Surabaya

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Eco-friendly travel guide to Surabaya advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Surabaya, Indonesia.

File:Western Surabaya at dusk (late 2015).jpg
Aerial view of Surabaya at Dusk


  • Air quality: 2.5 / 5
  • Exploring by foot: 3.0 / 5
  • Exploring by bicycle: 2.5 / 5
  • Public transportation: 3.5 / 5
  • Parks: 4.0 / 5
  • Outdoor activities: 4.5 / 5
  • Locals' English level: 3.0 / 5
  • Safety: 3.0 / 5
  • Accommodation: US$10 - $1000
  • Budget per day: US$50 - $150

Responsible Travel

With the increased awareness about the environment among the nations, the authorities of various government organizations are becoming more and more aware of the steps that need to be taken to safeguard the nature and overall well-being of a place. Responsible tourism is an emerging concept in tourism that enumerates several guidelines and ethics that focus on encouraging tourists to leave a positive impact on the tourist destination.

It is a beautiful blend of Dutch colonialism depicted in the buildings and canals of the place and skyscrapers with a modern style of architecture.

Here are some tips that make up the ethics of responsible tourism when planning to visit Surabaya, Indonesia.

  • Support the locals: This is the first and foremost prerequisite that helps uplift a tourist destination. When you visit Surabaya, make sure you pick souvenirs and taste the local food from local food joints. I understand that bargaining is a fun part of traveling; make sure that you bargain respectfully. Haggle hard but make sure that you do not overdo it. What might be fun for you as a tourist may leave a huge impact on someone who might be a daily wager or counts on the money that he earns by selling the goods. Your goal should be to pay the fairest price. However, not everyone appreciates bargaining. Therefore, before you bargain, try to learn about the locals' manners and etiquette and learn if your fun show will be appreciated in Surabaya. Also, no amount of grandeur offered by international restaurants can match the joy of local cuisine. By choosing local food joints over top-notch restaurants, you can actually support local workers and the place's economy. Another plus point is that local food joints can help slash down the carbon emission that would otherwise be caused due to traveling to these restaurants.
  • Support non-profit organizations: Every tourist place has some non-profit organizations and social enterprises. By opting for these organizations, you can extend your support to certain disadvantaged or underprivileged communities whom the non-profit organization is supporting. This is a great way of repaying the place that gives us memories of a lifetime!
  • Respect the dress code of the locals: Different places have different cultures. In some places, locals abide by a specific dress code. As a responsible tourist, one should respect the culture of the place they are visiting. For instance, people living in places that follow the Buddhist religion will be startled to see a backpacker wearing shorts. Tourists should also try to dress modestly while visiting religious places or temples. Although what you wear is a completely personal matter, sometimes showing too much skin can be considered downright rude. However, this does not imply that you have to wear long and covered dresses even when the temperature outside is a whopping 42 degrees!
  • Interact with the locals in their language: When you visit a new place and the locals play a great host and provide you a warm and nice welcome, as a good guest, it would be nice if you could interact with them in their local language. Before you travel to a place, try to learn a bit about the locals' language. You do not have to put a lot of effort into framing big sentences that are grammatically correct and make complete sense, but at least learn a few phrases that are used regularly.
  • Stay in local-owned guest houses: It's high time that you ditch the idea of putting up in big hotels and guesthouses. It is a local-owned guest house that can make you feel the most at home. They are way more intimate and personal and let you explore the culture, tradition, and norms of a place in the best possible way. Not only this, but staying with local families is also an energy-extensive idea. It reduces the continuous emission of carbon by reducing travel, thereby keeping the planet's lungs clean!
  • Reduce the use of plastic: Plastic is posing a serious threat to the environment. Although a plastic bag makes carrying things manifold times easier, they are quite dangerous for the environment. As they are non-biodegradable substances, they do not decompose easily. As a result, sometimes land and marine animals choke on the plastic. Therefore, tourists should try to curb the use of plastic as much as possible. They should carry their own reusable bags and water bottles. Do not litter plastic waste here and there, and you can keep the environment fresh and breathing for a long time. Even if you do not wish to preach the reduced use of plastic, every time someone offers you a plastic, say aloud, "No, thanks. I do not like plastic. It is harmful to the environment." Also, try to educate the locals about the harmful consequences of plastic.
  • Use reusable water bottles or drink from taps: When you go out for sightseeing, purchasing bottled water may seem to be a convenient option. However, once the bottle is empty, many people throw the plastic bottle here and there with zero regard for the environment. Although not carrying a bottle frees you from the burden of having to carry around an extra load, you and the future generations will have to pay a heavy price in the long run. Therefore, try to avoid buying unnecessary single-use bottles and carry a reusable bottle. You can also drink from the tap waters of the place that you are visiting. Many tourist places have tested the quality of their tap water and found it suitable for drinking.
  • Respect the environment: When traveling to a new place, taking care of the environment is the last thing on our minds. Often, when you go to a place of tourist interest, you will see rubbish and garbage piled up in different places. This does ruin not only the beauty of the place but also affects nature. Regardless of whether we are in our home country or visiting a new one, we should always respect the environment. Ensure that you carry your trash along with you unless you come across a recycling bin or dust bin to dispose of it.
  • Avail of public transport as much as possible: Travelling by public transport is beneficial in many ways. It doesn't only help to slash down the unnecessary emission of harmful gases caused due to the burning. Still, it also provides a great opportunity to meet the locals and knows more about their culture, language, and traditions.
  • Discover the city on foot: The best way to stroll through a city is by traveling on foot. There is a different kind of thrill in walking down the streets and getting lost with absolutely no clue about how to get back! This is not only a fun way of exploring a new place but is also easy on the environment.


