South East Asian Trips

One of the well-known cities of Indonesia and previously known as 'Soerabaja' it's the second largest city, and the capital of the province of East Java. Located at the mouth of the Mas River and the side of the Madura Strait on the northern shore of eastern Java, it's one of the busiest ports in the country. Sugar, tobacco and coffee are the principal exports of the country.

Surabaya is Indonesia's second-largest city and, though industrial, doesn't seem to be quite as run-down as Jakarta. It's also a convenient jumping-off point for those wishing to skip the filth of the larger city and head straight for Bali and points east. The local tourist information office is located at Jalan Pemuda 118.

Population

4,000,000

Location

Surabaya is on the northeastern coast of the island of Java. It is the capital of the province of East Java. A trip to Jakarta takes about fifteen hours by train.

Weather

Surabaya is hot and muggy, with daily downpours during the wet months.

Transportation

Although it is not serviced internationally, Surabaya is accessible from other cities in Indonesia by air, buses, minibuses, boats, ferries, and trains.

The inner-city bus system is extensive and cheap. Most rides cost 200RP-400RP (US.09-$.18). The city is also well-served by taxis and becaks, which aren't allowed on the main streets. Rides cost 400RP.

Places of Interest

The Surabaya Zoo features nocturnal and exotic animals, and for those with a cultural bent, the East Java Ballet Festival is not to be missed. Other sights include the Kong Co Kong Tik Cun Ong temple, the Mesjid Ampel mosque, and the Taman Hiburan Rakyat amusement park.

Safety Issues

Be on the lookout for pickpockets, and take extra care in crossing the streets. Traffic is thick and fast, and drivers are not known for their friendliness to pedestrians.