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Photo: Gunawan Kartapranata, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
An archaeological site hosting remnants of an ancient settlement (probably from Srivijayan era) with networks of artificial canals. The park displays many artefacts such as Buddhist statues, potteries and ceramics, but no major historic structures, as the buildings there were most likely built from perishable materials like wood instead of bricks or stones.
Srivijaya archaeological park, formerly known as Karanganyar archaeological site, is the ancient remnants of a garden and habitation area near the northern bank of Musi river within Palembang vicinity, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Remnants of ancient man-made canals, moats, ponds and artificial islands discovered in this area suggests the site was related with a 9th-century settlement related to the Srivijaya empire. Several artifacts, such as Buddhist statues, beads, pottery and Chinese ceramics were found in this area, confirming the area was once a dense human habitation.
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Bukit Siguntang is a low hill in Palembang, widely regarded as one of the most important sacred sites associated with the ancient Srivijaya Empire. Archaeological finds and local tradition suggest the area was a spiritual centre, and it is believed to have been occupied as early as the 7th century. Today, the hill is a landscaped park containing a number of revered tombs linked to legendary Malay figures, making it both a historical and cultural pilgrimage site. Visitors can climb a series of steps to the summit, where statues and viewpoints offer a sense of the area’s significance. While little monumental architecture remains,
Rumah Saudagar Ong Boen Tjiet
Former residence of Ong Boen Tjiet, a famous 20th-century Palembang merchant of Chinese-Indonesian background. Facing Musi on its southern bank, it features a mix between Palembang Malay and Chinese architectural elements, and hosts collections owned and maintaned privately by Ong Boen Tjiet's family. Can be also be reached through land route, though the alleyways to the house fit motorcycle only.
A major urban park consisting of a large pond surrounded by vegetations and a nearby smaller pond. Every Sunday morning the streets around the park are closed to traffic, giving space for pedestrians to stroll around and street vendors to sell local specialties and delicacies.
Claimed to house the largest wood-carved copy of the Quran in the world, displayed page by page on the 15-metre high galleries. Reviews are mixed, with many travellers saying it is a must visit on a trip to Palembang and others complaining about a long drive on bad roads to a rural area and poor access for disabled people.
Kantor Ledeng
Built in the early 20th century, this building was influenced by the contemporary De stijl architecture, and was the tallest building in Palembang when it was first inaugurated. Originally served a dual function as a water tower and city hall, it now hosts the city's mayoral office.
Benteng Kuto Besak
A walled compound from the Sultanate era on the northern side of Musi River. Originally completed in 1797, it is now used as the headquarter for the regional command of the Indonesian National Forces. The compound is closed to public due to its military use, though an enormous open plaza right in front of it functions as the city's main square. On the plaza there lies the Belido Fish Monument, dedicated towards a protected endemic species that used to be the main ingredient in local delicacies.