Surabaya, formerly the leading trade center in the age of the Javanese emperor, remains a shining business destination in Indonesia. Although some people still prioritize other capitals in East Java, the city, situated on the northern coast of Java, surprisingly has many enticing corners. With its sunny weather, Surabaya is indeed a must-visit spot before watching the sunrise in Penanjakan, Bromo, or hiking on Mount Ijen to marvel at the blue fire phenomenon. To satisfy your curiosity, you’d better check out all the 10 top things to do in this vibrant metropolis.
1. See the iconic Surabaya National Monument
To reminisce about how the local heroes fought against Dutch occupation, you can visit Surabaya’s National Monument, also called Heroes Monument or “Tugu Pahlawan.” The monument is a simple obelisk. History lovers are highly recommended to make a visit to the site to learn more about Surabaya’s past. To avoid the scorching heat, you should visit the area either early in the morning or in the afternoon. You also can take a picture while enjoying the monument.
Tugu Pahlawan
Address: Jl. Pahlawan, Alun-alun Contong, Bubutan
Price: free
Opening Hours: 8 am to 2.30 pm (weekdays), 8 am to 1.30 pm (weekend) Closed on public holidays.
2. Hang out at Bungkul Park
Bungkul Park or “Taman Bungkul” is an open green space in Surabaya that is ideal for those travelling with family. It’s the best spot to chill out, enjoy the fresh air, or go for a walk. There are numerous facilities including a playground and skateboarding park for your children. It’s called “Bungkul” because it’s named after the Mbah Bungkul, a cemetery inside the park. You can try traditional street food at the park, such as pecel semanggi, which is legendary.
Taman Bungkul
Address Jl. Taman Bungkul, Darmo, Wonokromo
Price: free
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Have you ever wished for sushi dishes in a live-cooking sushi belt restaurant concept at a decent price point? Well, in Surabaya's Royal Plaza mall, Sushi Ya has collaborated with Ramen Ya to realize your dreams!
Here, you will find lots of super-affordable sushi dishes, such as tamago or salmon mozarella sushi. As you've seen in the price list that I've highlighted in this picture, one sushi plate starts from only 0.2 USD, and the most expensive plate will cost you about 0.8 USD.
You can find Sushi Ya after you head to the Food Society in Royal Plaza. The best time to visit? I would advise around 1-2 hours before or after lunch or dinner, for the place is always crowded when it comes to lunch or dinner times
3. Enjoy an amazing view of Suramadu Bridge
Some people associate the Suramadu Bridge with the Golden Gate Bridge in California. It indeed provides an enticing view for candid pictures. The bridge, connecting the islands of Java and Madura, is the longest bridge in Indonesia. The cable stayed-bridge was built in 2009 and has two lanes for each direction. You can cross the bridge to Madura to discover more of East Java.
Suramadu Bridge
Address: Jalan Tol Suramadu, Tambak Wedi, Kenjeran
Opening Hours: 24 hours
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4. Go Chinese mosque hopping
If you are a culture and art enthusiast, you must drop by at Muhammad Cheng Ho Mosque. The unique architecture depicting cultural assimilation between China and Islam is so fascinating. You can explore the dominantly red and green mosque in less than an hour. Although it’s not as massive as Al-Akbar Mosque, Muhammad Cheng Ho Mosque is worth to visit.
Masjid Cheng Ho
Address: Jl. Gading No.2, Ketabang, Genteng
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Tip from Trip101 local expert
"Hello from Surabaya!
Now, Wirawiri Suroboyo (Surabaya's next-generation angkot a.k.a. public transportation) is available on at least six different routes all around Surabaya.
The cost? IDR 5,000 per passenger (0.33 USD), and only cashless payment (no debit or credit cards, only through QR or e-money taps) is accepted. Senior-aged people and students will have to register themselves in Dishub for half of the price on July 1, 2023."
5. Thai vibes at Sanggar Agung Temple
Experience a bit of Thailand at Surabaya’s Sanggar Agung Temple. The feature of the temple is a four-faced Buddha statue with its towering stupa. The captivating Buddha statue is gold plated. You will be amazed by the temple’s architectural design, especially if you enjoyed Wat Pho in Bangkok. The well-maintained temple is very popular among worshipers.
Sanggar Agung Temple
Address: Jl. Pantai Ria Kenjeran, Sukolilo Baru, Bulak
Price: from 0.4 USD / ~5,300 IDR
Opening Hours: 8 am to 5 pm
6. Visit a museum
Surabaya is an excellent destination in Indonesia if you’re interested in museums and galleries. There are numerous enticing museums that we can recommend. House of Sampoerna exhibits some collections of ancient vehicles, cigarette lighters and cases, and is a good site to see cigarette rolling. House of Surabaya displays historical artifacts with their displays. Meanwhile, Museum Mpu Tantular illustrates Javanese architectural design with a modern flair.
