"SURABAYA" Tourism

Surabaya is the capital of East Java and the 2nd largest city in Indonesia.

The story goes that Surabaya's name derives from the Javanese words Suro, meaning shark, and Boyo, meaning crocodile. With over 6 million people, unpretentious Surabaya is the second-largest city in Indonesia, but it's a little lacking in sights. However, many people come here on business, and Surabaya is also a gateway city for Mount Bromo and Bali. The city's tree-lined streets, street parks and renovated pavements will impress those newly arrived from other cities in the archipelago, though in general the city's attractions tend to be more apparent to those who make it their home rather than to short-term visitors.

Talk

The national language, Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian), is the medium of government, commerce and education. Many locals also speak the regional language, Javanese (sometimes with a local accent). There is a surprising amount of English visible in Surabaya on advertising and signs, and English is the most widely understood foreign language.

Get In

By plane

Surabaya's Juanda Airport (SUB) is the second busiest in the country after Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta, with very frequent flights to Jakarta and other major Indonesian destinations, as well as some direct international flights to destinations including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Taipei, Guangzhou and Bandar Seri Begawan. Terminal 2 has opened on February 14, 2014, and all international flights and some domestic flights have moved here from the older Terminal 1. Holders of eligible passports arriving on international flights can arrange visa-on-arrival at Terminal 2.

Officially, you're supposed to buy fixed-fare taxi coupons from the "Prima Taxi" stand for the 18 km trip into town, around US$7-10 depending on your exact destination. If you choose to save time by taking the toll road from the airport, the toll charges will be extra. In practice you may be able to get a driver dropping off passengers to pick you up. There are 2 choices available: sedan type accommodates 4-5 pax and SUV type 6-7 pax or if you have lots of baggage. If you're going further away (eg. Mount Bromo), it'll be cheaper to a rent a car with a driver instead.

There is an Airport Bus service operated by DAMRI (same company as in Jakarta), which goes to the Bungurasih bus station. Buses stop in front of the terminal, are air-conditioned and reasonably comfortable, ticket costs Rp 15.000 (Rp 20,000 as of March 2016). The bus terminal, however, is hectic and is only slightly closer to the city center than the airport - going there makes sense only if you continue by bus to another city (e.g. Malang, Probolinggo), or do not mind continuing in a local bus.

There used to be a large viewing gallery on the top of the airport terminal (accessible directly from outside), but it has now been closed and converted into a transit hotel.

By train

Surabaya has two main stations, Surabaya Pasar Turi and Surabaya Gubeng. Seats in eksekutif (first class) and bisnis (second class) for any intercity journey can be reserved up to 30 days in advance at any major railway station in Java.

Stasiun Pasar Turi

Trains using the northern main line from Gambir Station in Jakarta take at least ten hours to arrive at Pasar Turi, while trains using the southern main line take no less than 15. Air-conditioned trains are available on both routes, though. The Argo Bromo Anggrek, Sembrani and Gumarang trains use the northern line, while the Bima uses the south line. All these trains have A/C eksekutif accommodations.

• To Jakarta Gambir: the very good Argo Bromo Anggrek departs twice a day, at 8am (Pagi) and 8pm (Malam). Arrival 6:37PM / 6:37AM, Rp 265,000 during the week in eksekutif, no bisnis. Prices raise during the week end and the public holidays (usually Rp 380,000). Be aware that the A/C is extremely cold, thus bring some warm sweater. Moreover, television is usually very loud during the whole trip. Possible to order meals: Rp 18,000 for a nasi goreng, Rp 3,000 for a hot tea.

• To Jakarta Kota:

• 5:30AM: Gumarang, from Rp 170,000 to Rp 320,000 in eksekutif, from Rp 104,000 to Rp 175,000 in bisnis; arrival 6:17AM.
• 6:30AM: Sembrani, from Rp 170,000 to Rp 320,000 in eksekutif, no bisnis; arrival 6:23AM.

• To Semarang:

• 8AM: Argo Bromo Anggrek Siang
• 2pm: Rajawali, Rp 150,000 in eksekutif; arrival 7:09PM
• 5:30PM: Gumarang
• 6:30PM: Sembrani
• 8PM: Argo Bromo Anggrek Malam

Stasiun Gubeng

Trains from Bandung and Yogyakarta use the Gubeng station. The Argo Wilis travels at daytime, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery in the western part of the route. The Sancaka travels to Yogyakarta via Solo twice a day and takes approximately 6 hours. Railway connections to Bali are made by the twice-a-day Mutiara Timur express to Banyuwangi, transferring to buses before the ferry crossing to Gilimanuk. Don't forget to buy salak bali.

