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Souvenir
Top 14 Gifts You Can Bring Home From Surabaya (That Are Not Only From Bu Rudy!)

Oleh-oleh is how Indonesians refer to gifts they can bring home. It translates to souvenirs. I will focus on food gifts in this article because I personally love telling stories of what I ate, whether from my hometown or during my travels in other parts of the world! The unbeatable sambal udang (or prawn sambal in English) made Bu Rudy famous outside Indonesia. But did you know that Bu Rudy isn't the only food gift brand you can buy (and finally, bring home) when you visit Surabaya? There are now many mouthwatering authentic Surabaya culinary products in West Surabaya that you can bring home, such as Coolagen. If you're wondering what other kinds of oleh-oleh, or top gifts you can bring home from Surabaya, scroll through this article for a yummy list!
Things To Do
14 Things You Can Do Around Pasar Atom, The Legendary Shopping Mall In Surabaya's Old Town Region

"Tradition" is the middle name of Surabaya Old Town. It is full of colonial-style attractions and street vendors. Pasar Atom is one of them. It's divided into two parts: Pasar Atom Lama, the older version of the mall, and Pasar Atom Baru, its modern counterpart. Pasar Atom used to be similar to wet markets before its Lama building was established. Some scholars believe the 1950s were when the mall was established, years before Pasar Atom Lama. Later, in 2007, Pasar Atom Baru, aka Pasar Atom Mall, came about. Pay attention to the signage and the direction of the arrow when you visit Pasar Atom. If the sign reads "Pasar Atom Mall" and the arrow goes to the left, the back side would be Pasar Atom Lama. Another tip: the Baru area has aircon and modern vendors, but the Lama area doesn't. Casual clothing vendors are a must-visit in both parts of the shopping mall! You can also find yummy vegan food. For other activities, keep reading to learn about the things you can do around Pasar Atom.
Things To Do
23 Must-Visit Historical Landmarks And Museums In Surabaya

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.
Places To Eat
Top 14 Modern Eateries With Heritage Elements In Central Surabaya

Most tourists categorize North Surabaya, some parts of East Surabaya, and Central Surabaya as "Central Surabaya," even though these areas are different. This is because there are "heritage" elements throughout this region that help tourists see how the old Surabaya worked. Here, heritage usually refers to museums and other historical attractions in the area. But when talking about buildings, including eateries, this word also refers to the vintage exterior and interior design. These eateries have modern amenities while still retaining their heritage. Sometimes, the names of the dishes also bring back special memories when we visit these modern eating places in Central Surabaya. Saat Seduh Coffee has left the biggest impression on me. This cafe has elements of European colonialism that immerse you in the early 19th-century life in Soerabaja (Surabaya's old name). I also find it interesting that Xiang Rui Kopitiam, an iconic hotel, has also been transformed into a 24-hour food-court-style kopitiam that you can visit. If you'd like to learn more about these fabulous modern eateries with heritage elements in Central Surabaya, keep reading for my picks!
Places To Eat
Yummiest Places To Eat Around Tunjungan, Surabaya: 20 Recommendations From A Local

Tunjungan, located in the city of Surabaya, is a popular place for both tourists and locals to visit. Tourists love visiting the area because the Colonial-inspired buildings preserve Surabaya's history as the "City of Heroes." Most aesthetic cafes are also open late at night, contributing to the area's vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, the number of tourists in this area exceeds that of other parts of Surabaya, making it the liveliest and most tourist-friendly area in the city. Located in the heart of Surabaya, the Tunjungan area is home to a variety of hotels. It is also home to the historic Tunjungan Plaza shopping mall, which was established in 1986, the renowned 5-star Hotel Majapahit with its Indigo Restaurant, and the lively Tunjungan Romansa street music performances that take place at night. This central area of Surabaya also offers a blend of modern and vintage culinary delights, especially in the recently revitalized Pasar Tunjungan's Depot Juang 45, Drama Roastery, and other establishments. If you're here for the food, read on to discover the yummiest places to eat in and around Tunjungan, Surabaya!
Things To Do
15 Activities You Can Do In Pakuwon Mall And Trade Center, Surabaya

Locals usually refer to Pakuwon Mall And Trade Center as Pakuwon Trace Center (PTC) even though it has two other areas—Pakuwon Mall (the most modernized and crowded area) and Pakuwon Mall HomePRO. The latter opened in 2020, three years after the massive Pakuwon Mall expansion. In 2003, there were only a few stores in the old PTC. Today, the expansion has brought many local and international tourists to the shopping mall. To help you differentiate, PTC areas are full of stores with budget products. It is great for tourists who want to save money. Meanwhile, Pakuwon Mall has many premium international stores. Additionally, some of the stores at Pakuwon Mall only receive cashless payments. Access to public transportation is quite simple, because "halte PTC" or "PTC bus stop" is all you need to say when you hop on Wirawiri, Suroboyo Bus, or Trans Semanggi. I love hunting for unique dine-in experiences when I go to luxurious mega-malls like this one! Sometimes, I join the crowds in playing the most interactive and immersive board games. If you'd like to know more about the activities you can do in Pakuwon Mall and Trade Center, continue reading!
Places To Eat
15 Eateries You Must Try In Royal Plaza Surabaya's Food Boulevard (From A Surabayan)