House of Sampoerna Museum
Address: Taman Sampoerna No.6, Krembangan Utara, Pabean Cantian
Price: free
Opening Hours: 9 am to 10 pm
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Talking about arts and culture in East Java, we might think about Reog Ponorogo, one of the Intangible Cultural Heritages (ICH) according to the UN's UNESCO. Even though Reog's origin is in Ponorogo, it is also present in other East Java areas, such as Surabaya.
Patung Reog (the Reog statue) is one of the iconic statues located a few meters in front of Pintu Barat (West Gate) of Plaza Surabaya a.k.a. Delta Plaza. When you book an online taxi, let the driver know your location is near the statue a.k.a. Patung Reog, else, the driver might get lost.
Many people love taking photos with the statue because it's free! Let's not forget that the statue looks so stunning with the additional lighting effects that highlight the bonsai coconut trees surrounding the statue starting from 18:00 and above.
7. Unwind at Surabaya North Quay
Surabaya North Quay is another lovely way to spend your time in the city. The seafront spot, newly built in 2016, offers a romantic atmosphere for young couples. Enjoying the sunset with the view of docked cruise ships is the best part of chilling out at this vibrant place. Other highlights are the live music, super clean lounge area, and chic galleries.
Surabaya North Quay
Address: Perak Utara, Pabean Cantian, Perak Utara, Pabean Cantian
Price: free
Opening Hours: 9 am to 9 pm
8. Enjoy Dutch architecture
History and heritage lovers are obviously recommended to get lost on either Pahlawan Street or Pemuda Street. Dutch ambiance can be felt along these roads. The ancient, artistic, and Dutch-style buildings along the street will captivate anybody’s eyes. Some buildings are well-maintained and revitalized while the rest are simply abandoned, yet remain attractive. These buildings can be found near the iconic Surabaya National Monument.
Dutch Architecture
Address: Jalan Pahlawan and Jalan Pemuda, Surabaya
Price: free
Opening Hours: 24 hours.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Jesslyn K Bread & Cake was more famous in Semarang before its comeback at Surabaya. I knew Jesslyn when I was an Elementary School student - that time was around 2004. Jesslyn shortly closed the Surabaya store in 2006-2007 in Supermall PTC.
Jesslyn K Bread & Cake is also famous for Mokko Factory. Mokko used to open at PTC, too - my last visit to Mokko Factory at PTC was around 2012. Unfortunately, not many people visit the donut shop, and the tenant's place was so not strategic at that time, to the point that Mokko had to close around one year after its establishment.
Jesslyn K Bread & Cakes x Mokko Factory is located not far away from Transmart BG Junction. Just look at the shapes of the tenant's building and you won't get lost!
9. Enjoy dinner at Food Junction
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you want to grab a dinner featuring local foods, don’t forget to visit Food Junction. There are hundreds of food stalls here serving both international and traditional culinary delights. Ronggo Malang’s dish called cwi mie, Farina’s pempek meal, and Harissa’s fried duck are among the highlight foods. Situated in western Surabaya, this bustling spot also features several attractions such as an amusement park, lagoon pond, and other events to discover.
Grand Pakuwon Food Junction
Address: Jl. Grand Banjar Boulevard, Tandes, Banjar Sugihan, Tandes
Opening Hours: 11 am to 11 pm
Tip from Trip101 local expert
The legendary Warung Nasi Cumi Pasar Atom Bu Atun is located just a few steps away from Pasar Atom, the legendary shopping destination in Surabaya area. It is open 24-hours every day (except for "special occasions" like, Eid Al-Fitr, or Ramadan months)!
Since public figures like actors and actresses frequently visit here, the prices are quite expensive!
As the name has suggested, Warung Nasi Cumi Bu Atun is famous for Nasi Cumi. There are also other Madurese-authentic food like Nasi Bebek (Madurese duck rice) or Nasi Ayam (Madurese chicken rice with yellow bebek a.k.a. duck seasonings).
Spicy lovers must visit this place.For dine in, they always have lots of satays and keropok... And they also sell other goods, like local honey, iced beverages, etc!!
10. Stroll down Tunjungan Plaza (TP)
Surabaya is famous for its shopping malls, and one of the top malls is Tunjungan Plaza. The biggest shopping center in the capital contains more than 500 retail outlets. You can shop for fashionable shoes and chic accessories, watch the latest film, dine out, or simply stroll through the area. A children’s arcade center, restaurants, and cafes are also provided. Shopaholics must spend their money in TP mall.
