Surabaya, often called the “City of Heroes,” is the capital of the East Java province in Indonesia. With its rich history, diverse culture, and bustling cityscape, Surabaya offers a unique travel experience for visitors. As the second-largest city in Indonesia, Surabaya is a hub of economic activity, commerce, and tourism. It boasts a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, making it an exciting destination for travelers seeking a vibrant urban experience.
History & Culture:
Surabaya has a significant historical and cultural background. The city played a crucial role in Indonesia’s struggle for independence and is known for its fierce spirit. It was the site of the Battle of Surabaya in 1945, which marked a pivotal moment in Indonesia’s fight against colonialism. The city takes pride in its heroic history, and this resilience is reflected in its vibrant culture. Surabaya is also home to diverse ethnic groups, contributing to a rich cultural tapestry of traditions, art, and cuisine.
Weather and Best Time to Visit: Surabaya has a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by hot and humid weather throughout the year. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During this period, the weather is generally sunny, making it ideal for exploring the city and its outdoor attractions.
How to Reach: Surabaya is well-connected domestically and internationally. The city is served by Juanda International Airport, located approximately 20 kilometers from the city center. The airport has regular flights to major Indonesian cities and international destinations. Additionally, Surabaya is accessible by train, with several railway stations connecting it to other cities in Java. Bus services are also available for travelers coming from nearby regions.
Local Transportation Available: Getting around Surabaya is convenient with various modes of transportation:
- Taxis: Metered taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available and provide a comfortable way to navigate the city.
- Becak: Traditional cycle rickshaws are a popular mode of transportation for short distances and offer a unique cultural experience.
- Angkot: Mini vans or minibusses known as “angkot” operate on fixed routes and are an affordable option for traveling within the city.
- Online Transportation: Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek offer convenient and affordable transportation options.
Must-Visit Tourist Attractions
- Suramadu National Bridge: An iconic landmark connecting Surabaya and Madura Island, offering panoramic views.
- Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan): A memorial honoring the heroes of the Battle of Surabaya, surrounded by a beautiful park.
- House of Sampoerna: A museum housed in a Dutch colonial-style building, showcasing the history of the clove cigarette industry.
- Surabaya Zoo (Kebun Binatang Surabaya): A large zoo with diverse wildlife species and recreational areas.
- Submarine Monument (Monkasel): A retired Russian submarine turned into a museum, providing a unique maritime experience.
- Surabaya North Quay: A vibrant waterfront area with dining options, a Ferris wheel, and stunning views of the harbor.
- Ampel Mosque: A historic mosque in the Arab Quarter, known for its cultural significance and vibrant atmosphere.
- Surabaya Old Town (Kota Tua Surabaya): A district with colonial-era buildings, museums, and cultural attractions.
- Ciputra Waterpark: A family-friendly water park featuring thrilling slides, wave pools, and a lazy river.
- Surabaya Carnival Night Market: A lively night market offering a variety of food stalls, games, and entertainment.
- Surabaya Museum (Museum Mpu Tantular): A museum showcasing Javanese art, cultural artifacts, and historical exhibits.
- Suroboyo Bridge: A suspension bridge known for its unique design and captivating LED light display at night.
- Tunjungan Plaza: One of the city’s largest shopping malls, offering a wide range of retail, dining, and entertainment options.
- Cheng Hoo Mosque: A majestic mosque inspired by Chinese architecture, showcasing the city’s multicultural heritage.
- Surabaya Carnival Park: An amusement park with thrilling rides, attractions, and live entertainment.
- Surabaya Grand Mosque (Masjid Agung Surabaya): The largest mosque in East Java, known for its impressive architecture.
- Jalesveva Jayamahe Monument: A navy-themed monument dedicated to the Indonesian Navy’s role in the nation’s defense.
- Taman Bungkul: A public park with a vibrant atmosphere, featuring food stalls, live music, and recreational facilities.
- Galaxy Mall: A popular shopping destination with a wide selection of local and international brands.
