Jembatan Merah, or the Red Bridge, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Surabaya, the second-largest city in Indonesia. The bridge, which spans the Kalimas River, has witnessed some of the most pivotal moments in the history of the nation, as well as the culture and identity of the city. If you are planning to visit Surabaya, you should not miss the opportunity to see and learn more about this remarkable bridge and its surroundings.
In this article, we will give you an overview of Jembatan Merah, its history, features, and tips for visiting, as well as some of the best places to stay and eat near the bridge. Whether you are a history buff, a culture lover, or a curious traveler, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate at Jembatan Merah.
History of Jembatan Merah
The name Jembatan Merah, which means the Red Bridge in Indonesian, has two possible origins. One is that the bridge was originally painted red by the Dutch colonialists, who built it in the 18th century as part of their fortification and transportation system. The other is that the bridge was stained red by the blood of the Indonesian freedom fighters, who fought bravely against the Dutch and the British forces in the Battle of Surabaya in 1945. The Battle of Surabaya was one of the most intense and significant battles in the Indonesian National Revolution, which lasted from 1945 to 1949.
The battle, which involved thousands of Indonesian combatants and civilians, as well as hundreds of British and Dutch troops, resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, but also inspired the spirit and determination of the Indonesian people to fight for their independence. Jembatan Merah became a symbol of the heroism and sacrifice of the Surabayan people, who are known for their resilience and courage. Today, Jembatan Merah is a national monument and a popular tourist attraction, where visitors can pay tribute to the fallen heroes and learn more about the history of the bridge and the city.
Features of Jembatan Merah
Jembatan Merah is not only a historic bridge, but also a beautiful and scenic one. The bridge, which is about 112 meters long and 9 meters wide, has a classic and elegant design, with arches, pillars, and railings. The bridge is painted white, with red accents on the edges and the lamps. The bridge offers a stunning view of the Kalimas River, which is lined with traditional wooden boats, called pinisi, that are used for fishing and trading. The river is also a lively and colorful place, where you can see the local people going about their daily activities, such as washing clothes, bathing, or playing. The bridge is especially charming at night, when it is illuminated by the lamps and the reflections of the water.
Jembatan Merah is also surrounded by many other landmarks and attractions, that showcase the diversity and richness of Surabaya’s culture and heritage. Some of the places that you can visit near the bridge are:
The Heroes Monument: A towering obelisk that commemorates the Battle of Surabaya and the Indonesian National Revolution. The monument, which is 41 meters high, is located at the Pahlawan Square, which is also the site of a mass grave of the Indonesian freedom fighters. The monument is adorned with reliefs and sculptures that depict the scenes and figures of the battle and the revolution. The monument also houses a museum, where you can see various artifacts, documents, and dioramas related to the history of Surabaya and Indonesia.
The House of Sampoerna: A museum and a factory that showcases the history and the production of Sampoerna, one of the largest and oldest cigarette brands in Indonesia. The museum, which is housed in a Dutch colonial building that dates back to 1862, displays a collection of antiques, photographs, and memorabilia that tell the story of the Sampoerna family and their business. The museum also offers a guided tour of the factory, where you can see the workers hand-rolling the cigarettes with traditional machines and techniques. The museum also has a cafe, a gift shop, and an art gallery, where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
The Arab Quarter: A historic and vibrant neighborhood that reflects the influence and the presence of the Arab community in Surabaya. The Arab Quarter, which is also known as Ampel or Kampung Arab, is located near the Sunan Ampel Mosque, one of the oldest and largest mosques in the city. The mosque was built in the 15th century by Sunan Ampel, one of the nine Islamic saints who spread Islam in Java. The mosque is a sacred and peaceful place, where you can admire the architecture and the decoration of the building, as well as the tomb of Sunan Ampel. The Arab Quarter is also a bustling and lively place, where you can find many shops, stalls, and restaurants that sell various goods, such as clothes, perfumes, spices, and foods, that are influenced by the Arab culture and cuisine.
Tips and Recommendations for Visiting Jembatan Merah
If you are interested in visiting Jembatan Merah and its surroundings, here are some tips and recommendations that can help you make the most of your trip:
The best time and season to visit Jembatan Merah is in the morning or in the evening, when the weather is cooler and the light is softer. You can also avoid the crowds and the traffic that can be quite busy and noisy during the day. The best season to visit Jembatan Merah is from April to October, when the climate is dry and sunny, and the rainfall is minimal. You can also enjoy some of the festivals and events that take place in Surabaya during this season, such as the Surabaya Cross Culture Festival, the Surabaya Fashion Parade, and the Surabaya Night Carnival.
