Job Discussion Forums

Madame J · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:38 am Post subject: Surabaya

So, I've been offered a job at an EF school there (yes I know, don't you start!), and I am currently leaning heavily towards accepting it. Just because there aren't enough vague, naive, excitable newbies on here wanting information on everything, how have any of you Surabaya residents (I'm sure there are a few?!) found life in this city? Is there much scope for a decent social life/hobbies/joining clubs? Is it really as (relatively) green as I've heard?

Thanks muchly. Very Happy

Vertumnus · Joined: 03 May 2006 Posts: 142 Location: Indonesia

I drove through it on the way to places further east. The part I drove through had plenty of gardens on the medians and planted elsewhere, and I was told that the mayor was trying to make the city beautiful with these gardens.

Recently, a friend of mine visited there and he came back and said he really disliked it. I guess he felt it was ugly.

Is there anyone who lives/d there?

-D

pauleslteacher1 · Joined: 17 Mar 2007 Posts: 108 Location: Indonesia

I've been to Surabaya a couple of times... it's a port city with not a lot to offer... There are many dangdut clubs and 2 large shopping complexes plus an old submarine?? in the middle of the city... Also a very well known part called Dolly's (a sleazy place full of bars and massage parlours)... The best feature is that it is close to Bali...!

miss_laundry · Joined: 29 Apr 2009 Posts: 2 Location: Indonesia

Well,I ,as a local here (read: an indonesian),must admit that Surabaya isnt like other big cities in Indonesia.Sure,it(Surabaya) have malls,clubs,a zoo,and what all cities have.But if you're more an adventorous person,you could go on trips exploring the nature beauty outside Surabaya.Surabaya is not that interesting,it's what outside of it.In East Java,which Surabaya is the capital,has a lot of virgin beaches, Bromo (you could see sunrise there),and a trip to Bali never looked so cheap before.

The weather here tends to be drought all year.Which means the sun shines its best,full power.Hot and sort of humid.

As for cost of living,it all depends on how's your lifestyle is.It's definitaly a bit cheaper than any other big cities in Indonesia.I hope it helps.Any more questions,feel free to ask.XD

miss_laundry · Joined: 29 Apr 2009 Posts: 2 Location: Indonesia

Ah! Sorry for any grammar/spelling mistakes,if any.I was flash-typing when I did that.