TESOL in Indonesia

Nearby locations
 

Getting around
With a teeming population of over four million, Surabaya is one of the largest in the world by population, is fast emerging as a favorite tourist destination in Asia.

Surabaya is a progressive capital undergoing rapid change. The tourists are not restricting themselves to only Jakarta these says, they are coming in large numbers from different parts of the world to Surabaya which is an ideal gateway city to beautiful Mt. Bromo, the cool mountain retreats of Tretes and Malang and the Island of Bali. If you are a busy executive, who can decide on a holiday at the last minute, then surely Surabaya is a perfect holiday destination for you. Surabaya serves as an idyllic gateway to East Java- endowed with nature’s blessings has now become the sought after tourist destination in the world.

Let’s take a peek into its rich offerings:

Baluran National Park / Wildlife Reserve
Situated at the eastern tip of East Java, off the Surabaya-Banyuwangi main road, it is the dry country-side of open forests and scrub land, bordered at the coast by marshes, swampy groves and white beaches. A land-rover or jeep is perhaps the only vehicle that can stand the long haul across these rugged grassy plains. Here, the banteng wild ox, deer and birds can be photographed in their natural habitat. No wonder this is ‘a place of paradise’ for safari-goers.
 

Mount Bromo
The most breathtaking scenery of two magnificent volcanoes at the Tengger Highlands. The marvelous sunrise, sea of soft volcano and the whiff of tangy air refresh you as you encounter en route to the top of Mount Bromo.

Majapahit Sculpture
Located south west from Surabaya and around 10km from the town Mojokerto lies Trowulan, surrounded by 100 square kilometers of archaeological site which is named after the bitter Maja Friut. Majapahit was the most powerful Kingdom ever in Indonesia which during 14th century became the Golden age of cultural and political development. Here one can see one of the oldest stonebridges to remain in Indonesia.

Malang
One of the most attractive towns in Java, 55 miles south of Surabaya, with a number of interesting temples in that area.

Batu
Situated Within two miles of Malang, Batu is famous for its apples and flowers.

Tretes
one of the most beautiful mountain resorts of East Java have much to fascinate the wandering tourists.

Trawas
Mountain resort covered with tropical forest, located 25 miles south-west of Surabaya, with numerous adventousous tourist attractions.

Madura
A Half-hour Sea crossing from Subaraya takes you to Madura Island, the major attractions lies with an annual bull race.

Joko Dolog: Surabaya's Mascot
One of the strangest sights of Surabaya is the Joko Dolog, commonly known as "Fat Boy" statue. This ancient statue sits grinning in a park in the middle of the city's administrative district, close to Grahadi, the official residence of the Governor of East Java. It is been said by the locals that this statue was built at the orders of King Kertanegara in the 13th century to dispel a curse that had prevented the city from prospering. The city of Surabaya continues to prosper after the building of this statue.

Pasir Putih Beach, Situbondo
This is al lovely beach which can be found on the way to Bali from Surabaya. The beach offers Fishing, sailing, swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, water-skiing or just simply sunbathing, making it an ideal place to splash out on a family outing. This place is suitable for transiting tourists, rather than a destination point.

Kaliklatak
Kaliklatak is a privately owned plantation with an elevation of 450 – 750 metres above sea level. On the slope of Mt. Semeru, it covers 2,500 acres of land producing coffee, rubber, cocoa and spices. You must visit this beautiful place to feel the crisp and clean air and the lush greenery which will soothe your eyes.

Must see
Perhaps the most interesting areas of Surabaya are the old Arab and Chinese quarters at the northern end of the city, not too far from the harbor. You can spend some time wandering the narrow lanes around the mosque and the Holy Grave of Sunan Ampel, one of the nine saints who propagated Islam on the Island. Many stalls around the mosque sell handmade textiles from all over Java.

The Hong Tik Hian Temple situated just to the south of this place, where Chinese hand-puppet performances are put on daily for the benefit of the assembled deities.

Surabaya’s oldest Chinese shrine-the 18th Century Hok An Kiong Temple-built entirely of wood in the traditional manner by native Chinese craftsmen.

Chinatown is just around the corner, with famous boulevard named Jalan Kembang Jepun. From the Chinese quarter, walk West ward along Jl. Kembang Jepun to the famous "Red Bridge" straddling Kali Mas canal which throws light on life of 19 century Dutch colonial district.

The Pasar Pabean is a big market worth visiting. In the heart of the Arab quarter you find the Masjid Ampel Mosque. You can reach the mosque through the covered bazar in Jalan Ampel Suci.

Besides these ancient treasures one can enjoy the attractions of modern Surabaya like Tunjungan Plaza famous for the retail options it has to offer Surabaya offers a vibrant and colorful nightlife with many pubs and discos around.

During your trip to Surabaya, you will get to know the true essence of Indonesia and its rich past. Surabaya in recent past has been awarded the status of the cleanest city in Indonesia. Well equipped with every modern facility the city offers a standard accommodation to suit every taste and budget. The city offers extreme contrasts in the style of living and the tourists through out the world have finally started considering it to be a great place to camp at.