Are you looking for a place to shop, relax, and learn about the rich history and culture of Palembang, the second largest city in Sumatra? If so, you should not miss Palembang Icon, a modern shopping mall that offers more than just a retail experience. Palembang Icon is a place where you can find local products and culture, enjoy beautiful views of the city, and have fun at the cinema. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Palembang Icon and why it is a must-visit destination in Indonesia.
Palembang Icon: A Modern Mall with a Traditional Touch
Palembang Icon is a shopping mall that opened in 2014 and has become one of the most popular attractions in Palembang. The mall has four floors and a basement, with more than 200 stores and showrooms of famous brands, such as Zara, H&M, Adidas, and Starbucks. You can find everything from fashion and accessories to electronics and books at Palembang Icon.
But Palembang Icon is not just a place to shop. It is also a place to appreciate the local products and culture of Palembang. On the third floor, you can find a special area called Palembang Culture and Heritage, where you can see and buy traditional handicrafts, such as songket, lacquerware, and batik. Songket is a fine silver and gold woven cloth that is used for ceremonial occasions, such as weddings and festivals. Lacquerware is a type of wood carving that is coated with resin and painted with colorful motifs. Batik is a fabric that is dyed with wax and has distinctive patterns and symbols.

You can also watch and join the cultural performances that are held regularly at Palembang Icon, such as the regal dances, the martial arts, and the puppet shows. These performances showcase the history and diversity of Palembang, which was once the seat of the powerful Sriwijaya empire that ruled over Sumatra and the Straits of Malacca from the 9th to the 11th century.
One of the most striking features of Palembang Icon is the balcony on the fourth floor, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the Musi River, the longest river in Sumatra. The balcony also has a small pond with a fountain and a statue of a dragon, which is the symbol of Palembang. The dragon represents the legend of the founding of Palembang, which is said to be the result of a fight between two mythical creatures, a dragon and a bird.
The name Palembang Icon also has a meaning and a history behind it. The word icon means a representative or a symbol of something, and in this case, it refers to the mall’s role as a symbol of Palembang’s modernity and progress. The word icon also has a connection to the Sriwijaya empire, which was known as the “island of gold” or the “golden island” in ancient times. The word icon is derived from the Greek word eikon, which means image or likeness, and was used to describe the gold coins that were minted by the Sriwijaya empire.
Palembang: A City of History and Culture
Palembang Icon is not the only place where you can experience the history and culture of Palembang. Palembang is a city that has a lot to offer for travelers who are interested in exploring the legacy of Sriwijaya and the diversity of Indonesia. Here are some of the landmarks and attractions that you should not miss when you visit Palembang:

The Ampera Bridge is the icon of Palembang and the most recognizable landmark in the city. The bridge spans the Musi River and connects the two sides of the city, Seberang Ilir and Seberang Ulu. The bridge was built in 1965 and has a unique design that allows it to open and close to let ships pass through. The bridge is also illuminated at night, creating a spectacular sight.
The Musi River is the lifeblood of Palembang and the main transportation route in the city. The river is also a cultural and historical attraction, as it was the main trade route of the Sriwijaya empire and the site of many battles and events. You can take a boat ride along the river and see the different aspects of Palembang, such as the traditional houses, the mosques, the temples, and the monuments. You can also stop by the floating restaurants and enjoy the local cuisine, such as the pempek, the signature dish of Palembang.
The Kamaro Temple is a small island in the Musi River delta that has a magnificent Chinese temple, the Hok Cing Bio. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of the sea, Mazu, and is a place of worship and pilgrimage for the Chinese community in Palembang. The temple is also a tourist attraction, especially during the Cap Go Meh festival, which is the 15th day of the Chinese New Year. During the festival, the island is decorated with lanterns and flags, and the temple hosts various ceremonies and performances, such as the lion dance, the dragon dance, and the opera.
The Istana Museum is a museum that displays the history and heritage of Palembang from the age of Sriwijaya to the present. The museum is housed in a former palace of the sultan of Palembang, which was built in the 18th century and has a distinctive architecture that combines Malay, Chinese, and European influences. The museum has various collections of artifacts, weapons, costumes, and paintings that showcase the culture and identity of Palembang. You can also see the throne room, the royal bedroom, and the reception hall of the palace, which are preserved and restored to their original condition.
How to Visit Palembang Icon and Palembang
If you are planning to visit Palembang Icon and Palembang, here are some tips and recommendations that will help you make the most of your trip:

