Surabaya fosters a thriving outdoor scene, with several premier golf courses and other green spaces within short distance of the city centre. Children enjoy daytrips to the local zoo where you can view exotic African wildlife side-by-side Indonesia’s indigenous animal species. Meanwhile, Ciputra Water Park is an outstanding place for the family to cool off during Indonesia’s hot summer days.

Ciputra Water Park
Indonesia's largest water park is situated in west Surabaya. The park is divided into six themed sections, each with their own favourite rides and attractions. Highlighted by swinging suspension bridges and a water cannon, Sinbad’s Playground is a popular stopover for younger guests. Meanwhile, Syracuse Beach boasts a wave pool, and the Sirens River winds nearly 426 metres through the heart of the park. www.ciputrawaterpark.com

Golfing
Golfing is easy to find in Surabaya, with multiple courses situated in the surrounding countryside. The most popular course is West Surabaya’s Bukit Darmo Golf facility, an 18-hole course designed and commissioned by golf legend, Jack Nicklaus. Other popular courses include Ciputra Golf, Graha Famili and Yani Golf (known for its hilly terrain).

Kayoon Park
A wonderful retreat for those staying in the city, Kayoon Park is especially popular during the evening. It is situated on the west bank of the Kayoon River and attracts visitors with its river-based activities such as canoeing and sailing. To the north of the park is a marketplace dealing in tropical flowers (primarily orchids) and decorative, tropical fish.

Kenjeran Beach
Situated on the northeastern edge of Surabaya (roughly 10 kilometres from the city centre), this beach is divided into old and new areas. The old beach is a good place to go fishing, and also features a fish market where you can buy today’s fresh catch. The new beach has a greater breadth of facilities including playgrounds, tennis courts and even places of worship. There are a few restaurants near the beach, as well as stages for periodic outdoor events.

Surabaya Zoo
Also known as Kebun Binatang Surabaya (KBS), Surabaya’s zoo is one of the most popular in Indonesia. It boasts an impressive collection of more than 2,000 animals (spanning 351 species). The zoo was founded in the early 1900s, and as it approaches its centennial celebration, it has itself become an historic attraction of sorts. Special efforts have been taken to preserve Indonesia's endangered species and encourage breeding. Given its central location in Surabaya city, the zoo is an especially popular stop for families with children.

Surabaya is a culturally diverse place with multiple religious and ethnic groups. The Qubah Quarter is the best place to encounter the city’s thriving Arabic demographic as well as some of the Surabaya’s most important mosques. You’ll also find Buddhist and Confucian places of worship across town. For the most part, the heritage structures that aren’t inherently religious date to the Dutch Colonial Period.

Balai Pemuda
Built a century ago as a meeting place and social club for Dutch colonists known as the Simpangshe Societeit, this heritage structure now serves as a centre for the arts. Located near the city hall building in the city centre, Balai Pemuda is best visited during the Festival Seni Surabaya (FSS), Surabaya’s summer celebration held every June.

Confucian Temple
Originally built in 1883, the Confucian Temple was moved to its present (more prominent) location in 1907. Unlike many mainstream Confucian temples, this one has numerous spirit tablets and none of the traditional statues. The temple is an especially festive place to visit during Confucius' birthday festival, held on 28 September.

Joko Dolog Statue
This 14th-century Buddhist statue sits directly in front of the governor’s mansion (Grahadi Building) in Taman Apsari Park. As the statue was originally built to counteract a curse that was supposedly preventing unity among the islands, it has grown into a symbol of the success of a unified Indonesia.

Masjid Al Akbar Surabaya
One of the largest mosques in the region, the Masjid Al Akbar Surabaya blends modern and traditional motifs. An active place of worship, the temple opens at daybreak and its marketplace deals in sundry items ranging from food and drinks to household supplies and clothing. The dome of the mosque is teal-coloured, and off to the side visitors take an elevator to the top of the minaret where they can enjoy a commanding view of the cityscape.

Masjid Cheng Hoo
Situated on Gading Street, this Chinese-style mosque is relatively new. It was built in honour of the early Chinese immigrants who arrived from Yunnan Province during the 15th century to spread Islam across Java. The Cheng Hoo Mosque utilises traditional Chinese architectural styles that pay tribute to Surabaya’s earliest Chinese residents.

Mpu Tantular Museum
This facility is dedicated to the preservation of Indonesia’s art, culture and history. Exhibits include a collection of prehistoric artefacts found in the area; recreations of ancient temples; a natural history exhibit; and several collections of traditional implements ranging from domestic tools to Chinese ceramics created here over the centuries.

Qubah Quarter
The city’s Arabic quarter appears markedly different from the rest of Surabaya. Characterised by narrow, winding streets and colourful store fronts, the Qubah Quarter is reminiscent of the Middle East. One of the primary attractions here is the tomb of 15th-century Muslim saint, Sunan Ampel, and the adjoining mosque.

As Indonesia’s second-largest city, Surabaya is equipped with a broad array of modern shopping infrastructure. Tunjungan Plaza, situated on Jalan Basuki Rachmat, is a vast collection of supermarkets, bookstores, boutiques, restaurants, pharmacies and entertainment facilities. This shopping centre is divided into several sectors, the entire set of which appeal to a broad range of interests.

Traditional markets are the best place to peruse local handicrafts and engage the local culture. Pasar Atum is an indoor Chinese marketplace that deals in everything from electronics to clothing and jewellery. Naturally, this is an ideal spot to mix with the local Chinese demographic. Pasar Ampel marketplace has an Arabic flavour, while Pasar Genteng focuses on food products.

The city supports a broad array of eateries, ranging from local hot spots to upscale restaurants serving international cuisine. Most of the larger shopping centres operate a food court or at least a collection of international fast-food chains, most of which incorporate favourite local ingredients into their menu. On the whole, this sort of fusions adds colour to local restaurants in every price range.

Favourite local dishes include rujak cingur, a salad that incorporates cow nose (a local culinary speciality). Less exotic local dishes range from roasted satay and dishes featuring chicken and more mainstream cuts of beef. Flavours arise from the use of herbs, roots and relish made from chillies and soy sauce (sambal kecap). Rice is the primary staple dish for Surabayan cuisine.