Surabaya: The Gateway to East Java's Rich Heritage

• HelloHalo
  [haˈlo]
• GoodbyeSampai jumpa
  [samˈpai ˈdʒumpa]
• YesIya
  [ˈi.ja]
• NoTidak
  [ˈti.dak]
• Please/You're welcomeTolong
  [ˈto.loŋ]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [tɛˈrima kaˈsih]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [maˈaf]
• How are you?Apa kabar?
  [ˈa.pa ˈka.bar]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Bagaimana denganmu?
  [baˈik baˈɡai.mana dɛnˈɡan.mu]
• Do you speak English?Apakah kamu bisa berbahasa Inggris?
  [aˈpa.ka ˈkamʊ ˈbisa bərˈba.ha.sa ˈiŋ.ɡris]
• I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti
  [saˈja tiˈdak məŋˈɡɛr.ti]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin melihat menu, tolong
  [saˈja ˈi.ŋin məˈli.hat ˈmɛ.nu ˈto.loŋ]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [saˈja tiˈdak maˈkan ˈda.jiŋ]
• Cheers!Selamat!
  [sɛˈla.mat]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, tolong
  [saˈja ˈi.ŋin məmˈba.jar ˈto.loŋ]

• Help!Tolong!
  [ˈto.loŋ]
• Go away!Pergi!
  [ˈpɛr.ɡi]
• Call the Police!Panggil polisi!
  [paŋˈɡil poˈli.si]
• Call a doctor!Panggil dokter!
  [paŋˈɡil ˈdo.ktər]
• I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [saˈja tərˈsɛ.sat]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [saˈja ˈsa.kit]

• I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [saˈja ˈi.ŋin məmˈbɛ.li...]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat-lihat
  [saˈja ˈhɑn.ja məˈli.hat-liˈhat]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [bɛˈra.pa harˈɡan.ja]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [ˈi.tu tərˈla.lu maˈhal]
• Can you lower the price?Bisa turunkan harganya?
  [ˈbi.sa tuˈruŋ.kan harˈɡan.ja]

• What time is it?Sekarang jam berapa?
  [səˈka.raŋ dʒam bɛˈra.pa]
• It's one o'clockSekarang pukul satu
  [səˈka.raŋ puˈkul ˈsa.tu]
• Half past (10)Setengah (sepuluh)
  [səˈtɛŋ.ah (səˈpu.lu)]
• MorningPagi
  [ˈpa.ɡi]
• AfternoonSiang
  [ˈsi.aŋ]
• EveningMalam
  [ˈma.lam]
• YesterdayKemarin
  [kəˈma.rin]
• TodayHari ini
  [ˈha.ri ˈi.ni]
• TomorrowBesok
  [ˈbɛ.sok]
• 1Satu
  [ˈsa.tu]
• 2Dua
  [ˈdu.a]
• 3Tiga
  [ˈti.ɡa]
• 4Empat
  [ˈɛm.pat]
• 5Lima
  [ˈli.ma]
• 6Enam
  [ˈə.nam]
• 7Tujuh
  [ˈtu.dʒuʰ]
• 8Delapan
  [dəˈla.pan]
• 9Sembilan
  [səmˈbi.lan]
• 10Sepuluh
  [səˈpu.lu]

• Where's a/the...?Dimana ada/ada...
  [di.ˈma.na ˈa.da/ ˈa.da]
• What's the address?Alamatnya dimana?
  [aˈlamat.nja di.ˈma.na]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bisa tunjukkan saya (di peta)?
  [ˈbi.sa tun.ˈdʒuk.kan saˈja (di ˈpe.ta)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kapan bus berikutnya?
  [ˈka.pan bus bə.ˈri.kut.nja]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiket (ke ....)
  [ˈti.kət (kɛ ....)]