The best time to visit Palembang Icon and Palembang is between May and October, which is the dry season in Sumatra. The weather is sunny and pleasant, and the chances of rain are low. You can also enjoy the festivals and events that are held during this period, such as the Sriwijaya Festival, the Musi Festival, and the Independence Day Celebration.
The best way to get to Palembang Icon and Palembang is by air, as Palembang has an international airport, the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport, that connects the city to other major cities in Indonesia and abroad. You can also travel by land or by water, but the journey will be longer and more expensive. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a bus, or a train to Palembang Icon, which is located in the city center and is easily accessible.
The best place to stay near Palembang Icon and Palembang is one of the hotels that are located within walking distance from the mall. You can choose from a range of options, from budget to luxury, depending on your preference and budget. Some of the top hotels near Palembang Icon are:
The Arista Hotel Palembang: a five-star hotel that offers spacious and elegant rooms, a swimming pool, a spa, and a restaurant. The hotel is located next to Palembang Icon and has a direct access to the mall. The price per night is around $60.
The Zuri Hotel Palembang: a four-star hotel that offers modern and comfortable rooms, a fitness center, a sauna, and a coffee shop. The hotel is located across the street from Palembang Icon and is a short walk from the mall. The price per night is around $40.
The Red Planet Palembang: a three-star hotel that offers cozy and clean rooms, a 24-hour front desk, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is located a few blocks away from Palembang Icon and is a 10-minute walk from the mall. The price per night is around $20.
The best tips and recommendations on what to do, see, and avoid at Palembang Icon and Palembang are:
Do try the local cuisine of Palembang, especially the pempek, which is a fishcake that is served with vinegar sauce, noodles, and cucumber. You can find pempek at Palembang Icon, at the floating restaurants on the Musi River, or at the street stalls around the city.
Do visit the other attractions in Palembang, such as the Ampera Bridge, the Kamaro Temple, and the Istana Museum, and learn more about the history and culture of Palembang and Sriwijaya. You can also take a day trip to the nearby islands, such as Bangka and Belitung, which are known for their beaches and natural beauty.
Do respect the local customs and traditions of Palembang, especially when you visit the religious sites, such as the mosques and the temples. You should dress modestly, cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering. You should also avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during the fasting month of Ramadan, which is observed by the majority of the population in Palembang.
Avoid traveling during the peak hours, which are between 7 am and 9 am and between 4 pm and 6 pm, as the traffic can be very congested and chaotic. You should also avoid traveling during the rainy season, which is between November and April, as the weather can be unpredictable and cause floods and landslides.
Avoid falling for scams or overpaying for goods and services at Palembang Icon and Palembang, as some vendors and drivers may try to take advantage of tourists. You should always bargain and compare prices before buying anything, and use reputable and licensed transportation providers. You should also be careful with your belongings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables.
Palembang Icon is a shopping mall that is more than just a shopping mall. It is a place where you can find local products and culture, enjoy beautiful views of the city, and have fun at the cinema. Palembang Icon is also a gateway to explore the history and culture of Palembang, the former capital of the Sriwijaya empire and the second largest city in Sumatra. Palembang has many landmarks and attractions that showcase the legacy and diversity of Sriwijaya and Indonesia, such as the Ampera Bridge, the Musi River, the Kamaro Temple, and the Istana Museum. Palembang also has a unique cuisine and fashion that reflect its rich heritage and identity, such as the pempek, the sarung ikat crystals and diamonds, and the songket.
If you are looking for a place to shop, relax, and learn about Palembang and Sriwijaya, you should not miss Palembang Icon and Palembang. They are a must-visit destination in Indonesia that will give you a memorable and enjoyable experience.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Palembang Icon and Palembang today and discover the shopping paradise and the cultural showcase of Indonesia.