Cultural Destination

Embrace the spirit of the place!

Surabaya City of Heroes

Surabaya Metropolitan Landscape (photo: Ivan Consigliere, Wikipedia)

The Monument of Heroes (photo: Traveloka)

Surabaya City of Heroes

Surabaya is the capital of East Java province. It is a vibrant and active metropolis with a lot of history and traditions. Modern skyscrapers mingle with historic buildings from the time of Dutch colonization. This city is known as the “City of Heroes” in commemoration of the great struggle mounted by soldiers and civil fighters in the Great Battle against Dutch Colonialists on 10 November 1945. The city also has unique religious architectural heritages scattered in the city. In addition to the magnificent Buddhist and Hindu temples in the city center, you will find historical mosques that assimilate Chinese and Arabic architecture, such as the Cheng Ho Mosque and Ampel Denta Mosque.

Cultural Tourism Destination

Surabaya City of Heroes

Tourist Attractions in East Java

East Java

Batik Motifs

Gajah Mungkur

Semantically, it means a huge longing emotion trapped in the

Samudra

This art painting means to be strong-willed person to pursue

Sekar Jati

Sekar means flower and Jati refers to teak trees that symbolizes a strong mental character that

Gedhog Kembang Waluh

a combination of Javanese cultural motif of the Majapahit kingdom (XII-XIV century) with

 

Discover

Indonesian

Batik

Motifs

Durian Pecah

Broken Durian motifs depict the foundation of faith. The second half signifies the mastery of

Kalo Sara

Kalo Sara is a sacred motif for Tolaki ethnic. It is considered as

Tampuk Manggis Sasirangan

The motif illustrates the philosophy of the mangosteen fruit, which is

Gonggong Siput

Gonggong (Strombus Turturella) is one type of sea snail found around

Sekomandi

Its philosophical meaning is the eternal union which refers to a saying “until death do us part”

Bintik Tujuh

The Bintik Tujuh (Seven Dots) motif has 7 white spots and green color gradation as

Merak Lasem

The peacock is considered to be the king of the birds. It represents

Tikar Natuna

The Tikar Natuna motif is adapted from the traditional making of pandanus mats in

Tidayu

The name of this motif is the acronym of three ethnics namely,

Gurdo Solo

Gurdo or garuda bird is the mount of the Indian god Vishnu. As the Sun Bird,

Angsa Duo

According to legend, the Angso duo batik motif is a pair of swans that are believed to have led Princess

Barong Bali

The Barong refers to the mythological animal with supra-natural

Lok Baintan Floating Market

As you can imagine, the most authentic thing is that you can buy things and even

Pattimura

Pattimura is the name of an Indonesian hero who fought against colonialism in

Lipaq Sabe

Lipaq Saqbe contains a simple geometric classical motif with various flower decorations. This textile is

Tifa Papua

This motif was derived from traditional Papuan musical instruments,

Penari Melayu

Penari Melayu illustrates the traditional dance of Malay ethnic in

Awan Berarak

Awan Berarak is a combination of Dayak motifs and Malay patterns. The word ‘Awan Berarak’ means the

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat motif represents the marine life at Raja Ampat archipelago in

Sero Tangga

The Sero Tangga illustrates an endearing feeling and sacrifices of a person to fulfil

Gonggong Beruntun

This motif illustrates that a person should maintain a positive attitude and

Tenun Bima

The motifs are adopted from Bima woven textile. This pattern has received a great

Insang Ikan

Insang refers to the gills of the fish. This is a typical pattern of Malay ethnic who inhabits

Tangerang Herang

Tangerang Herang motif is a symbol of Tangerang city. The Tangerang Herang batik motif consists of

Prada Papua

The word “Prada” in the Javanese-Indonesian dialect means a batik textile that

Teguh Bersatu

This batik motif shows the strength of the people of Kupang. It also represents a sense of

Tubo Kelapa

Coconut tree is a symbol of a good character and strong mentality. It illustrates the more success a person, the more

Gedhog Kembang Waluh

a combination of Javanese cultural motif of the Majapahit kingdom (XII-XIV century) with

Tifa Totobuang

The batik motifs illustrate Maluku’s traditional music instrument called

Alam Pantai

The word “Alam Pantai” refers to the natural beauty of

Wirasat

Wirasat or divine inspiration is a gift from God. This inspiration is symbolized by

Daun Simpor

This motif is inspired by the Simpor plant (Dillenia Suffruticosa) which is a typical

Jupri Kembang Teh

Kembang Teh illustrates the tendrils of tea plants that grow in the highlands of

Burung Bidadari

Bidadari birds are endemic birds in Halmahera. This motif represents an

Enggang Dayak

Local people beliefs that hornbills are an incarnation of the Commander of the Birds. It has supernatural

Ondel-ondel

Ondel – ondel is Betawi traditional icons. This motif signifies

Pohon Hayat (Tree of Life)

The Batik motifs in Lampung are dominated by the acculturation of Buddhist and

Kaganga Tanah Rejang

If Batik Besurek combines Arabic calligraphy motifs, then the Kaganga batik takes

Parang Seling

Parang Seling or “alternating daggers” is a royal batik motif. It is a feminine variant of

Leuit Sijimat

This motif reflects the daily activities of the Baduy tribe in Banten. The main ornaments of batik motif consist of:

