Advice for a newbie

Farhan19 Active member

34POSTS

7 years ago

Hey everyone,

I could be moving to Surabaya for work very soon and just wanted some advice on settling into the city etc. I'm coming from London so I'm assuming life in Surabaya is a lot different. I've heard Surabaya is a "bland" city, not sure how believable that is, but if that is the case, what's the best way to avoid boredom? I'm not someone who spends a lot of money. I like to be out and about, hiking, visiting historic and natural sights. Does Surabaya offer this? Asking here as I can't find a whole lot of info online from an expat point of view. This would also be my first time moving countries, so would also appreciate advice for a first timer. I've never travelled to Indonesia, let alone Surabaya, but I have visited other Southeast Asian cities, so was just wondering how Surabaya compares to them? Basically just trying to get a rough idea of what Surabaya is like and some tips on settling in as quickly as possible (accommodation is all arranged by the way). Thanks!

See also

How to get married in Indonesia - Guide
Custody Query - Any Advice Would Be Appreciated - 24 Replies
Need advice on bringing personal musical instruments to Jakarta - 5 Replies
Need an advice. - 8 Replies
Newbie here - 7 Replies
Newbie - 9 Replies
Need information on Surabaya - 29 Replies

Ash Burn Active member

48POSTS

7 years ago

TripAdvisor Things To Do Surabaya Indonesia.
Not much difference than London.
Places to see. Things to eat.
People to meet. Money to spend.

Fred Indonesia Expert

30549POSTS

7 years ago

Farhan19 wrote:
Hey everyone,

I could be moving to Surabaya for work very soon
I'm assuming life in Surabaya is a lot different.
I like to be out and about, hiking, visiting historic and natural sights.
accommodation is all arranged by the way

I was out and about on a far flung island sans my Windows 8 tablet when you posted this so missed it - Apologies

I hope you enjoy Indonesia as much as I do - I've been here for years and love the place (except the roads)

Imagine everything you can about London, then forget it - Not a lot in Indonesia is anything like anywhere in England.

Hiking is easy as you can be out of the city and into the middle of nowhere in no time at all. Historic sights are going to be a little harder to find as there was no Norman, Viking, Angle, Saxon, or even Jute invasions, so all that stuff isn't here.

Having your digs sorted out is a serious bonus

Farhan19 Active member

34POSTS

7 years ago

Thanks for your help both of you. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like I'm going to Surabaya now and more likely that it will be Jakarta. Not sure how that will go but excited nonetheless

Fred Indonesia Expert

30549POSTS

7 years ago

Jakarta is what you make it.
It can be an extremely expensive city full of bars, leaches, and gold diggers, or it can be an interesting city full of places to explore - The choice is down to the individual.