Discover Why Surabaya is Often Called the Spiritual Shanghai of Indonesia

Jakarta is undeniably the political heart of Indonesia, and in a similar vein, Surabaya holds a special place in the hearts of Indonesians, much like Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai do in China.

Surabaya, also known as Sermo by the older Chinese community, has an intriguing legend behind its name. It is said that the first person to arrive at this site witnessed a crocodile biting a shark (one can only imagine the state of mind of this individual! 😓). Beyond the legend, in Indonesian, Surabaya translates to something akin to a swamp, perhaps suggesting a once-barren land.

Through generations of hard work, Jakarta has evolved from a small, congested city into a sprawling, bustling metropolis 🤣. Meanwhile, Surabaya has transformed over time from a barren landscape into a charming, laid-back, and highly livable city. When it comes to quality of life, Surabaya outshines Jakarta by a significant margin.

To truly experience Surabaya, don’t overly rely on online travel guides. Instead, pick a leisurely weekend, book a flight, and upon arrival, take a leisurely stroll down Tunjungan Street. Pop into any shop that catches your eye; you won’t be disappointed.

🥳 What else is there to enjoy in Surabaya?
– Meandering through the historic old town
– Exploring the vibrant wildlife park
– A scenic 2-hour drive to the majestic Mount Bromo
– A 4-hour journey to the awe-inspiring Ijen Volcano and the breathtaking Sewu Waterfall