Tunjungan Plaza
Address: Jl. Basuki Rahmat No.8-12, Kedungdoro, Tegalsari
Opening Hours: 10 am to 10 pm
There are tons of ways to enjoy Surabaya
Some travelers may not think to put Surabaya, Indonesia on their bucket list. In fact, the capital is actually a hub for hidden attractions. Although it doesn’t offer much natural attractions, wanderers can absolutely enjoy Surabaya’s cultural and heritage attractions through the religious sites (mosque and temple), museums, and landmarks. Some cool places to hang out, like Surabaya North Quay and Tunjungan Plaza, are also fun.
Visit Cakue Peneleh to treat your taste buds
Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Shierly Octaviana
Source: Shierly Octaviana
How often have you seen cakue, also known as the Surabaya version of you tiao, served with porridge when you go on an eating journey in the city? Cakue doesn’t only become another topping for porridge, also called bubur. Instead, it also symbolizes its citizens, also known as Arek Arek Suroboyo’s fighting spirits, especially in terms of preserving the uniqueness of their innovations. In Surabaya, cakue was first introduced by a couple, Tjio Ie Loe and Kho Sioe Yan, in 1988. Today, we recognize the brand as Cakue Peneleh.
The uniqueness of Cakue Peneleh is in the minced chicken and shrimp fillings. Surabaya people commonly refer to these cakue as cakue ayam udang. They are cut into symmetrical rectangular shapes with deep-fried textures. Other than mixing the cakue with bubur, people can also dip it in chili sauce. The crispiness and the presence of chopped leek as the toppings also make Cakue Peneleh different from the you tiao that you usually see in Malaysia or Singapore. Note that “you tiao” here refers to “cakue polos”, which is a longer, plainer, and fluffier cakue than cakue ayam udang. I usually prefer to eat already-cut cakue rather than one long piece, because it’s more practical that way. Also, even though sauces are available, I seldom dip my cakue in the sauce. If I did, I would prefer an extra-hot sauce, because I love spicy foods! Then, again, I love the natural taste of the cakue more, so I don’t use the sauce often.
The popularity of Cakue Peneleh is undeniable, and we can see the stall has a bigger area compared to other stalls in Pasar Atom Mall, the legendary shopping mall in the Old Surabaya Chinatown. Now, Cakue Peneleh is also selling lots of frozen foods - the ones that you can fry and process in the comfort of your house. You can see roti goreng (fried bread with sesame garnishes), otak-otak, and others. Cakue Peneleh is always crowded every weekend from 11am to 12pm. I usually eat two pieces of Cakue Peneleh’s best-selling cakue ayam udang before and after meals.
Experience the public transport by riding in a Suroboyo Bus
Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Shierly Octaviana
Source: Shierly Octaviana
This one is the Suroboyo Bus. Locals refer to this bus as either SB or Bus Suroboyo. Its outer color is red, which makes it similar to Trans Semanggi, also known as Teman Bus, another public transportation used here. However, this one has the SB letter at the front and yellow and red designs at the back. Also, there are two bus crews (one driver and one helper) inside instead of only one crew like Trans Semanggi. I love going from Tunjungan Plaza to Terminal Purabaya (the inter-city bus terminal) with this bus!
This bus was officially launched in 2019 by Surabaya Government. The cost of traveling on the SB bus is IDR 5,000. Also, note that all public transportation in Surabaya only accepts payment by QR code or the Flazz card, which you can purchase from the nearby supermarkets or the bank’s branches. If you happen to travel by Wirawiri Suroboyo and vice versa, don’t forget your ticket that the bus helper has printed from the device - you don’t have to pay again when you have the ticket, and the transit ticket is valid for two hours since the printed time!
Speaking about the best time to hop on the SB bus, I would say that from around 15:00 on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, the bus will be crowded, so you may have to stand during the journey, especially the ones from Tunjungan Plaza to Terminal Purabaya (the inter-city bus terminal). The bus is comparatively less crowded on weekdays. Also, avoid hopping on the bus close to the closing time, around 19:00-21:00 every day.
Go on a shopping spree at The Headline Pakuwon City Mall
Contributed by Trip101 Local Expert, Shierly Octaviana
The Headline Pakuwon City Mall is a clothing store with selfie places and a tree! It’s one of the most luxurious malls in East Surabaya where you can shop for locally made Korean-style attire while taking selfies around the booth and the shopping mall. You’ll find unique and fashionable clothes, such as dresses, tops, shoes, bags, and sandals. Just look at the “Rise & Slay” sign, which is perfect for taking selfies with your fashion items while giving an impression as if you’re on public transportation! Don’t forget that the photo booth section is available outside the store. Another unique thing about this clothing store is that there’s a tree inside! Now, you won’t find the same thing outside Surabaya.
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