If you are looking for a place to experience the history and culture of Indonesia, Jalan Pahlawan is a must-visit destination in Surabaya. Jalan Pahlawan, which means Hero Street, is a street that commemorates the heroes of the Indonesian National Revolution, who fought against the Dutch colonial rule in 1945. Along this street, you will find monuments, museums, and other attractions that showcase the rich heritage and diversity of Surabaya, the second-largest city in Indonesia.
Whether you are interested in learning about the past, exploring the present, or enjoying the night, Jalan Pahlawan has something for everyone. In this article, we will guide you through the best things to do, see, and know about Jalan Pahlawan.
The Monument of Heroes
The main attraction of Jalan Pahlawan is the Tugu Pahlawan, or the Monument of Heroes, which stands at the center of the street. This monument is dedicated to the heroes of the Battle of Surabaya, one of the most important and bloody battles of the Indonesian National Revolution. The monument consists of a 41-meter tall obelisk, topped by a bronze flame, and surrounded by 10 reliefs that depict the scenes of the battle. The monument also houses a museum, where you can see the weapons, uniforms, documents, and photos of the revolutionaries. The monument is a symbol of the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of the Indonesian people, and a reminder of their struggle for independence.
The Monument of Heroes is located at Jalan Pahlawan No. 1, Surabaya. It is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm, and the entrance fee is 10,000 IDR (0.7 USD) per person. You can reach the monument by public transport, such as bus, train, or BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), or by taxi or car. The best time to visit the monument is in the morning or afternoon, when the sun is not too hot, and the crowd is not too large. You can also visit the monument at night, when it is illuminated by colorful lights, creating a stunning sight.
The House of Sampoerna
Another popular attraction near Jalan Pahlawan is the House of Sampoerna, which is a museum and factory of the famous cigarette brand, Sampoerna. The House of Sampoerna is housed in a Dutch colonial building that dates back to 1862, and was once an orphanage. The building was bought by Liem Seeng Tee, the founder of Sampoerna, in 1932, and turned into a cigarette factory. Today, the House of Sampoerna showcases the history, culture, and art of the cigarette industry, as well as the family legacy of Sampoerna.
The House of Sampoerna consists of several sections, such as the museum, the gallery, the café, the souvenir shop, and the factory. In the museum, you can see the collection of antique cigarette machines, tools, packages, and advertisements, as well as the personal belongings of the Sampoerna family. In the gallery, you can admire the artworks of local and international artists, who use cigarette-related materials as their medium. In the café, you can enjoy a variety of snacks and drinks, while listening to live music. In the souvenir shop, you can buy some unique and authentic products, such as cigarettes, t-shirts, mugs, and books. In the factory, you can witness the production process of the cigarettes, and see how the workers hand-roll the tobacco leaves with incredible speed and skill.
The House of Sampoerna is located at Taman Sampoerna No. 6, Surabaya. It is open daily from 9 am to 10 pm, and the entrance is free. You can reach the House of Sampoerna by public transport, such as bus, train, or BRT, or by taxi or car. The best time to visit the House of Sampoerna is in the morning or afternoon, when the factory is in operation, and you can see the workers in action. You can also join a free guided tour, which is available every hour from 9 am to 3 pm, and learn more about the history and culture of the House of Sampoerna.
Other Attractions and Activities
Jalan Pahlawan is not only about monuments and museums, but also about other attractions and activities that can be enjoyed near the street. Here are some of the best ones:
Surabaya Zoo:
If you love animals, you should visit the Surabaya Zoo, which is the largest and oldest zoo in Indonesia. The zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals, including rare and endangered species, such as the Komodo dragon, the orangutan, the Sumatran tiger, and the Javan rhino. The zoo also has a botanical garden, an aquarium, a reptile park, and a bird park, where you can see various plants and aquatic animals. The zoo is a great place to spend a fun and educational day with your family or friends.
Arab Quarter:
If you want to experience a different culture, you should visit the Arab Quarter, which is a historic and vibrant area that reflects the influence of the Arab traders and settlers in Surabaya. The Arab Quarter is known for its mosque, the Ampel Mosque, which is the oldest and largest mosque in Surabaya, and the tomb of Sunan Ampel, one of the nine Islamic saints who spread Islam in Java. The Arab Quarter is also known for its market, the Pasar Ampel, where you can find a variety of goods, such as spices, perfumes, fabrics, carpets, and jewelry. The Arab Quarter is a place to immerse yourself in the Islamic culture and tradition of Surabaya.
