[2025 Palembang Attraction] Travel Guide for Ampera Bridge (Updated Apr)

My Past Trip. The Ampera Bridge, which has become a symbol of the city, is located in the middle of Palembang City, connecting the Seberang Ulu and Seberang Ilir areas which are separated by the Musi River. The Ampera Bridge was built in 1962 with construction costs taken from the Japanese war plunder. This also happened in the construction of the Jakarta Monas monument. Initially, this bridge was named Soekarno Bridge, the president of Indonesia at that time. Giving the name is considered as a form of respect for the services of President Soekarno at that time. However, President Soekarno was less pleased because he did not want to create certain individual tendencies. For this reason, the name of the bridge was equated with the slogan of the Indonesian nation in 1960, namely the People's Suffering Mandate or abbreviated as Ampera.

When traveling to 🇲🇨Indonesia, most people visit Java·Indonesia. However, Sumatra·Indonesia and Borneo (Kalimantan)·Indonesia offer a more unique experience. Palembang, in particular, is less frequented by tourists. I had the opportunity to visit for work and discovered its connection to China, dating back to the voyages of Zheng He. 🇲🇨Kraton and Ampera Bridge: A Play of Light and Shadow My first stop was Kemaro Island Pagoda. I recommend arriving at 8 a.m. to avoid the harsh sun and capture the vibrant colors of this red, gold, and green pagoda, which blends Chinese and Indian Buddhist architectural styles. Inside, you can climb the steep steps to the top for a panoramic view of the city, the courtyard, and the Musi River. In the afternoon, I visited the Ampera Bridge, a red steel landmark that was once Indonesia's only lift bridge. At dusk, the bridge's reflection on the river creates a cinematic scene, reminiscent of the 🌉Golden Gate Bridge in documentaries. However, up close, the differences in size and structure are apparent. 🍲Food Recommendation: I recommend trying the Palembang fish cakes at the riverside night market, Pempek Vico. Pair them with the sweet and spicy sauce for a taste of 600 years of Minnan flavor. 🇲🇨Chinese Temples and Southeast Asian Legends Take a boat to Kemaro Island in the Musi River and visit the Hok Tjing Rio Temple. Listen to the boatman recount the poignant love story of Chinese merchant Chen Wen An and the Srivijayan princess. The Srivijaya kingdom has a rich history, as evidenced by the Al Mutaqin Mosque. The temple's upturned eaves and dragon carvings, combined with Indonesian coconut wood structures, create a unique aesthetic. In the afternoon, return to the city to visit the Cheng Ho Mosque. The Chinese-style gatehouse and octagonal pavilion with a large drum evoke the maritime history of the Ming Dynasty. Don't miss the portrait of Zheng He in the temple's scripture room. 📝Tips: 🚕Transportation: Use Grab or hire a car for a day trip (approximately IDR 900,000). ❇️Experiences: Get a fortune poem at Shuiyue Palace (interpretations available in Chinese and Indonesian). Take a night cruise on the Musi River to see the fishing lights. Book a tour with dinner on Trip.com. ❤Souvenirs: Batik cloth around Kemaro Island Pagoda and wooden statues on Kemaro Island are good choices. If you're unsure, visit Carrefour. 🔱Explore the world's most beautiful destinations🔱