• To Jakarta Gambir: Train Bima at 6PM, from Rp 180,000 to Rp 320,000 in eksekutif, no bisnis; arrival 6:20AM.

• To Bandung:

• 7:30AM: Argo Willis, from Rp 200,000 to Rp 320,000 in eksekutif, no bisnis; arrival 7:56PM.
• 4PM: Mutiara Selatan, from Rp 96,000 to Rp 130,000 in bisnis, no eksekutif; arrival 6:15AM.
• 6PM: Turangga, from Rp 180,000 to Rp 320,000 in eksekutif, no bisnis; arrival 7:10AM.

• To Bandung Kiaracondong: Train Pasundan at 6AM, from Rp 33,000 to Rp 43,000 in ekonomi only; arrival 10:18PM.

• To Yogyakarta:

• 7AM: Train Sancaka Pagi, from Rp 70,000 to Rp 115,000 in eksekutif, from Rp 40,000 to Rp 80,000 in bisnis; arrival 8:23PM.
• 3PM: Train Sancaka Sore, from Rp 70,000 to Rp 115,000 in eksekutif, from Rp 40,000 to Rp 80,000 in bisnis; arrival 8:23PM.

Slow and packed local economy-class trains from Malang arrive at Kota station (also known as Semut) and passing through Gubeng station as they come in from the south.

By boat

• PT Angkutan Sungai Danau dan Penyeberangan(ASDP): daily ferry service from Ujung Kamal, Madura to Tanjung Perak, Surabaya.

• PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (PELNI) passenger ships from many major port cities throughout Indonesia to Tanjung Perak.

There is a public city bus that goes through the city to the main bus terminal for intercity connections. (Rp.10,000 or less if you go shorter way) The departure spot is about 5 min. walk from the port - just follow the crowd or ask people.

By bus

Surabaya has frequent bus connections from all parts of East Java and from major cities in other parts of Java and beyond. The main bus terminal is at Bungurasih, about 10 km south of the city. There are frequent shuttle buses from Malang (Rp 20.000 for air conditioned, less for "ekonomi") and Probolinggo (for Mount Bromo), so just turn up. Long-haul bus journeys are best booked in advance.

There are many people inside the terminal trying to solicit passengers to the bus of the company from which they get a commission, and they are especially bothersome to the foreigners. If you follow them to the bus, you are likely to get offered an inflated (Rp 200.000 or even more to Bali) price, even though there's an official price list (you can see it at the exit to the platform). Ticket offices do not guarantee you to be safe from overcharging - most of them are private, and there's no price posted on the window, so shop around. It may make sense to bargain if the price is certainly too high. Prices may be slightly higher during high demand periods like weekends and public holidays.

To Denpasar in Bali, fair price is Rp 100,000-120.000 by eksekutif night bus, including the ferry trip between Banyuwangi and Gilimanuk, mineral water and a meal. Buses depart from Bungurasih bus terminal in Surabaya, and arrive in Gubeng bus terminal in Denpasar. Duration: in 10-12 hr.

Ticket to Jakarta should cost Rp 130.000-150.000 in eksekutif bus - however the trip may be extremely tedious. The road is one of the busiest in Indonesia - despite that, much of it has only one lane in each direction, and there are lots of slow heavy trucks. There will be 3 or 4 rest stops on the way (20-30 minutes each), and at least some traffic jams near Jakarta, so even in an express bus what was advertised as 13-14 hours journey could easily turn into 18 or even 20.

By minibus

Another option is to go by minibus (known in Indonesia as travel). A number of companies run door-to-door minibus services from and to major destinations in Java, including Malang and Yogyakarta. These services are both more convenient and more expensive than public buses. Seats can be booked in advance through company offices, and also through many hotels and travel agents.

See

• Gereja Kelahiran Santa Perawan Maria. The oldest church in Surabaya. Beautiful glass panels and serene surroundings.

• Grahadi. The colonial-era residence of the Governor of East Java. You can watch Reog dance, a vigorous traditional dance at the nearby 'Balai Pemuda' (Youth Hall- one historical building in Surabaya) every Sunday at 8.30AM.

• G-Walk located in west Surabaya (CitraLand). There are many food stalls and bazaars at night where you can find a lot of good food. G-Walk is composed of exclusive bars and restaurants on the one side, and street food on the opposite side. It gets very crowded at night and it's a place for a lot of young people to hang out. A new food market just opened in 2011 and close to G-Walk you'll also find some bars. G-Walk is located between Pakuwon Super Mall and Ciputra Golf.