Chinatown:
If you are looking for some shopping and dining options, you should visit the Chinatown, which is a lively and colorful area that showcases the influence of the Chinese immigrants and descendants in Surabaya. The Chinatown is known for its temples, such as the Sanggar Agung Temple, which is a Buddhist temple that features a giant statue of Guan Yin, the goddess of mercy, and the Hong Tiek Hian Temple, which is a Taoist temple that hosts the annual Cap Go Meh festival, which marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. The Chinatown is also known for its food, such as the bakso, which is a meatball soup, the lumpia, which is a spring roll, and the cwie mie, which is a noodle dish. The Chinatown is a place to enjoy the Chinese culture and cuisine of Surabaya.
Night Markets:
If you are looking for some nightlife and entertainment options, you should visit the night markets, which are open-air markets that operate from dusk till dawn. The night markets offer a variety of products, such as clothes, accessories, electronics, and souvenirs, as well as food, such as satay, which is a skewered meat, martabak, which is a stuffed pancake, and es campur, which is a mixed ice dessert. The night markets are also a place to mingle with the locals and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Surabaya.
You can find these attractions and activities near Jalan Pahlawan, within walking distance or a short drive. You can also use a map to locate them and plan your itinerary. You can expect to spend a few hours to a whole day exploring these places, depending on your interest and preference.
How to Reach Jalan Pahlawan
Jalan Pahlawan is located in the center of Surabaya, and is easily accessible by various modes of transport. Here are some of the ways to reach Jalan Pahlawan:
- By public transport:
You can use the public transport system of Surabaya, which consists of buses, trains, and BRTs, to get to Jalan Pahlawan. The nearest bus stop is the Tugu Pahlawan Bus Stop, which is right in front of the monument. The nearest train station is the Gubeng Station, which is about 3 km away from the street. The nearest BRT station is the Bunderan HI Station, which is about 2 km away from the street. You can use the Transjakarta website or app to check the routes, schedules, and fares of the public transport.
- By taxi or car:
You can also use a taxi or a car to get to Jalan Pahlawan. You can hail a taxi from the street, or book one online, such as Blue Bird, Grab, or Gojek. You can also rent a car from a reputable company, such as Avis, Hertz, or Europcar. You can use the Google Maps or Waze app to navigate your way to the street. You should be aware of the traffic situation, which can be congested during peak hours, and the parking options, which can be limited or expensive near the street.
The best time to visit Jalan Pahlawan is anytime of the year, as Surabaya has a tropical climate, with warm and humid weather throughout the year. However, you should avoid the rainy season, which is from November to March, as it can cause floods and landslides, and affect your travel plans. You should also avoid the national holidays, such as the Independence Day on August 17, or the Islamic New Year on September 25, as they can be very crowded and noisy near the street.
Tips for Visiting Jalan Pahlawan
To make the most of your visit to Jalan Pahlawan, here are some tips that you should keep in mind:
Dress appropriately: Jalan Pahlawan is a historic and cultural site, and you should respect the local customs and traditions. You should wear modest and comfortable clothes, and avoid revealing or offensive outfits. You should also cover your head and shoulders when entering the mosque or the temple, and remove your shoes before entering the sacred places.
Be respectful: Jalan Pahlawan is a place of honor and pride for the Indonesian people, and you should be respectful of their history and culture. You should not touch, climb, or vandalize the monuments or the museums, and you should not litter or make noise near the street. You should also be polite and friendly to the locals, and ask for their permission before taking photos or videos of them.
Be safe: Jalan Pahlawan is generally a safe and secure place, but you should still be careful and vigilant of your surroundings. You should avoid walking alone at night, and stick to the well-lit and crowded areas. You should also beware of pickpockets and scammers, and keep your valuables and documents in a safe place. You should also follow the traffic rules and regulations, and use the pedestrian crossings and bridges when crossing the street.
Jalan Pahlawan is a street in Surabaya that offers a glimpse into the history and culture of Indonesia. It is a place where you can learn about the heroes of the Indonesian National Revolution, the cigarette industry, and the diverse communities of Surabaya. It is also a place where you can enjoy the attractions, activities, and nightlife of Surabaya. Jalan Pahlawan is a place that you should not miss when visiting Surabaya, as it will give you a memorable and enriching experience.
We hope that this article has helped you to plan your visit to Jalan Pahlawan. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to share them with us. We would love to hear from you and assist you in any way we can. Thank you for reading, and happy travels!
