Surabaya Things To Do – Attractions & Must See

Surabaya Things to Do

Surabaya is a port in Indonesia with a wealth of history and experiences. To find out more about the attractions and must see spots of the area, check out these helpful suggestions.

Chinatown in Surabaya

Before you stop by Chinatown, see the Red Bridge to learn more about where and how the Indonesian people fought for their independence. This place is a happening site of activity, where bicycle rickshaws come and go, where you can find the gate that marks the entrance to Chinatown. There’s a plaza here with food and specialty items, and a Walk Street with shops during the day and street vendors and kareoke at night.

Business in Surabaya

For those interested in how trade and business works within the harbor, travel to Kalimas to see the hustle and bustle of ships and trucks coming and going. Take pictures of the colorful watercrafts and observe the patterns of the workers. Or visit the House of Sampoerna, which is in old Surabaya. A colonial-style Dutch compound which was built in 1862, it’s still functional as a cigarette production plant. The central auditorium in the compound was turned into a museum and shop where you can learn more its past.

Culture, Religion, and Tradition

The Balia Permuda is a cultural center that honors traditional art, dance and music of Surabaya. Or travel to the Muhammad Cheng Ho Mosque which was built to honor an important Admiral from China who brought the religion of Islam to the people of Java. This mosque is built with traditional Chinese architecture, and a good place to learn more about how the people here honor their religious traditions. Or visit the Pasopati, which is a Russian submarine you can explore from the inside out to learn more about the history of the area.

Fun and Action

Visit the zoo to see Komodo dragons, tigers, orangutans, and camels. Great for kids and adults alike, this zoo is 37 acres and one of the largest in Southeast Asia. If you have a day to devote, you can get to Mt Penanjakan and Mt. Bromo in about 3 hours from Surabaya, where you can either hike, take a Jeep or ride a horse to spectacular views.
Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Surabaya.