Palembang, located in the South Sumatra province of Indonesia, is one of Sumatra's oldest cities and the island's second largest. Situated on the Musi River, it boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, unique natural scenery, and delicious local cuisine. It's an ideal destination for exploring the culture of South Sumatra and experiencing the tropical atmosphere. Best Time to Travel: Palembang has a tropical rainforest climate, warm and humid year-round, with an average temperature of around 27°C. The best time to travel is during the dry season (May to September), when there is less rainfall, making it suitable for outdoor activities. Transportation: By Air: Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II International Airport (PLM) is Palembang's main airport, with direct flights to cities like Jakarta and Singapore. By Land: You can take a long-distance bus from Jakarta, Bandung, and other cities to Palembang, which takes about 10–12 hours. Accommodation Recommendations: Luxury: The Zuri Hotel Palembang, located in the city center, offers comprehensive facilities and first-class service. Comfort: Aston Palembang Hotel & Conference Center, with its excellent location and moderate price, offers great value. Budget: D'primahotel Palembang, clean and tidy, is affordable and suitable for backpackers. Must-See Attractions: Ampera Bridge: This red bridge spanning the Musi River is Palembang's landmark and a symbol of the city. At night, the brightly lit bridge offers a spectacular view. Great Mosque of Palembang (Masjid Agung Palembang): This magnificent mosque is one of the largest in Southeast Asia. Its architectural style blends Arabic, Indian, and Indonesian elements, creating a grand and imposing structure. Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Museum: The museum houses a rich collection of Palembang artifacts, including ancient weapons, ceramics, and textiles, making it a great place to learn about Palembang's history and culture. Kemaro Island: Located in the Musi River, the island features a Chinese temple and a pagoda, an important place for the local Chinese community to celebrate Lunar New Year. Palembang Traditional Market (Pasar 16 Ilir): Here you can experience the daily life of the locals, taste authentic Palembang cuisine, and buy unique handicrafts. Local Cuisine: Pempek: Palembang's most representative dish, these fishcakes are made from fish and tapioca flour, offering a chewy texture and are typically served with vinegar sauce. Mie Celor: Palembang's specialty coconut milk noodles, featuring firm noodles, rich broth, and various toppings. Laksan: Similar to Pempek, but smaller in size and softer in texture, usually served with coconut milk soup. Tekwan: Fish ball soup, with a delicious broth and springy fish balls, is a favorite breakfast among Palembang residents. Travel Tips: * The official language of Palembang is Indonesian, but locals also speak the Palembang dialect. Learning a few simple Indonesian phrases will be helpful for your trip. * The currency of Palembang is the Indonesian Rupiah. It is recommended to exchange currency in advance. * The voltage in Palembang is 220 volts, and the socket types are C and F. It is recommended to bring a travel adapter. * Traffic in Palembang can be congested. It is recommended to plan your itinerary in advance and allow sufficient time. Conclusion: Palembang is a charming city with a rich history and culture, unique natural scenery, and delicious local cuisine. Here, you can experience the warm hospitality of the Palembang people and a distinctive cultural atmosphere. Your trip to Palembang is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Below is a travel guide to Palembang, Indonesia: Recommended Attractions Ampera Bridge: This bridge is a landmark of Palembang, connecting two parts of the city. It's a great place to enjoy city views and river scenery. Great Mosque of Palembang: This is one of the largest mosques in Indonesia. It has a unique architectural style and exquisite interior decoration, making it a great place to learn about local religious culture. Palembang Museum: The museum houses a large collection of historical relics and artworks, showcasing the history and culture of Palembang. Kuto Besak Fortress: Built in the 18th century, this fortress is a Dutch colonial building. Now a history museum, it showcases the history and culture of Palembang. Recommended Food Traditional Indonesian Food: Such as Indonesian fried rice, satay, and Indonesian grilled meat, these dishes all have a strong Indonesian flavor. Palembang Specialties: Such as Palembang fried noodles and Palembang grilled fish, these dishes all have local Palembang characteristics. Recommended Accommodation Palembang City Center Hotels: Located in the city center, with convenient transportation and many attractions and restaurants nearby, these are popular choices for tourists. Riverside Hotels in Palembang: Located by the Palembang River, these hotels offer beautiful surroundings and are suitable for tourists who love natural scenery. Homestays in Palembang: If you want to experience local life, you can choose to stay in a homestay, interact with local residents, and experience the unique charm of Palembang. Transportation Guide Airplane: Palembang has its own airport. You can fly to Palembang from cities like Jakarta. Train: Palembang is an important transportation hub in Indonesia. You can take a train to Palembang from cities like Jakarta. Car: If you choose to drive yourself, you can follow the Indonesian highway to Palembang, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. Travel Itinerary Day 1: After arriving in Palembang, go to Ampera Bridge to enjoy the city views and river scenery. In the evening, you can enjoy traditional Indonesian food at a restaurant in Palembang. Day 2: Visit the Great Mosque of Palembang in the morning to learn about local religious culture. In the afternoon, you can go to the Palembang Museum to experience the history and culture of Palembang. Day 3: Go to Kuto Besak Fortress to learn about the history and culture of Palembang. In the evening, you can enjoy Palembang specialties at a restaurant in Palembang. Things to Note Indonesia is a Muslim country, and tourists need to respect local religious customs. Palembang has a hot and humid climate, so it is recommended to bring sunscreen and rain gear. When visiting temples and museums, please keep quiet and abide by the relevant regulations. Traffic in Palembang is relatively congested, so it is recommended to choose a suitable mode of transportation.

Explore Palembang: A beautiful picture of Nanyang style Palembang, located in the southeast of Sumatra, Indonesia, is a city full of unique charm. As the cradle of the Srivijaya Kingdom, historical sites are everywhere. The majestic Palembang Grand Mosque, with its exquisite architectural craftsmanship, demonstrates a profound religious culture. The Giant Quran Museum houses many ancient books, telling the glory of the past. When night falls, the Ampera Bridge is lit up, and the red bridge body and lights complement each other, spanning the Musi River, becoming the most dazzling presence in the city, attracting countless tourists to check in and take photos. Palembang's name as a "water city" is also well-deserved. The crisscrossing waterways pass through the city, with coconut groves swaying along the banks and houses scattered. Take a small boat to shuttle among them, and feel the unique water town style with the breeze blowing on your face. Don't miss the local delicacies, the tender and juicy fish cakes, with special sauces, every bite is a treat for the taste buds. Come to Palembang, encounter the unique beauty of the intertwining of history and nature, and start an unforgettable journey to Nanyang.

AMPERA BRIDGE What fairly seen about Palembang city? It is definitely The Ampera Bridge. This bridge is typically Palembang city icon that located in the heart of Palembang city, that connected Seberang Ulu area and Seberalng Ilir that separated by the Musi River. The idea to unite the two mainland in Palembang "Seberang Ulu and Seberang Ilir" by the bridge, was actually existed since Gemeente era in 1906, when the Mayor of Palembang is held by Le Cocq de Ville, in1924. This idea was raised again and made a lot of effort to realize it. However, until Le Cocq was out of duty, or when the Dutch pull out of Indonesia, the project was never realized. Until 1965, this bridge was officially opened by Bung Karno, the Indonesia’s first President. The idea of this bridge came up to be a match for London’s Tower Bridge and the fund for the development is taken by Japanase war reparations, with Fuji Car Manufacturing Co. Ltd as the designer and constractioner. After the development, the early name of the bridge was Bung Karno Bridge, but following his fall, it was renamed to Ampera Bridge. The middle part of Ampera Bridge, duringthe first built, along 71.90 meters, with a 22 meters wide. Part of the bridge that the overall weight of 944 tons can be lifted at a speed of about 10 meters per minute. The two tower liftng is stand tall as high as 63 meters. The distance between the two towers is 75 meters. Two tower is equipped with two pendulum weights, each about 500 tons. #nationalpark