• House of Sampoerna Situated in "old Surabaya"‚ this stately Dutch colonial-style compound was built in 1862 and is now a preserved historical site. Cited as the top tourist destination in Surabaya, the complex offers a museum, an art gallery, a cafe as well as souvenir shops. It also provides a City Sightseeing bus for free with a tour guide speaking English. Check out the timing for the museum's main attraction: hundreds of girls hand-rolling Indonesia's most prestigious cigarette, Dji Sam Soe, using traditional equipment. They do it at an unbelievable speed.

• Loop located in west Surabaya (Graha Famili). There are many food stalls and bazaars at night where you can find a lot of good food. It gets very crowded at night and it's a place for a lot of young people to hang out.

• Masjid Al Akbar Surabaya A huge mosque (some say it's the biggest mosque in SE Asia). The mosque has a tower which is equipped with an elevator, so that visitors can see Surabaya from top of the tower, 65 m (195 ft) above ground level.

• Masjid Cheng Ho, a mosque with beautiful Chinese architecture. It is about 10 min walk from Surabaya City Hall, or 5 min by rickshaw.

• Monumen Jalasveva Jayamahe A monument on Surabaya's seafront dedicated to the service of The Indonesian Navy.

• Monumen Kapal Selam KRI Pasopati (410), A Soviet-built Whiskey class submarine display which proudly served in Indonesian Navy since 1962. It is launched in 1952 and since her decommisioning in 1990, preserved as a monument. The body/hull was slightly cut for stairs & door for easier public entrance & viewing. Right beside the monument, there is a building where a short movie about the history of the submarine itself can be viewed. It is located beside the river next to Delta Plaza a.k.a. Plaza Surabaya. You also can see the Suroboyo monument near the river. 10,000Rp (Oct 2015)

• Pasar Ampel A large Arab market selling carpets and all sorts of other goodies. This area is not tourist friendly so expect stares from everyone. At the end of the main narrow lane is the mosque and grave of one of the nine Moslem saints of Java, Sunan Ampel.

• Surabaya Zoo (Kebun Binatang/Bonbin), 3 km south of the city centre (near Joyoboyo bus terminal). One of the oldest & largest in South-East Asia. You also can see the Suroboyo monument near the zoo entrance. Animal lovers may not wish to patronize this zoo. It has been criticized heavily in recent years for its rampant animal abuse and animal deaths attributed to the negligent keepers.

• The Suramadu Bridge (Jembatan Suramadu), also known as the Surabaya-Madura Bridge, is a bridge with cable-stayed which connects Surabaya on the island of Java and the town of Bangkalan on the island of Madura. The bridge is open for public since June 10, 2009. It costs Rp15.000 for one-way trip.

• Tugu Pahlawan A monument dedicated to the fallen heroes of Surabaya during the Independence war of 1945-49. It is located right in front of the Governor official building at Jl. Pahlawan.

• Pantai Kenjeran and Jembatan Suroboyo Beach located in northern Surabaya. It was old and decapitated, but recently the government built a new bridge encompassing this area (Jembatan Suroboyo). Dancing fountain show is available every Saturday nights. A new theme park (Atlantis Park) has been recently built in this area.

Do

• Swim and have fun with water in Ciputra Waterpark a great place for swimming, it has a wave pool, slides, and more. This waterpark is located in the CitraLand complex. It is usually crowded on Saturdays, Sundays and other holidays. The waterpark is open until 8 pm.

• Enjoy the local arts at Balai Pemuda, an art center in the heart of Surabaya, near the City Hall. You can watch the Reog Dance and other art performance. The big event is Festival Seni Surabaya (FSS), held every year on June. During the Dutch Colonial era, this building was a club called Simpangsche Societeit.

• Get around the Old Town area (Around Kembang Jepun to the port) and enjoy the view of nice colonial buildings.

• Surabaya has several golf courses. Try to golf in Bukit Darmo Golf This golf course is located in the elite housing area in West Surabaya. This course has 18 holes, designed by Jack Nicklaus II. Another alternative is Yani Golf. This course is built in hilly terrain and is the oldest course in town with the crypt of the last Dutch Governor on it. Otherwise, you can try Graha Famili golf course (18 holes), inside Graha Famili real estate site, near the Bukit Darmo Golf. Also Ciputra Golf found within Citraland Estate. For beginner, try Pakuwon Golf instead within Pakuwon Estate - a 18-hole par 3 course, the 'back nine' - just opened in 2011 - are quite challenging. There's also excellent Taman Dayu golf located about an hour drive south, towards Malang. There you also find the very nice course of Fina Golf. Another 9-hole Par 3 course can be found on the estate of Semen Gresik in the town of the same name. Generally Golf in Surabaya is both Great and Cheap if you compare with most other countries.

