STORY OF SURABAYA
SURABAYA NOW AND THEN
Surabaya, the energetic capital city of East Java, has a population approaching 3 million and is a melting pot of cultures, attitudes and flavours.
With a long history, Surabaya was one of the first true port cities in the region and competed with Hong Kong and Shanghai in terms of importance through the 18th and 19th centuries. Until 1920, it was the largest city in Java and a centre of trade based upon the inland plantations and produce from the Spice Islands. Located on the coast of East Java at the edge of the Straits of Madura, it holds strategic military importance and was home to the Dutch East Indies fleet and is today the headquarters of Indonesia’s Eastern Fleet.
Today, 21st century Surabaya is a vibrant metropolis with modern skyscrapers towering over both traditional and modern homes, canals and colonial buildings. Like many port cities, it features an Arab Quarter and a Chinatown that grew as traders, sailors and migrant workers settled and added their own unique cultures and cuisines to the city.
INDEPENDENCE AND SHOPPING
Surabaya is known as Kota Pahlawan, or the City of Heroes, a reference to the Battle of Surabaya which, although the Indonesian side lost, was the catalyst that stimulated support for the fledgling independence movement both at home and in the wider international community. It was a pivotal moment and the city recognises this with numerous commemorative statues, displays and other references to the struggle that led to Indonesia’s 1945 Declaration of Independence and the formation of the Republic of Indonesia.
Aside from its heritage landmarks and colonial architecture, Surabaya is a shopper’s paradise and has some of the most impressive malls in Indonesia. The largest, Pakuwon Mall and Tunjungan Plaza,
are family orientated with hundreds of shops, restaurants and lifestyle outlets found within. For an exciting market experience try the hustle and bustle of Pasar Keputih or Pucang Anom, or the traditional fish market, Pasar Ikan Pabean.
For adventurers Surabaya is the gateway to East Java and in particular the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Java’s most recognisable and beautiful vista. The park is home to the Tenggerese people, who practice a unique mix of Hinduism infused with animism and Buddhism and claim a direct bloodline from the Majapahit princes of old.
DINING OUT
The dining and nightlife in the city is a reflection of the city’s people and the large Muslim majority has naturally led to huge numbers of halal cafés and restaurants serving both local and Arabicinspired food. The area around Ampel Mosque has the atmosphere and appearance of a North African medina, with narrow lanes marked by arched gateways adorned with Arabic script. It is here you will discover the most authentic Arabic and North African food. The city also boasts excellent local street food and a plethora of international options with some outstanding French, Italian, Japanese, Indian and Cantonese restaurants in particular, alongside a collection of innovative and sophisticated bars.