Surabaya, Indonesia-2-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore Surabaya’s History and Culture

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day at Tugu Pahlawan, a historic monument built in memory of Diponegoro, the Javanese prince who fought against Dutch colonial rule. The monument offers stunning views of the city.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the nearby Surabaya Heroes Monument (Monumen Tugu) and learn about the history of Surabaya during World War II.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Warung Sate 88, a popular spot for traditional Indonesian cuisine. Try their sate (meat skewers) and gado-gado (vegetable salad).
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Surabaya Museum to learn about the city’s history, culture, and art.
  • 4:00 PM: Explore the Kembang Kuning Water Tower, a historic water tower turned into a cafe and restaurant.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Resto de Pariya, a modern Indonesian restaurant with a wide range of dishes. Try their seafood and traditional Javanese cuisine.
  • 9:00 PM: Take a stroll along the Surabaya Riverwalk and enjoy the city’s nightlife.

Accommodation

  • Stay at Hotel 88 Central Surabaya, a 3-star hotel located in the heart of the city. It offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a rooftop pool.

Transportation

  • Use the city’s public transportation system, including buses and taxis.
  • You can also use ride-hailing apps like Grab and Go-Van.

Tips

  • Learn some basic Indonesian phrases to interact with locals.
  • Try traditional Javanese cuisine and drinks, such as es teler (a sweet drink) and gudeg (a traditional dish made from young coconut meat).
  • Be mindful of the local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples or mosques.

Day 2: Explore Surabaya’s Nature and Entertainment

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Surabaya Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in Indonesia. The zoo is home to over 200 species of animals, including orangutans, tigers, and elephants.
  • 11:30 AM: Take a stroll through the beautiful Kota Embung Park, which features gardens, waterfalls, and a lake.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Pecel Lembang, a popular spot for traditional Javanese cuisine. Try their pecel (a type of salad) and gado-gado.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Surabaya Cathedral, a beautiful Catholic cathedral that dates back to 1908.

Evening

  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Warung Makassar, a modern Indonesian restaurant with a wide range of dishes. Try their seafood and traditional Javanese cuisine.
  • 9:00 PM: Take in the city’s nightlife by visiting the Surabaya Riverwalk or shopping at one of the many night markets.

Transportation

  • Use the same transportation options as Day 1 (buses, taxis, ride-hailing apps).

Tips

  • Be prepared for crowds and traffic congestion during peak hours.
  • Don’t drink tap water, but try some of the local bottled water brands instead.
  • Bring sunscreen and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.

Other things to know

  • Surabaya is known as the “City of Heroes” due to its rich history and cultural significance.
  • The city has a wide range of traditional Indonesian cuisine, including seafood, meat dishes, and vegetarian options.
  • Be prepared for heat and humidity during the day, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (95°F).
  • Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the local street food and drinks!