Today Surabaya is a modern industrial city,
considered the economic and trading centre of Eastern Java as well as home to
the nation’s navy. Second only to Jakarta in size, population and commerce,
this is a massive city of over three million people. With 21st century shopping
malls, colonial era buildings and business high rises, this city represents a
melting pot of Javanese culture with modern industrial development.
This big
thriving city is the crowded capital of East Java. Home to many of the nation’s
fiercest independence fighters, the city is known to locals as Kota Pahlawan
(City of Heroes) and around the city you will see scatered statues
commemorating many heroes of the independence movement. Historically this city
used to be the trading hub for the illustrious inland empires of Java, that
included Majapahit, Singosari and Kediri. Situated on the mouth of the
Brantas river, Surabaya was officially founded in 1293 on the site of a
legendary battle between a shark (sura) and crocodile (baya).
With 21st century shopping malls, colonial era
buildings and business high rises, this city represents a melting pot of
Javanese culture with modern industrial development. For visitors, highlights of the city include it’s zoological gardens, the
immaculately presented Sampoerna museum or a visit to the island of Madura
where you can experience the excitement and thrill of a local bull race. The
city is also an ideal base to explore the other attractions of East Java including
Mt Bromo, the cool mountain retreats of Malang and the natural beauty of Ijen
Plateau.
