Gubeng: The Heartbeat of Surabaya

• HelloHalo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [se-la-mat ting-gal]
• YesYa
  [ya]
• NoTidak
  [ti-dak]
• Please/You're welcomeSilakan
  [si-la-kan]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [te-ri-ma ka-sih]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [ma-af]
• How are you?Apa kabar?
  [a-pa ka-bar]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Bagaimana denganmu?
  [ba-ik. ba-gai-ma-na den-gan-mu]
• Do you speak English?Apakah anda bisa berbahasa Inggris?
  [a-pa-kah an-da bi-sa ber-ba-ha-sa Ing-gris]
• I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti
  [sa-ya ti-dak men-ger-ti]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin melihat menu, tolong
  [sa-ya in-gin me-li-hat me-nu, to-long]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sa-ya ti-dak ma-kan da-ging]
• Cheers!Selamat minum!
  [se-la-mat mi-num]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, tolong
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-ba-yar, to-long]

• Help!Tolong!
  [to-long]
• Go away!Pergi!
  [per-gi]
• Call the Police!Panggil polisi!
  [pang-gil po-li-si]
• Call a doctor!Panggil dokter!
  [pang-gil dok-ter]
• I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [sa-ya ter-se-sat]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sa-ya sa-kit]

• I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sa-ya in-gin mem-be-li...]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat-lihat
  [sa-ya han-ya me-li-hat-li-hat]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [be-ra-pa har-ga-nya]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [i-tu ter-la-lu ma-hal]
• Can you lower the price?Bisakah anda menurunkan harga?
  [bi-sa-kah an-da me-nu-run-kan har-ga]

• What time is it?Jam berapa sekarang?
  [jam be-ra-pa se-ka-rang]
• It's one o'clockSekarang pukul satu
  [se-ka-rang pu-kul sa-tu]
• Half past (10)Setengah (sepuluh)
  [se-ten-gah (se-pu-luh)]
• MorningPagi
  [pa-gi]
• AfternoonSore
  [so-re]
• EveningMalam
  [ma-lam]
• YesterdayKemarin
  [ke-ma-rin]
• TodayHari ini
  [ha-ri i-ni]
• TomorrowBesok
  [be-sok]
• 1Satu
  [sa-tu]
• 2Dua
  [du-a]
• 3Tiga
  [ti-ga]
• 4Empat
  [em-pat]
• 5Lima
  [li-ma]
• 6Enam
  [e-nam]
• 7Tujuh
  [tu-juh]
• 8Delapan
  [de-la-pan]
• 9Sembilan
  [sem-bi-lan]
• 10Sepuluh
  [se-pu-luh]

• Where's a/the...?Dimana ada/ada...
  [di-ma-na a-da/a-da]
• What's the address?Berapa alamatnya?
  [be-ra-pa a-la-mat-nya]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bisakah anda menunjukkan kepada saya (di peta)?
  [bi-sa-kah an-da me-nun-juk-kan ke-pa-da sa-ya (di pe-ta)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kapan yang berikutnya (bis)?
  [ka-pan yang be-ri-ku-tnya (bis)]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiket (ke ....)
  [ti-ket (ke)]

Gubeng, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Surabaya, was significantly influenced by Dutch colonial rule in the 19th century. The area became a focal point for trade and commerce, with the establishment of various European-style buildings that reflect the architectural styles of the time. This period laid the groundwork for Gubeng's development as a bustling urban center.

Opened in 1905, Gubeng Station marked the advent of railway transportation in Surabaya. This station became crucial for connecting Surabaya to other regions in Indonesia, facilitating trade and travel. The station's architectural design is a blend of Dutch colonial and local influences, making it a landmark in the neighborhood.

During World War II, Gubeng, like much of Indonesia, was occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945. This period was marked by significant hardship for the local population, with forced labor and resource exploitation. The impact of this occupation left a lasting imprint on the community and its historical narrative.

Following Indonesia's independence in 1945, Gubeng experienced rapid urbanization and growth. The neighborhood transformed with new residential and commercial developments, reflecting the changing socio-economic landscape of Surabaya. This era saw the establishment of various local businesses and markets, contributing to Gubeng's vibrant culture.

Gubeng is home to a rich tapestry of cultures, influenced by the myriad of ethnic groups in Surabaya, including Javanese, Chinese, and Arab communities. The neighborhood showcases this diversity through its culinary offerings, festivals, and religious practices, making it a microcosm of Surabaya's broader cultural heritage.

Gubeng is easily accessible from various parts of Surabaya. The main railway station, Stasiun Gubeng, is located in this neighbourhood and connects it to other cities in Indonesia. If you are coming from Surabaya's Juanda International Airport, you can take a taxi or a ride-hailing service, which takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic. For downtown areas, public minibuses (angkot) and local buses also serve Gubeng, making it convenient to reach from other neighbourhoods.

Gubeng is well-connected by public transportation, including buses and angkots, which run frequently. The neighbourhood is also bicycle-friendly, with several rental shops available. Walking is another great way to explore the area, as many attractions are within a short distance. For longer journeys, consider using ride-hailing apps such as Gojek or Grab, which are widely used in Surabaya.

Gubeng is generally a safe neighbourhood for tourists. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded places. It is advisable to avoid the darker alleys at night and to stay vigilant around bus and train stations. Areas near Stasiun Gubeng can attract more attention, so keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police assistance and 119 for medical emergencies. There are several hospitals and clinics in Gubeng, including RSUD Dr. Soetomo, which is one of the largest hospitals in Surabaya. It's also recommended to have travel insurance that covers health emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies are readily available throughout the neighbourhood.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites; avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs; when entering mosques, women should cover their heads. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to the elderly and pregnant women; don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a smile and a nod; don't engage in overly physical gestures unless familiar with the person. Eating & Drinking: Do try local street food and accept invitations graciously; don't waste food as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Gubeng like a local, visit the traditional markets such as Pasar Gubeng, where you can sample local snacks and buy fresh produce. Engage with street vendors and try dishes like rawon and soto, which are regional specialties. Use public transport to travel like a local, and don't hesitate to ask for directions or recommendations from residents, who are generally friendly and helpful.