- Kenjeran Beach: A coastal area with scenic views, seafood restaurants, and a tranquil atmosphere.
Must-Do Activities
- Explore the vibrant street art scene in Surabaya, especially in the Kedungdoro and Gubeng areas.
- Visit traditional markets like Pasar Genteng and Pasar Atom to experience the local culture and indulge in street food.
- Take a river tour along the Kalimas River, a historical waterway that offers glimpses of Surabaya’s past.
- Attend a Wayang Kulit (shadow puppet) performance, an ancient Javanese art form.
- Enjoy a traditional Javanese massage or spa treatment at one of the city’s wellness centers.
- Participate in a cooking class and learn to prepare traditional Indonesian dishes.
- Join a heritage walking tour in Surabaya Old Town to discover its colonial architecture and hidden gems.
- Go on a shopping spree at Pasar Atom, a bustling market known for its affordable clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.
- Embark on a culinary adventure and savor local delicacies like rawon, lontong balap, and rujak cingur.
- Visit the Taman Flora Surabaya botanical garden and immerse yourself in its lush greenery and beautiful flower displays.
- Attend a traditional dance performance showcasing the rich cultural heritage of East Java.
- Take a leisurely walk along the Surabaya Riverwalk, a scenic promenade with restaurants, cafes, and live music.
- Experience the vibrant nightlife in Tunjungan Street, with its array of bars, clubs, and live music venues.
- Play a round of golf at one of Surabaya’s prestigious golf courses.
- Join a guided cycling tour to explore the city’s neighborhoods and landmarks.
- Visit the Surabaya Submarine Monument and learn about Indonesia’s naval history.
- Enjoy a sunset cruise along the Surabaya coastline, taking in breathtaking views of the city skyline.
- Attend a cultural festival or event, such as the Surabaya Carnival, to experience the city’s lively atmosphere.
- Try your hand at traditional batik-making and create your own unique batik artwork.
- Engage in water sports activities such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, or parasailing at the city’s beaches.
Popular Food and Drinks
- Rawon: A traditional Javanese beef soup with a rich, dark broth flavored with keluak nut.
- Rujak Cingur: A mixed fruit and vegetable salad with cow’s nose, shrimp paste, and spicy sauce.
- Soto Ayam Lamongan: A chicken soup dish with aromatic spices, herbs, and rice vermicelli.
- Tahu Tek: Deep-fried tofu topped with bean sprouts, shredded cabbage, and peanut sauce.
- Lontong Balap: Rice cakes with bean sprouts, tofu, lentho (fried balls), and a savory sauce.
- Es Cendol: A refreshing drink made with green rice flour jelly, coconut milk, palm sugar, and crushed ice.
- Nasi Campur Surabaya: A plate of steamed rice with various side dishes, including meats, vegetables, and sambal.
- Sate Klopo: Grilled coconut chicken or beef skewers, served with a flavorful peanut sauce.
- Bebek Sinjay: Roasted or fried duck dish served with aromatic rice, sambal, and traditional side dishes.
- Jajan Pasar: Assorted traditional snacks and desserts, including onde-onde, klepon, and kue lapis.
Restaurants and Bars
- Waroeng Spesial Sambal: A popular restaurant offering a variety of Indonesian dishes with an emphasis on spicy sambal.
- Depot Bu Rudy: Known for its delicious seafood dishes, especially the signature “Gurame Pesmol” (carp in a spicy sauce).
- Eastern Heritage: A restaurant serving Indonesian and international cuisines, offering a blend of flavors and modern presentations.
- Madtari Resto: Specializes in Indonesian cuisine, with a focus on East Javanese dishes like pecel lele (fried catfish) and bebek goreng (fried duck).
- Inul Vizta Karaoke: A karaoke bar where you can sing your heart out while enjoying drinks and snacks.
- The New Bolivar: A cozy bar offering a wide range of cocktails, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere.
- Liquid Bar & Lounge: A trendy bar with a rooftop terrace, serving creative cocktails and offering panoramic city views.