Like any other successful group company, Pakuwon Group also has an affordable shopping mall brand. In Surabaya, the company's shopping mall is South Surabaya's Royal Plaza, also known as the "Mall For Everyone," which has been in operation since 2006. The official website notes that this "Mall For Everyone" attracts around 50,000 (or perhaps more) visitors on weekends and public holidays. Going by what I've seen, Food Boulevard, the dedicated space for contemporary foods, is the main reason for the large crowds. Food Boulevard offers a range of food and beverage products priced at around 20,000-25,000 IDR (1.24-1.55 USD). These make the area attractive to locals and tourists, plus the unique meals offered, like the black-colored churros and gasoline-hosed iced tea, are fun must-try foodie experiences! Continue reading to explore more eateries you must try in Royal Plaza Surabaya's Food Boulevard!
Things To Do
19 Activities You Can Do In BG Junction, Surabaya

BG Junction was an iconic shopping plaza and movie theater named Wijaya before fire damaged it in the 1990s. Fast forward to mid-2006, a private company in Indonesia rebuilt the theater and transformed it into BG Junction. While we can still go to a movie theater (CGV) in this mall, it now also has plenty of other attractions and shops to see and explore. The roaring dinosaur opposite the Funworld and food stall area is my favorite! Playing the "test your strength" game is also convenient in BG Junction, as you can do it in the fitness and game center. Keep reading to know more about other fun activities you can do in BG Junction, Surabaya!
Food To Try
Surabaya's Best Dishes And Where To Try Them!

As the main gateway to East Java, Surabaya calls itself the capital of enchantment. The second largest Indonesian metropolis, famous for its culinary sites, allows travelers to make a deeper exploration into the local foods. Besides, Surabaya has an incredible food heritage that has been legendary for many decades. Although the city is situated near the coast where seafood should be the highlight, there is a wide variety of other good foods. Find out why the City of Heroes has worthwhile foods to try by reading the following list.
Luxury Hotels
TS Suites Surabaya, Indonesia : A Luxurious Hotel In A Vibrant Mall

Nowadays, there are several hotels in Surabaya that are adjacent to big shopping malls, like Hotel Ciputra in Ciputra World, and Hotel Bumi in Tunjungan Plaza. People stay in this kind of hotel because it is convenient. Shopping and entertainments are just a few steps away from the hotel lobby. However, on weekends no hotels in town can beat the Town Square (TS) Suites hotel. Located inside the area of Surabaya’s only roofless mall named Surabaya Town Square, there are the widest selections of top notch restaurants, cafes, and bars for you to choose! You will find a large performance stage (named the Atrium) in the mall's center where there is always something interesting performed on weekends.
Guide To
Traveling To Surabaya: Tips And Recommendations From A Local

Do Tunjungan Plaza, Pasar Atom, Gubeng, and Genteng areas come to mind when you think about Surabaya? Surabaya is more than just the Central Surabaya area. While it's true that there are many activities to do in Tunjungan Plaza, it doesn't mean you can't do anything in other areas of Surabaya. For instance, the western part of Surabaya shines with the glamorous-looking G-Walk culinary hub and Pakuwon Mall. Meanwhile, Eastern Surabaya has Galaxy Mall, a pop-up market heaven. If this is your first time visiting Surabaya and you want to know how to navigate the city safely while maximizing your travel experiences, go ahead and read these tips and recommendations from a local!
Places To Eat
15 Vegan And Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants In Surabaya

Surabaya may be the second-largest city in Indonesia, but unlike Jakarta, the former capital, I find it challenging to locate vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Surabaya. The North Surabaya region, with its Depot Sehat near a Buddhist temple, is my saving grace and the most vegan-friendly area in Surabaya. That's why many of my recommendations are located there. However, North Surabaya isn't the only place to go, as other parts of the city also have excellent options. This includes Depot Vegetarian Surabaya in Central Surabaya, which is only a 600-m (1,968.50-ft) walk from the iconic Hotel Majapahit, and NUDE Bakery & Cafe x Frutamix or Lemoon Vegetarian in West Surabaya. If you're curious, keep reading as I've listed more vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Surabaya, below!
Things To Do
10 Things To Do In Plaza Surabaya Mall, Central Surabaya's "Mall For Everyone"

