This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Surabaya.
Surabaya is a chaotic city on Java between Sumatra and Bali islands in Indonesia. This is the second-largest city in the country and has good transport links to other islands in Indonesia as well to the main cities on Java. This isn't a tourist place, but many travelers end up here on their way to somewhere else on the island, and usually find they like the city.
If you want to to make a stop in Surabaya, there are only a few places you can visit. The Chinese Quarter is an active zone full of narrow streets, housing an old temple (Hok Teckhiau on Jalan Dukuh). This is a nice temple to visit, but the most interesting area is the Arab Area. Obviously you will find here the most famous mosque of the city, the Mesjid Ampel, which is more than five hundred years old. When you enter the Arab Area, you can get the feeling of being a mouse in a maze, but the area is very clean with flowers and shops everywhere. If you go to this area, don't forget to dress conservatively, especially if you are a woman. Outside the city, just three kilometers away, you have Surabaya Zoo, which may be your first chance to see the komodo dragons that only live in Rinca and Komodo Islands in Indonesia. In the zoo, you will find a lot of animals in a nice and spacious area.
As it is a main transport hub, is really easy to arrive in Surabaya. You have an airport, frequent buses, ferries, and trains. The hostels in Surabaya are not many, but options exist near the Gubeng Train Station. Try to get information from other travelers about Surabaya's hostels to make the best choice.
Written by local enthusiast for Surabaya hostels
CoffeeMarks
