Lawang Sewu Building, Semarang

The Legend of Surabaya

The icon of Surabaya City

Approximately three notes about the legend of Surabaya, the first note said that the original name of Surabaya is Churabaya, a village which used to cross a river in a bank of Brantas River. This is stated in Trowulan Prasasti I in 1358 C. The name of Surabaya also stated in a book which is written by Mpu Prapanca, Pujasera Negara Kertagama. In the book, Surabaya is stated in Pujasastra about the naval trip in 1365 C that is done by Majapahit Kingdom, Hayam Wuruk.

However, the experts believed that Surabaya was exist before Prasasti. A researcher from Holland, GH Von Faber in his book En Werd Een Stad Geboren ( was born a city) made hipotesis that Surabaya was established by Kertanegara King in 1275 as new environment for his soldier who had fought against Kemuruhan rebellion in 1270 C.

The first version said that name of Surabaya is close with the story of the brawl of death and live between Adipati Jayangrono and Sawunggaling. The story told that after defeating Tar Tar (Mongol) soldier, Raden Wijaya, first Majapahit King who was establishes a Palace in Ujung Galuh, now the place is famous as Tanjung Perak Harbour, and he ask Adipati Jayengrono to lead that area. Day after day Adipati Jayangrono was stronger and independent because he becomes the master of Crocodile Power. It makes Majapahit worried, because he could defeat Majapahit.

To defeat Jayangrono, Sawunggaling had to learn Sura Power. The bawl between the knights was held in a bank of Kalimas close to Peneleh. They were attacked each other about seven day seven night and ended tragically, both of them were die because of lack of Power after all.

The second one stated that word of Surabaya appear from the bawl mythology between Suro ( Shark ) and Boyo ( Crocodile) which symbolize as the bawl between land and sea. The description about the fight was displayed as a monument SURO and BOYO where we can see it in front of Surabaya Zoo.

The last version told that issued in 1975 when the mayor of Surabaya Soeparno told that 31 May 1293 as the bird day of Surabaya city. It means that in 2011 age of Surabaya will be 719 years old. The determination based on the provision of a group of Historian who is performed by city government that the name of Surabaya originally from the word SURA ING BHAYA which has meaning a Courage to face danger.

Bromo - Ijen Tour

BROMO – IJEN OVERNIGHT TOUR 3D2N
03 Days / 02 Night

Day 1. SURABAYA- BROMO

Our guide will Pick up you at the preferable time you have. The trip will start with go sightseeing Surabaya city to make familiar about our local culture instead. Afterward, We continue our trip to Bromo surrounding after lunch, it takes about  4 hours driving, depend on the traffic. Then check in Hotel in Bromo area.

Bromo Sunrise

Bromo View Point at Mount Pananjakan I

Caldera of Bromo Tengger Semeru

Hindu's Sign

Day 2. BROMO TOUR

Wake up call at 3 am with a very cold weather then drive in 4 WD Car through some darkened villages to wach sunrise in a viewpoint ‘Mount Pananjakan’ (2774m asl). So here we can see clearly and amazingly panorama mount Bromo sunrise in the middle of caldera, a sea of sand, Mount Batok, Mount Semeru; the highest Mountain in Java, villages, farm land, slope and hindust temple. It is suggested to wear warm jacket, a mask, hat, or everything which can make you comfort and warm.

After enjoying the beautiful of the sunrise, 4WD car will take us to pass through the slope of the mountain and cross the sea of sand. Next stop is a 4WD car parking area, here we can continue our sightseeing to the foot of mount Bromo on a horse back or on foot, it is about 1,2 KM. On the way to the mount Bromo, you will pass a hindust temple just in the center of sea of sand before the slopes.

If you go with riding horse, you will stop before 245 stairs to the top of mount Bromo. Stepping up the stairs is so tiring, so don’t forget to bring mineral water and maybe you will need a mask to cover your nose because it is possible dusty and smelly. In very bad case, you will smell sulphur which is produced by Mount Bromo; inside the crater. At the top of mount Bromo, you will see another view of Bromo surrounding. Taking a picture is always suggested in every move you take. So, after all of your excursion, we would go back to the hotel, breakfast and take a shower. Check out the hotel at dealing time with the guide. (On the way back, there is a wonderful waterfall, MADAKARIPURA if your hotel in Probolinggo Area).

Day 3 Ijen – Ketapang Harbour

At 5 am we start the trip to Paltuding (the trekking point), we start for smooth trekking to the top of Ijen to see the crater and it will take about 1, 5 hours or more. As long the way up, we can see the activities of sulfur miners when they carrying sulfur from the bottom of crater. After we finish the entire program in Ijen we Continue to drop you in Ketapang Harbour.



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