Surabaya is known as the City of Heroes due to its importance in the Indonesian battle for independence. November 10, 1945, is the date on which Surabaya army forces successfully annihilated the enemy through much bloodshed. Today, Surabaya locals remember the date as “Heroes’ Day” (Hari Pahlawan). Remembrance of this heroism can also be seen in Surabaya’s historical museums and landmarks, such as in the name of its football stadium, Gelora 10 November Stadium.
We can find many historical landmarks and museums in Surabaya that will refresh our minds about the city’s history while we take selfies or hang out around the area. Most of them are in Central and North Surabaya, and some are located in East Surabaya.
Surabaya has also been well known as a port city for a few centuries. The sea here is the most stunning when viewed at night. In some places, you can even enjoy the picturesque scene while remembering the city’s history.
If you’re interested in exploring more of Surabaya’s history, continue reading to know more about the 23 must-visit historical landmarks and museums in Surabaya.
1. Gelora November 10th Stadium
Lapangan Tambaksari (Tambaksari Field) was Gelora November 10th Stadium’s original name. As the name suggests, the stadium is named after the most violent war in Indonesia’s independence history.
Now, the stadium serves as a basecamp for Persebaya, Surabaya’s football team. I also found areas around the stadium that sell merchandise such as t-shirts and shorts for Bonekmania (a nickname for Persebaya’s fan club members).
Even so, sporting events aren’t the stadium’s only focus. Local food stalls outside the stadium help enliven the stadium’s environment. The park opposite the stadium is also picturesque!
Stadion Gelora 10 November
Address: Jalan Tambaksari, Surabaya, East Java 60136
2. 10th November Museum
10th November Museum hasn’t changed a lot since 2002, which was the first time I visited the place. The basement has documents on the Surabaya war and the locations where Surabaya soldiers fought against British troops.
The diorama room is the most beloved part of this historical museum! P.S.: Not all areas will be open. You have to be in a group with around 5-12 people in it, including you, and a tour guide will accompany you while explaining all about the amazing sound effects.
I love that the recently brought QRIS technology led us to access live information about the ceasefire, the market talks, and others during the struggle era. It is something that I never saw until I returned to this museum this year.
Monumen Tugu Pahlawan dan Museum Sepuluh Nopember Surabaya
Address: Jl. Pahlawan, Alun-alun Contong, Kec. Bubutan, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60174
Website: Monumen Tugu Pahlawan dan Museum Sepuluh Nopember Surabaya
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 8am - 3pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 7,000 IDR (0.43 USD, for general Indonesian audiences); 15,000 IDR (0.93 USD, for tourists from outside Indonesia)
3. Tugu Pahlawan
If you’ve ever seen the tall and slender prism building when you searched for Surabaya landmarks, you’ve stumbled upon the Tugu Pahlawan monument!
Indonesia’s founding father unveiled this monument on November 10, 1951, six years after the bloody Surabaya war. We can still see carvings such as “Merdeka Ataoe ("atau” or “or” in Old Indonesian spelling) Mati!“ (freedom or death), around the monument.
Since many Madurese inhabit this area, I recommend trying Madurese dishes, such as nasi bebek (jasmine rice with duck meat marinated in yellow sauce and smokin’ hot sambal).
Monumen Tugu Pahlawan
Address: Jl. Pahlawan, Alun-alun Contong, Kec. Bubutan, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60174
Website: Monumen Tugu Pahlawan
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4. Suro and Boyo Statue
Visit the famous Suro and Boyo Statue, which symbolizes the fable behind the establishment of Surabaya. “Suro” refers to the fish. It is similar to a great white shark. Meanwhile, “Boyo” refers to the Javanese language and pronunciation of crocodile (Indonesian: Buaya). The fable talks about a fight between Suro and Boyo, two powerful animals, and the devastating aftermath. It stresses the importance of solving conflicts through calm deliberation instead of violence.
