Java
Surabaya
State
Country
Indonesia
Continent
Asia
Size
351 KM2
Population
2,972,091
Spending Budget
$21 - $30
Famous For
- Business
- Delicious food
Best Time to Visit
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
History
The city was settled in 10th century by the Kingdom of Janggala, one of the two Javanese kingdoms that was formed in 1045 when Airlangga abdicated his throne in favor of his two sons. In the late 15th and 16th centuries, Surabaya grew to be a duchy, a major political and military power as well as a port in eastern Java, probably under Majapahit empire. During the decline of Majapahit, the lord of Surabaya resisted the rise of the Demak Sultanate and only submitted to its rule in 1530. Surabaya became independent after the death of Sultan Trenggana of Demak in 1546.From the 18th century until the mid-20th century, Surabaya was the largest city in the Dutch East Indies, and the center of trading in the Indonesian archipelago.The city is known as Kota Pahlawan (the city of heroes) due to the importance of the Battle of Surabaya during the Indonesian National Revolution. The city is one of the important financial, commercial, industrial, transportation, and entertainment hub of the archipelago, arguably second only to Jakarta, and the Port of Tanjung Perak is Indonesia's second-busiest seaport located on northern Surabaya. The city is also known for being one of the cleanest and greenest in Indonesia.
Present Day
Surabaya is not like other cities we have seen so far. It’s in the Island country called Indonesia. Surabaya is famous for an art which is a form of stand up comedy called Ludruk. You can enjoy bizarre spicy foods at Surabaya like Rujak Cingur, Kikil, etc., because spicy food is like their cultural heritage. Surabaya has the similar monument of Heroes Monument of America, called Tugh Pahlawan. Surabaya is very clean compared to other cities. Surabaya has the largest bridge of Indonesia which connects the Java and Madhura called Suramadu Bridge. The Island Country has 34 provinces, Official Capital of Jakarta, which is famous for second-most populous urban area of the World.The currency of Indonesia is Indonesian Rupiah (RP).Surabaya is linked by rail and road to the eastern and western coasts of Java and is thus in communication with the other chief cities of the island. It also has major shipping communications with the chief ports of the Indo-Pacific region because it lies along the main sea route from Singapore and Jakarta to the Pacific and eastern Asia.Surabaya’s port, Tanjungperak, lies just north of the city and next to Ujung, Indonesia’s main naval station. Of Indonesian cities, Surabaya is surpassed in size only by Jakarta and has remained the chief commercial centre of eastern Java.
Future
The city of Surabaya in Indonesia has thrived over the past decade by putting its heritage and culture at the centre of its urban development plans. Ubiquitous informal settlements have been turned into vibrant homes and economic engines, longstanding villages into tourist attractions, and disreputable neighbourhoods into artistic estates. Its creative urban planning shows other cities how they too can preserve their past while improving their liveability, sustainability and economy.The government has modernised the city’s ubiquitous kampungs, which are informal, low-income housing areas, instead of demolishing them and displacing their households. It has turned dilapidated historical areas into tourist attractions to boost the economy, and partnered citizens and businesses to change neglected and vice-ridden neighbourhoods into vibrant estates that also serve as cultural showcases.More critically, the government spearheaded two new projects, called Pahlawan Ekonomi (Economy Hero) and Kampung Unggulan (Prominent Kampung), to help the kampungs’ housewives earn an income.The canny use of the city’s traditional activities extends beyond the kampungs. The government transformed the north-eastern Kenjeran coastal area, which used to be home to slum fishing villages. It repainted the fishermen’s homes in bright colours, cleaned the coastline, carried out drainage projects, built two major roads and constructed a bridge.
Suramadu Bridge
Perhaps more than its functionality, this bridge is appreciated for its architectural beauty and constructional feat. Suramadu Bridge, which is the longest in Southeast Asia by far, connects Surabaya with the island of Madura. Not only can you cross over to the previously inaccessible island in about 30 minutes, you’ll also get to enjoy the scenic journey.
House of Sampoerna
This museum packs together national history, local economy, and personal stories and presents its collection inside a heritage building that’s a landmark in itself. It represents the story of Indonesia’s earliest and most popular clover cigarette (or kretek) brands, along with the owning family’s wealth and glam — we’re talking Rolls Royce collection and glamorous traditional heirlooms.
Majapahit Hotel
A building older than its home country, Majapahit Hotel was first established by the Dutch in 1910 as Hotel Oranje. The telltale elegant colonial architecture and manicured garden make this hotel a pleasant spot to sit back, relax, and enjoy being served like a Javanese royal. Even non-staying guests are coming in for
Cheng Hoo Mosque
Surabaya holds a huge Chinese population living and assimilating among locals. This cultural interaction begets unique customs and landmarks, including the Cheng Hoo Mosque, a stunning pagoda-style mosque with a very vivid oriental architecture and Muslim religious symbols.
Sanggar Agung Temple
This temple, also known as Hong San Tan Temple, is eclectic in its style and function. As a house of worship for Buddhist, Tao, and Kong Hu Cu followers, this temple shows influences from Chinese, Javanese, Balinese, and Thai cultures in its architecture.
Ampel Mosque
Established in 1421, this is the oldest mosque in East Java, built by the revered Sunan Ampel, who is one of the nine clerics credited for the expansion of Islam in Java and whose tomb lies in the very complex. Other than its own impressive architecture, the area around Ampel Mosque has also become an Arab District, lined up with Middle Eastern buildings, shops, and food.
Submarine Monument
A massive submarine in the middle of the city is indeed an unmissable odd sight that sparks curiosity. The Submarine Monument is an actual warcraft, sourced from Russia and used by the Indonesian navy shortly after independence. Now that it has retired, the submarine serves as a popular tourist attraction that tells stories about the nation’s maritime history.
Ria Kenjeran Beach
Faced with a sprawling and dynamic urban area like Surabaya, people can easily forget the city also has splendid natural beauty. As a coastal town, Surabaya has its share of idyllic beaches, including the popular and well-developed Ria Kenjeran half an hour away from the city centre.
Heroes Monument
Due to its importance in the movement for independence, Surabaya is nicknamed the ‘City of Heroes’. Not much of the independence struggles can still be seen in the modern city, but the Heroes Monument is an unmissable landmark dedicated to the people who fought for the country.
Atom Market
Mega-malls and modern shopping centres are in Surabaya’s every corner, but Atom Market still holds a special place throughout the city’s history. Established in 1972, many locals and tourists still prefer this market to get cheap and locally made goods, from fashion to electronics.