• Watch movies in '21 Group' cinemas. 21 Cinemas have air-conditioners and comfy seats. You can identify if a cinema is part of Group 21 from the last name, like Delta 21 or Tunjungan 21. And now there are also XXI cinemas which are still the same group of 21 but more upscale. Beware of other cinemas, which are usually dirty, unsafe, and without air-conditioner.

• Get special souvenirs of Surabaya at Roode Brug Soerabaia, Jl. Pucang Anom TImur 70. You can bring the memory of old Surabaya on a t-shirt, miniature of KRI Pasopati Submarine, replica of WWII army uniform, british helmets, Japanese helmets, KNIL helmets and old fashion clerk hats. You can also ask for heritage tour to colonial buildings and kampong of Surabaya.

• If you are interested in Javanese heritage, Surabaya acts as a gateway to Trowulan, an ancient city archaeological site in Java.*
• Surabaya Walking Tour (Private Walking and Food Tour by Local), ☎ +6281931591557,  A private tour by locals for 2-5 persons. Join a walk with locals through major landmarks in Surabaya; visiting local markets while enjoying fresh fruits, local snacks, and learn how to bargain like locals; do a food tour and taste 12+ Authentic Javanese food. A best way to experience Surabaya through the off-beaten tourist track. from $29. 
• Bromo Volcano Tour, ☎ +6281931591557,15 hours. Catching the well known sunrise view of Mount Bromo and explore the magnificent volcano of Bromo and the surrounding mountains. Take a midnight tour or 2 days tour from Surabaya. Price including all transportation from Surabaya, entrance fee, English-speaking guide, and coffee break. from $75.

Sleep

Budget

• Krowi Inn, Jl Ciliwung 66 (Located in city center, business district of Darmo and Diponegoro, very close to Zoo, SUTOS Mall, Ciputra World, Terminal Joyoboyo.), ☎ +62 853 3035 1800, +62 853 3035 1900, www.krowiinn.com, (krowi.inn@gmail.com). checkout: 12 noon. , From Rp 145,000 per person incl. complimentary breakfast. All 6 rooms are air conditioned, non-smoking rooms. It provides dormitory style and private rooms. Facilities include hot shower, high quality spring bed and bed sheets, personal locker, free wi-fi, free drinking water. LED TV with cable channels and computer for guests use are available in Common area. Krowi Inn can help guests arrange Bromo Ijen tour.

• Pasar Besar Hotel, Jl Pasar Besar 25. No wifi 80,000Rp (Oct 2015) for a fan room with squatting toilet and bucket shower. 

• Merdeka, Jl Bongkaran No 6, (Very close to station Kota), ☎ +62 31 3520654, +62 812 3231762. checkout: 14pm. From Rp 60,000. 

• Family Guest House, Gubeng Kertajaya 8C no. 15 (find Bank International Indonesia at Kertajaya Main St), ☎ +62 31 5022268, checkin: 10AM; checkout: 1PM. Clean room and familiar service. Serve good coffee, hot chocolatte, and tea all day long. Free 24 hr internet connection through wifi. Rp 300,000. 

• Green House Homestay, Unimas Garden Regency H 23 Waru Sidoarjo (nearby Surabaya West), ☎ +62 31 8537629, +62 31 8544241, +62 813 30426696. AC, cableTV, free WiFi, bathube, breakfast. Rp 100,000-200,000. 

• Puri Kencana, Jl Kalimantan. Worn rooms with A/C and cold water for US$10-15 including decent Indonesian breakfast.

• Kassanda. Hot water bath rooms, without breakfast. From US$19 for a 2 bed room

• Soerabaya Place Homestay, Jl.Jaksa Agung Suparapto, ☎ +62 31 5342851. (Beside the City Hall of Surabaya). Quiet and friendly with wifi available in room. Very neat and clean, hot & cold water for shower. Tea/ coffee in the morning are provided for your self service. No breakfast, but you can ask them to make some food for you as on the list given. They also provide you refrigerator if you want to buy some food or drinks and keep it fresh. Hot water to make a cup of coffee or tea available all the day. Rp 175.000-200.000 (for weekend).

