Emerald of the Equator

Surabaya architecture

Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago, stretching across more than 17,000 islands and three time zones. It is a land of incredible diversity, home to the world's largest Buddhist temple at Borobudur and over 700 distinct local languages and dialects.

13Landmarks
1800Oldest · Kya-Kya Kembang Jepun
215 mTallest · Tunjungan Plaza 6
13Architects

Suramadu Bridge
Hotel Majapahit
Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan)

Before you go

Fly intoSoekarno-Hatta (CGK)
The airport's terminals are uniquely designed with traditional Javanese 'Joglo' roofs and lush tropical gardens located between the boarding areas. The newest Terminal 3 is a massive, high-tech facility that showcases contemporary Indonesian art and serves as the hub for the national carrier, Garuda Indonesia.
CurrencyIndonesian Rupiah (Rp)
LanguageIndonesian
Bahasa Indonesia serves as the unifying language across the thousands of islands in the archipelago. It is a straightforward language with no grammatical gender, making it accessible for visitors to learn basic phrases.
Getting aroundTransJakarta & MRT
TransJakarta is the world's longest Bus Rapid Transit system and utilizes dedicated lanes to avoid the city's heavy traffic. The new Jakarta MRT provides a fast, modern underground alternative for the city's main north-south corridor. The Railink airport train offers a premium, air-conditioned connection between Soekarno-Hatta and the city center.

13 landmarks in Surabaya

Photo: Sakurai Midori, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Suramadu Bridge

Jl. Terusan Kenjeran, Tambak Wedi, Kec. Kenjeran, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60126, Indonesia

Spanning the Madura Strait, this is the longest bridge in Indonesia and a masterpiece of national engineering. The bridge connects the city of Surabaya on the island of Java with the town of Bangkalan on Madura Island. It features a cable-stayed main span supported by two massive towers that reach 140 meters into the sky. Its construction has significantly boosted the regional economy by shortening travel times for goods and commuters. At night, the bridge is illuminated with colorful LED lights, making it a favorite spot for photography and sightseeing.

Built
2009
Architect
Consortium of Indonesian Engineers
Style
Cable-Stayed Modern
Height
140 m (459 ft)
Stories
1
Today
Infrastructure / Landmark
Photo: Davidelit, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hotel Majapahit

Jl. Tunjungan No. 65, Genteng, Kec. Genteng, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60275, Indonesia

A legendary example of Dutch Colonial architecture, this hotel was originally built by the famous Sarkies brothers. It is the site of the historic 'Hotel Yamato' flag incident, where Indonesian revolutionaries tore the blue stripe from the Dutch flag. The building features meticulously manicured gardens, white-washed corridors, and stunning Art Deco details. It remains one of the most prestigious luxury hotels in East Java, blending colonial charm with modern amenities. Each room is designed to preserve the heritage of the early 20th century while offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city.

Built
1910
Architect
Alfred Bidwell
Style
Dutch Colonial / Art Deco
Height
12 m (39 ft)
Stories
2
Today
Luxury Hotel
Monkasel (Submarine Monument)

Jl. Pemuda No. 39, Embong Kaliasin, Kec. Genteng, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60271, Indonesia

This unique museum is made from a real Russian whiskey-class submarine, the KRI Pasopati 410, which served in the Indonesian Navy. The vessel was sliced into several sections and reassembled on land to serve as a tribute to Indonesia's maritime strength. Visitors can walk through the cramped interior to see the original torpedo tubes, sonar equipment, and crew quarters. It is located right on the banks of the Kalimas River, providing an educational experience for families and students. The site also includes a small theater that shows documentaries about the history of the Indonesian submarine fleet.

Built
1998
Architect
KRI Pasopati Crew / PT PAL
Style
Naval Industrial
Height
5 m (16 ft)
Stories
1
Today
Educational Museum / Monument
Photo: sbamueller, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan)

Jl. Pahlawan, Alun-alun Contong, Kec. Bubutan, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60174, Indonesia

This 41-meter-tall obelisk commemorates the fierce Battle of Surabaya that took place on November 10, 1945. The shape of the monument is designed to resemble an inverted nail, featuring ten arches and eleven levels to represent the date of the battle. Beneath the monument, an underground museum houses dioramas, artifacts, and recordings from the independence era. It is surrounded by a vast park that serves as a site for national ceremonies and morning exercise for locals. The monument is the most recognizable symbol of Surabaya, earning it the nickname 'The City of Heroes.'

Built
1952
Architect
Ir. R. Soeratmoko
Style
Modernist Obelisk
Height
41 m (135 ft)
Stories
2
Today
National Monument / Museum
Masjid Nasional Al-Akbar

Jl. Masjid Al-Akbar Utara No. 1, Pagesangan, Kec. Jambangan, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60274, Indonesia

The second-largest mosque in Indonesia is easily recognized by its unique turquoise-blue tiled domes and grand architecture. It features 45 large entrance doors made of teak wood and a massive prayer hall that can accommodate thousands of worshippers. The 99-meter-high minaret is equipped with an elevator, allowing visitors to view the city skyline from above. The mosque incorporates modern Islamic design elements while adhering to traditional structural principles. It serves not only as a place of worship but also as a center for religious education and community gathering.

Built
2000
Architect
Team from ITS
Style
Modern Islamic
Height
99 m (325 ft)
Stories
2
Today
National Mosque
Photo: consigliere ivan from Bontang, Indonesia, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

House of Sampoerna

Taman Sampoerna No. 6, Krembangan Utara, Kec. Pabean Cantian, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60163, Indonesia

This grand Dutch colonial-style compound was originally an orphanage before becoming the headquarters for Indonesia's famous clove cigarette brand. The main building serves as a museum where visitors can see the history of the Liem family and the tobacco industry. On the second floor, visitors can watch hundreds of workers hand-rolling cigarettes with incredible speed and precision. The architecture features massive pillars and high ceilings that keep the interior cool in the tropical heat. It also includes an art gallery, a cafe, and a boutique souvenir shop housed in the former residential quarters.

Built
1862
Architect
Unknown (Dutch Colonial)
Style
Dutch Neoclassical
Height
15 m (49 ft)
Stories
2
Today
Museum / Heritage Site
Photo: Lasthib, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tunjungan Plaza 6

Jl. Embong Malang No. 21-31, Kedungdoro, Kec. Tegalsari, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60261, Indonesia

Tunjungan Plaza 6 is the latest addition to one of the largest shopping mall complexes in Southeast Asia. The tower is a modern landmark that features a sleek glass curtain wall that reflects the surrounding cityscape. It integrates high-end retail floors with luxury office spaces and residential apartments in a single vertical complex. The interior is designed with a contemporary aesthetic, featuring wide atriums and world-class international brands. Its central location makes it the heartbeat of Surabaya's business and commercial activity.

Built
2017
Architect
DP Architects
Style
Contemporary Skyscraper
Height
215 m (705 ft)
Stories
52
Today
Mixed-use / Retail Hub
Photo: JV052Nikken, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cheng Hoo Mosque

Jl. Gading No. 2, Ketabang, Kec. Genteng, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60272, Indonesia

This unique religious landmark was built to honor the Chinese Admiral Zheng He who brought Islam to Southeast Asia. The architecture is a vibrant fusion of a traditional Chinese pagoda and Islamic mosque elements. It features bright red, yellow, and green colors which are traditionally associated with Chinese prosperity and culture. The building symbolizes the long history of cultural assimilation and religious harmony in East Java. Small and intimate, it remains a popular site for both worshippers and tourists interested in Surabaya's diverse heritage.