Air Quality and Pollution

Before traveling to a place, tourists generally like to know about the air quality of the place. This helps them determine the impact that the air quality of the place will have on their health and other activities. The Air Quality Index (AQI) of Surabaya is 98. The air has a high level of pollution and is unhealthy for certain groups of people. Throat irritation and breathing problem may be observed in people who have asthma, respiratory diseases, and other kinds of allergies. Such people should try to reduce the time they spend outdoors. The place also has fine suspended particulate matter, which is very minute and has a small diameter. These particles enter into the bloodstream and the lungs and cause health issues. They can severely impact the heart and the lungs. It can also cause difficulty in breathing and coughing. Prolonged exposure may lead to the development of severe respiratory disease.


Respect the Culture

Another important factor of responsible and sustainable tourism is that tourists should know how to respect their visiting place's culture. The culture of Indonesia bears resemblances with that of India. In Surabaya, the culture is deeply rooted in its history. Surabaya is also known for its history ingrained in centuries of interethnic relations and struggle against European imperialism. The culture of Surabaya is found in the cities and has its influence on the countryside as well. The history of Surabaya is deeply rooted. The institutions, values, cultures, beliefs, and customs of the place are strong.

Surabaya is known for its rich culture and ethnicity. The place attracts visitors from various places like Melati, India, Arab, China, and Europa. Surabaya has many traditional cultures that distinguish it from the rest of Indonesia. Some of the popular cultures of Surabaya are Ludruk, Remo dance, Cak dan Ning. Ludruk is a theatrical gene in Surabaya. It is a traditional performance conducted by a troupe of actors who recreate performances that depict people's life stories and struggles. The dialect and tone are mostly comical. The play is kept simple so that everyone can easily understand it. Another dance, known as the Remo dance, is a dance performed by locals to welcome the guests. A man dances to the tune of a set of gamelan. Remo dance is usually performed on the foundation day of Surabaya. Therefore, if you plan your trip accordingly, you may be able to witness the miraculous show.

In Surabaya, Cak is a call used to address the males and Ning for the females. This little piece of information might come in handy while you interact with the locals.