- Boncafe Steak and Ice Cream: A steakhouse known for its tender cuts of meat and delectable ice cream desserts.
- La Rucola Italian Restaurant: Offers authentic Italian cuisine, including wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta.
- Mie Kudusan Cak Man: A legendary noodle stall serving delicious mie kudusan (Kudus-style noodles) with various toppings.
Nightlife and Night Clubs: Surabaya’s nightlife scene is diverse and lively, with options ranging from bars and pubs to clubs and live music venues. Some popular nightclubs in the city include:
- Coyote Club Surabaya: Known for its energetic atmosphere, live bands, and DJ performances.
- Colors Pub and Lounge: Offers live music, karaoke, and a dance floor for those who love to groove.
- Liquid Cafe and Bar: A trendy nightclub with a spacious dance floor, featuring both local and international DJs.
- Foreplay Surabaya: A stylish club with a chic ambiance, offering a mix of music genres and live performances.
Shopping Centers and Markets: Surabaya is a shopper’s paradise, with numerous shopping centers and markets catering to all tastes and budgets. Some popular ones include:
- Tunjungan Plaza: The largest shopping mall in Surabaya, featuring a wide range of local and international brands.
- Galaxy Mall: A multi-level mall with a diverse selection of fashion, electronics, and entertainment outlets.
- Pasar Atom: A bustling market known for its affordable clothing, accessories, and local products.
- Grand City Mall: Offers a mix of retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, including a cinema complex.
- Surabaya Town Square (Sutos): A modern shopping center with a variety of stores, restaurants, and a rooftop garden.
Museums and Educational Institutions: Surabaya is home to several museums and educational institutions that provide insights into the city’s history and culture. Some notable ones include:
- Surabaya Museum (Museum Surabaya): Showcasing historical artifacts, dioramas, and exhibits on Surabaya’s past.
- Museum 10 November: Commemorating the Battle of Surabaya, with displays of weapons, photographs, and interactive exhibits.
- Airlangga University: One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Indonesia, known for its academic excellence.
Safety for Tourists and Do’s & Don’ts: Surabaya, like any other city, has its own safety considerations. It is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to take standard precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings. Here are some do’s and don’ts:
- Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
- Do carry a copy of important documents like passports and keep the originals secure.
- Do be cautious of your surroundings and use reputable transportation services.
- Don’t engage in illegal activities or purchase counterfeit goods.
- Don’t display excessive wealth or valuables in public places.
Environment and Sustainable Tourism: Surabaya has made efforts to promote sustainable tourism practices and environmental conservation. Some initiatives include waste management programs, promotion of eco-friendly transportation, and the preservation of cultural heritage sites. Travelers can contribute to sustainable tourism by respecting the local environment, conserving water and energy, and supporting local businesses that prioritize sustainability.
General Information:
- Language: Bahasa Indonesia is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
- Religion: Islam is the predominant religion, but there is religious diversity, with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity also practiced.
- Population: Surabaya has a population of over three million people.
- Holidays: Important holidays include Idul Fitri (Eid al-Fitr), Indonesian Independence Day (August 17th), and Christmas.
- Water: It is recommended to drink bottled water or boiled water for safety.
- Electricity: The standard voltage is 220V, and the power plugs are of the two-pin type.
- Mobile and Internet: Mobile coverage is extensive, and prepaid SIM cards are readily available. High-speed internet is accessible in most hotels and public areas.
- Health Services: Surabaya has various hospitals and medical facilities offering quality healthcare services.
- Postal Service: The national postal service, Pos Indonesia, provides domestic and international mail services.
- Suitable Clothing: Light and breathable clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate. Modest attire is advised when visiting religious sites.
- Banks: Major banks have branches and ATMs throughout the city, offering currency exchange and other financial services.
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Surabaya welcomes travelers with its vibrant atmosphere, rich culture, and historical significance. Whether you’re exploring its iconic landmarks, indulging in local delicacies, or immersing yourself in the city’s nightlife, Surabaya promises an exciting and memorable travel experience.
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