Pantai Ambon

Ambon city batik depicts the natural wealth and marine life of

Pucuk Mekar

This motive reflects the joy and gratitude to God over the grace of

Pintu Aceh

The motif is inspired by Aceh’s traditional architecture that has

La Galigo

La Galigo is a literary work of the Buginese Epic that has 300 thousand epic lines. It is considered even

Samudra

This art painting means to be strong-willed person to pursue

Waruga

Minahasa batik motifs are adopted from Waruga. Waruga is the

Teluk Tomini

This motif illustrates the beauty of underwater life in

Sido Mulyo

Sidomulyo is one of the classical motifs, which is specifically used for the bride’s costume in

Desa Na Ualu

The Gorga motif of Ualu Village is the symbol of the eight cardinal

Pinawetengan

The Pinawetengan Batik pattern was taken from a prehistoric inscription in

Rumah Mamuju

the Batik motif illustrates the house of Mamuju King with the stairs, located on the left of the wooden stage house

Desa Na Tolu

The Desa Na Tolu characteristic pattern symbolizes the Batak philosophy of existence and

Biji Kopi

The coffee seeds motif illustrates the pride of local coffee specialities in

Kawung

The Kawung motif was created by Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo (1593 – 1645) as a symbolic gift for

Rutun Penyu

This motif describes the local wisdom which favours modesty and

Daun Sirih

This motif illustrates betel leaves that are used by Lombok communities as traditional

Pala Salawaku

This motif illustrates the unique weapons of the Maluku region, namely

Bultiya

The word ‘Bultiya’ is an acronym of the three major tribes in North Kalimantan, namely

Pisang Bali

This batik motif is usually given by a person to his/her lover who is

Ake Patra

Ake is related to the divinity and the composition of the universe. It is a symbol of

Besurek Rafflesia

The term “Basurek” refers to a textile that contains letters or inscriptions

Kerawang Tegak Aceh

The Vertical Upright (Kerawang Tegak) Motif symbolizes a person who has a strong

Karawo Pinang

Pinang refers to the Palm areca tree. This motif is considered as the original

Sinaran

This pattern originates from Cirebon. It represents the reflection of

Gajah Way Kambas

The motif illustrates the Lampung’s natural reserve, the Way Kambas. it also symbolizes

Srimanganti

The name of the Srimanganti motif is derived from Palace’s hallway that connects to

Ceplok Gayo Aceh

The variety of colors shows the differences in society that

Gumin Tambun

Based on Hindu mythology, this motif symbolizes lucks, abundant wealth, and

Salakanagara

Salakanagara batik motif illustrates the first kingdom in the Betawi land

Mahkota Siger

Siger is the crown of a noblewoman in ancient time. It is a symbol of femininity, strength, and

Tongkonan

Toraja’s traditional house is called Tongkonan. Tongkonan is a place for

Ikan tambal

The word “Ikan” refers to fish. The philosophical meaning of Ikan Tambal means is

Singayaksa

The Singayaksa motif comes from the name of a place where Sultan Hasanuddin used to

Tengkawang Ampiek

With its many advantages, the Dayaks use this leaf in ritual ceremonies. This plant is a symbol of

Tabir Tanjung

Tanjung flower is a type of Cherry tree flower, which is commonly found in

Manguni Minahasa

Manguni is identified as the symbol of the Minahasa people. Manguni is known as a

Kaharingan

The Kaharingan or ‘tree of life’ based on the Dayak tribes’ belief system. This tree symbolizes

Dayak Kamang

Kamang motif is generally found in the Dayak tribe shield because it is believed to

Parang Rusak

Another meaning behind this motif is an unconquerable spirit, symbolized by

Tanah Liek

The word “Tanah Liek” refers to clay in Minang language. It is also known as

Abimanyu Prince

This motif implies a hope that the wearer will have the wisdom of

Jumputan Bintang

The word Jumputan means the tie-dye technique, while the word “Bintang” refers to

Wakatobi

It symbolizes the coastal beauty of the Wakatobi island and the symbol of Patra symbolizes

Gorga Simeol-Meol

The Gorga Simeol-meol is a pattern of plant tendrils. it is regarded as a symbol of longevity and

Rangkiang

The word “Rangkiang” refers to the rice granary in the Minangkabau language. It symbolizes

Peresean

The Peresean is a game that sometimes some kinds of magic are

Kuda Kupang

Horses symbolize wealth. It contains noble values of virtuous characters that bring

Kasih Tak Sampai

‘Kasih Tak Sampai’ is an idiom in the Indonesian language which refers to

Cengkeh

The clove flower motif is the main commodity of the Tolitoli Regency. This motif represents

Jagung

The philosophy of the corn motif illustrates the dream and

Honai

The Honai is inspired by the traditional house of the Papuan community living in

Hiu Taliyasan

Indonesia is also home to the world’s largest fish, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus). Hiu Taliyasan refers to

Gamolan

This motif illustrates Gamolan, a bamboo musical instrument of Lampung that is

Banji Cirebon

The Banji motif is the symbol of protection and

Malinau Cultural Festival

You will witness a unique competition that might not be found other than in

Kerawang Datar

This motif symbolizes the embodiment of of religious values for

Lontara

The Lontara script itself is a typical ancient script of Bugis and Makassar communities. History records that

Sekar Jati

Sekar means flower and Jati refers to teak trees that symbolizes a strong mental character that

Gentala Arasy

Built as high as 80 meters, the tower also highlights the historical side of

Sandeq

Sandeq Boat is a symbol of the maritime importance of the West Sulawesi region. The greatness of