Surabaya, Indonesia

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Surabaya, Indonesia

Region: East Java


Geographic Coordinates: -7.245800, 112.738000
Temperature Range: 25.0°C to 32.0°C (77°F to 90°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year, with a peak in January and February.
Population: 6499000
Language: Indonesian

Surabaya is the second-largest city in Indonesia and the capital of East Java province. It is known as the City of Heroes due to its significant role in Indonesia’s struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule. Surabaya is a bustling metropolis with a vibrant culture and rich history, Making it one of the most interesting destinations to visit in Indonesia. The city has several landmarks that are worth visiting, Including the House of Sampoerna, Which was once a cigarette factory and now serves as a museum showcasing the history of tobacco production in Indonesia.

Another popular attraction is the Suramadu Bridge, Which connects Surabaya to Madura Island. The bridge spans over 5 kilometers across the Madura Strait and offers stunning views of both cities. Surabaya also has several historical sites that offer insight into its past. One such site is Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument), Which commemorates those who fought for Indonesian independence from Dutch colonial rule. Another famous landmark is Masjid Cheng Hoo Mosque, Named after Admiral Cheng Ho who visited Java during his travels around Southeast Asia.

The city’s culinary scene also deserves mention; Surabaya offers an array of delicious local dishes that reflect its diverse cultural heritage. Some must-try dishes include soto ayam (chicken soup), Rawon (beef stew), Lontong balap (rice cake with bean sprouts) and rujak cingur (a salad made with cow snout). Surabaya also boasts excellent shopping opportunities, From traditional markets selling local handicrafts to modern malls offering international brands. Pasar Atom Mall and Tunjungan Plaza are two popular shopping destinations where visitors can find everything from clothing to electronics.

Surabaya’s lively nightlife scene should not be missed; visitors can enjoy live music performances at various venues or try out some local bars serving up refreshing drinks like es cendol (a sweet drink made from coconut milk, Palm sugar and green rice flour jelly). Surabaya is a city that offers something for everyone. From its rich history to its bustling modernity, Visitors will find plenty of things to see and do during their stay in this vibrant Indonesian metropolis.



Important Landmarks

  1. House of Sampoerna
  2. Suramadu National Bridge
  3. Submarine Monument (Monkasel)
  4. Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan)
  5. Surabaya Zoo
  6. Grahadi Building
  7. Ampel Mosque and Arab Quarter
  8. Tunjungan Plaza Shopping Mall
  9. Balai Pemuda Cultural Centre
  10. Jalesveva Jayamahe Monument

Primary Industries

  1. Manufacturing industry:
    • Textiles
    • Electronics
    • Automotive parts
    • Food processing
  2. Shipping industry
  3. Retail sector
  4. Tourism industry:
    • Historic Arab Quarter (Kampung Arab)
    • Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan)
    • House of Sampoerna Museum
    • Ngembal Kulon Wildlife Park
  5. Education sector:
    • Airlangga University
  6. Banking & finance sector
  7. Healthcare & medical services
  8. Agriculture & fisheries:
    • Rice cultivation
    • Fishing activities

Noteable History

Historical Events:

  1. Battle of Surabaya: A significant battle during the Indonesian National Revolution in 1945.
  2. Surabaya bombing: A terrorist attack that occurred in 2004.
  3. Establishment of the Majapahit Kingdom: The largest empire in Southeast Asia, founded in East Java.

Notable People:

  1. Bung Tomo: A national hero who played a crucial role during the Battle of Surabaya.
  2. Raden Ajeng Kartini: An Indonesian national heroine who fought for women’s rights and education.
  3. Soedirman: The first commander-in-chief of the Indonesian Armed Forces who was born in Purbalingga but raised in Surabaya.
  4. Other notable people from or associated with Surabaya include former President Megawati Sukarnoputri, musician Glenn Fredly, and actor Reza Rahadian.

