Tunjungan (Surabaya) Travel Guide - Free

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Tunjungan
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Tunjungan, Surabaya’s historic main street, combines colonial landmarks, Tunjungan Romansa, Indonesian food, cafés and lively city-centre walks.

A Central Street with a Long Memory

Tunjungan is one of Surabaya’s best-known central urban areas, organised around Jalan Tunjungan and the surrounding streets that connect the old commercial core with newer offices, hotels and shopping complexes. It is neither a formally bounded residential district nor a single heritage quarter, but a busy city-centre corridor whose identity is closely tied to trade, public life and Surabaya’s modern history. Colonial-era buildings stand beside department stores, cafés, banks and illuminated shopfronts, creating a streetscape that changes noticeably from morning to evening.
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Architecture and Public Life

The street’s most significant historic building is Hotel Majapahit, formerly Hotel Oranje and later Hotel Yamato, whose association with the flag incident of November 1945 gives Tunjungan an important place in Indonesia’s independence story. Nearby, the former Siola building marks another phase of commercial and civic development. Pedestrian improvements known as Tunjungan Romansa have made parts of the corridor more inviting for strolling, photography and informal gatherings, particularly after sunset. The atmosphere is urban rather than secluded: traffic, office workers, families, street vendors and visitors all share the same central axis.

Food, Shops and Evening Atmosphere

Tunjungan works well as a base for exploring central Surabaya’s dining and retail scene. Indonesian restaurants, casual food stalls, cafés and dessert shops occupy the main road and adjoining lanes, while large shopping centres lie close to the corridor. The area is most rewarding when explored on foot in short sections, pausing to examine façades, public art and the changing relationship between old buildings and contemporary commercial life. Evening visitors will find an active promenade and restaurant scene, although Tunjungan is not primarily a clubbing district.

Best attractions in Tunjungan

The principal attraction is Jalan Tunjungan itself, where a walk reveals a changing sequence of colonial-era façades, commercial buildings, cafés, public art and contemporary streetscape improvements. Tunjungan Romansa has encouraged pedestrians to linger along selected sections, with seating, lighting and a more public, promenade-like atmosphere than the traditional traffic corridor. Hotel Majapahit is the area’s most historically resonant stop, combining a preserved exterior and landscaped setting with the memory of Surabaya’s 1945 flag incident. The former Siola building, now associated with municipal and public-facing functions, provides another recognisable point on the central axis. Visitors can also explore the adjoining retail streets, food stalls and shopping developments that show how Tunjungan continues to function as a commercial centre. Nearby historic districts are accessible from here, but should be treated as separate parts of Surabaya rather than folded into Tunjungan.

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Best landmarks in Tunjungan

Hotel Majapahit is Tunjungan’s defining landmark: the grand former Hotel Oranje and Hotel Yamato is important both for its early twentieth-century hospitality history and for the 19 September 1945 flag incident associated with Indonesian independence. Its formal façade and grounds stand apart from the dense commercial activity of Jalan Tunjungan. The former Siola building is another notable marker, representing the corridor’s long connection with department-store retail and civic use. The street itself functions as a landmark in the collective imagination of Surabaya, with its name attached to commerce, central-city movement and public memory. More recent pedestrian elements under the Tunjungan Romansa programme add a contemporary civic layer, turning portions of the historic commercial road into a place for gathering as well as transit. Buildings outside the immediate corridor, including nearby old-city monuments, belong to separate heritage areas and should not be presented as Tunjungan landmarks.

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Explore Tunjungan on the map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Tunjungan, mapped for you.

Best restaurants in Tunjungan

Tunjungan’s dining scene reflects its role as a central commercial corridor rather than a specialised food quarter. Along Jalan Tunjungan and its connecting streets, visitors find Indonesian restaurants, casual eateries, coffee shops, dessert counters and street-food vendors serving office workers, shoppers and evening strollers. Surabayan flavours such as strongly seasoned savoury dishes, rice meals, soups and fried snacks appear alongside food from other parts of Indonesia and contemporary café menus. The most atmospheric eating is often informal, with tables facing the street or gathered around busy shopfronts, while larger restaurants and shopping complexes provide air-conditioned alternatives. Tunjungan is also a practical place to sample the city’s everyday dining culture before continuing towards nearby central areas where additional traditional eateries are located. Menus, payment methods and opening arrangements vary, so independent stalls reward patience and a willingness to observe local ordering customs.

