scholar, I Tsing, recorded that a thousand monks and scholars could be seen translating and studying Sanskrit in Palembang. Few relics of this memorable are remain. Stretching from the foothills of the mighty Bukit Barisan mountain range, this province is relatively flat but very fertile, with numerous rivers cutting across the landscape and meandering their way to the sea. Coffee and tea plantations are cattered across the province, but area’s enormous wealth comes from oil, natural gas, coal, tin and quartz reserves.

South Sumatra is famous for Songket wearing which are made of silk thread combined with gold thread. Palembang also famous for its wood carving motifs which are influenced by the chinese and Buddhist. The carving are dominated by decorations in the form of jasmine flower and lotus that can be seen in the furnitures and lacquers. Palembang’s famous fruits are pineaple and duku (Lansium domisticum).

GETTING THERE

Many domestic Airlines serve to Palembang. Garuda Indonesia Airlines serve flight from Osaka, Tokyo, Jeddah, Riyadh, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Singapore and Perth as well as major cities in Indonesia to Palembang. Air Conditiined buses from Java and Sumatra also available.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Ampera Bridge links two parts of Palembang city. Any true ‘Palembang’ experience must include a river trip. Bustling floating markets and glimpses of traditional ways of life along the river will stay with you long after you return home.

Musi Festival. August 17 is Indonesia’s Independence Day and is celebrated through out country by its people who actively participate in difference kinds of activities. In Palembang the capital of South Sumatra Province, the people have unique celebration with a Bidar (canoe) race, held on Musi River which Meanders through the city. The canoes are shaped to resemble animals heads each of which can hold 40 rowers in colorful out fits. It is a one day celebration and starts after the flag hoisting ceremony in the morning, the followed by exhibition of handicrafts and cultural performance.

The Megalithic Stone can be found in many areas in the village of Tanjung Aro, 67 Kms from Lahat and Tinggi Hari Village, 11 Kms from Lahat. A mortar stone in Tebing Tinggi.

Mount Dempo. On the skirt of Mt. Dempo there are a complete facilities to see the natural tea plantation in Pagar Alam it is the highest peak in South Sumatra and might be reached directly from Palembang city by car about 6 hours drive (295 kilometers). Enjoy the mountain bike, camping, tea walk and hiking.

For more places of interest, please visit
http://www.my-indonesia.info/page.php?ic=1122&prov=28
http://www.sumsel.go.id

TOURIST OFFICE

Jl. Demang Lebar Daun Kav.IX,
Palembang
Phone. (0711) 356661, 311345, 357348
Fax. (0711) 311544
Website : www.sumsel.go.id
E-mail : info@diparss.go.id