Travelers in Indonesia often overlook Surabaya, a large port town on the Island of Java, because of its industrial look and feel, sporting huge businesses and traffic whizzing down wide streets. More inquisitive and patient travelers might want to take the time to see Surabaya for what it is: a symbol of Indonesia's eclectic culture, with plenty of interesting sights and famous attractions.
Because of its history of foreign settlement, Indonesia has several major religions. In Surabaya, you can sample this religious diversity by visiting some of the city's famous religious centers. Start with the Masjid al Akbar, a mosque on Jl Masjid Al Akbar Timur I Street. Complete with massive turquoise domes and towering minarets, this mosque is open to visitors and provides a great opportunity to climb to the observation deck and get a view of the city's skyline. Afterward, head to Jl Dukuh street in Chinatown to check out the Kong Co Kong Tik Cun Ong Temple, a Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist religious site -- the largest in Surabaya's old town. Altars, enormous red candles and incense smoke abound here. Both sites are open daily and charge admission.
Surabaya is a city influenced by many cultures, and this influence shows in its varied neighborhoods. Surrounding the Masjid al Akbar mosque is the Arab Quarter. The minute you enter the quarter, you'll feel transported to the Middle East. Tiny side streets hold myriad market stalls overflowing with religious items, Arabic food and trinkets. This is the place in Surabaya to see the famous souks -- bazaars -- of the Middle East. Indonesia's Chinese influence is nowhere more apparent than in Surabaya's Chinatown, just south of the Arab Quarter. The largest in Indonesia, this Chinese district is peppered with temples, markets and the sizzling saucepans of street food vendors.
Showcasing Indonesia's Dutch influence, the House of Sampoerna is a museum in a former Dutch-built orphanage and, later, theater. Here, you can view exhibits on Surabaya's history and, oddly enough, a cigarette factory. Local workers hand-roll cigarettes during business hours, and it's okay to watch them. English tours of the museum run daily. Another must-see attraction is Monumen Kapal Selam, a submarine the Indonesian military used in the early 1960s and kept in working condition near Surabaya Plaza. You can go inside the submarine on a guided tour and view the adjacent museum. The museum opens in the morning and closes in the late evening.
One of the oldest and largest zoos in Southeast Asia sits right in the heart of Surabaya, on Jalan Diponegoro Street. The zoo, which was founded in 1916, houses more than 350 animal species and countless exhibits. Typical zoo animals are commonly displayed here, but you'll also see some local ones, including monkeys. Try to catch an animal show during your visit. Past shows have involved large animals riding bikes and similar marvels. Entrance will cost you a small fee, and the zoo is open during normal business hours.