Surabaya, often referred to as the 'City of Heroes', was founded in the late 13th century. According to local folklore, the name Surabaya is derived from the Javanese words 'sura' (shark) and 'baya' (crocodile), symbolizing a legendary battle between a shark and a crocodile. The city was officially established in 1293 following a victory by Raden Wijaya, the founder of the Majapahit Empire, over the Mongol Empire.

In the early 17th century, Surabaya fell under Dutch colonial rule. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) established a trading post in the city in 1614, which eventually became one of the most important ports in the Indonesian archipelago. The city's strategic location and natural harbor made it a key hub for the spice trade and other commercial activities. During this period, Surabaya grew into a bustling urban center with a diverse population, including Chinese, Arab, and Indian communities.

During World War II, Surabaya was occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945. The occupation had a profound impact on the city and its residents, leading to significant economic hardship and social upheaval. The Japanese used Surabaya's port and infrastructure for their military operations, and many local residents were conscripted into forced labor. The period of Japanese rule came to an end with Japan's surrender in August 1945.

One of the most pivotal events in Surabaya's history is the Battle of Surabaya, which took place in November 1945. This battle was a major conflict between Indonesian nationalists and British and Dutch forces, who sought to reassert colonial control after the end of World War II. The fierce fighting, which lasted for several weeks, resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction. The bravery and determination of Surabaya's residents during the battle earned the city its nickname, 'City of Heroes'.

After Indonesia gained independence in 1949, Surabaya underwent rapid modernization and development. The city emerged as a major industrial and commercial center, attracting investment and infrastructure projects. Key industries in Surabaya include shipbuilding, electronics, and food processing. The city's port, Tanjung Perak, remains one of the busiest in the region, handling a significant portion of Indonesia's international trade.

Surabaya is a vibrant cultural hub, reflecting its rich history and diverse population. The city is known for its historic landmarks, such as the Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan) and the House of Sampoerna, a museum dedicated to the history of clove cigarettes. Traditional Javanese culture is celebrated in Surabaya through various festivals, culinary traditions, and performing arts. In recent years, Surabaya has also become a center for education and innovation, with numerous universities and research institutions.

Surabaya is served by Juanda International Airport (SUB), which is located about 20 kilometers south of the city center. The airport handles both domestic and international flights. From the airport, you can reach the city by taxi, ride-hailing services, or airport shuttle buses. Alternatively, Surabaya is well-connected by train to other major cities in Java, such as Jakarta, Bandung, and Yogyakarta. Long-distance buses also operate to and from Surabaya, with several bus terminals located around the city.

Surabaya has a variety of transportation options. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab and Gojek are widely available and convenient. Public buses, including the Suroboyo Bus, offer an affordable way to get around the city. Bemo (minivans) and angkot (shared minivans) are also popular, though they can be crowded. For short distances, becak (pedicabs) provide a unique local experience. Car rentals are available but driving can be challenging due to traffic. The city is also developing a mass rapid transit system, which will further improve public transportation options.

The official currency in Surabaya is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, cash is preferred in smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, and money changers offer competitive rates. It’s advisable to carry some cash for convenience, especially in more remote areas.

Surabaya is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to stay vigilant. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Areas such as Dolly, once known for its red-light district, might still be best avoided. Stick to well-lit and busy areas at night. Always use reputable taxi services and avoid traveling alone late at night. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious when using ATMs.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Surabaya has several hospitals and medical facilities, including Dr. Soetomo Hospital, which offers comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are plentiful and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For lost or stolen items, contact the local police station to file a report.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering mosques and temples. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow. A handshake is common in business settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Surabaya like a local, visit the traditional markets such as Pasar Turi or Pasar Pabean for fresh produce and local goods. Take a stroll along the historic Jalan Tunjungan for a glimpse of colonial-era architecture. Enjoy local street food like sate, gado-gado, and rujak cingur. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and willing to share insights about their city. Don’t miss the House of Sampoerna, a museum and cigarette factory that offers a unique look into Surabaya’s history.