Attractions Nearby Surabaya, Day Trips and Excursions

(Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia)

Many alluring Indonesian attractions await discovery outside of Surabaya, and holiday makers often choose to spend at least a day or two exploring the main sights of East Java. Malang is a particularly large and popular city and its plentiful attractions can generally be reached in around one hour and 40 minutes by road.

Further excursions and possible day trips include Lawang, the island of Pulau Madura, Trowulan and the fun outdoor attractions at the Wisata Bahari Lamongan (WBL). The Taman Safari II is also close to Surabaya and this safari park is famed for its tigers and naturalistic setting.

Lawang

Lawang is located around 18 km / 11 miles to the north of Malang and some 70 km / 43 miles south of Surabaya. There are few attractions in Lawang, although the Art Nouveau mansion that is the Hotel Niagara is certainly an exceptionally beautiful building. On the westerly outskirts of Lawang, the Kebun Wonasari tea estate is a popular excursion and even features its very own zoo. Guided tours around the Kebun Wonasari tea estate allow you to make the most of your visit.

Malang

Malang is the second-biggest city within the East Java region and is to be found 90 km / 56 miles away and to the south. Known for being considerably more relaxed and moving at a much slower pace than nearby Surabaya, Malang makes for a good day trip. The main attractions here lie on the outskirts of Malang, such as the north-westerly Shivaite temple of Candi Badut, which dates as far back as the 8th century.

Madura

The island of Pulau Madura is separated from mainland Surabaya by simply a narrow channel and lies little more than 6 km / 4 miles to the north, so close in fact that in the summer of 2009, Indonesia's longest-ever built bridge was completed and opened, connecting the two islands. A regular ferry service is also available. Sun seekers will find that the southern side of Madura has some very appealing beaches, while on the northern coast, the attractions are more rugged, with the beach at Lombang standing out. Most day trippers will arrive at the town of Kamal and head straight to Bangkalan, where the Museum Cakraningrat is a particular highlight. The rather refined town of Sumenep is also worth a look on Pulau Madura, as are the tombs of Cakraningrat royalty at Arosbaya.

Taman Safari II

Situated on the foothills of Prigen, the Taman Safari II allows visitors to observe animals in a natural outdoor habitat. This is certainly no ordinary zoo, since you drive along the roads to see the animals, or climb aboard the safari bus. The Javan tigers are a firm favourite with visitors and the Taman Safari Park is extremely proud of its successful Asian tiger conservation programme. For young children, a petting zoo and animal shows are on hand.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Trowulan

Formerly the capital of the biggest Indonesian Hindu empire ever to exist, Trowulan is to be found roughly 60 km / 37 miles to the south-west of Surabaya and can be reached in just over an hour. Historically, Trowulan gained much of its wealth from its spice trade and rice growing, and today features some interesting remains of ancient Majapahit temples. Further interesting ruins in this part of Java include the Bajang Ratu gateway, the Kolam Segaran pool, the Tikus Temple (Queen's Bath), the Wringinlawang Gate and also the open-air pavilion named the Pendopo Agung.

Wisata Bahari Lamongan (WBL)

The Wisata Bahari Lamongan amusement park stands on the northern coast and in the town of Paciran, where it is brimming with family attractions and fun. Swimming pools, banana boats, jet skis and 3D cinemas are all available at the Wisata Bahari Lamongan, as well as water slides, bumper cars, and plenty of nearby sandy beaches and fishing opportunities. The entrance is marked by a giant crab, and so really is very hard to miss. Close by, a trip to the Maharani Cave is recommended.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge