One of the key reasons to come to Surabaya is to check out an authentic slice of city life in Indonesia away from the major tourist hubs and by eating your way around the city known for a clutch of signature dishes.
Although not as popular as Jakarta and other cities in Indonesia, Surabaya is a perfect gateway city to discover the wonders of the Southeast Asian country. A great jump-off point for your great Indonesian adventure. So, before booking your Airbnb vacation rentals in Surabaya, Indonesia, here are 5 things you can strike off your bucket list by visiting Indonesia.
Visit Candi Prambanan Temple
The Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Comprised of 244 temples, Prambanan Temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Southeast Asia. The main attraction is the central compound, where eight primary and eight minor temples are assembled on a raised platform. This Javan temple complex has three main temples in honor of the three main Hindu deities: Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu.
The temple is an architectural culmination of carved masonry and staircases. Walls also feature the Ramayana engraved in stone, as well as other classics central to the Hindu faith. You will be swept back to an ancient past when rituals and traditions dominated every aspect of life. There are many other minor temples dotted around the vicinity, so it would take around a full day to make the most out of your trip to the area. Seeing the delicate and detailed stonework alone is enough to keep you entertained for hours on end!
See the sunrise at Mt. Bromo
Mount Bromo—locally known as Gunung Bromo—is an active volcano found in East Java, Indonesia. Though it is not the highest—still an impressive 2,328 meters above sea level—it is arguably the best known among the country’s peaks. The volcano belongs to the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, which is open to the public all year round. Mt. Bromo lies in the middle of a crater called “The Sea of Sand”, a protected national reserve.
It is safe to visit Mount Bromo year-round; however, depending on the level of activity, sometimes the Bureau of Meteorology issues warnings about visiting. Mount Bromo is a 45-minute trek from the nearby village of Cemoro Lawang. There are other towns nearby that you can stay in when visiting Mt. Bromo, such as Malang, and Probolingo. You can also rent Mo-peds or 4×4 jeeps if you don’t feel like making the trek or only on a day trip. The most popular time of day to visit Mr. Bromo is at dawn so that you can catch the dreamy sunrise and a surreal sea of clouds.
Hike to Tumpak Sewu Waterfalls
Located between the Pronojiwo District, and the Ampelgading District, in East Java, this
majestic tiered waterfall is a definite must-visit. The name loosely translates to “a thousand
waterfalls” in the Javanese language. Its name is fitting since water from all around streams
down the rocks and into a basin. As expected, the waterfall is nothing short of stunning and
magnificent. Towering at 120 meters, it is in the list of one of the highest waterfalls in Indonesia.
You can hire a local guide to take you there and see the waterfalls from a viewpoint or do it yourself to get up close and personal. After arriving at the entrance, you will make a short 10-minute walk and be greeted by the magnificent waterfalls for that perfect Instagram shot. If you want to take it even further, you can descend on bamboo stairs and rocky streams for a 30-40 minute hike to get to the foot of the waterfall. You can feel the incredible power of the water gushing down.
Marvel at the beauty of Bali
Bali is one of the most visited spots by travelers in Indonesia and for a good reason. Its beautiful blue beaches and scenic overlooking views are worth exploring. Poolside villas are a staple in Bali. Many villas offer private pools, floating breakfasts, in-house massages, and so much more.
The Kelingking T-Rex on Nusa Penida is the most popular photo spot on the island. The viewpoint has a spectacular view of the ocean below. Still, you can also make the extra effort to descend to the gorgeous beach below. The Blue Lagoon is a secluded corner of paradise on the island. Its clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and diving, where you can see the beautifulcoral reef and tropical fish that will swim around your feet. The Blue Lagoon has fewer touriststhan other spots, so it’s the right place for some peace. The best time to visit Bali is between April – October after the rainy season.
Stroll around a nearby night market
Night markets are a staple in Southeast Asian culture. It is a place to look around with eyes and taste buds wide open. Indonesia is no exception and has many night markets as well, each offers a different ambiance from the regular markets. Along the stretch of a long street, the cool night air, flickering lights, the scent of food from merchants, and the bustling people create an exciting scene. Get a taste of local and authentic cuisine, browse through cheap clothes and shoes, and shop for souvenirs. You will find thousands of vendors along the long stretch of selling popular items like batik clothes, local cuisine and street food, groceries, and fresh produce. Some night markets even have live performances of local artists, bands, and regional art performances. Night markets will give a different experience to immerse yourself in the local culture while you are in Indonesia.
