Surabaya Hotels

Revel in the local art scene at the central Balai Pemuda arts centre, then wash off the inevitable sweat you’ll have accumulated at the Ciputra Waterpark. Or for a real culture shock, jump on the back of a traditional becak and zip through the crowds to discover night bazaars and food stalls along the G-Walk, breathing in the scent of true Indonesia (which will quite possibly give your nostrils a bit of a culture shock!) as you do so.

Surabaya’s Top 10

Surabaya History

• Old City – An area of Surabaya that includes Dutch architecture, an Arab area and Chinese influence.
• Grahadi – Residence of the governor of East Kava during the colonial era.
• Gereja Kelahiran Santa Perawan Maria – The oldest church in the city offers beautiful glass panels and peaceful surroundings.
• Masjid Cheng Ho – A beautiful mosque with unique Chinese architecture.
• Masjid Al Akbar Surabaya – Said to be the biggest mosque in Southeast Asia.

Surabaya Art & Culture

• Balai Pemuda – Enjoy the local arts in Surabaya and the Seni Festival held each year in June.
• Monumen Kapal Selam – A Soviet submarine that served in the country’s navy is preserved as a monument and open for public viewing.
• House of Sampoerna – Found in the city’s old section, this Dutch colonial-style compound was built in the mid-1800s.
• Kelud Festival – A cultural festival held in the Mount Kelud area each November.
• Museum Rudi Isbandi – Home to a collection of 150 pieces of contemporary and modern art.

Surabaya Shopping

• Tunjungan Plaza – An upscale mall where you can find everything under the sun.
• 2. Mal Galaxy – One of the biggest malls in Surabaya, with two buildings that are connected.
• Kya-Kya Kembang Jepun – A nighttime street bazaar area filled with food stalls that gives a taste of the Indo-Chinese atmosphere and culture.
• Loop – A local bazaar and a great place to find wonderful food.
• Pasar Ampel – An Arab market that sells carpets and many other goods and food.

Gay & Lesbian Surabaya

• Pattaya – A friendly place many go to socialize and hang out.
• Studio East – A disco that hosts a gay night on Thursdays.
• Kowloon Club – Get to know new friends in this downtown joint.
• Stadium Night Club – Located in the TP shopping mall and a great place to hang out and meet people.
• Borneo Club – A local disco in the downtown area of Surabaya.

Surabaya’s Events

The Surabaya Culture Parade in April is the city’s favourite annual event.

For a culture hit, check out the Festival Seni Surabaya at the Balai Pemuda Arts Centre each June.

In July, float on by to the Kite Flying Festival.

Originating in Surabaya’s Japanese sister city, the Yosakai Dance Festival in July is perfect for kicking up your heels.

Attention shopaholics! Surabaya’s Sale Season begins on the 1 May, when you can score up to 50 per cent discounts throughout some of Asia’s largest shopping malls.

When To Go

Surabaya has a tropical climate, with the driest weather occurring in July and August.

Having only two main seasons (dry and wet), if you can’t make it in July, anytime between May and September is your best bet for some uninterrupted sunshine!

Be on the lookout in the wet season. Surabaya has been known to have the occasional flash flood and traffic jam.

Getting Around

Taxis are plentiful and, to a Western wallet, very cheap! But make sure you insist on a metered fare.

Trains in the cities are limited, but buses run regularly (with varying degrees of quality).

If you’re feeling adventurous, zipping around the city on a becak is like nothing else!

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