Only photographers are allowed to take photos directly in front of the statue, so I got mine taken by a professional. One photo print will cost you 10,000 IDR (0.62 USD).
Patung Suro dan Boyo
Address: Jl. Diponegoro No.1-B, Darmo, Kec. Wonokromo, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60241
Website: Patung Suro dan Boyo
5. Monumen Kapal Selam (The Submarine Monument)
Locals often abbreviate the name of this iconic Surabaya monument in Jalan Pemuda to only “Monkasel.” The bus stop near it also has the same name as the monument’s abbreviated name.
You will notice “Pasopati” when you see this submarine shipwreck for the first time. It refers to the ship the Marine Army of Surabaya used to seize the colonial territory in 1962.
I could feel how narrow the spaces inside the shipwreck were when I entered it! Afterward, I immediately headed to Plaza Surabaya, aka Delta, a shopping mall adjacent to the monument, to grab some things to eat.
Monumen Kapal Selam Surabaya
Address: Jl. Pemuda No.39, Embong Kaliasin, Kec. Genteng, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60271
Website: Monumen Kapal Selam Surabaya
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 15,000 IDR (0.93 USD)
6. Kalimas Boat Adventure
Kalimas River used to be a port that connected Surabaya to nearby cities, such as Mojokerto. Its name was Kali Surabaya before the colonials transformed it into Maas River, which locals turned into the name we know today.
When you hop on the boat adventure inside the Taman Prestasi area, you will see some history-meets-modernity symbols. I could see historical buildings and Tunjungan Plaza, a modernized luxurious mall in Central Surabaya, while I was on the boat.
I advise you to take the night shift, which is around 3:30pm - 5pm. It is the perfect time to see the wondrously colorful lampions along with the history-meets-modernity theme.
Wisata Perahu Kalimas Rute Monkasel - Siola
Address: Jl. Pemuda No.39, Ketabang, Kec. Genteng, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60271
Price: 7,000 IDR (0.43 USD)
7. Kebonrojo Post Office
Kebonrojo Post Office used to be the home of the Regent of Surabaya in the 18th century. Later, it transformed into Hogere Burgerschool (abbreviated: HBS), a prestigious Netherlands school, before the Dutch established the post office in 1928.
Now, it has become the central post hub for other Indonesian branches in Surabaya. P.S.: You can see a clock tower opposite the post office. Zoom in on your camera and you will get the right angle!
I also like that Kebonrojo Post Office is one of the cultural property buildings in Surabaya that are less than 2 km (1.24 mi) from Pasar Atom, the legendary Surabaya shopping and culinary hub.
Kebonrojo Post Office
Address: Jl. Kebon Rojo No.10, Krembangan Sel., Kec. Krembangan, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60271
Website: Pt. Pos Indonesia
8. The clocktower of Mandiri Heritage
Locals sometimes refer to Mandiri Heritage with the state-owned bank branch’s name: Bank Mandiri KCP Surabaya Pahlawan. Even the bus stop’s name is Halte Pahlawan or Pahlawan Bus Stop.
The vintage clocktower is the highlight that makes this bank “not your usual bank.” The clock is still functioning.
The building used to be owned by Lindeteves NV, a Dutch company that repaired warships. Lindeteves NV then transformed into a warehouse for war vehicles and weapons in the Japanese imperialism era before it became the well-known Mandiri Bank.
P.S. it is also two houses from Indomaret Pelni, which I like because it’s the most uniquely designed Indomaret in Indonesia!
Bank Mandiri KCP Surabaya Pahlawan
Address: Jl. Pahlawan No.120, Krembangan Sel., Kec. Krembangan, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60174
9. Governor Suryo's Monument
This monument is one of the hardest monuments to photograph for me, as many motored vehicles pass through and by it. But its location in Taman Apsari opposite Grahadi and Balai Pemuda, along with the street food vendors around it, make it a must-visit hang-out spot for tourists.
