Those looking for a genuine Indonesian experience can consider teaching in Surabaya, Indonesia’s second largest city. With over 5 million residents, it is not considered small, but it also does not boast what many might associate with big city life. For example, there are only 5 bars in the city center, and night life is quiet, as this conservative city drinks moderately.
Here are some awesome things about Surabaya to be noted:
- History: Surabaya is one of the oldest cities in Indonesia and has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. The city played a significant role in the fight for independence from the Dutch colonial rule and is now considered one of the most important cultural and economic centers of the country.
- Food: Surabaya is famous for its street food, which includes a variety of local dishes like “sate” (skewered meat) and “bakso” (meatball soup). The city is also home to a large number of traditional marketplaces, such as Pasar Atom and Pasar Turi, where visitors can sample a variety of local delicacies.
- Architecture: Surabaya boasts a mix of traditional and modern architecture, including the iconic Bungkul Park, a beautiful park in the heart of the city that is surrounded by colonial-style buildings. The city is also home to several towering skyscrapers, such as the 75-story Siwalankerto Tower, that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
- Shopping: Surabaya is a shopper’s paradise, with a range of modern shopping centers and traditional markets that offer a diverse range of goods, from high-end fashion items to handmade crafts. Some of the most popular shopping destinations in the city include the Tunjungan Plaza and the Grand City Surabaya mall.
- Nature: Despite being a modern metropolis, Surabaya is also home to several beautiful natural areas, such as the Kenjeran Park and the Mangrove Forest Park, where visitors can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Surabaya is a hidden gem for teaching jobs, as many head straight for the competitive well known island of Bali. In Surabaya you can land a job with a good salary, which will more than cover monthly living expenses. On time off you can visit Bali, which is only a one hour flight away. Davy has been teaching abroad over two years, and shares teaching stories in his current blog.