Tari Remo, (Remo Dance) performed at 45th anniversary of Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya


Top 10 Places to Visit

Indonesia is the first choice of couples when it comes to honeymoon. Have you ever wondered why? Because it's filled with the inexplicable beauty of tourist places, from scenic destinations to historically and culturally soaked places, the choice of holiday destinations in Surabaya seems to be endless. Today, let us take a look at one such gorgeous city of Surabaya.

Situated at the north-eastern border of Java Island, Surabaya is a center of attraction for tourists from across the world. So if you are planning a vacation in Indonesia, this article is a must-read for you!

Here, we are presenting you with the top 10 places to visit in Surabaya, Indonesia:

  • A tour to Mount Bromo: Mount Bromo, an active volcano at 4 hours drive from Surabaya. Jeep tour is considered the most enjoyable way for this journey as the road and environment are beautiful. For the Tengger people who claim that this was where a valiant prince lost his life for his kin, Mt Bromo has special meaning. During the annual Kasada festival, where offerings of vegetables, chickens, and money are tossed into the volcano crater, the people here appease the Gods every year. Sitting here and gazing at it for hours is a mesmerizing way of spending your holidays. It is a 45-minute walk from the village of Cemoro Lawang. The nearest cities to Mount Bromo are Malang or Probollingo.
  • Visit Keenteng Sanggar Agung: A Chinese temple dedicated to Chinese deities and other Asian religious symbols in Surabaya is the Sanggar Agung Temple or Hong San Tang. It is located inside the Pantai Ria amusement park and has become a tourist attraction; however, it was primarily a place of worship for Tridharma's devotees. Sanggar Agung is a beautiful temple of Surabaya known for its outstanding design and attractive architecture. As the location of the temple is above sea level, the temple becomes more appealing.
  • Monument Kapal Selam: The Surabaya Submarine Monument or Monumen Kapal Selam (Monkasel) is the largest Asian submarine monument constructed on the Kalimas riverside, Surabaya. The Navy Veterans planned this memorial. Built for recreational and educational purposes, this submarine memorial at Surabaya is a great place recommended, especially for families with kids. Kids can have a simulated experience of being in the submarine. The facilities available there are:

Kalimas River Children's swimming pool and water tourism A souvenir stand and parking space A spacious stage for special events is also located in the museum building

