Strolling Around Old Town Surabaya

Where the richness of history blends beautifully with modern nuances.

The Old Town area is probably my favourite route for cycling in my hometown. I really enjoy wandering around this area on Sunday morning because there are always many people doing various activities as well. In 2024, the goverment is revitalize this area to make it more lively and interesting enough to visit, both for tourists and locals.

It is said that this place is a witness to the journey of my city–where various cultures interact and influence each other. According to this article, the Old Town area used to be a major trading center between the Dutch and Asian communities, such as Chinese and Arabs. That's why there are a lot of Architecture that represent various cultures. The article I mentioned is in Indonesian, but some of you may want to check that out because it’s beautifully written to describe this historical area.

This area is offer European zone with old colonial buildings. After being revitalized, this area is now become a free public space that perfectly combines history with a touch of modern nuance to it. I thought that this area was only meant for a photo spot, but now it has become a gathering place for various levels of society. Especially on Sunday morning, this place is where people with variaty of age and background spend their time doing something that suits their interests such as cycling, jogging, and other activities.

Beside that, there is also a museum in this area. De Javasche Bank Museum, actually has been on my list for years but I completely forgot about it until I passed it while I was cycling around the Old Town area some time ago. I didn’t even know how to get in or if it was open on Sunday, so unfortunely I didn’t come to check that out.

However, I remember I once entered a museum around this area right next The History Park, which is also in the main Old Town area. I don’t know if they are the same museum, maybe connected or something, but I think the one I visited is currently not open either.

And speaking about the park, it also being revitalized as well. The History Park is located right in front of the oldest shopping center in Surabaya called JMP (Jembatan Merah Plaza). Jembatan Merah which means red bridge, is where the history of battles and heroism of my city held.

The History Park has an open space in the middle, with a small corner for children’s playground and a small yard for playing soccer or basketball. The yard used to have some skate obstacles so skaters could use the space as well, but they decided to replace them I think when they revitalized the area.

There are also some information-board set up throughout the park about the city’s history and such, so we can read to understand it a little bit more. Even as a local myself, I don’t have an enough understanding about the history of my city either, so that’s very helpful.

If we explore further into this area, there are even cafes now on some alleys. Like this one cafe called Fifteen, the place itself seemed like they didn’t diminish the historical value of the building where they stand.

These alleys were the place for various economic activities, such as shops, warehouses, and merchant residences–it is said that the complex network of the alleys reflects the dynamics of economic activities at that time.

Old Town area has managed to transform the parts of history into the present experience. We can feel the atmosphere that connects the past with the present because various cultural elements are blends beautifully to shape the character of this city.

Thankyou so much for reading as always, upvote for more content like this and reblog is also appreciated :) I’ve posted this video on 3speak, but here’s the YT link in case any of you want to check it out😁

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