Governor Suryo (old spelling: Soerjo) himself was the first East Javanese governor. He was killed in 1948 in the PKI rebellion in Madiun. The monument was established to remember the late governor’s bravery in speaking up on a local radio station (RRI) to encourage Surabaya youths on November 10, 1945.
Monumen Gubernur Suryo
Address: Jl. Gubernur Suryo, Embong Kaliasin, Kec. Genteng, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60271
10. Sharp Bamboo Monument (Monumen Bambu Runcing)
Evenings and nighttime accentuate this monument’s beauty more. The yellow part with “Surabaya Hebat” (translate: “Surabaya is Awesome” or “My Awesome Surabaya”) will be evident at these times.
The sharp ends of the bamboo figures are meant to remind us of the fighting spirit of Surabaya’s heroes who know no end in championing Indonesian citizens’ rights. In many cultures, “five” symbolizes perfection. Since there are five bamboos in this monument, it means Surabaya’s heroes have the perfect fighting spirits.
The “perfect” Sharp Bamboo Monument’s strategic location also allowed me to explore other areas in Central Surabaya, such as the Surabaya-only Hokky Pangsud grocery store next to it.
Monumen Bambu Runcing
Address: Jl. Panglima Sudirman, Embong Kaliasin, Kec. Genteng, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60271
11. Karapan Sapi Statue
Locals always point to the Sharp Bamboo Monument when people mention Surabaya’s Intiland. I walked here from the Pangsud (Panglima Sudirman) region of Intiland and found that Karapan Sapi Statue is directly opposite the Intiland building.
Karapan Sapi itself refers to the Madurese community’s traditional cultural elements. Many Madurese people inhabit Central Surabaya areas, including this statue’s location. The cows (sapi) look savage while fighting other cows; this is the spirit of Surabaya’s heroes, even though the establishment of this statue was in 1990, many years after the war.
Walking straight and crossing the bridge for 300 m (984.25 ft) will lead you to Hotel Bumi and Basra Bus Stop, which is located right in front of the 4-star hotel. Then, continue walking straight for 1.4 km (0.87 mi) and you will end up in the legendary Tunjungan Plaza.
Patung Karapan Sapi
Address: Jl. Basuki Rahmat No.122, Embong Kaliasin, Kec. Genteng, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60271
12. Surabaya Education Museum
Museum Pendidikan Surabaya isn’t only the museum’s Indonesian name, it’s also the phrase you should type in your Grab app if you want to go here.
As the name suggests, you will see old collections of people’s school and university certificates, magazines, computers, photography tools, and others. You can even find stationery that students in the past used.
I also think the prehistoric era is attractive—after all, not many Surabaya museums portray prehistoric life!
Museum Pendidikan Surabaya
Address: Jl. Genteng Kali No.10, Genteng, Kec. Genteng, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60275
Website: Museum Pendidikan Surabaya
Opening hours: Tue - Sun 8am - 9pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 5,000 IDR (0.31 USD) for entry; an additional cashless payment of 400,000 IDR (24.63 USD) is required if you want to take pre-wed photos inside the museum.
13. Siola
Siola in Central Surabaya used to be Whiteaway Laidlaw. Co. Robert Laidlaw, an English investor, established this building in the 18th century.
Surabaya Kriya Gallery (abbreviated: SKG) is one of the most popular parts of this historical building. It is open until night, and tourists usually buy batik collections and oleh-oleh from Surabaya and East Java SMEs here.
I recommend trying their chilled soy milk and homemade traditional drinks. Alternatively, you can chill with 28 Finest’s foods and beverages, which is only 70 m (229.66 ft) from the building.
14. Old buildings in Jalan Veteran
The name of this bus stop on Jalan Veteran is the same as the road (“Jalan”)—Veteran. When you step out of the bus, you will see colonial-style buildings everywhere.
