TESOL in Indonesia

About the city - Surabaya

History
Surabaya is the second largest metropolitan city in Indonesia and the vibrant provincial capital of East Java is a city with ancient history. An historic city center, still bustling with life, Surabaya is also counted amongst the biggest cities in South East Asia. The history of Surabaya dates back to the year of 1292. Traditionally the city served as one of the most important commercial port and trading center in South East Asia over half a millennium. The city is well known as the “City of Heroes” due to its connection to the Indonesian struggle of independence.

The country was under Japanese domination during Second World War in 1942. After Japanese occupation the country was controlled by the Indonesian nationalists for a shorter period of time. Afterwards it was again under the rule of Dutch for a limited period and became part of the Indonesian Republic in 1950. The gorgeous city of the Majapahit Empire, Indonesia’s most glorious Empire, on the banks of Brantas River, has historically been one of Indonesia’s important cultural and religious centers, which was officially founded in the year of 1293 on the site of a legendary battle between a shark (sura) and crocodile (baya). Surabaya celebrated its 700 years anniversary in 1995.

The reminder of Surabaya’s traditional aristocratic society are mainly the Kali Mas harbour with its tall-masted trading schooners and, nearby, the narrow alleyways and shops of the Arab quarter, redolent of the Middle East. The historic hotel Majapahit, where Indonesia's war of independence was begun, and the elegant Grahadi State Buildings, the 18th century mansion, have been restored as monument takes the visitors to the bygone colonial era.

With a very colorful history behind, Surabaya was a very important center of commerce and art and a major sea power during medieval period and retains much of its old charm and illuminated grandeur.

Location
The second largest city in Indonesia and the prefectural capital of East Java, Surabaya located on the northern shore of Eastern Java at the mouth of the Mas River and at the side of the Madura Strait. The city has the district of Gresik in the west and the district of the Sidoarjo in the south. The province of East Java borders the Java Sea to the north, the Indian Ocean to the south, the province of Central Java to the west and the Bali Strait to the east.

Weather
Indonesia being a tropical country, has mainly two identifiable seasons; the wet season usually starts in November and extends to the month if April. The dry season generally lasts from May to October with an average temperature of 20-30 C. The lowest temperature, usually in February, is about 25.5 C and the highest temperature is 33 C in October. The mean annual rainfall is 1,321 mm, and the highest monthly mean rainfall is about 260 mm, usually in January.

Religion
Surabaya is a city with a healthy combination of culture and entertainment, the second largest city in Indonesia (after Jakarta) and is the provincial capital of East Java which is home to almost 33 million people consisting of various races like Javanese, Madurese, Tenggerese. The Javanese mostly live in the Western part of the province, the Tenggerese on the highland of Tengger at Mt. Bromo while the Madurese live in the Eastern part and the Island of Madura. Islam is the main religion followed by most of the people while Hinduism is the major religion for the Tenggerese and at the same time Christianity and Buddhism is also found among a smaller group of people.
Connectivity

The pleasant gateway into the East java, Surabaya is an eclectic mix of towering structures, an old harbor and Chinese and Arab quarters. The dazzling city is one of the most busy and important commercial area in the Indonesian Archipelago. A booming city of over 3 million, Surabaya offers many good hotels, shopping centers and entertainment and it is very well connected to the rest of the world. Reaching there is very easy as the city is well linked by Air, Rail and Road network.

By Air
There are direct flights available to Surabaya International Airport from Singapore, Kuala Lampur, Johor Bahru, Townsville, Beijing, Guangzhou, Taiwan, Hongkong and Amsterdam. Connecting local flights are also available from Jakarta-Surabaya which takes around one hour, Bali to Surabaya and Yogyakarta to Surabaya in just thirty minutes.
 

By Sea
An easiest way to get into Surabaya is an ocean cruise. A number of cruise operators have added Java and Bali to their schedules in recent years. One can enter through Surabaya (Tanjung Perak Harbour), Semarang or Tanjung Priok (Jakarta) on the north coast. There are also regular passenger’s ships which connect to Surabaya with other coastal areas.

By Land
Surabaya is well connected with other parts of the country by trains and by buses. Purabaya is the bus station that connects to Surabaya with other important cities like Java, Bali and Sumatra.

Pasar Turi is the railway Station where from Surabaya connects to the west destination via north coast of Java Island. A trip from Surabaya to Jakarta via Argo Bromo and Sembrani is just about nine hours.

Gubeng is another Railway station connecting Surabaya and the cities in the west of Java Island via south area.

Getting around
Surabaya is the capital city of East Java and Indonesia’s one of most important commercial and business hub and. Getting around in Surabaya is quite easier. Surabaya has it all -from the traditional becak (trishaw) to bemos (enclosed minibus), public buses and air conditioned cabs. Metered taxis, Taxis from Juanda International Airport follow a fixed rate schedule and must be paid for in advance at the transport counter outside the arrival gate. Private Cars are also available for rent with or without a driver; if you prefer to drive yourself make it sure you must possess a valid International Drivers License.