Museums and Things To See

  1. House of Sampoerna
  2. Surabaya Submarine Monument
  3. Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument)
  4. Surabaya Zoo
  5. Museum 10 November
  6. Sanggar Agung Temple
  7. Ciputra Waterpark
  8. Tunjungan Plaza Mall
  9. Bungkul Park
  10. Suramadu National Bridge


Sports Teams

  1. Persebaya Surabaya – Established on June 18, 1927, Persebaya is one of the most well-known football clubs in Indonesia. The team has won numerous championships such as the Liga Indonesia, Piala Indonesia and Indonesian Super League.
  2. Sinar Mas Basketball Club – Founded in 1996, Sinar Mas is a professional basketball club based in Surabaya that has won several championships including the National Basketball League (NBL) championship.
  3. Petrokimia Gresik Volleyball Club – Petrokimia Gresik is another professional team based near Surabaya that specializes in volleyball. Established on August 20th, 1976; they have won many titles including the Indonesian Volleyball League (IVL) championship.
  4. Bimasakti Hockey Club – Bimasakti Hockey Club is an accomplished field hockey club located within Surabaya that was founded on September 17th,1955.The team has achieved several national championships and represented Indonesia at international events like the Asian Games.
  5. Jawa Timur FC Futsal Club – Jawa Timur FC Futsal Club is a professional futsal club established on September 30th ,2010 and based out of Surabaya.They participate in various national futsal tournaments and leagues.


Cultural Events

  1. Surabaya Carnival Night Market is an annual event that showcases street food, live music, and cultural performances.
  2. Surabaya International Dance Festival is a dance festival that features both local and international performers.
  3. Surabaya Heritage Track takes participants on a tour of historical sites in the city.
  4. Bungong Jeumpa Festival celebrates Acehnese culture with traditional dances, music, and food.
  5. Surabaya Jazz Festival happens every year and features jazz musicians from all over the world.
  6. Surabaya Arts & Culture Festival lasts for a month and celebrates the arts through exhibitions, performances, workshops, and more.
  7. Grebeg Sudiro Festival marks the harvest season with a parade of giant rice cone offerings and cultural performances.
  8. Tugu Pahlawan National Monument Ceremony honors Indonesian heroes who fought for independence from Dutch colonial rule in 1945 every year through an annual ceremony.
  9. Kite Festival at Kenjeran Beach is an annual event where people fly colorful kites at Kenjeran Beach in East Java province near Surabaya city center.
  10. Suramadu Bridge Run & Ride Event is an annual running race or cycling event across the iconic bridge connecting Java Island to Madura Island.

Cuisine

  • Sate Klopo Ondomohen – famous for its coconut-infused satay.
  • Rawon Setan – known for its spicy beef soup.
  • Lontong Balap Pak Gendut – famous for its lontong (rice cake) dish.
  • Rujak Cingur Bu Asih – known for its cingur (cow nose) salad.
  • Nasi Campur Bu Rudy – a popular spot for nasi campur (mixed rice).
  • Depot Gang Djangkrik – known for its seafood dishes, particularly grilled fish and shrimp.
  • Warung Makan Mang Engking – serves Sundanese cuisine with a focus on seafood dishes.
  • Depot Gang Pinggir – serves traditional Indonesian food such as nasi goreng and mie goreng.
  • Soto Ayam Ambengan Pak Sadi – offers soto ayam, a chicken soup dish with rice cakes.
  • Bebek Sinjay – specializes in bebek goreng or fried duck.

Parks and Recreation

  1. Taman Bungkul
  2. Surabaya Zoo (Kebun Binatang Surabaya)
  3. Taman Flora Bratang
  4. Suroboyo Carnival Night Market (Pasar Malam Suroboyo Carnival)
  5. Kenjeran Park (Taman Wisata Kenjeran)
  6. Galaxy Mall 3D Cinema
  7. Ciputra Waterpark
  8. Skate park at Graha Family Surabaya
  9. Jawa Timur Park 1 and 2
  10. Tunjungan Plaza Shopping Centre

Suitcase

Go Where The Road Takes You.


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