Kemaro Island Tourism

Cultural and Historical Site3.5(280 reviews)

About Kemaro Island

Kemaro Island, located in the Musi River, is one of Palembang's most visited tourist spots. It is famous for its serene atmosphere and the striking nine-story Pagoda that graces the island, which is a symbol of the Chinese influence in the region. The island is rich in cultural history, with the Pagoda being a place of worship for Buddhists and a shrine to the Tan Bun An – Siti Fatimah love story, reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet. Visitors are often enchanted by the setting of this tale of love and heartbreak. Besides the pagoda, there is also a large statue of Kwan Im Goddess, regarded as a deity of mercy in Chinese Buddhism, which is a key feature of the temple complex. The island is also famous for its annual Cap Go Meh festival, which celebrates the fifteenth day of the Chinese New Year, drawing many visitors and devotees. This small, lush island has walking paths surrounded by greenery and is considered a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is an ideal location to learn about Chinese-Indonesian culture and enjoy leisure activities such as picnicking and river sightseeing.

Top 5 Reviews on Kemaro Island

iolandaa21
5.0
Wrote on 9 Feb 2023
Interesting ...
Reaching Kemaro island to visit the Chinese temple and pagoda where the tomb of a Sriwijaya princess and the son of a mandarin Chinese, whose forbidden love is said to have similarities with Romeo and Juliet's, implied sailing along the Musi rive which was equally interesting.
GlobalGang
3.0
Wrote on 5 Jan 2020
Just ok for a quick visit
We took the getek from Benteng Kuto Besak for an evening cruise and stopped here just to have a look. Lots of vendors selling souvenirs and food. There was a pagoda and a temple. Avoid weekends!
rommyras
3.0
Wrote on 29 Dec 2019
One of tourist spot in Palembang
One of the tourist spot in Palembang. There some ways to get to this island, One is from Benteng Kuto Besak by hiring a "ketek" boat. Price is about IDR 300,000 , round way. Destination about 15 mins. But there is no safety life jacket. So prepare for the waves causes by other boat that impacting your boat. The other way is from Pusri area which is very near, maybe 2-3 mins ketek boat ride. The island itself is nothing special, there is some picture spot, and the kids local are friendly.
karsiniwati
3.0
Wrote on 7 Mar 2019
Pitty for the trip
At our last hours in Palembang, I insisted to see the island of Kemaro. From one boat operator to another one, they asked for enormous difference price to cross the river on to go to the island. Perhaps they saw my hub as a foreigner. Anyway, when we reached the place, we were dissapointed. One little information about the man who is drawn with his wife because of his hidden presence from his parents and then I do not understand what is the connection with the temple an so on. Man will spent only 15 minutes the most to explore the "famous" island and if man has to dig theirs pocket so deep for that, it was not worthy. Guests, think twice before you decided to go to Kamaro island unless after this review they change the situation or the information of that famous island.
WestonSouthFlorida
5.0
Wrote on 3 Oct 2018
Wonderful boat ride to this magical island steeped in Indonesia history
It all begain with a boat ride. I was impressed with the high safety standards; it took a while to double check that everyone had a life jacket and that the number of people was under the boat limit. Then, the pagoda and experience of the Buddhist temple was lovely. We were able to play a divination game at the temple and enjoy the fragrant incense. I suggest climbing the steps up to the 9th floor and enjoy the glorious view.