The best ways to explore and experience Jembatan Merah are by walking, cycling, or taking a boat ride. You can walk along the bridge and the riverbank, and enjoy the view and the atmosphere of the place. You can also rent a bicycle from one of the nearby shops, and cycle around the bridge and the neighborhood, and discover the hidden gems and the local culture of the area.
You can also take a boat ride on the Kalimas River, and see the bridge and the city from a different perspective. You can choose from different types of boats, such as the traditional pinisi, the modern speedboat, or the romantic gondola, and enjoy the scenery and the breeze of the river.
The best places to stay and eat near Jembatan Merah
Some of the hotels that we recommend are the ones that offer comfort, convenience, and quality:
Hotel Majapahit:
A luxurious and historic hotel that was built in 1910 by the famous architect Charles William Orcutt. The hotel, which is located in the heart of the city, has a colonial and elegant style, with spacious and elegant rooms, suites, and villas, that are equipped with modern amenities and facilities. The hotel also has a spa, a fitness center, a swimming pool, and a garden, where you can relax and rejuvenate. The hotel also has several restaurants and bars, that serve a variety of cuisines and drinks, such as Indonesian, Chinese, French, and Japanese.
Hotel Tunjungan:
A modern and stylish hotel that is located in the Tunjungan Plaza, one of the largest and most popular shopping malls in Surabaya. The hotel, which is connected to the mall by a sky bridge, has a contemporary and minimalist design, with cozy and comfortable rooms and suites, that are equipped with modern amenities and facilities. The hotel also has a fitness center, a swimming pool, and a sauna, where you can unwind and refresh. The hotel also has a restaurant and a lounge, that serve a variety of cuisines and drinks, such as Indonesian, Western, and Asian.
Hotel 88 Embong Kenongo:
A budget and friendly hotel that is located near the Jembatan Merah and the Gubeng Train Station. The hotel, which has a simple and clean design, has cozy and comfortable rooms, that are equipped with basic amenities and facilities. The hotel also has a restaurant and a coffee shop, that serve a variety of cuisines and drinks, such as Indonesian, Chinese, and Western.
Some of the restaurants that we recommend are:
Soto Ayam Ambengan Pak Sadi: A local and authentic restaurant that specializes in soto ayam, a traditional Indonesian soup that consists of chicken, noodles, vegetables, and spices. The restaurant, which is located near the Jembatan Merah, has a humble and cozy atmosphere, with wooden tables and chairs, and a friendly staff. The restaurant also serves other dishes, such as nasi goreng, mie goreng, and bakso, as well as various drinks, such as teh, kopi, and es jeruk.
Rawon Setan Mbak Endang: A local and popular restaurant that specializes in rawon, a traditional Indonesian soup that consists of beef, black nuts, and spices. The restaurant, which is located near the House of Sampoerna, has a lively and crowded atmosphere, with plastic tables and chairs, and a fast service. The restaurant also serves other dishes, such as nasi campur, tahu tek, and sate kambing, as well as various drinks, such as es teh, es cendol, and es dawet.
Zangrandi Ice Cream: A legendary and historic ice cream parlor that has been serving delicious and refreshing ice cream since 1933. The ice cream parlor, which is located near the Tunjungan Plaza, has a classic and elegant style, with marble tables and chairs, and a vintage decor. The ice cream parlor also has a wide and varied selection of ice cream flavors, such as vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, durian, and avocado, as well as toppings, such as nuts, fruits, and syrups. The ice cream parlor also serves other desserts, such as cakes, pies, and puddings, as well as coffee, tea, and juice.
Jembatan Merah is a historic and scenic bridge in Surabaya, Indonesia, that offers a unique and memorable experience for travelers who want to learn more about the history, culture, and heritage of the city. By visiting Jembatan Merah and its surroundings, you can witness the heroism and sacrifice of the Indonesian freedom fighters, admire the architecture and design of the bridge and the river, and enjoy the diversity and richness of Surabaya’s landmarks and attractions.
You can also find comfort, convenience, and quality in the hotels and restaurants near the bridge, that cater to different tastes and budgets. Jembatan Merah is a must-see destination for anyone who wants to explore and appreciate Surabaya, the city of heroes.
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