5 Best Things to Do In East Java
The city of Surabaya in East Java is not as well known on the tourist trail as other places in the country although it is actually the second largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta. It is also one of the most important parts of the country historically and there are a range of interesting attractions that make it worth spending some time here if you are travelling around Java.
One of the key reasons to come to Surabaya is for the chance to check out an authentic slice of city life in Indonesia away from the major tourist hubs and you can also spend time eating your way around the city which is known for a clutch of signature dishes such as spicy soups and curries.
Surabaya is also a port and with that in mind you can enjoy sweeping vistas across the water and also enjoy a walk along the waterfront where you can look across to the famous bridge that connects the city with neighboring Madura. All in all, Surabaya is well known as a tourist destination on the domestic market, but unfortunately the international market has yet to catch up despite the myriad charms of this city.
Let’s explore the best things to do in Surabaya:
1. Visit the House of Sampoerna Cigarette Factory
One of the top attractions in Surabaya is the House of Sampoerna Cigarette Factory which is something of a misnomer as there is factory here as well as an adjacent museum and a charming little coffee shop.Sampoerna is a well known brand of cigarettes in Indonesia called kretek which are made from a blend of cloves. At the factory you can learn the history of the brand including how the cigarettes are made and the background of how cloves are said to have medicinal properties in Indonesia.
2. Tour Monumen Kapal Selam
You may not imagine that you would find a Russian submarine in Surabaya but this is exactly what is on show at Monumen Kapal Selam.The submarine was used by the Indonesian navy until it was decommissioned in 1990 and then set up as a museum in the city. As such you can now climb aboard and tour the submarine which sits in the wider harbor and is a great way to learn some of the history of Indonesia’s navy.
3. Walk around Chinatown
Indonesian cities are often difficult to navigate on foot so if you get the chance make sure to head to the Chinatown area of Surabaya which lends itself well to an afternoon stroll.This part of Surabaya got its name thanks to the influx of Chinese owned restaurants and shops in the area and you can still find a wealth of local architecture here that leads off the main road which is called Jalan Karet.
4. Take a tour to Mount Bromo
One of the main highlights of East Java is Mount Bromo which is a volcano that is technically still active.The smoldering mountain lies in the wider Bromo Tengger National Park and one of the easiest ways to get here is to take the famous Bromo Midnight Tour that leaves from Surabaya. As the name suggest you will leave around midnight in order to get to the volcano in the early hours of the morning where you can watch the majestic sun rise over the lip of the crater. Certainly if you visit Surabaya then this is one day trip that you shouldn’t miss and for many is a highlight of a trip to Java.
5. Have some food at G-Walk
G-Walk is part of CitraLand in the west of Surabaya and this is the place to come if you want to try some of the best food in the city. There are a wealth of food stalls here are well as nightly bazaars and there are also upscale restaurants that flank one side of the walkway. Surabaya’s youth flock here are this is a great spot if you want to people watch and sample some of the local fare at the same time.
