Kemaro Island offers a combination of history, Chinese culture, and love legends, complete with a magnificent pagoda, historic temples, and the legendary Tree of Love, making it a unique tourist destination.
Kemaro Island, located in the middle of the Musi River in Palembang, South Sumatra, is a tourist destination that combines natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.
With an area of only 30 hectares, this small island has extraordinary appeal, making it one of the most visited places in Palembang.
One of the main attractions of Kemaro Island is the legend surrounding the love story between Tan Bun An, a Chinese prince, and Siti Fatimah, the princess of the Srivijaya Kingdom, who drowned in the Musi River.
The island is now a symbol of the unity of two cultures, with various historical sites, such as Pagodas and Temples, which attract tourists to visit and experience the meaningful atmosphere.
Tourist Attractions on Kemaro Island
1. Kemaro Island Pagoda
One of the main icons of Kemaro Island is the Pagoda that towers majestically in the middle of the island. With nine floors and a total height of 45 meters, this pagoda is not only a tourist attraction, but also a symbol of Chinese culture and philosophy.
Each floor of this pagoda is five meters high, and the number nine chosen for the number of floors has a meaning in feng shui, believed to bring positive energy and good luck.
In Chinese tradition, the number nine also symbolizes longevity and prosperity. This pagoda is also equipped with eight corners, which represent the Pat Kwa symbol or the eight trigrams in feng shui teachings.
With bright colors and striking architecture, the Pulau Kemaro Pagoda offers stunning views and is a favorite photo spot for tourists.
2. Kelenteng or Vihara Pulau Kemaro
Hok Tjing Bio Temple or Kwan Im Temple is another historical site located on Pulau Kemaro. Also known as a vihara, this temple was founded in 1962, during the reign of President Soekarno.
This temple has a long history, and is often visited by Chinese people who come to worship. What makes this temple even more interesting is the presence of the tombs of Tan Bun An and Siti Fatimah in front of it.
Tan Bun An was a Chinese prince who is said to have drowned with Siti Fatimah, the princess of the Srivijaya Kingdom, forming a love story that is now a legend on Kemaro Island.
Their tomb is a place full of meaning, often visited by tourists and pilgrims who want to honor this touching love story.
3. The Love Tree
The Love Tree is one of the main attractions on Kemaro Island, a symbol of the eternal love story between Tan Bun An and Siti Fatimah.
This old banyan tree, which is believed to be the meeting place of this legendary couple, is a destination often visited by couples who want to carve their names as a symbol of eternal love.
It is said that anyone who carves their name together with their partner on this tree will have an everlasting love.
Although this tree is now fenced to protect it, its mystical and romantic appeal has never faded. Every year, many couples come to take pictures around this tree, making it a symbol of eternal love.
4. Cap Go Meh Celebration
The Cap Go Meh Celebration is one of the biggest festivals held on Kemaro Island, celebrating the 15th day after Chinese New Year.
This festival is a form of gratitude as well as a ceremony to ward off bad luck, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Chinese community.
Various interesting attractions, such as the release of floating lanterns on the Musi River and the lion dance performance that enlivens the night, make this festival an event that should not be missed.
Kemaro Island, filled with lanterns and colorful decorations, creates a magical and festive atmosphere. During this festival, visitors can feel the atmosphere full of enthusiasm and happiness, and participate in rich cultural rituals.
Address & Location of Kemaro Island
Kemaro Island is located in the middle of the Musi River, which stretches across the city of Palembang, South Sumatra.
Although this island is not too big, with an area of around 30 hectares, its location is very strategic and easy to reach by tourists.
Visitors can travel by motorboat or getek from Benteng Kuto Besak Pier, which is around 11 kilometers from Kemaro Island. If departing from the Ampera Bridge, the distance to be covered is only around 6 kilometers.
This island is often crowded with tourists who come to enjoy the natural beauty, history, and culture on offer.
Kemaro Island Tourism Ticket Prices
To visit Kemaro Island, visitors are not charged an entrance fee. However, you need to prepare money to take a motorboat or getek to cross from Kuto Besak Pier to Kemaro Island.
The cost per trip ranges from IDR 50,000 to IDR 100,000 per person, depending on the type of transportation used.
If you plan to enjoy local cuisine at stalls or restaurants around Kemaro Island, make sure to bring cash, because most transactions on this island are done in cash.
Interesting Activities on Kemaro Island
1. Visiting the Love Tree
The Love Tree is one of the most popular spots on Kemaro Island. Many couples come to carve their names on this tree, hoping that their love will last forever like the story of Tan Bun An and Siti Fatimah.
Although this tree is now fenced off, the charm and meaning contained in it still make it the center of attention. Taking pictures around this tree is a must-do activity when visiting Kemaro Island.
2. Exploring the Pagoda Area
The pagoda on Kemaro Island is one of the iconic buildings that should not be missed. Visiting and walking around the pagoda provides an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery from above.
From above, you can see the wide and beautiful Musi River and the surrounding islands. Visiting the pagoda also gives you a deeper understanding of Chinese philosophy and the symbolism contained in the architecture of this building.
3. Make a Pilgrimage to the Hok Tjing Bio Temple and Tomb
Kemaro Island is also a place full of history and spiritual meaning. You can visit the Hok Tjing Bio Temple which was founded in 1962 to worship or simply to honor Chinese history and tradition.
Adjacent to this temple, there are the tombs of Tan Bun An and Siti Fatimah, who are symbols of true love and eternity.
This place has a very distinctive mystical feel, suitable for tourists who are interested in local culture and history.
4. Culinary Cruise
After exploring Kemaro Island, you can enjoy typical Palembang cuisine at the stalls around the pier. One of the must-try foods is pempek, a fish dish fried in sago flour, and tekwan, a fish-based soup that is very popular in this area.
Various seafood dishes are also available on this island, providing a culinary experience that is no less delicious.
Kemaro Island in Palembang is a tourist destination that combines natural beauty, deep history, and rich culture.
From cultural icons such as Pagodas and Klenteng, to timeless love legends, Kemaro Island offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
This place is not only suitable for pilgrimage and learning about Chinese culture, but also for enjoying a romantic and meaningful atmosphere.
Don’t forget to visit Pasumpahan Island when you are in Palembang and enjoy all the attractions offered by this place full of history and legends.
