East Java’s prestigious capital is located in Surabaya. It is the most populous city in the province of Java and the second most populous city in the nation. The city is home to the country’s most important seaport and is a major commercial centre in the eastern part of the nation. Due to the fact that it is one of the main ports in the area, Surabaya is an important cog in the economic machine that is Indonesia.
It is thought that the name Surabaya was derived from two different words. According to several regional mythology, the animals known as sura and baya, which translate as shark and crocodile, respectively, engage in a never-ending battle with one another. They engage in combat for no other reason than to prove that they are the most powerful individuals in the whole area. These two animals are now included into the emblem that represents the city.
The history of Surabaya may be traced back to the 16th century. After the monarchs of the area converted to Islam in the year 1525 A.D., Surabaya entered an age in which it enjoyed great strength and grandeur. They were successful in their conquest of the territories around in a very short amount of time. The Mataram dynasty from central Java launched an assault on the city in 1625 and eventually took possession of it. From the middle of the 18th century forward, the Dutch were in control of the city. During World War II, they set up a military installation in the city as a base of operations. Between the years 1942 and 1949, the city was the scene of a number of power struggles between the Japanese and the Dutch. Following Indonesia’s achievement of independence, Surabaya was integrated into the nation as a whole and through the modernisation process.
Main Tourist Attractions in Surabaya, Indonesia
Pasar Pabean
Pasar Pabean is a major market in Surabaya. The neighbourhood has a high level of foot traffic because to the presence of many commercial centres. They provide a variety of interesting goods, such as batik, paintings, and pottery, among other things. In addition, there are a great number of hotels in the vicinity, which can accommodate a variety of guests.
Mesjid Ampel
This mosque, which can be found on Jalan Ampel Suci, is one of the most outstanding historic attractions in the city of Surabaya. In the year 1421, Sunan Ampel was the one who built the mosque. Ampel was one of a group of nine people that were sent to Indonesia with the purpose of spreading Islam. The first construction was augmented by an additional building at some point throughout the course of its existence. However, the decorations and pillars that were there originally were preserved. This mosque is revered as a place of pilgrimage by Muslims across Indonesia.
Kong Co Kong Tik Cun Ong Temple
A Chinese temple with a vividly decorated interior may be seen here. The Confucian and Taoist influences on the temple are quite clear to see if you look closely enough. On the day of the full moon, this location hosts wayang performances.
Surabaya Zoo
The Surabaya Zoological Garden is one of the most remarkable attractions in the city. It is located in the heart of the city. The zoo first opened its doors in 1916 and is now home to a variety of exotic and unusual species as well as reptiles. The zoo is home to a diverse collection of creatures, some of which only come out at night, such as orangutans, Komodo dragons, and many other types of nocturnal animals. This zoo is the first in the world to have successfully conducted orangutan breeding operations in captive, and it has the distinction of being the first in the world to do so.
MPU Tantular Museum
The MPU Tantular Museum may be found just opposite the zoo along the road. The museum brings together relics and archaeology from the ancient period all the way up to the moment of independence. The museum has a substantial and interesting collection of antique items that were originally from the island of Java.
THR Amusement Park
This amusement park may be found in close proximity to the heart of the town. You may have fun in the park by participating in a number of different activities, such as the Boom Boom Car, Ghost House, Shooting Gallery, Merry Go Round, Twin Dragon, Twist Aldin, Mini Train, Ball Pool, and many more. You may put your gaming abilities to the test in a number of different areas, each of which offers the chance to win unique prizes. In addition, there are two stages dedicated to live performances inside the park: the main stage and the Garuda stage. The dangdut music performances put on by local performers are available for your enjoyment here.
