[crossword]As the 2018 Asian Games would come to an end soon, the two host cities of Jakarta and Palembang would mark a lasting memory—at least until the next Asian Games. Jakarta hosts most of the sports, while Palembang hosts soft tennis, women’s football, skateboarding, beach volleyball, and much more.
Jakarta as the capital city of Indonesia and hosts more sports during Asian Games 2018, gets more highlight than Palembang. Whereas, Palembang is one of the hidden gems in Indonesia and should be considered as your next travel destination. Until then, let’s get to know this city better!
After hosting SEA Games 2011, Palembang was chosen to host the most significant Pan-Asian multisport event along with Jakarta as the other host, due to its readiness regarding facilities and other supporting factors—although renovations then were planned here and there before the event. During the Asian Games 2018, all eyes were set on Jakabaring Sports City (JSC), a massive sports complex in Palembang. Also known as Gelora Sriwijaya, JSC officials have committed to prohibiting motorized vehicles from entering the venue. To compensate, the officials provide environment-friendly vehicles for the tourists to enjoy the whole arena.
Not only does JSC serve the tourists with sporting facilities, but just if you take a look at nearby tourist attractions, you will know that the sports complex is near to some interesting spots.
Culinary Tourism
“Foodtastic!”, Is perhaps the right term to explain the capital of South Sumatera province. Plenty of culinary delights are everywhere in Palembang and as the city is famous for its fish-based dishes you can name pempek, tekwan, and my colour on your must-eat list. But if you are a newbie to Asian foods, you can go for pempek as the starter. Pempek or Empek empek is the most popular fish cake in Palembang and is named as the city’s speciality.
Done with Pempek, you can now move on to the next wish list: Tekwan! At a glance, the texture of Tekewan is quite similar to Pempek as it made of fish and tapioca as well, but unlike Pempek, it is served in shrimp broth.
Mie means noodle and Mie Celor uses big noodles, same size as Udon, at a glance they are similar. Perhaps it is fine say that Mie Celor is Palembang’s very own Udon. The best part of Mie Celor is the tasty broth. The texture of the soup is thick and dense due to the coconut milk and shrimp as the main ingredients.
Remnants of an Ancient World
If you read the history of Nusantara, you will be familiar with the Srivijaya Empire. Palembang was once the capital of Srivijaya and enjoyed its heyday from the 9th Century until 11th Century. During that time, Srivijaya was the most strategic trade hub in the region and also perceived as the knowledge center of Buddhist learnings. In the same era, the Musi river was the silent witness of busy trading activities with spices, gold, silk, and ceramics as the commodities.
Today the city that was called “Venice of the East” still relies on Musi river that covers an area of approximately 466 miles. You can rent various choices of boats and go around the river while enjoying the golden sunset. For another round of food hunting or hangout session, pay a visit to the iconic landmark of Ampera bridge that spans around 0.13 mile to connect north and south banks. In sum, spend a few days in Palembang can mean reliving the remarkable history of Indonesia—something you thought only a time machine could offer.