Surabaya

East Java's largest city and a major port, Surabaya is a vibrant urban center with a rich revolutionary history and growing modern attractions. It serves as the gateway to the region and offers museums, colonial architecture, and excellent local cuisine.

Things to do

• House of Sampoerna — A restored 18th-century colonial mansion and tobacco factory that now serves as a museum showcasing Surabaya's heritage and offers workshops on traditional crafts.
• Surabaya Heroes Monument — An iconic landmark commemorating the city's pivotal role in Indonesian independence, featuring dramatic sculptural figures and panoramic city views from the top.
• Submarine Museum — A unique museum housed in a decommissioned Soviet submarine KRI Pasopati, offering insight into Indonesia's naval history and Cold War-era technology.
• Tunjungan Plaza Shopping Complex — One of Indonesia's largest shopping malls featuring international and local brands, restaurants, and cinemas in the heart of the city's modern business district.
• Jembatan Merah Historic District — The red bridge area in Surabaya's old town lined with colonial-era buildings, street vendors, and traditional shops that represent the city's commercial heritage.
• Genteng Kali Watchtower — A restored colonial watchtower offering elevated views of the old city and insights into Surabaya's defensive colonial architecture and urban layout.

Food to try

• Rawon — A dark, rich beef stew made with black spices, shallots, and garlic that is considered Surabaya's signature dish, typically served with rice and a side of sambal.
• Soto Ayam Surabaya — A fragrant turmeric-based chicken soup unique to the region, served with shredded chicken, rice, and garnished with crispy fried shallots and lime.
• Lumpia Surabaya — Spring rolls filled with bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, and sometimes shrimp, fried until crispy and traditionally served as a street food or appetizer.
• Perkedel Goreng — Fried potato croquettes spiced with garlic and turmeric, commonly found at street stalls as a snack or side dish throughout the city.
• Tahu Goreng — Deep-fried tofu served with a peanut sauce and sambal, available at nearly every street corner as an affordable and popular protein-rich snack.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly in religious areas — When visiting mosques or temples, wear long pants or skirts and cover shoulders, as Surabaya is a Muslim-majority city and respects these conventions.
• Learn basic Indonesian greetings — Though many in the city speak English, learning 'Selamat pagi' (good morning) and 'Terima kasih' (thank you) is appreciated and opens friendlier interactions with locals.
• Respect the city's revolutionary pride — Surabaya is deeply proud of its pivotal role in Indonesia's independence struggle, so showing interest in its history and monuments demonstrates cultural appreciation.
• Eat with your right hand — In Indonesian culture, the left hand is traditionally considered unclean, so always use your right hand when eating, greeting, or passing items to locals.