South Sumatra

One of the greatest kingdoms in Indonesian history, the Buddhist Empire of Sriwijaya, prospered along the banks of Musi River in South Sumatra over a thousand years ago. Located on the southern-most rim of the South China Sea, close to the one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes linking the Far East with Europe, the Region’s historical background is rich and colourful. The Sriwijaya kingdom practised a bustling and incrative trade with ancient China during its era of powerful dynasties. In 672 the Chinese 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 scattered 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.

Tourism Events
Musi Festival performs a Bidar (canoe) Race, held on Musi River which meanders through the city. The canoes are shaped to resemble animals heads and can hold 40 rowers in colorful outfits. Start in the morning every August 17.


Places of Interest=]

Limas Traditional Houses

Limas Traditional Houses are built along the river banks, facing away from the water so daily household activities can be done in privacy. These very ornate wooden houses are raised on stills, and are usually 15-20 meters in width and from 30-60 meters, from Colums; door and window frames to ventilation panels are intricately carved.

The State Museum

The State Museum is 5 Km from the airport. It has over 2,000 relics and antiquities from around the province make a visit worthwhile.

Curup Tenang Waterfall

Curup Tenang Waterfall is 2 hours drive from Palembang. It is a land of rivers and waterfalls, where the water cascades from a height of 90 meters into deep pool.

Putri Cave

Putri Cave is situated at the edge of Padang Windu Village, 35 Km from Baturaja. It is 156 m long and 8-20 m wide. The maximum height is 20 m. In the cave there are many stalagtites and stalagmites and a stream which empties into River Ogan.

Ranau Lake

Ranau Lake is 125 Km from Baturaja. It is 8x16 sq km and surrounded hills and valleys in Mount Seminung.

Musi Festival

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

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

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.

Sembilang National Park

Sembilang National Park. has a 45.000 sq hectares wildlife reserve. It is a paradise for various kinds of birds (pelican, hornbill, milky stork, etc) there are two kinds of Sumatran Crocodile and numpback dolphins.

Ampera Bridge

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.

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