The Best Travel Guide to Surabaya

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Indonesia

Surabaya

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Asia Indonesia Surabaya

Overview

Surabaya The guide was updated: 2021-07-29

Founded nearly eight centuries ago, Indonesia’s second-largest city has seen empires come and go. The founders of the Hindu Majapahit Empire arrived in the late 13th century and remained until the 17th, to be followed by Muslim rulers of Mataram, then the colonialists of the Dutch East India Company. In recent decades, Surabaya has grown into a cosmopolitan seaport and conurbation where 21st-century hotels, apartment towers, and shopping malls stand next to historic mosques and palaces.

Facts

Population:	3,114,700
Currency:	Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), 1 Rp = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Fire Brigade: 113 Emergency: 118 Police: 110
Newspapers:	Jakarta Post Tempo Jakarta Javakini
Opening hours:	Business hours in Surabaya are from 8/9 am-4/ 5pm Monday-Friday. Many shopping malls remain open until 10 pm or later. Many street markets do not open until around 7 pm and remain as late as midnight. Smaller shops close from dusk on Friday until Saturday night.
Tourist information:	East Java Government Tourism Service Jalan Wisata Menanggal, Surabaya +62 31 853 1814

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Section in Surabaya

Much of Surabaya’s heritage has been swept away by fast-paced modernisation, and the city was also heavily damaged in the aftermath of World War II during the struggle for independence, earning its title the "Hero City" of Indonesia. As a result, it has rather few major visitor attractions, but boasts a couple of distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct flair, including the Arab Quarter and Chinatown. Surabaya is also home to Masjid Nasional Al Akbar, one of Southeast Asia's most imposing modern mosques.

Arab Quarter

Arab Quarter

One of the centerpieces in Surabaya's eclectic mosaic of a cityscape, the Arab Quarter (also called Ampel) is a must-visit area of the city that much resembles the mazy old Arabic town centers. While here, take time to see the expansive, marble-floored Ampel Mosque.

G-Walk

G-Walk

With mid- and upper range establishments mixed in with busy street food stalls, Surabaya's G-Walk is a favorite dining spot for many locals. Stretching between Pakuwon Super Mall and Ciputra Golf, it is a lively area packed with bars, eateries and outdoor markets.

Kalimas Traditional Harbour

Kalimas Traditional Harbour

For a strong whiff of the sea and a taste of what remains of old Surabaya visit the Kalimas Harbour, the city’s original port. This is where broad-beamed pinisi schooners unload produce along a 2 km stretch of quayside. The best time to visit is early in the morning when the boats are setting sail.

Mpu Tantular Museum

Mpu Tantular Museum

Surabaya’s most important museum offers fascinating insight into the ancient history of the city. See exhibits dating back to the era of the Majapahit Empire, Chinese and Annamese ceramics, wayang puppet figures, paintings and photos of colonial Surabaya and batik print-making equipment.

Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes’ Monument)

Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes’ Monument)

This landmark monument can be seen in the city centre. The Tugu Pahlawan is a typical piece of grandiose post-independence Indonesian public art and was erected in memory of the independence fighters who fell in the Battle of Surabaya in November 1945.

Monumen Kapal Selam (Submarine Monument)

Monumen Kapal Selam (Submarine Monument)

On the bank of the Kalimas River, the Indonesian Navy’s first submarine - the Soviet-built Whiskey class sub Pasopat - is now a national monument honouring heroes of the independence struggle and celebrating the country’s seafaring tradition. Built in Vladivostok, it was bought by Indonesia in 1962.

Governor’s Residence (Grahadi)

Governor’s Residence (Grahadi)

The huge national banner and colonial era cannon outside this gracious colonial building underline its status as the official residence of the governor of East Java. The gardens are often used for cultural events, colourful official ceremonies on national holidays and state occasions.

House of Sampoerna

House of Sampoerna

The museum's most popular attraction is the operating production line of the famous local cigarette brand Dji Sam Soe (banned in a number of countries for excessive tar content). Come before 3pm on weekdays to see labourers at work; any day until 10 pm to see the tobacco/cigarette-related exhibits.

Chinatown

Chinatown

Along with the Arab Quarter, Chinatown is one of the more vibrant parts of the city with its own distinct flare. Apart from the exotic herbal remedies and omnipresent dragons, there is a daily fish market and a pop-up street food market in one of it's busy narrow streets.

Masjid Nasional Al Akbar

Masjid Nasional Al Akbar

The monumental Masjid Nasional Al Akbar is a spectacular modern mosque, one of the most imposing in Southeast Asia, let alone Indonesia itself. Access is open to visitors, and the top of one of its minarets offers spectacular views over the city (staff will guide you to the elevator on request).

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