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Best bars in Tunjungan

Tunjungan’s evening life is centred on walking, dining, cafés and public street activity rather than a concentrated nightclub strip. After sunset, Tunjungan Romansa and the main commercial corridor gain a social energy as residents, families, office workers and visitors gather for food, photographs and conversation. Hotel lounges and contemporary cafés provide more polished settings for a drink, while restaurants and dessert venues keep the central street active without turning it into a late-night entertainment district. Live music or special events may occur in individual venues, but these should be checked locally rather than assumed. Visitors seeking dedicated clubs and a larger bar scene will usually need to travel beyond the immediate Tunjungan corridor, whereas those staying nearby can enjoy a comparatively easy evening of illuminated architecture, casual dining and people-watching.

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Best nightclubs in Tunjungan

Tunjungan’s evening life is centred on walking, dining, cafés and public street activity rather than a concentrated nightclub strip. After sunset, Tunjungan Romansa and the main commercial corridor gain a social energy as residents, families, office workers and visitors gather for food, photographs and conversation. Hotel lounges and contemporary cafés provide more polished settings for a drink, while restaurants and dessert venues keep the central street active without turning it into a late-night entertainment district. Live music or special events may occur in individual venues, but these should be checked locally rather than assumed. Visitors seeking dedicated clubs and a larger bar scene will usually need to travel beyond the immediate Tunjungan corridor, whereas those staying nearby can enjoy a comparatively easy evening of illuminated architecture, casual dining and people-watching.

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Best shops in Tunjungan

Shopping in Tunjungan ranges from large contemporary retail complexes and department-store-style businesses to small specialist shops, cafés and everyday commercial premises along adjoining streets. The corridor’s retail identity is historically important: buying, browsing and window-shopping have long been central to its urban character. Visitors can combine air-conditioned shopping with a more open-ended walk past independent food businesses, clothing retailers, convenience stores and local service shops, although Tunjungan is not a dedicated craft or antiques market. The strongest contrast is between polished modern interiors and the older street-facing façades that give the area its sense of continuity. For traditional markets and more specialised local products, travellers should continue into other parts of central Surabaya rather than expecting the main Tunjungan promenade to provide a single market experience.

