Surabaya, Indonesia: Exploring the City of Heroes Surabaya, located on the island of Java, is the second largest city in Indonesia. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through Surabaya, exploring its rich history and modern attractions.
Our adventure begins at the Historical Park, where we join a free guided tour to learn more about the history of Surabaya. The city is known as the City of Heroes and is home to over 400 tunnels that connect nearly 300 buildings. Our first stop is the Heroes Monument, dedicated to those who lost their lives during the Surabaya War. The monument is shaped like a nail, symbolizing the resilience and strength of the Surabaya people.
Next, we visit a museum within the park, where we discover weapons taken from the Allied troops during the war. Our guide tells us about the most haunted building in Surabaya, the Kalisosok Prison, which was used to imprison anyone who defied the Dutch rule. There were even rumors of the prison being turned into a hotel, which adds an eerie element to its history.
After the tour, we head to the House of Sampoerna, an old cigarette factory turned museum. Here, we learn about the success story of the owner, a poor Chinese immigrant who built an empire producing a unique type of cigarette called kretek. The museum showcases the production process and the impact of the tobacco industry on the lives of the people in Surabaya.
We then explore Tunjungan Plaza, a massive mall with six interconnected buildings. It is interesting to see how the mall keeps expanding, with plans for TP7 already announced. Despite its size, the mall can be confusing to navigate, but we managed to find some delicious Javanese specialties at a restaurant inside.
To end our day, we visit Hotel Majapahit, the most beautiful building in Surabaya. The hotel holds historical significance, as it was the site where the Dutch flag was torn during a revolt, symbolizing the transition from Dutch rule to Indonesian independence. We also stumble upon a street food market, where we try various local delicacies, including cheese tea and rujak cingur.
Our time in Surabaya has been filled with history, culture, and delicious food. The city's rich past is evident in its landmarks and museums, while its modern attractions showcase its vibrant and evolving nature. Surabaya truly is a city of heroes, with its resilient people and fascinating stories.