• Pavillijoen Hotel, Jl.Pasar Genteng. A classic old Dutch colonial era hotel. Mostly for backpackers and family stays. The rooms are spacious. No A/C but not so hot due to the high ceilings, and a fan is provided. Breakfast with hot tea. At night, this street becomes a night market where you can find cheap goods and food. Close to Tunjungan Plaza-SOGO, the biggest shopping centre in Surabaya, banks, business district and government offices. ☎ +62 31 5343449. Rp 145.000-275,000, single bed, double, or 3 beds.

• Sparkling Backpacker hotel. This is definitely at the city central. Very close to train station and Central Business District, shopping centre, and the 24 hour convenience store - Circle K. ☎ +62 31 5323311. Standard Rp 125.000 VIP Rp 200 000 VVIP Rp 250 000. No dorm, just private rooms. All are A/C, not for long term. Friendly staff, VIP room are clean and spacious.

• Da Rifi Hostel Jl. Duku II /190, Pondok Candra Indah. Home away from home. Owner/Receptionist Dyana speaks English, takes care of you and helps wherever she can. Free breakfast, tea & coffee all day long, free laundry, fridge, free Wi-Fi lockers, hot shower and western toilet. The place is in a residential area, next to a mosque. Close to the airport, rather far from the city center (around 30 min by public transport, Rp. 3.000). They offer motorcycle-pickup from the airport for Rp. 25.000. ☎ +62 81 334743870. From Rp 75,000 for dorm with Fan.

Mid-range

• Singgasana Hotel Surabaya, Gunungsari Street, Surabaya 60224, Indonesia, ☎ +62 31 5682703, 146 rooms and 4 self contained villas, all have a cableTV, Internet and telephone, mini-bar, private toilet and bath with tub and shower. Airport/city transfers and car rental, business centre, currency exchange, banquet and meeting venues, swimming pool and spa. From US$84. 

• TS Suites, ☎ +62 31 5631222, 126 rooms of 2 CEO Suites, 5 family suites of 2 bedrooms and 119 Executive Suites. ″. 

• Puri Darmo Service Residence Darmo. A variety of restaurants, business organisations, banks, shopping malls, entertainment and international schools are provided in the Darmo commercial area. The Central Business District of Surabaya (Jalan Basuki Rachmat) is a short drive away and access to other regions of the city is easy with the major toll roads and highway nearby.

• Ibis Rajawali Good discounts online for advance bookings

• Narita

• Sahid Convenient for Gubeng Railway Station, but maintenance of rooms can be spotty. Around US$30-35 including breakfast.

• Weta International Welcoming and modern hotel in a central location. Around US$30 including breakfast.

• Mercure Grand Mirama, Located in the center of Surabaya, group of Mercure hotels.

• Equator, Nice bungalows, on cobblestone roads, some with attached garages.

• Santika

• Singgasana

• Novotel, Nice resort hotel with outdoor hallways. Pool with abundant plants and waterslide. From US$50.

• Garden Palace, (Next to Surabaya Plaza), DIM SUM, Japanese & Chinese food.

• Hotel Tunjungan, Located next to Tunjungan Plaza. Convenient to mall and mall's food court.

• Surabaya Plaza Hotel, Conventional business hotel, close to Surabaya Plaza.

• Inna Simpang,

Splurge

• Sheraton Surabaya Hotel & Towers Embong Malang 25 - 31, ☎ +62 31 546 8000. (Next Tunjungan Plaza)

• JW Marriott,

• Majapahit Hotel 65 Jalan Tunjungan, . ☎ +62 31 5459002. Opulent colonial-era boutique hotel. Built by the Sarkies brothers in 1910, whose other hotels include the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, the Eastern & Oriental in Penang and the Strand Hotel in Yangon.. Unlike other high-rise 5 star hotels, it will make your trip to Surabaya truly memorable. Good service and staff. From US$70; local travel agents may get better deals. Also the place where the blue strip was torn of from the Dutch flag by a youth during the Independence Battle.

• Shangri-La Hotel Surabaya, ☎ +62 31 5661550, Close to golf courses in Darmo area. Pool with abundant plants and waterslide. From US$80.

• Hotel Bumi Surabaya (Previously known as Hyatt Regency), Conventional business hotel.

• Ascott Waterplace Surabaya, Tower D 1,Jalan Pakuwon Indah Lontar Timur kav. 3-5.Surabaya 60126, ☎ 62-31 7393 001 (enquiry.aws@the-ascott.com). Located in Pakuwon Indah, these luxury serviced apartments feature spacious living spaces and state-of-the-art amenities for the modern traveler. 

Source:

https://wikitravel.org/en/Surabaya