Surabaya Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia)

Many tourists choose to holiday in Surabaya to make the very most of its appealing coastal setting, surrounding sandy beaches and related attractions. The Chinatown district, Kalimas Harbour and G-Walk (Food Street) are also popular attractions to visit in Surabaya.

Families looking for something other than beaches will find that there are a number of reliable tourist attractions to choose between, of which the Surabaya Zoo (Kebun Binatang) and the Ciputra Waterpark both rank highly. If you prefer a round of golf to zoo animals and water park slides, then you won't be disappointed either.

Surabaya Zoo (Kebun Binatang / Kebun Bonbin)

Address: Jalan Diponegoro, Surabaya, Indonesia, ID
The Kebun Binatang is the alternative name for Surabaya Zoo and is to be found on the southerly side of the city, where it opened around 100 years ago. Now South-East Asia's largest zoological gardens, Surabaya Zoo really is large and you can easily spend a relaxing day here, looking at the 3,000 animals, which cover more than 350 different species. The park is well structured and many of the enclosures are spacious and open, with the main animal attractions including lions, tigers, giraffes, camels, elephants, bears, kangaroos and crocodiles, as well of course as a collection of giant Komodo dragons (lizards) and orangutans, which were the first ever to breed in captivity. Look out for the elephant shows, the birds of prey demonstrations, and the unusual statue of a fighting fish (Sura) and crocodile (Baya), which stands outside of the entrance and is the symbol of the city. Buses headed down the Jalan Panglima Sudirman are a good way to reach the zoo.
Open hours: daily - 07:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Chinatown District

Address: Chinatown, Surabaya, Indonesia, ID
For a taste of China in Indonesia, the lively Chinatown district of Surabaya is the place to come. Literally hundreds of small businesses line the narrow streets, as well as a multitude of Chinese restaurants and small eateries. Locals often use old-fashion hand-pulled carts (becak) to transport their wares. Chinatown is situated on the eastern side of the Jembatan Merah and easy to find - just keep a look out for the colourful oriental architecture and gateways.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Kalimas Harbour

Address: Kalimas, Surabaya, Indonesia, ID
On a sunny afternoon, Kalimas Harbour is an especially appealing place to come, relax and watch the goings on. Plenty of benches are dotted around Kalimas Harbour, allowing visitors to take a look and observe the brightly painted traditional Indonesia sailing ships (pinisi), which feature two tall masts and regularly arrive at the port from both Kalimantan and Sulawesi.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Heroic Monument / Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan)

Address: Jalan Tembaan, Surabaya, Indonesia, ID
The Heroic Monument also goes by the name of the Heroes Monument or Tugu Pahlawan, and has become an important memorial in the city, being erected to remember those who fought and lost their lives during the historical Battle of Surabaya in late 1945. Standing outside of the Gubenur offices and towering at just under 50 metres / 164 feet, the Heroic Monument resembles a giant upturned nail and was built in 1951, being completed the following year and inaugurated during a lavish ceremony. The Bentar Gateway stands close by and adds further interest, resembling a Greek temple. A exhibition relating to the battle is located here, for those wishing to learn more about the events of the 10th November, 1945.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Beaches

Address: Surabaya, Indonesia, ID
A number of beaches are located on the northerly coastline of Surabaya, such as the scenic Kenjeran Beach, which is divided into two main areas, namely the Old Kenjeran Beach and also the adjoining New Kenjeran Beach. As well as sunbathing, there are various coastal activities and attractions available around Kenjeran, such as sailing, swimming, surfing and fishing, while many locals come here to ride horses along the sand. The beaches of Kenjeran are just under 10 km / 6 miles away and well worth a look. Facilities here include restaurants, gift shops and toilets.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Golf Courses

Address: Surabaya, Indonesia, ID
There are several different landscaped golf courses and clubs spread around the Surabaya area. Particularly notable is the 18-hole Bukit Darmo Golf Course, which suits even the keenest of golfers and was designed by the son of golfing legend, Jack Nicklaus. A further reliable attraction for golfers is the Yani Golf Club, where players will find a number of natural challenges, such as its hilly terrain. Other popular regional courses include the Ciputra Golf Course, the Graha Famili Club, the Pakuwon Golf Club, and also the Taman Dayu, the latter of which is to be found around an hour away and directly to the south, off the road leading to Malang.
Open hours: daily - dawn to dusk
Admission: charge

Ciputra Waterpark (Ciputra Water Park)

Address: CitraRaya Utama, Surabaya, Indonesia, ID
Tel: +62 031 744 1155
One of the most popular family attractions in East Java, the Ciputra Waterpark is actually the largest water park in the whole of Indonesia, and on a hot day, really does pull in the crowds. As well as offering a pool for swimming, the Ciputra Waterpark also features a wave pool (known as the Syracuse Beach), a shallow pool for children (Chimera Pool) and a lazy river, which is known as the Sirens River and measures almost 500 metres / 1,640 feet in length. Children will also enjoy the water slides at Sinbad's Playground, and of course, climbing the 15-metre / 49-foot high Roc Tower and zooming down its exciting water tunnel. Bear in mind that during peak periods, the Ciputra Waterpark can become busy, especially at weekends.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 20:00, seasonal variations
Admission: charge, discounts for children

G-Walk (Food Street)

Address: Surabaya, Indonesia, ID
Full of atmosphere and colour, the G-Walk has been nicknamed the 'Food Street of Surabaya', since there are just so many food stalls concentrated in this part of the city, offering Asian, Chinese and also Western-style dishes. The G-Walk resides on the westerly side of the city, in the area known as CitraLand. As night-time approaches, the street fills up and offers an undeniable youthful vibe, being a very vibrant place to hang out and enjoy a drink and an inexpensive bite to eat.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free