Jan
11
Surabaya Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Indonesia
Surabaya image courtesy Wikipedia
A trip to Surabaya
As the capital of East Java, Surabaya is the second largest city in Indonesia. It boasts one of the busiest ports in Asia and is famous for its Arab and Chinese quarters. Strolling around the city to exploring the quarters on foot is popular among visitors. Arrival in Surabaya is via Juanda International Airport, the second busiest airport in Indonesia after Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta.
Flights to Surabaya
Juanda International Airport has just undergone a major refurbishment in 2006 and now has a new three-storey terminal. With a capacity to handle eight million passengers a year, this is a major transportation hub. Both domestic and international flights are handled here, with international airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Malaysia Airlines all offering connections. From Jakarta, there five flights a day Surabaya. To get from the airport to city centre, taking a taxi or hotel shuttle is the easiest option. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Surabaya try Ebookers.
To get around the city, there are several options. Trishaw (becak) are popular with visitors, bares need to be negotiated in advance though. There are also taxis and minibuses. Metered taxis are best for visitors and most drivers speak some English.
Surabaya
Sightseeing to Surabaya
The Arab and Chinese quarters in the northern part of the city should be explored on foot. These ethnic areas are full of small shops and restaurants, and are fun to visit. Make sure you go to the Hong Tik Hian Temple, where Chinese hand-puppet shows are held every day. The 18th century Chinese Hok An Kiong Temple was built in the traditional Chinese wooden style and honours the deity who protects sailors.
Strolling around the busy harbour area is also interesting. Here, you can see all types of different vessels from all over the world. Ships leave Surabaya carrying major exports such as sugar, tobacco and coffee. Other attractions in the city include golf (there are six golf courses in Surabaya) and shopping.
Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Thanks to the diverse ethnic make-up of Surabaya, there is a variety of cuisines on offer. The best Western food can be had in the numerous international hotels. Local Indonesian food is best tried downtown, with many restaurants to choose from along the city’s main streets. The two local favourites are biyung and taman sari indah. Chinese food is also a must-sample when visiting Surabaya. Considered the best Chinese seafood restaurant, many locals eat at Kuningan International Seafood Restaurant.
Young locals like to hang out at the Bambu Runcing Monument in Jalan Pemuda, where there are numerous cafés, restaurants and food stalls to choose from. There are also plenty of bars and dance clubs to choose from in the downtown area including clubs in major hotels, such as the JJ’s Bar at the Westin Hotel.
Fun by day - shopping and activities
Shopping can be fun in Surabaya, with many locally produced items such as batik, jewellery and wood carvings on offer. Mirota is a good shopping centre; although unattractive on the outside, it has quite a nice selection of shops inside and prices are much cheaper here than at the more modern shopping centres. Boghagener Platz flea market is full of bargains, crafts and collectibles. There is also plenty of fun and interesting shopping to be had in the Chinese and Arab quarters. For modern shopping malls, head to Plazas Tunjungan and Plaza Surabaya on Jalan Pemuda. Here you will find boutiques and American fast food restaurants.
Daytrips
From Surabaya there are several exciting daytrip options available. For those visitors wishing to walk, the vital harbour can conveniently be explored on foot. During your stroll around the port area, you’ll have the option to observe numerous ships from all over the globe. Watch the many fully-loaded vessels which carry export goods such as tobacco and coffee gently navigating out of the harbour.
Visiting Madura Island may be a fascinating and rewarding morning tour. Onboard a ferry you’ll cross the Madura Strait and visit several picturesque fishing villages, Tanjung Bumi’s batik factory and in Airmata village, the tomb of Royal Madurese.
The colourful Chinese and Arab quarters in Surabaya’s northern part can best be explored on foot as well. Brimming with eateries and quaint shops, these ethnic districts offer an unforgettable travel experience.
Kids will enjoy visiting the popular Hong Tik Hian Temple, where daily Chinese hand-puppet performances take place. Dating from the 18th century, the architecturally interesting Chinese Hok An Kiong Temple was constructed according to traditional wooden Chinese style to honour the deity who provides protection to the sailors.
Must-see attractions
Positioned in the old part of town, the 146-year-old House of Sampoerna is a stately Dutch colonial-style structure which is today preserved historic site. Ranking among Surabaya’s star tourist attractions, this complex houses several souvenir shops, an art gallery, a museum and a café.
Make sure you get here on time to experience the museum’s principal attraction: the scene of hundreds of Indonesian girls hand-rolling the Dji Sam Soe, the country’s most prestigious cigarette, using traditional tools. These girls hand-roll the cigarettes at an incredible speed, which is a must-see.
Visit some of the city’s main markets such as the lively Pasar Atum. This huge, indoor local and Chinese market is well-stocked with various goods, including jewellery, clothes and foods. One of the city’s best shopping malls is Mirota; although not attractive on the outside, it houses a nice selection of outlets and the prices here are much more lucrative than at the city’s glitzier shopping complexes.
Best time to go
The dry and cool season in Surabaya lasts from October to March and this is the most ideal time to visit Indonesia’s second-largest city. The nights during this period are soothingly cool and the days are sunny but not hot.
The hot season starts in April when temperatures can rise as high as 40°C. For those travellers who do not mind occasional heavy rainfall, the wet season can be an ideal time to visit as well.
Rainy day suggestions
Shopping, popping into some of the city’s friendly pubs, sampling the regional culinary delights in a traditional restaurant and visiting Surabaya’s most fascinating museums may keep travellers entertained during rainy days.
At Balai Pemuda visitors have the option to enjoy the local arts. This art centre is located in Surabaya’s heart, near the City Hall. Here you can watch interesting performances of artists, including the traditional reog dance.
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2 Responses to “Surabaya Travel & Sightseeing Guide”
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Visiting to Surabaya? Why not? I really recommend every foreign tourists to try exploring this unique city. It is as the reflection of the atmosphere of the developing country’s city. In which the rich meets the poor and the modernity mingles with the traditionality. Viva Surabaya!
I loved my time in Surabaya: a great city and a lot of fun!