I immediately think of the Dutch people’s business acumen when I see the buildings. For instance, the Maybank Pahlawan branch used to be Netherlands Spaarbank. I also saw other ex-Dutch-owned company buildings in this era that have become Surabaya’s cultural heritage, such as the AA Energy building.
Those spots are the best places for taking selfies during your trips to Surabaya! The spooky feel will intensify at night. Will you dare to try?
15. Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Locals call this 18th-century church “Gereja Kepanjen,” which refers to the church’s physical address at Jalan Kepanjen.
I decided to photograph the church at night under the moonlight to highlight the Harry Potter-style look! Despite the church’s gothic look, it is crowded with congregations, especially on Sundays.
More than ten street vendors also set up their stalls opposite the building. Rume Croissant and Bread, an aesthetic cafe, is also 210 m (688.98 ft) behind the church.
Google Maps might advise you to access the church through the Kemayoran bus stop if you depart from Tunjungan Plaza. But, based on my experience, it would be more convenient and closer to BCA Veteran on the right side of the Veteran bus stop.
Gereja Katolik Kelahiran Santa Perawan Maria
Address: Jl. Kepanjen No.4-6, Krembangan Sel., Kec. Krembangan, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60175
16. House of Soekarno
You will see a photograph of Soekarno, the first president of Indonesia when you visit Kampung Wisata Lawang Seketeng. From there, you can walk straight to house #40. That’s the House of Soekarno.
Like in Maspati, motored vehicles can’t enter the road. So, you will need to park your vehicles in spaces outside the narrow road. You can also visit Clara Salon, a vintage hair salon and make-up artist, next to the House of Soekarno.
For me, the augmented reality technology that has been used in one of the museum’s zones is one of the most mind-blowing parts!
Tempat Kelahiran Soekarno
Address: Jl. Pandean IV No.40, Peneleh, Kec. Genteng, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60274
Website: Tempat Kelahiran Soekarno
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 8am - 3pm (closed on Mon)
17. The Resting House of WR Soepratman
I immediately saw myself when I read about WR Soepratman’s life upon entering this museum in Jalan Mangga. WR Soepratman was not only the creator of “Indonesia Raya” (the current national anthem), but he also worked as a journalist during his lifetime. His passion for singing and writing decent poems and newspaper articles is evident in each part of the room!
It’s 230 m (754.59 ft) from Gelora 10 November stadium. I recommend renting a motorcycle to go through the narrow roads leading to this old house!
Museum W.R. Soepratman
Address: Jl. Mangga No.21, Tambaksari, Kec. Tambaksari, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60136
Website: Museum W.R. Soepratman
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 8am - 3pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 5,000 IDR (0.31 USD)
18. De Javasche Bank Museum (or Museum Bank Indonesia)
Caution: don’t mix up the name of the bus stop close to this museum! If you head to Museum BI Bus Stop, you will be directed to the library. Instead, you can access the actual museum from Jembatan Merah or the Veteran Bus Stop.
De Javasche Bank Museum is set in a building used by the Dutch-East Indies government as a central bank in the 19th century. The architecture teams have repainted some of it to reflect its look in the museum’s collections, such as in the old photos inside the bank.
I love how they display old computers, bank machines, and printers for the first clearing transactions! You can even see their old-school priority customer seats when you go to the 2nd floor.
Museum De Javasche Bank
Address: Jl. Garuda No.1, Krembangan Sel., Kec. Krembangan, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60175
Website: Museum De Javasche Bank
Opening hours: 8am - 3pm (daily)
19. Cak Durasim
East Javanese people, including Surabaya locals, use “cak” to address young men in general. The unique thing about this iconic building is that it is named after a brave-spirited dancer from East Java.
Cak Durasim was a traditional dancer and poet in his lifetime. To commemorate his bravery in speaking up against Japanese imperialism, the building now displays traditional dances, poems, and wayang plays, which contain many traditional Indonesian cultural elements.
