The best travel tips for visiting Surabaya
The most interesting areas of Surabaya are the old Arab, Chinese and colonial neighbourhoods in the north of the city. The richly atmospheric Arab quarter, known as Ampel, is centred on the mosque and tomb of Sunan Ampel, one of the legendary saints said to have spread Islam in Java. The mosque compound is approached via a narrow, covered bazaar.
Further south, amidst crumbling colonial-era shop-houses, the vast Pasar Pabean market is a warren of stalls and alleys. From late afternoon until early morning the western part of the market turns into an emporium for freshly-caught fish.
Beyond the market, the original Chinese quarter begins, home to old temples such as Hong Tik Hian and Surabaya’s oldest Chinese shrine, the 18th-century Hok An Kiong.
From the Chinese quarter, walk west and cross the famous Red Bridge over the Kali Mas River. Nearby is House of Sampoerna, a small museum attached to a factory that makes traditional hand-rolled clove kretek (clove cigarettes). There is a good café on site. ‘Surabaya Heritage Track’ is a free sightseeing bus run by House of Sampoerna. Departing the museum three times daily Tuesday to Sunday, it is an excellent way to see the city.
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© tk / Shutterstock
Top attractions and things to do in Surabaya
Many of Surabaya’s best things to see and do are to the north of the city, where Chinese districts spill out into old Arab neighbourhoods with the colonial leftover from when the Dutch took over the city in the mid-18th century. Here are the best things to do in Surabaya.
#1 House of Sampoerna
This tobacco museum is housed in a 19th-century Dutch building, which was originally an orphanage. On display find all manner of tobacco-related paraphernalia, as well as some other artefacts. Upstairs, look down on the former factory’s main hub, where scores of workers once rolled and packed thousands of cigarettes a day.
#2 Kong Co Kong Tik Cun Ong Temple
Discover candle-lit prayer and burning incense at this exquisite Buddhist temple in east Surabaya.
#3 Masjid Ampel
Ampel is the oldest mosque in the region, and one of the oldest in the country. It is a cherished sacred space; non-Muslims are not permitted entrance into the mosque itself, but the surrounding streets are certainly worth a ramble.
#4 Pasar Pabean
Connecting the Chinese and Arab Quarters is an extensive, winding market, where, amid the dimly-lit alleys, you can browse piles of brightly-hued chilies, inhale powdered spices billowing from sacks and marvel at the equally pungent stacks of seafood on display.
#5 Masjid al Akbar
Masjid al Akbar's aqua-marine domes glimmer in the sunlight. It is a truly striking sight. Take a guided tour from a member of staff, and finish with an elevator trip to the top of the minaret for panoramas of the cityscape.
Best areas to stay in Surabaya
The standard of accommodation in Surabaya is generally high. Check booking sites for some seriously excellent deals on luxury hotels. The best areas to stay in Surabaya include:
Old Town
Step back in time and wander streets filled with elegant colonial-style buildings and ancient landmarks throughout the area.
Chinatown
A towering red entrance gate adorned with golden dragons marks the entrance to the city’s well-preserved Chinatown. Find it lively, friendly, and filled with ancient buildings and delicious food.
Check the best accommodation in Surabaya.
Best restaurants and bars in Surabaya
There’s no shortage of places to eat in Surabaya. Find everything from night markets to Japanese imari. While there’s not a huge drinking culture, the eagle-eyed will find a scattering of bars and clubs for a drink and some tunes.
Here are the best places to eat in Surabaya:
- Pasar Genteng Amid the trinkets, spices and fabrics find aromatic street food and traditional produce at Genteng Market.
- Chamas Brazilian Churrascaria Sizzling skewers of glazed meats, vibrant cocktails and warm amber lighting all make for a stylish - and filling - night out.
- Xiang Fu Hai Cuisine This elegant Chinese eatery will meet all your dim sum needs.
- Imari Japanese Restaurant A delicious rainbow of Japanese cuisine greets diners at Imari..
- Seventeen Skyview Resto & Lounge High-end international dining with a view.
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© tk / Shutterstock
How to get around Surabaya
Getting around Surabaya isn't as simple as some other major Indonesian cities, with most visitors opting for a taxi over minibuses.
By taxi
The easiest way to get around Surabaya is by taxi. Book through well-known companies such as Uber or GrabTaxi, else Bluebird Taxis are also very good.
By bus
Surabaya is well-served by buses. There are two types in the city: normal buses and patas buses (express). Both are often crowded. Visitors, however, rarely use any other bus than patas P1, which goes along Jl Basuki Rahmat to Purabaya bus station.
