Pros and Cons of Living in Surabaya: An Unbiased Guide (Mostly)
okay, so like, i’ve been here for… let’s just say a significant chunk of time. surabaya. it’s not the bali you’re picturing, trust me. it’s… louder. hotter. and smells faintly of clove and exhaust. but, you know, in a way that’s… real. i’m a touring session drummer, so my priorities are kinda different than, like, a corporate lawyer’s, but i’ve been trying to keep it honest. i’m talking spreadsheets and everything.
right, so, the data. it’s… a lot. i’ve been digging around. rent? you can get a decent studio apartment in Kenjeran for around 3-4 million rupiah a month. that’s roughly $200-270. it’s not cheap, but it’s way cheaper than Jakarta. job market? it’s booming, especially in manufacturing and logistics. but, like, it’s mostly factory jobs. not exactly glamorous. crime-wise, it’s generally considered safe, but you gotta be smart. petty theft is a thing, especially in crowded areas. i’ve heard whispers - and i mean whispers - about scams targeting tourists, so keep your eyes peeled. check out this Reddit thread for some local perspectives: https://www.reddit.com/r/surabaya/.
*Let’s talk about the vibe. It’s… chaotic. Like, seriously. The traffic is a nightmare. It’s a constant, pulsing, honking mess. But there’s also this incredible energy, this feeling that everything is happening. It’s not pretty, but it’s alive. The weather’s been weird lately - think thick, humid air, like a wet towel draped over everything. It’s almost constantly overcast, but then, suddenly, it’ll break and you’ll get this intense, tropical sun. It’s like the city’s having an existential crisis. Just a short flight away, you’ve got Malang - mountains, waterfalls, and way less humidity. And Bali, obviously. But honestly, after a few weeks, you’re craving the grit of Surabaya.
Here’s the breakdown, straight from a slightly-too-caffeinated perspective:
*Pros: Affordable living, growing economy, incredible street food (seriously, the rujak is a religious experience), friendly people (mostly), a unique cultural blend (Javanese, Chinese, Malay… it’s a mess in the best way).
*Cons: Traffic, humidity, the smell (clove and exhaust, remember?), limited English spoken outside of tourist areas, the constant feeling that you’re slightly overwhelmed.
Drunk Advice (from a guy who definitely shouldn’t be giving it): “Don’t go to the night markets after midnight. Seriously. Just… don’t. And learn a few basic Indonesian phrases. It’ll make a huge difference.”
Overheard Gossip (from a barista at a cafe in Gubeng): “The new mall, Pakuwon Mall, is a total tourist trap. Everything is overpriced. Go to the local markets for better deals.”
Something a local warned me about: “Be careful with your phone. Pickpockets are getting bolder.”
Okay, let’s get practical. Here’s a gear list for a touring drummer in Surabaya:
*Drumsticks: Obvious, right?
*Noise-canceling headphones: Seriously, you’ll need them.
*Portable power bank: Outlets are… inconsistent.
*Mosquito repellent: Don’t even ask.
*A good water filter: Tap water isn’t always the greatest.
Final Verdict:* Surabaya isn’t for everyone. It’s not a postcard-perfect destination. But if you’re looking for an authentic experience, a place that’s raw and real, and a city that’s constantly surprising you, then it might just be your thing. Just… bring a good umbrella. And maybe some earplugs. Check out some reviews on TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g297796-Surabaya_East_Java_Java.html.
And if you're looking for more local eats, Yelp has some decent options: https://www.yelp.com/directory/Surabaya-Indonesia
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