The name of its corresponding bus stop is the same as the building’s name. Additionally, I also like that you can eat and drink in Java Cup Coffee next to the building while you wait for your favorite show.
20. Blockbuster Museum Surabaya
Blockbuster Museum Surabaya might be a newly established museum, but the DC and Marvel superhero action figure displays on the inside and the superhero-themed cafe in front of the museum remind us of Surabaya youths’ inspiring heroic spirit in fighting for their aspirations.
Kenjeran, the museum’s location, is also famous for its beautiful beach and sea views.
P.S.: You will see a sign for “The Kitchenware Paradise” when your Grab driver lands at this museum for the first time. Go to the 2nd floor; that’s where the museum is!
Blockbuster Museum Surabaya
Address: Jl. Kenjeran No.463-465, Gading, Kec. Tambaksari, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60134
Website: Blockbuster Museum Surabaya
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 12am - 7pm (closed on Mon - Wed)
Price: 70,000 IDR (4.32 USD)
21. National 6th High School of Surabaya (SMAN 6 Surabaya)
If you hop on a bus or a Wirawiri car and land at the Gubernur Suryo bus stop, Balai Pemuda (formerly Simpangsche Societeit) is on the right side. Meanwhile, this oldest state-owned high school is on the left side.
History notes the high school’s first establishment was in 1957, 12 years after Indonesia’s independence. This building used to be SSV (Surabaya Scholl Vereneging), an integrated school from nursery to elementary school in the Dutch colonialism era.
I’ve loved the vending machine since I first saw it in 2019! There, you can buy mineral water and various other Indonesian brand bottled drinks with student-friendly prices.
National 6th High School of Surabaya (SMAN 6 Surabaya)
Address: Jl. Gubernur Suryo No.11, Embong Kaliasin, Kec. Genteng, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60271
Website: SMA Negeri 6 Surabaya
22. Wira Surya Agung Monument
Not many people know about this monument, but it is located in front of Joyoboyo Patung’s bus stop. Wira Surya Agung Monument’s highlight lies in the statues of heroes that are holding their weapons. At that time, Surabaya youths were fighting Gurkhas and English armies to prevent them from seizing the bridge territory.
When I looked above (because the heroes’ positions are far above the pillar), I immediately felt that the heroes are inspiring people in this lifetime to take risks in times of difficulties and uncertainties.
You will see the Jagir Sluice, DTC, and Pasar Wonokromo (Wonokromo wet market) when you walk to the right side of this monument.
Monumen Wira Surya Agung
Address: Jl. Raya Darmo, Darmo, Kec. Wonokromo, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60264
23. Jagir Sluice
You will see a London bridge-like monument when you’ve walked 270 m (885.83 ft) from Wonokromo Train Station. That bridge-like building with colonial touches in the architecture is Jagir Sluice, or Pintu Air Jagir according to locals.
The Dutch colony rebuilt the sluice in 1912, around seven centuries after the Mongolian war. Even now, locals use the water flowing from the sluice to fulfill daily needs. Some locals also enjoy fishing around the sluice.
I took the photos a few meters from Joyoboyo Patung Bus Stop. If you stand at my position and walk to the right side, you will see DTC, an old-school and super-economical shopping mall in the Wonokromo area!
Pintu Air Jagir
Address: Jl. Jagir Wonokromo No.74, Jagir, Kec. Wonokromo, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60244
Remembering the history that builds Surabaya as the bravest Indonesian city
Defeating the English troops was Surabaya’s best and most memorable achievement. It is evident through the historical places that mostly take place in Central Surabaya. However, you should expect scorching hot temperatures if you visit any of the museums in the afternoon.
P.S. Many of Surabaya’s historical sites only accept QR payments right now. However, some places still take cash payments, such as 10th November Museum.
So, if you’re curious about the City of Heroes, use this comprehensive guide to see its best spots.
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