Travel Surabaya on Your Own

Travel Surabaya on Your Own with mr.hotsia

Surabaya, the capital city of East Java province, Indonesia, is the second largest city after Jakarta with a population of over 3 million. It is also the business, industrial, and educational center of eastern Indonesia. I, mr.hotsia, had the opportunity to explore this city in depth, not heading to Mount Bromo like most Thai travelers, but choosing to experience the lifestyle and culture within Surabaya city itself, including a visit to Madura Island nearby, all on my own.

Getting to Surabaya

There are several travel options to Surabaya that I have tried and recommend. I once traveled from Bali by ferry to East Java at Banyuwangi, then took a train to Surabaya, a route that offers a unique local lifestyle and beautiful Javanese scenery. Another convenient and fast option is flying directly to Surabaya with AirAsia, which has direct flights from Bangkok, making travel much easier. Other airlines like Lion Air offer cheaper fares if booked about two months in advance.

How to Choose Accommodation in Surabaya?

From my exploration of Surabaya city, accommodation prices start relatively high at around 1,000 baht and up. I recommend staying in safe areas near hotels such asHotel 88orHotel Kenongowhich are in relatively safe neighborhoods close to tourist service centers. The southern port area of the city, although cheaper, tends to be chaotic with groups of youths gathering. In some spots, I found people quietly drinking in dark areas, so I do not recommend walking alone there and suggest using taxis instead of walking in that district.

What to Eat in Surabaya?

When it comes to Surabaya's famous food, I must say “Coconut Satay” or Sete Klopo is a must-try dish. Coconut Satay is unique because grated coconut is mixed with the meat before grilling, giving it a fragrant aroma and rich flavor. While the black satay from Madura Island is famous worldwide, when I tried it in Sumenep city on the island, I found it less to my taste. However, Surabaya offers many other dishes such as various nasi (rice) dishes, Indonesian-style grilled chicken, and oxtail soup, which I really enjoyed. For authentic local food with a good atmosphere, I recommend checking outRecommended Restaurants in Surabayathat I have visited, where every dish was truly delicious.

Exploring the City and Around Madura Island

I spent time exploring Surabaya city and also visited Madura Island, the origin of the famous black satay, in Sumenep city. Although there are many food options, I preferred the coconut satay in Surabaya city. Besides eating, walking through local markets and experiencing the lifestyle here gave me a genuine sense of Indonesia that you don’t get in luxury resorts or at Mount Bromo.

Free Tours in Surabaya

What impressed me most was the free city tours in Surabaya organized by the provincial tourism office. There are three tours daily: one in the morning and two in the afternoon. These tours use air-conditioned buses with a beautiful Indonesian female guide who takes you to important city landmarks and helps you understand the city’s stories much better. I commend the team for their excellent service and clear English. For those interested, you can sign up at the tourist service center. More details can be read atFree Tours in Surabaya

Surabaya City: Legend and Safety

The name Surabaya comes from “Sura” meaning shark and “Baya” meaning crocodile. According to legend, it tells the story of a battle between a shark and a crocodile, reflecting the heroism of this city. I heard this story from tourism staff. Although my English was not perfect to understand everything, it gave me a deep sense of the city’s history and significance.

However, Surabaya is a city where travelers need to be cautious. I found many areas to be deserted and unsafe, especially when walking in places without crowds. Therefore, I recommend staying in safe zones and using taxis instead of walking in unfamiliar neighborhoods. You can read more accommodation advice in the articleHotels in Surabayathat I have written.

Summary of My Surabaya Travel Experience by mr.hotsia

Surabaya may not be a beautiful or romantic city like typical tourist destinations, but for those who enjoy experiencing culture, lifestyle, and real history like me, strolling through markets, eating coconut satay by the roadside, and taking the train to Madura Island are valuable and memorable experiences. This city has unique stories and vibrancy unlike anywhere else. If you like deep travel experiences, I highly recommend coming to explore it yourself.

Remember, to enjoy and stay safe while traveling Surabaya, plan well, choose suitable accommodation, and use the free tours available to get the best experience from this city of heroes.

For more information about accommodation in nearby cities like Solo (Surakarta), where I have stayed, I wrote about it in the articleRecommended Hotels in Solo, Surakartain case anyone is interested in continuing travel to other cities in Indonesia.

Mr.Hotsia Travel with Passion