Built
2002
Architect
Ir. Abdul Aziz
Style
Chinese-Islamic Fusion
Height
15 m (49 ft)
Stories
1
Today
Mosque / Cultural Site
De Javasche Bank (Bank Indonesia Museum)

Jl. Garuda No. 1, Krembangan Selatan, Kec. Krembangan, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60175, Indonesia

This meticulously preserved neo-Renaissance building served as the regional central bank during the Dutch colonial era. It features stunning stained glass windows and vintage vaults that showcase the security technology of the early 20th century. The building was designed with an architectural cooling system that utilizes high ceilings and thick walls for the tropical climate. Today, it operates as a museum that displays the history of Indonesian currency and banking. It is located in the old town area, surrounded by other significant heritage buildings from the same period.

Built
1910
Architect
Marius Hulswit
Style
Neo-Renaissance / Dutch Colonial
Height
18 m (59 ft)
Stories
3
Today
Museum / Heritage Building
Kya-Kya Kembang Jepun

Jl. Kembang Jepun, Bongkaran, Kec. Pabean Cantian, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60161, Indonesia

This district serves as the gateway to Surabaya's historic Chinatown and was once the city's main commercial hub. The architecture of the surrounding shop-houses reflects over a century of trade history between Chinese and local merchants. Massive decorative red arches and traditional Chinese lanterns illuminate the street to create a festive atmosphere at night. It is a bustling culinary center where visitors can find a mix of traditional Chinese and Javanese street food. The area remains an active business district during the day, specializing in textile and wholesale trade.

Built
1800
Architect
Traditional (Restored by City Council)
Style
Chinese Shop-house Vernacular
Height
10 m (33 ft)
Stories
2
Today
Culinary Center / Heritage District
Photo: Ivuvisual, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Balai Pemuda (Surabaya Culture Center)

Jl. Gubernur Suryo No. 15, Embong Kaliasin, Kec. Genteng, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60271, Indonesia

Formerly known as the 'Simpangsche Sociëteit,' this building was once the exclusive social club for the Dutch elite. It has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub that hosts art exhibitions, traditional dances, and theater performances. The site recently added a modern underground public square that connects the historic wings with a contemporary library. Its iconic dome and white facade make it a landmark of colonial revival architecture in the city center. It serves as a bridge between Surabaya's past as a colonial port and its future as a creative metropolis.

Built
1907
Architect
Westmaas
Style
Dutch Colonial / Renaissance Revival
Height
15 m (49 ft)
Stories
2
Today
Art Gallery / Cultural Center
Pakuwon Tower

Jl. Mayjen Yono Suwoyo, Babatan, Kec. Wiyung, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60227, Indonesia

Located in the rapidly developing West Surabaya area, this skyscraper is one of the tallest structures in the city. It represents the 'New Surabaya' concept, which focuses on vertical living and high-density mixed-use development. The building's crystalline glass facade creates a striking silhouette against the western horizon, especially during sunset. It is directly integrated with the massive Pakuwon Mall, providing residents and office workers with instant access to amenities. The tower symbolizes the city's transition into a modern global business and residential hub.

Built
2020
Architect
DP Architects
Style
Contemporary Glass Skyscraper
Height
200 m (656 ft)
Stories
50
Today
Mixed-use High-rise
Digimap Apple Premium Partner (Tunjungan Plaza 3)

Tunjungan Plaza 3, Level 1, Jl. Basuki Rahmat No. 8-12, Kedungdoro, Kec. Tegalsari, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60261, Indonesia

This store is the premier destination for Apple products and official support in the East Java region. The design features a high-ceiling glass facade and the signature minimalist aesthetic of Apple's global retail concept. It serves as a central hub for tech enthusiasts, offering the latest devices and a dedicated support bar. The interior layout is designed to be open and inviting, encouraging customers to interact with the products. As a Premium Partner, it provides a level of service and brand experience that mirrors official flagship stores worldwide.

Built
2023
Architect
PT Mitra Adiperkasa / Apple Retail Concept
Style
Modern Minimalist
Height
6 m (20 ft)
Stories
1
Today
Apple Premium Partner Store