  • G-Walk: Hungry? Food cravings? G-Walk is the single stop solution to all your food cravings. Apart from nightly bazaars, there are a wealth of food stalls here, and there are also upscale restaurants flanking one side of the walkway. It's only recently opened and targeted young people in the main food street in G-Walk. With an easy and open environment and no closed windows, the place provides simple Indo food served with a taste of simplicity.
  • House of Sampoerna: The House of Sampoerna, undoubtedly the best-presented attraction in the town, is home to one of the most popular Kretek cigarette producers in Indonesia. The main building shaped by the Dutch colonial-style compound was built in 1862 and is now a protected historical site. Guides available at this location deliver great stories in detail, which takes the tourists to that historical period. The brand's history, including how cigarettes are made and the history of how cloves in Indonesia are claimed to have medicinal properties, all of it is explained by the guides. The ambiance is mesmerizing. Another specialty of this place is their coffee; you don't want to miss that heavenly taste if you give it a visit during your holidays!
  • Wonorejo Surabaya: If you are a nature lover and love to explore different kinds of forests, then this place is a must for you to visit. The Conejo Surabaya is a very beautiful, peaceful, and vividly green place. Here you will find the biological diversity with a lot of plant species. The facilities available are very good, and you will have every necessary thing available in the resorts and hotels here. Tourists can walk and take a cruise to see the ecosystem of the mangroves. Animals from this ecosystem can also be seen. Don't miss this lifetime experience of visiting the Mangrove in Surabaya. If you want to take in some of Surabaya's scenery, then head to this place without even a thought.
  • Surabaya Al Akbar National Mosque: Al-Akbar Adalah, a majestic and modern mosque, is the second-largest mosque in Jakarta after Istiqlal Mosque. This place is a nice choice for you if you are a religious person who wants to visit religious monuments. You will be able to find inner peace here and feel much closer to your religion. The mosque is designed with numerous facilities, such as the secretariat office, the As-Al-Marwah Shofa room. It is equipped with a carpeting stage, sound system, air conditioning, three Wi-Fi spots, changing rooms and toilets, and can facilitate 2000 invitations.
  • Bratang Flower Market: If you love various types of flowers and are interested in exploring new varieties of flowers, this place will surely fascinate you. When you want to see various types of birds, this is also the right place to go. To your itinerary, this should be added. The Bratang flower market still maintains its traditional beauty. Yes, it seems to be so understated and welcoming. It is situated in Surabaya, on Bratang Binangun Road. Here what should you do? Well, it's like visiting a festival of flowers. Flowers and plants are all you see here. You can purchase them if you are interested in bringing any around. Originally, the Batang Flower Market was a farm, an alternate location from Kayun/Kayoon Flower Market to buy flowers other than five-flower merchants. Here you can find hundreds of different kinds of floral varieties. The Flower Market of Bratang opens 24 hours, and it's always crowded with customers enjoying the beautiful location. The surrounding area is also a treat for the tourists' eyes, and they enjoy spending time on this particular site.
  • Statue of Four Faces Buddha: If you are interested in Monuments and am interested in knowing about Buddhism, this place will provide you with the right platform to explore your interest. The Four-Faced Buddha Statue Will leave you amazed by its architectural beauty, and here you will also find texts related to the Buddhist Culture. The place is a famous destination for fisheries, and you can also spend some relaxing time with your friends and family members. Four pillars support the Four-Faced Buddha Statue, and the height of the holy statue is 9 meters in length. Each face has its message and significance; the first face symbolizes a good relationship. The second face symbolizes protection against evil. The third face symbolizes good fortune, and the fourth face symbolizes peace and good health.
  • Bengkulu Park: If you want to give your eyes a colorful treat, my friend, this place is absolutely for you! This park offers an opportunity to relax and cool down from the city heat, busy streets, and traffic, from food stalls, beautiful fountains, skateboarding ramps to children's playgrounds. With the innumerable beautiful lights and the fragrance of positivity, Bungkul Park is the place for you to visit after a long tiring day. This place is a complete package for your family, with BMX track bikes, a free WI-FI facility, a plaza, a park filled with greenery, and delicious food!
Wonorejo Surabaya


Explore

There are many places to explore in Surabaya. Listed below are a few of them:


City Parks

  • Bungkul Street: Spread over an area of approximately 15483-meter sq, this park has provision for many activities like jogging, skateboarding, and a playground that has everything such as seesaws, swings, and slides installed. The park also has many food stalls where visitors can eat.
  • Friendship Park: This park is visually very appealing. It is beautifully decorated with flowers. The place is known for the Friendship Trees planted by seven mayors, including the mayor of Surabaya, as an emblem of friendship.
  • Flora Park: This place is very refreshing. It has a playground for children to play in. There is also provision for deer feeding. Outside the park, there are vegetable vendors who sell vegetables at a dirt-cheap rate.
  • Pakal Forest: If you are willing to spend your day away from the cacophony of everyday life and in close association with nature, then Pakal Forest is the best option for you.
Flora Park


National Parks

The national parks of place are a great place to witness a diverse range of flora and fauna. Some popular national parks in Surabaya are as follows:

  • Baluran National Park
  • Bromo National Park
View of the Baluran National Park



Beaches

Kenjaran Beach in Surabaya attracts thousands of tourists every year. You can visit this place for some picturesque views.


