night. Rating: 4.7/5.
10. Rian Homestay: Jl. Manunggal, Palembang. Price: $21/night. Rating: 4.8/5.
Summary and top 5 cost-effective hotels and Airbnb accommodations:
• Novotel Palembang: Ideally located, affordable, and excellent reviews make it an exceptional option for your stay.
• The Alts Hotel Palembang: A luxurious option for those looking to enjoy the city’s ambiance with top-rated reviews and an incredibly reasonable price.
• Bethany Homestay: Great location, outstanding hospitality and excellent reviews give this homestay the edge in the Airbnb market.
• Wiratama Homestay: Good location, stylish design, and great value for money make this homestay a great choice for travelers.
• Ananda Homestay: Exceptional hospitality and unbeatable reviews make this homestay a prime choice for travelers staying in Palembang.
The top 5 places in Palembang are:
1. Ampera Bridge: A landmark that defines the city’s skyline and history.
2. Musi River: A floating market and river boats that capture the essence of Palembang’s traditional culture.
3. Kemaro Island: A serene spot with a rich cultural heritage and a stunning pagoda.
4. Kuto Besak Fort: A historical site that tells the stories of Palembang’s ancient saga.
5. Jakabaring Sport City: A modern, world-class sporting complex with venues for international sports events.
Palembang is a city that ticks every box. It offers an impressive mix of culture, modernization, and history. As a National Geographic journalist, I give Palembang a rating of 8/10 stars. It’s breathtakingly beautiful, rich in history, culture, and offers visitors an unforgettable experience.
Travel Package Guide: 3 Days Trip to Palembang
Day 1:
• Start the day with the iconic Ampera Bridge tour and visit the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Museum.
• Enjoy a cruise ride on the Musi River and explore the floating market.
• Visit the iconic Jakabaring Sport City complex if you are a sports enthusiast.
Day 2:
• Explore the historical landmarks such as Kuto Besak Fort and the Kemaro Island pagoda.
• Take a trip to Bukit Siguntang, Kambang Iwak, and Punti Kayu Park.
• End the day with a visit to the magnificent Great Mosque of Palembang.
Day 3:
• Start the day with a visit to Balap Kuda Racing Arena.
• Visit the Pagoda Avalokitesvara and Arab Village.
• End the day with a trip to Mount Dempo and Dempo Waterfall for scenic beauty.
Popular food to try:
1. Pempek Palembang: A local delicacy made of fish and served with vinegar sauce and chili.
2. Mie Celor: A Palembang-style noodles mixed with thick coconut milk and prawns.
3. Tekwan: A Palembang soup made with fish balls, mushroom, and scallions.
4. Lakso: A Palembang noodle dish with various toppings, includes spiced chicken, and eggs.
5. Nasi Padang: An Indonesian-style rice dish served with various side dishes.
Place to stay: Bethany Homestay (Airbnb)
Price: $17/night
Rating: 4.9/5
Details: A cozy homestay, centrally located with easy access to shops and restaurants, offers great value for the price, and delightful hospitality.
Overall, Palembang is a city that will amaze you with its stunning architecture, history, and stunning natural scenery. It’s a city that is bound to leave a lasting impression on you.
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