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Jan
11
Surabaya Travel & Sightseeing Guide
January 11, 2008 |
Surabaya image courtesy Wikipedia
A trip to Surabaya
As the capital of East Java, Surabaya is the second largest city in Indonesia. It boasts one of the busiest ports in Asia and is famous for its Arab and Chinese quarters. Strolling around the city to exploring the quarters on foot is popular among visitors. Arrival in Surabaya is via Juanda International Airport, the second busiest airport in Indonesia after Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta.
Flights to Surabaya
Juanda International Airport has just undergone a major refurbishment in 2006 and now has a new three-storey terminal. With a capacity to handle eight million passengers a year, this is a major transportation hub. Both domestic and international flights are handled here, with international airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Malaysia Airlines all offering connections. From Jakarta, there five flights a day Surabaya. To get from the airport to city centre, taking a taxi or hotel shuttle is the easiest option. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Surabaya try Ebookers.
To get around the city, there are several options. Trishaw (becak) are popular with visitors, bares need to be negotiated in advance though. There are also taxis and minibuses. Metered taxis are best for visitors and most drivers speak some English.
Surabaya
Sightseeing to Surabaya
The Arab and Chinese quarters in the northern part of the city should be explored on foot. These ethnic areas are full of small shops and restaurants, and are fun to visit. Make sure you go to the Hong Tik Hian Temple, where Chinese hand-puppet shows are held every day. The 18th century Chinese Hok An Kiong Temple was built in the traditional Chinese wooden style and honours the deity who protects sailors.
Strolling around the busy harbour area is also interesting. Here, you can see all types of different vessels from all over the world. Ships leave Surabaya carrying major exports such as sugar, tobacco and coffee. Other attractions in the city include golf (there are six golf courses in Surabaya) and shopping.
Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Thanks to the diverse ethnic make-up of Surabaya, there is a variety of cuisines on offer. The best Western food can be had in the numerous international hotels. Local Indonesian food is best tried downtown, with many restaurants to choose from along the city’s main streets. The two local favourites are biyung and taman sari indah. Chinese food is also a must-sample when visiting Surabaya. Considered the best Chinese seafood restaurant, many locals eat at Kuningan International Seafood Restaurant.
Young locals like to hang out at the Bambu Runcing Monument in Jalan Pemuda, where there are numerous cafés, restaurants and food stalls to choose from. There are also plenty of bars and dance clubs to choose from in the downtown area including clubs in major hotels, such as the JJ’s Bar at the Westin Hotel.
Fun by day - shopping and activities
Shopping can be fun in Surabaya, with many locally produced items such as batik, jewellery and wood carvings on offer. Mirota is a good shopping centre; although unattractive on the outside, it has quite a nice selection of shops inside and prices are much cheaper here than at the more modern shopping centres. Boghagener Platz flea market is full of bargains, crafts and collectibles. There is also plenty of fun and interesting shopping to be had in the Chinese and Arab quarters. For modern shopping malls, head to Plazas Tunjungan and Plaza Surabaya on Jalan Pemuda. Here you will find boutiques and American fast food restaurants.
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