Landmarks

The old city of Surabaya has many impressive and remarkable landmarks. These tourist destinations hold a place of great importance for the tourists as well as the locals. Some popular landmarks of Surabaya are as follows:

  • Red Bridge: The Red Bridge is also known as the Jembatan Merah. The place stands as an important landmark in Surabaya as this is where the Battle of Surabaya had begun. It is made of iron and is bright red. As it is close to the Chinatown District of Surabaya, this is a great point from which you can start exploring the city of Surabaya.
  • Ampel Mosque: This beautiful building is one of Surabaya's most remarkable landmarks. The mosque's architecture is quite notably beautiful, and it is embellished with rows and columns of stones. The overall build of the mosque looks like a lighthouse.
  • Grahadi Building: Situated close to the Tunjungan Plaza, this building serves both as a place for exhibitions as well as the official residence of the governor of East Java.
Ampel Mosque is an important landmark in Surabaya


Museums

Surabaya has museums that help the tourists to explore the culture and history of the place better.

  • Museum Mpu Tantular: A two-storeyed museum has a collection of statues and sculptures that belong to ancient times.
  • Indonesian Cancer Museum: This is the first museum in the world that is dedicated to cancer knowledge and awareness. The museum has thirty different kinds of cancer tissues for educational and informative purposes.
  • Museum Pendidikan Surabaya: Enrich your historical knowledge; pay a visit to Museum Pendidikan Surabaya. This cultural place exhibits all kinds of educational artifacts.
Museum Mpu Tantular


Eat

Indonesian cuisine consists of an array of traditional dishes. The dishes of Indonesia have an influence of more than 300 ethnic groups that call the place their home. Some of the cuisines also reflect foreign influence. Traditionally, Indonesia has more than five thousand recipes, out of which nearly thirty dishes make their way to the list of the top-most important dishes of Indonesia. Surabaya's local eateries can find cuisines like noodles, rice, soup, and many more. The Javanese influence on the dishes of Surabaya can also be found in some of the dishes with a tinge of Chinese touch. Some of the cuisines of Surabaya bear resemblances to the Melanesian and Polynesian cuisines. When people speak of the best dishes to have in Surabaya, the ingredients are most likely to include meatballs, spring rolls, noodles, and many more.

Indonesia is the home of sate; one of the country's national dishes, there are many variants across Indonesia


Traditional Local Restaurants

Mentioned below are some of the traditional local restaurants in Surabaya that offer the best and the most authentic Indonesian food. Read on to find out:

  • BU Kris: Iga penyet is a dish found in Surabaya that is always high on demand. If you are looking for the best iga penyet in town, you should pay a BU Kris visit. Some of the traditional dishes served by this restaurant are sambal, which is a dip prepared with crushed chili peppers and beef ribs. Sometimes, the sambal is made tangier by adding diced onions, ginger garlic, rice vinegar, fish sauce, etc. Although the restaurant's interior may not appear very fancy, no other Surabaya restaurants serve iga penyet and sambal better than BU Kris does. The food served by this restaurant is so lip-smacking that you will always find a queue of foodies waiting for a seat.
  • Domicile Kitchen and Lounge: Although the place is quite new, it has acquired great renown for being the best restaurant in Surabaya that served the most authentic traditional Indonesian food. The menu lists both Eastern as well as Western delicacies. The restaurant's interior decor is modern and relaxed, making it an ideal place for people to lounge in. People come here for the much-celebrated Spanish churros and warm chocolate. Another popular combo served by this restaurant is fettuccine with squid ink and cream. People also come here for the Eastern dishes.
  • Dream of Kahyangan Art Resto: If you are looking for a Surabaya restaurant that offers the perfect amalgamation of top quality food and great ambiance, then Dream of Kahyangan Art Resto will serve your every need. The architecture of the restaurant is a beautiful blend of Chinese and Javanese cultures. The restaurant has provisions for both indoor as well as outdoor travel. Many antique objects are used to decorate the interior of the restaurant. The menu has many popular Indonesian cuisines like milkfish, nasi goreng, crispy kangkung, grilled beef ribs coupled with sweet chili sauce, a famous spinach dish, and many more.


Vegetarian and Vegan

Surabaya also makes sure that it's vegan guests do not feel left out. Some restaurants have an array of vegan options.

