Kemaro Island in Palembang offers the beauty of a nine-story pagoda, the legendary Tree of Love, as well as various cultural celebrations such as Cap Go Meh that attract tourists from all over.
Kemaro Island is a unique tourist destination located in the middle of the Musi River, Palembang, which combines history, culture, and natural beauty.
With an area of only about 30 hectares, the island offers many attractions for its visitors, from the majestic towering pagoda to the legendary Tree of Love.
In addition, the temples rich in spiritual values and the lively Cap Go Meh celebration are the main attractions of this island. Kemaro Island is not just an ordinary tourist spot, but also a place full of interesting folklore and meaningful cultural moments.
Despite its small size, this island is a very valuable tourist destination for those who want to dive into the natural beauty and culture of Palembang.
Tourist Attractions on Kemaro Island
1. Nine-Storey Pagoda
One of the iconic symbols of Kemaro Island is the nine-story pagoda that towers 45 meters high. This pagoda is not only visually appealing, but also full of philosophical meaning.
Each floor is five meters high, and the pagoda was built with the aim of following the principles of feng shui. The number nine in feng shui is considered to bring positive energy, believed to increase the luck and prosperity of those around it.
In addition, this pagoda has eight corners, which symbolize the Pat Kwa symbol or the Eight Trigrams, which means balance and harmony.
The bright colors that dominate the pagoda also refer to Chinese beliefs, where these colors are considered a symbol of good luck. Visiting this pagoda provides an opportunity to not only enjoy its beauty, but also to absorb the cultural meaning contained within it.
2. Hok Tjing Bio Temple
Near the pagoda, visitors can find the Hok Tjing Bio Temple which has been standing since 1962, during the reign of President Soekarno. This temple is also known as the Kwan Im Temple and is a place of worship for the Chinese community in Palembang.
In addition to being a place of worship, this temple also has a very important historical value, especially related to the tombs of Tan Bun An and Siti Fatimah, two highly respected figures in Palembang folklore.
Their tombs are located in front of the temple and are believed to be a sacred place by many people. The love story between Tan Bun An, a Chinese prince, and Siti Fatimah, a princess from the Srivijaya Kingdom, is a legend that fills the history of this temple.
Visitors who come can make a pilgrimage or simply admire this historic building.
3. Tree of Love
The Love Tree on Kemaro Island is a place that is very famous for the legend of true love between Tan Bun An and Siti Fatimah. According to folklore, couples who carve their names on this tree will have eternal love.
The old banyan tree in the middle of the island is a symbol of intercultural love, because Tan Bun An came from China and Siti Fatimah was the princess of the Srivijaya Kingdom native to Indonesia.
Although the tree is now protected by a protective fence to preserve it, many couples still come to take pictures around the tree and write their names on it. Kemaro Island is often called the Island of Lovebirds by locals and visitors who want to find luck in their love.
4. Cap Go Meh Celebration
Cap Go Meh, held on the 15th day after Chinese New Year, is one of the biggest and most festive celebrations on Kemaro Island. This celebration is an event for the Chinese community and local residents to give thanks and ward off all bad luck.
During this celebration, the island is filled with various cultural attractions, such as the release of lanterns, lion dance performances, and other traditional Chinese art performances.
This event is not only interesting for tourists, but also for local people who join in celebrating and praying for safety and good fortune in the new year.
This celebration provides a colorful and joyful atmosphere that makes Kemaro Island even more lively and busy. Not infrequently, this celebration attracts thousands of visitors from various regions who want to experience the festive atmosphere.
Location and Access to Kemaro Island
Kemaro Island is located on the Musi River, precisely in 1 Ilir, Ilir Tim II District, Palembang City. Despite its small size, the island has very easy access for tourists.
From Benteng Kuto Besak Pier, visitors can travel about 11 km using a ketek or speedboat. If departing from Ampera Bridge, the distance is only about 6 km.
This island can be reached not only using private transportation, but also public transportation. Even though this island is small, it is very busy with tourists because of the presence of pagodas, Chinese temples, and very diverse cultural attractions.
During the trip to Kemaro Island, visitors can enjoy the beautiful views of the Musi River, making the trip to this island more enjoyable.
Entrance Ticket Prices and Operating Hours
One of the advantages of Kemaro Island is that there is no entrance fee to enjoy the beauty and history of this island. All existing tourist attractions, from the pagoda to the Tree of Love, are free to access.
However, visitors only need to pay for transportation across the river using a ketek or speedboat at a rate of around IDR 30,000 per ketek. Of course, these costs may vary depending on negotiations with the boat driver.
Kemaro Island is open daily from 09.00 WIB to 19.00 WIB, including weekends and national holidays. If there is a celebration or special event, operating hours can be extended to provide a more optimal experience for visitors.
Interesting Activities on Kemaro Island
1. Visiting the Tree of Love
The Love Tree is the most popular symbol on Kemaro Island. Although the tree is now protected by a protective fence, many couples still come to take pictures and write their names around the tree as a symbol of their eternal love.
Don’t miss the chance to capture a special moment here!
2. Exploring the Pagoda Area
The nine-story pagoda on Kemaro Island is a must-see. From the top of the pagoda, visitors can enjoy the stunning view of the Musi River and feel a strong spiritual experience within. You can walk around and enjoy every corner of this magnificent pagoda.
3. Make a pilgrimage to the Hok Tjing Bio Temple and the Tomb of Tan Bun An
The tombs of Tan Bun An and Siti Fatimah are located near the Hok Tjing Bio Temple, and this place is often visited by tourists to pray or remember their legendary story. The mystical and serene atmosphere makes it a quiet place to rest or just reflect.
4. Culinary Tourism
After you are satisfied with walking around, you can enjoy Palembang’s culinary specialties, such as pempek, tekwan, or various other seafood dishes available around the Kemaro Island pier.
Enjoying local dishes while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Kemaro Island is the perfect way to end your trip. Kemaro Island in Palembang is a tourist destination that combines natural beauty, history, and culture.
From the majestic nine-story pagoda to the legendary Love Tree, the island offers a rich and unique experience.
With cultural celebrations such as Cap Go Meh and the surrounding natural beauty, Kemaro Island is a perfect place to spend time with family or partner. Don’t miss the chance to explore the enchanting beauty of Ranau Island when you are in Palembang!