Pagar Alam is a charming city located in the southern part of South Sumatra province, Indonesia. Nestled at the foot of Mount Dempo, the highest peak in South Sumatra, Pagar Alam is known for its cool climate, lush landscapes, and natural beauty. It serves as both a tranquil retreat and an agricultural hub, especially famous for its tea and coffee plantations.

Highlights Pagaralam:

  • Mount Dempo: A prominent volcano that attracts hikers and adventure lovers. Its scenic trails and crater offer breathtaking views, especially at sunrise.
  • Tea & Coffee Plantations: The fertile volcanic soil around the city makes it ideal for cultivating high-quality tea and coffee, which are among the city’s key commodities.
  • Cultural Heritage: Pagaralam is home to various megalithic sites—large ancient stone structures—scattered across the area, hinting at its rich prehistoric history.
  • Nature Tourism: The city boasts numerous waterfalls, such as Curup Embun and Curup Mangkok, as well as rolling hills and lush forests perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
  • Traditional Life: Visitors can explore the lives of the Besemah people, the indigenous community of the region, known for their hospitality and unique traditions.

Pagaralam, a hidden gem in South Sumatra

Known as the land of a thousand waterfalls and megaliths, Pagar Alam is a hidden gem found in the hills of South Sumatra. This small unassuming city is relatively unknown to foreign visitors, which makes it an ideal destination for exploring before it gets too touristy. While we were there, we only met 1 foreign solo traveller from New York!

Pagar Alam is located 298km from the city of Palembang, and is completely surrounded by breathtaking hills and mountain ridges. If you need some fresh air away from the city and crowds, Pagar Alam is an awesome alternative destination.

Pagar Alam is a city on the eastern part of South Sumatra Province. It is really close to the border with Bengkulu Province. Pagar Alam is a city located on the highland, some part of it is on the slope of Mount Dempo. Consequently, you can find lots of beautiful mountainous spots in Pagar Alam.

From the tea plantation to the top of the mountain, Pagaralam promises a wonderful journey to whoever is willing to explore it. Here are some of the most interesting spots in Pagaralam, South Sumatra.

The site is named after the village it’s located on. There are lots of historic artifacts like stone sculptures and rock carvings. The artifacts spread around the village and not all of them are protected. If you are into history, this is the best place to ‘hunt’ for ancient ruins. However, please refrain from moving or taking those artifacts.