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Tunjungan essentials

Getting There
Tunjungan is reached most easily from across central Surabaya by taxi, ride-hailing car or motorbike, and by the city’s bus network, subject to current routes and traffic conditions. The main corridor is accessible from both Surabaya Gubeng and Surabaya Pasar Turi railway stations by road rather than rail. From the central business district, visitors can also approach on foot where pedestrian connections are practical, although heat, traffic and broad junctions make the walk less comfortable at midday. Ask drivers for Jalan Tunjungan or Hotel Majapahit, which are widely recognised reference points.
Getting Around
The most distinctive part of Tunjungan is best explored on foot, particularly along the pedestrianised or traffic-calmed sections associated with Tunjungan Romansa. The main road is broad and busy, with crossings and junctions requiring attention; pavements may vary in width and surface. Ride-hailing services are useful for moving between Tunjungan and nearby central districts, while city buses serve the wider corridor rather than replacing short walks. For longer sightseeing routes, combine Tunjungan with nearby parts of the historic centre instead of assuming every attraction is on the same block.
Safety
Tunjungan is a busy central area, so standard city precautions are appropriate: keep phones and wallets secure in crowds, take care when crossing the main road, and check that a motorbike or car driver has stopped before stepping into traffic. Evening footfall can be substantial around restaurants and public spaces, but visitors should remain aware of belongings and transport arrangements when leaving later at night. Heat, glare and uneven pavement can cause more practical difficulty than distance, so carry water and avoid blocking shop entrances or busy pedestrian areas while taking photographs.
Emergency Situations
In Surabaya, call 112 for general emergency assistance where the service is available, or 110 for the police; explain whether you need medical, fire or police help and give a recognisable location such as Hotel Majapahit, Jalan Tunjungan or a nearby junction. Visitors should keep their accommodation address and passport details accessible, and ask hotel staff or a local host to assist with Indonesian-language communication if necessary. For non-urgent medical care, use a reputable clinic or hospital elsewhere in central Surabaya rather than assuming that the neighbourhood itself contains a full emergency facility.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress comfortably but respectfully, especially when moving from the commercial street into religious or formal civic spaces elsewhere in the city. Ask before photographing people closely, private interiors or security-sensitive buildings, and avoid standing in shop entrances while composing pictures of heritage façades. At food stalls and small restaurants, follow the local queue and payment arrangements rather than assuming table service. Keep noise moderate near hotels and residential side streets after dark, and do not climb, touch or attach objects to historic buildings or public artworks.
Local Tips
Use Hotel Majapahit and the Siola building as orientation points, then explore Jalan Tunjungan in both directions to notice the contrast between restored historic façades, offices, shops and newer developments. Late afternoon is generally more comfortable for walking than the middle of the day, and the street’s public atmosphere becomes more evident after sunset. Look into adjoining lanes for ordinary city commerce rather than restricting the visit to the photogenic central promenade. For a broader historical route, continue towards Surabaya’s nearby old-city areas by vehicle or on foot where conditions permit.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
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 berbicara bahasa Inggris?[a-pa-kah an-da bi-sa ber-bi-ca-ra ba-ha-sa Ing-gris]
I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti[sa-ya ti-dak men-ger-ti]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin melihat menu, silakan[sa-ya in-gin me-li-hat me-nu, si-la-kan]
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, silakan[sa-ya in-gin mem-ba-yar, si-la-kan]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
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 harganya?[bi-sa-kah an-da me-nu-run-kan har-ga-nya]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Jam berapa sekarang?[jam be-ra-pa se-ka-rang]
It's one o'clockJam satu[jam 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]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Di mana...[di ma-na]
What's the address?Apa alamatnya?[a-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 (bus) berikutnya?[ka-pan (bus) be-ru-ti-knya]
A ticket (to ....)Tiket (ke ....)[ti-ket (ke)]

History of Tunjungan

A Colonial Commercial Corridor

Jalan Tunjungan developed during Surabaya’s colonial expansion as a commercial avenue linking important parts of the growing city centre. Shops, offices, hotels and entertainment businesses established the road as a place of consumption and public display, while nearby streets became part of the administrative and trading landscape. The name Tunjungan is associated with the area’s long-standing urban identity rather than a modern development project. Its importance came from movement and commerce: people travelled through it, businesses addressed the street, and the corridor became one of the city’s most recognisable addresses.

Hotel Oranje and Urban Prestige

The building now known as Hotel Majapahit opened in 1910 as Hotel Oranje, established by the Sarkies family, whose hotels also shaped the colonial hospitality industry elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Its presence helped give Tunjungan an international and prestigious commercial character. The hotel’s architecture and landscaped grounds contrasted with the busy street outside, while its changing names reflected the political transformation of the city. Although the surrounding area has been extensively redeveloped, the building remains a tangible reminder of Tunjungan’s early twentieth-century role as a prominent urban address.

The Flag Incident of 1945

Tunjungan is closely associated with the tense months after Indonesia’s proclamation of independence. At the hotel then known as Hotel Yamato, Dutch national colours displayed above the building were altered by removing the blue stripe, leaving the red-and-white Indonesian flag. The incident on 19 September 1945 became one of the best-known episodes in Surabaya’s revolutionary history and contributed to the escalating confrontation that culminated in the Battle of Surabaya in November. The event gave the hotel and its street a significance extending beyond architecture or commerce.

From Department Stores to Tunjungan Romansa

After independence, Tunjungan continued as a major retail and business corridor, adapting to changing patterns of urban shopping and transport. Department stores and later large-scale commercial developments reinforced its centrality, while older façades survived alongside new construction. In the twenty-first century, municipal revitalisation introduced pedestrian improvements and the Tunjungan Romansa identity, presenting the street as a place for walking, public events, food and evening recreation as well as traffic. This renewal has not erased its commercial function, but has encouraged visitors and residents to experience the corridor at street level.

Tunjungan in Photos

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