  • Aroma Buah: If you are looking for the best vegan-friendly restaurant in Surabaya to dine in, then Aroma Bush is the perfect place for you.
  • Cakue Jember Yove Vegan Cuisine: Satiate your hunger with a horde of vegan options served by Cakue Jember Yove Vegan Cuisine.


Street Food

While finding a top-rated restaurant in the city of Surabaya is an easy task, it takes an adventurous spirit to explore the street food of Surabaya. If you manage to unleash your venturesome side, you may come across some lip-smacking wonders. Here are some of the most popular options in Surabaya that offer the best street food options to the tourists.

  • Rujak Cingur Genteng Durasim: This dish is different from other Indonesian salads or rujak. The main difference lies in the fact that rujak chingur is made with a cow's muzzle. The recipe, which has its origin in Surabaya, includes tofu, vegetables, tempeh, and fruits of various kinds. Food enthusiasts rampage the market for this dish.
  • Bakso Pak War: This street food stall is very humble and is known for serving Indonesian meatballs, also known as phenomenal bakso. Locals, as well as tourists, are very fond of this dish. The place does not have fancy decor, but the place is always buzzing with visitors.


Drink

Surabaya is a dynamic city. The city tends to get more lively when the sun goes down. Surabaya has some of the best places where urban-dwellers, as well as tourists, unwind and celebrate. Read on to find out what Surabaya drinks!


Tap-water

Sustainable tourism encourages tourists to satiate their thirst with tap water and reduce plastic water bottles. However, tap water in Surabaya is not fit for drinking. Therefore, people have to rely on bottled water. Tap water, if boiled, can be made fit for drinking.


Organic Cafés

Cafes are nice places where you can spend your Friday night with your friends. Some of the best organic cafes in Surabaya are:

  • Colors Pub: This is known to be one of the most happening bars. This Surabaya bar has different themes and events every day. The bar also hosts a sexy fashion show every Thursday and a fun campus night where visitors can spend their Sundays. Singles, as well as groups, can gather around the performance stage on the chairs laid out.
  • Tropikal Coffee: As soon as you step into this cafe, you will be taken aback to see the setting. This spacious cafe is an ideal choice for anyone who loves island life. The cafe also offers you an array of options to choose from as the list of coffee items on the menu come with a fruity punch as they are infused with juicy tropical fruits.
  • TBRK Rumah Kopi: Get ready to be greeted by a gorgeous white setting ornamented with wooden accents. The surrounding is beautifully decorated with seashells and woven twine. The overall mood and setting of the cafe are flowy. It is good for your stress level and enriches the decorative value of your Instagram profile. Drop by at this restaurant for a refreshing glass of drink!


Breweries

Although not much has been known about the breweries in Surabaya, almost every alcohol enthusiast will raise an eyebrow at the mention of Bali Hai Brewery Indonesia.


Activities

Surabaya has many bewildering activities to engage its visitors. Although the place is not meant to be traveled on foot, one can pay a visit to Surabaya's Chinatown area. The place gets its name from the numerous hotels, shops, and restaurants erected in the Chinese style. The local architecture is also worth mentioning. Tourists can also plan a hike up Mount Bromo, from where they can enjoy the magnificent sunrise. G Walk-in Surabaya is also a famous spot known for offering the best food in town. You can also go for a stroll around the Taman Bungkul. The place is lavishly green and is filled with the goodness of local flora and fauna. Therefore, if you are looking for the perfect getaway spot to spend some time with your beloved one, Taman Bungkul is the ideal destination.


Yoga and Retreats

Yoga and Pilates Centre is a great place in Surabaya where visitors go for mindful and spiritual relaxation.


Accommodation

Everyone loves to put up in hotels accessible from some of the places of major tourist interest. While visiting Surabaya, here are some of the options for comfortable and sustainable accommodation.


Green Hotels

  • Green Surabaya Homey: With lush greenery all around, this place treats the eyes and lungs.
  • POP! Hotel Gubeng: This hotel lets you stay amidst nature and enjoy its freshness. Brownie points- you get free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast!


