Surabaya Landmarks and Monuments

(Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia)

The Old City area of Surabaya is where many of the most historical and impressive landmarks reside, often exhibiting period Dutch architecture with some noticeable Arabic and Chinese influences. Despite a number of these buildings and landmarks being in a rather poor condition and somewhat crumbling away, this part of Surabaya is incredibly attractive and appealing.

Particular structures, landmarks and old monuments of great importance in Surabaya include the Ampel Mosque (Mesjid Ampel), the Grand Mosque (Masjid Al Akbar) and the Muhammad Cheng Hoo Mosque (Masjid Cheng Ho), all of which require a slightly conservative dress code to actually enter. Both the Grahadi Building (State Building) and the Monument of Jalesveva Jayamahe (Monumen Jalesveva Jayamahe) are also very noteworthy in their own right.

Red Bridge (Jembatan Merah)

Address: Surabaya, Indonesia, ID
The Red Bridge is known locally as the Jembatan Merah and is an important landmark in the city, since it was here where the historical Battle of Surabaya began, on November 10th, 1945. Bright red in colour, the aptly named Red Bridge is made of iron and replaced a wooden incarnation in 1890, spanning the Kalimas River and connecting the Jalan Kembang Jepun and the Jalan Rajawali streets. This is a good place to start exploring the city, being conveniently close to the Chinatown district and the busy Tanjung Perak Harbour.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Gedung PTPN XXII (PT Perkebunan Nusantara)

Address: Jalan Merak Cendrawasih, Surabaya, Indonesia, ID
There are some very arresting buildings in the city of Surabaya, with the Gedung PTPN XXII being one of the most majestic and impressive. This European-Indonesian style landmark provides office space for the local government and is located on the Jalan Merak Cendrawasih, on the westerly side of the Jalan Jembatan. Formerly the Handelsvereeniging Amsterdam (HAV) building, the Gedung PTPN XXII dates back to the 1920s and was built for the use of the State Plantation Company (PPN).
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Kong Co Kong Tik Cun Ong Temple

Address: Jalan Dukuh, Surabaya, Indonesia, ID
The Kong Co Kong Tik Cun Ong Temple is located close to the canal and on the Jalan Dukuh, where it has stood since being built in the 18th century. Although the Kong Co Kong Tik Cun Ong Temple is mainly Buddhist, with its myriad of shiny, golden Buddhas, it does also feature both Taoist and Confucian altars. The red candles here are enormous and likely to be some of the biggest you will ever see. If you have trouble finding the temple, then simply follow the strong smell of incense in the air.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Ampel Mosque (Mesjid Ampel)

Address: Jalan Ampel Suci, Surabaya, Indonesia, ID
The Ampel Mosque, or the Mesjid Ampel as it is referred to locally, is a beautiful structure and really one of the most notable of all the landmarks within the Old City area of Surabaya. Standing in the very heart of the Arab Quarter, the Mesjid Ampel was built in the early part of the 15th century, although it has been updated and restored over the years. The Ampel Mosque has understated architecture, with a row of stone columns, a three-tier roof and a white column-shaped tower, which really does resemble a mini lighthouse. During the Islam month of Ramadan, the mosque becomes quite busy.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Grand Mosque (Masjid Al Akbar)

Address: Surabaya, Indonesia, ID
The city's largest mosque and really quite a sight to behold, the Masjid Al Akbar is actually the biggest of its kind in South-East Asia. Showcasing stylish religious modern architecture at its best, the Masjid Al Akbar was completed and opened as recently as the turn of the new millennium, after taking around eight years to compete. The Grand Mosque really is very grand, in both appearance and proportions, since its central onion-shaped dome towers high above the surrounding skyline, with its tip standing 65 metres / 213 feet above the ground. There are so many different features and elements in this design, that all come together to create a masterpiece. In particular, look out for the tall minaret, and the exquisite bright blue and green detailed mosaic tiles on the roof 'pyramids' and dome.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Grahadi Building (State Building)

Address: Surabaya, Indonesia, ID
Sitting close to the Tunjungan Plaza shopping centre, the Dutch colonial-style Grahadi Building serves the city of Surabaya as both the official residence of the governor of East Jaya, as well as being a heavily used space for exhibitions and conventions. At more than 200 years old, the Grahadi Building appears as if it could have been almost completed yesterday, since it is maintained so well. Appearing rather like a large, opulent villa, with stone columns and a grand entrance, the Grahadi is close to the Kalimas River and is regularly passed by pleasure boats. Interestingly, soon after it was completed, the front side was changed to the back and the entrance moved.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Muhammad Cheng Hoo Mosque (Masjid Cheng Ho)

Address: Jalan Gading, Surabaya, Indonesia, ID
Famed for its elaborate Chinese architecture and pagoda-like appearance, the Muhammad Cheng Hoo Mosque was built to commemorate the historic visit of acclaimed Chinese-Muslim explorer, Admiral Zheng He (Cheng Ho), many centuries ago. Often overlooked by tourists, the Masjid Cheng Ho really does deserve some attention. The central octagon tower is definitely the crowning glory and has bright green tiles, with red edging. The backdrop of plain, modern buildings in quite a contrast. During Ramadan, the mosque is the site of a major pilgrimage and visitor numbers are so great that many are often accommodated in a large marquee tent.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Monument of Jalesveva Jayamahe (Monumen Jalesveva Jayamahe / Monjaya)

Address: Surabaya, Indonesia, ID
Truly hard to miss and something of an iconic symbol of the city, the Monument of Jalesveva Jayamahe regularly makes an appearance on local promotional material and postcards of Surabaya, enhanced by its seafront situation. This giant statue was completed in 1996 and depicts the image of a young Commandant of Indonesian Maritime Army, resting on a sword and looking out to sea, and honours the achievements and importance of the Indonesian Navy. The statue itself is more than 30 metres / 98 feet in height and the world's second-tallest, after only the Statue of Liberty in New York, appearing even more imposing, since it stands atop a pale, circular four-storey building of a similar height.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free