Locals also refer to this mall in Central Surabaya as "Delta" because it is close to the Central Surabaya River. The mall is located behind Balai Pemuda and is about one kilometer from the iconic Tunjungan Plaza. I highly recommend visiting the unique Plaza Surabaya to see its heritage features, such as wayang prints, Javanese typography in the parking lots and mall, and the traditional Reog dancer monument in front of the mall. These features attract tourists who appreciate Surabaya and East Javanese culture. What else can you see and do here? Read this guide on things to do in Plaza Surabaya Mall, Central Surabaya's "mall for everyone", to find out!
Food To Try
14 Food Items In Galaxy Mall Surabaya That You Must Try Before You Depart

Unlike more well-known shopping malls such as Tunjungan Plaza or Plaza Surabaya in Central Surabaya, Galaxy Mall Surabaya's location in East Surabaya may require some people to put in extra effort to get there. Fortunately, the Trans Semanggi bus from Tunjungan Plaza's Kaliasin bus stop can take you to the mall's Kertajaya Indah bus stop. Additionally, the "Galaxy" bus stops right in front of Galaxy Mall 3 (the new and modernized Galaxy Mall) and Galaxy Mall 1 (the old Galaxy Mall), connecting to Trans Semanggi's electric bus' Purabaya bus stop route. Galaxy Mall Surabaya also includes Galaxy Mall 2, which is adjacent to Galaxy Mall 1. Both Galaxy Mall 1 and 2 are the older portions of Galaxy Mall, making Galaxy Mall 3 the most modernized and stylish area. Visitors can also expect a unique culinary experience throughout all areas of the mall. There are some stalls and restaurants that I think should not be missed when you're here. Keep scrolling to discover the 14 food items in Galaxy Mall Surabaya that you must try before you depart!
Reddoorz Hotels
9 Best RedDoorz Hotels In Surabaya, Indonesia

Surabaya is a port city in Indonesia, but that’s not all. Surabaya is a world of its own – you’ll see skyscrapers, you’ll see a metropolitan city, you’ll see canals and you’ll even see buildings with Dutch architecture which showcases Surabaya’s historical past. As I said, Surabaya is really a word of its own and it is definitely a city worth visiting! And if you’re in Surabaya, why not stay in RedDoorz hotels? For those of you who might not know, RedDoorz hotels are basically budget hotels or low-cost hotels which provide a pretty good level of standard and uniform service. So, if you are going to Surabaya on a budget trip, then you should definitely stay in one of these RedDoorz hotels in Surabaya, Indonesia. Scroll below for the list of best RedDoorz Hotels in Surabaya, Indonesia.
Places To Eat
Food & Restaurant Guide In And Around JW Marriott Hotel Surabaya (A Surabayan's Top Picks!)

The 5-star JW Marriott Hotel Surabaya in Embong Malang, formerly Radio NIROM, a Dutch broadcasting company, is where "Indonesia Raya" (Indonesia's national anthem) first aired and angered the Dutch. It was later transformed into The Westin Hotel Surabaya in 1992 before being taken over by Marriott International in 2002 and becoming the JW Marriott Hotel Surabaya we know today. Pavilion Restaurant and Lobby Lounge are some of Marriott's signature restaurants. I love their buffet and cocktail selections; however, sometimes, I prefer more affordable alternatives. Fortunately, I can also venture outside to try the delicious local food stalls in the hotel's vicinity. One restaurant I would recommend is Rawon Setan, known for its legendary "devil's black soup" (where "rawon" means "black soup" and "setan" means "devil"). Continue reading my food & restaurant guide in and around JW Marriott Hotel Surabaya, to learn about all the best food options in the area!
Things To Do
10 Best Things To Do In Surabaya For City Wanderers

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.
Food To Try
14 Must-Buy Food Items From Pusat Oleh-Oleh Bu Rudy, Surabaya, As Recommended By A Local

If you've visited Surabaya for food shopping, you probably noticed posters everywhere of a senior Chinese-Indonesian woman with short and curly black hair and a lively smile. Underneath her image will be the words "Bu Rudy." The woman's name is Lanny Siswadi. It all began on July 2, 1995, when Bu Rudy's husband went shrimp fishing. Bu Rudy then sold the fried shrimp that she had cooked herself to her fellow gymnasium mates, and the rest is history. After its establishment, people raved about Bu Rudy's delicious prawn-based food items, which led her to establish Pusat Oleh-Oleh (abbreviated as Pusol) Bu Rudy in the Dharmahusada area of East Surabaya. She officially named this Pusol "Terlengkap, Terbesar & Termewah di Surabaya" ("Most Complete, Largest & Most Luxurious in Surabaya"). My favorite Bu Rudy products at Pusol include the sambal in jars and the famous udang goreng kering (fried shrimp). To discover yours, check out my recommendations of must-buy food items from Pusat Oleh-Oleh Bu Rudy, Surabaya.

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