Hostels and Guest Houses

There are also many luxury hotels in Surabaya, some of which are as follows:

  • Great Diponegoro Hotel Surabaya
  • Swiss-Belinn Manyar
  • Hotel Gunawangsa Manyar
  • JW Marriott Hotel Surabaya


Apartments

Some travelers appreciate their own space when they visit a new place. An apartment gives a perfect homely feeling even when you are away from home. When you visit Surabaya, you can book yourself a nice and furnished apartment where you can relax at the end of a long and tiring day.


Couchsurfing

When you visit Surabaya, you can also count on Couchsurfing for accommodation. Locals sometimes give a part of their residential property on rent. This provides a warm and welcoming feeling to the tourists and helps them learn more about the locals' culture and traditions.


Camping

You can put up a camp on the day when you visit Mount Bromo.


How to Get There

Surabaya in Indonesia is a port city. The place is vibrant and always buzzing with the cacophony of people. You can reach the city from any parts of the world. There are lots of flights that take off and land from the city. Let's see some of the simple ways of getting into the city.


Air

If you are traveling to Surabaya via air, you can take a flight from Jakarta International Airport.


Bus

Surabaya has great connectivity of buses that arrive from places like Java, Bali, Jakarta, etc.

Plenty of buses in Surabaya that can be used for intercity travel


Train

One can reach Surabaya by boarding on a train that departs from Jakarta, Bandung, and Yogyakarta.

Train in Surabaya


Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is also a safe and convenient option if you wish to reach Surabaya.


Others

Since Indonesia comprises scores of boats, islands, trawlers, and launches, they are commonly used as a means of transport from Surubaya to most islands across the country.


Moving Around

Surabaya is quite a busy place, so it has great connectivity of means of transportation.


Walk

While you are in Surabaya, walking is not usually an option unless you visit the Chinatown district. However, you can take a short stroll and visit nearby places.


Bicycle

Abiding by the norms of sustainable travel, some stores in Surabaya give bicycles on rent so that tourists can travel through the city in an environment-friendly way by reducing carbon emissions.


Electronic Vehicles

Electronic vehicles are eco-friendly. They help to slash down the emission of harmful gases produced due to the burning of fuel.


Public Bus

Public buses not only take many people at a time from one place to another; they are also a great option for tourists to spend time with the locals.


Tram, Train and Subway

Surabaya has comfortable trains and metro rails, which make traveling convenient and affordable.


Sustainable Shopping

Keeping the aspect of environmental protection in mind, the authorities of Surabaya emphasized sustainable shopping. This is not only environment-friendly but is also easy on the pocket.


Food Markets

  • Bulak Fish Center
  • CitraLand Fresh Market and Food Court
  • Pasar Belanda Surabaya
  • Toko Nizafir


Flea Markets

  • Kodam Night Market
  • Pasar Modern
  • Pabean Market
  • UD. Barsid
Pabean Market


Second Hand Stores

  • Pasar Maling Surabaya
  • Pasar Jongkok Wonokromo
  • Pasar Gembong Tebasan
  • Tugu Pahlawan Sunday Morning Market


Eco-Fashion

Some brands in Indonesia are supporting eco-friendly modes of fashion.


Recycling

Initially, Surabaya's human life faced a serious threat as the city's waste management system was unplanned and unorganized. The city has now introduced innovative and effective waste management solutions. The locals also take an active part in safeguarding the environment.


Waste

Sustainable management of waste has been an axiom of Surabaya for almost a decade. With the inception of systematic waste management in 2004, Surabaya is doing a great job ineffective waste management by opting for techniques like waste sorting, waste disposal, and composting.


Work and Study Abroad

Many people come to Surabaya every year either for professional or for academic reasons.


Exchange Student

There are many exchange programs that students enroll themselves in. These exchange programs offer the students suitable school and college placements, where they continue to pursue their education.


Au Pair

In this system, students stay with families and provide some kind of service in exchange for food and lodging.


Volunteering

Some non-profit groups also offer volunteering opportunities to people.


See Also