Surabaya is an urban city but it still has cultural as well as colonial vibes. This old city was the witness of Indonesian struggles during WWII. There were war heroes in Surabaya and that’s why many monuments and memorials as appreciation to those. Surabaya has a perfect blend of urbanity and cultural diversity. It is a a city where you can find perfect harmony between Chinese and Muslim communities. Therefore, it is a safe place for travelling around. The locals are friendly and open-minded. Surabaya is a great destination for your next travel plan.
What to know before visiting Surabaya
Surabaya is an old city full of historical and cultural values. There are many interesting places to visit during your vacation in Surabaya. Here are things you should know about Surabaya before making your visit.
Surabaya is accessible
There are many ways you can get in Surabaya. There is Juanda Airport available for domestic and international flights. You can also reach Surabaya via train from Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital city. Public transportation is also available include minibus and Angkot. If you arrive in Juanda Airport, taxi is the most accessible to take you to the center of the city. Bus is also available in the airport but pretty seldom.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Surabaya is literally anytime in the year. However, you can also avoid rainy season which falls in November-April if you don’t want to deal with more traffic or wet clothes. The average temperature in Surabaya is pleasant which is about 30-32 degree Celsius.
What to wear
You can wear casual, comfortable clothes during your visit in Surabaya. However, it is highly advised to not wear too revealing clothes if you are visiting or entering religious attractions such as Cheng Hoo Mosque or Ampel Mosque. As for walking around the city, there is no issue even if you wear shorts and tank tops. Just make sure to always wear sunscreen especially when you visit during dry season since Surabaya is a tropical city. Hats and sunglasses will be useful too since the sun can be pretty strong during the day.
Safety on Surabaya
As for security issue, Surabaya is relatively safe and there is no major threats you should be aware of. However, it is highly advised to not wander around big crowds carelessly because pick-pocketing is still the main issue. Do not bring valuables when getting around the city. Make sure to keep your belongings close to you during your walk.
Never drink the tap water
It is highly advised to not drink from tap water. Always drink bottled water and it’s even better if you carry your own purified bottle. Bottled water is available in every store so you won’t have difficulty to get it.
Careful with the taxis
Be more cautious if you get around the city by taxi. They may charge more expensive price to foreign tourists. You can negotiate the price in advance. As for foods, it is not hard to spot a restaurants, cafes, and even street vendors. The price of foods is relatively affordable even for budget travelers.