How to Meet Locals & Make Friends in Surabaya, Indonesia

1. Hang Loose Beach Club

Relaxing beach club where you can meet locals and expats. Offers a variety of activities such as water sports and live music events.

Multi-cultural Environment: Attracts both locals and expats, providing an excellent opportunity to interact with diverse people.
Water Sports and Live Music: Activities like water sports and live music events make it a lively place where socializing is easy.
Located Near the Beach: Being by the beach offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for making new friends.

Historic café serving traditional Indonesian food. A popular gathering place for locals and a great spot to strike up conversations.

Rich History: Old-world charm attracts locals interested in sharing stories about the city's history.
Traditional Indonesian Cuisine: Sharing meals is a universal way to connect; enjoying local dishes can lead to interesting conversations.
Centrally Located: Convenient location makes it easy to explore the city while meeting locals.

Largest zoological park in Indonesia, with over 160 species. A great place to bond with locals over a shared love for animals.

Variety of Animals: Diverse range of animals attracts both local families and animal enthusiasts, fostering opportunities for friendly encounters.
Educational Programs: Participating in educational programs can help break the ice and spark conversations with like-minded individuals.
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteering at the zoo offers a unique opportunity to connect with locals who share your passion for conservation.

Annual street arts festival featuring local and international artists. A lively event to meet locals and immerse in the city's culture.

Cultural Exchange: Brings together people from various cultures, encouraging intercultural dialogue and friendships.
Artistic Performances: Sharing appreciation for art can be a powerful bonding experience with local artists and enthusiasts.
Street Food Stalls: Trying local street food while attending the carnival creates opportunities to chat with vendors and fellow festival-goers.

Unique museum dedicated to the history of clove cigarettes. Offers insights into Indonesian culture and provides a chance to meet locals.

Indonesian Culture Exhibits: Educational exhibits help foster conversations about the city's rich cultural heritage.
Cigar Rolling Demonstrations: Interactive demonstrations offer opportunities to engage with museum staff and fellow visitors.
Traditional Kroncong Music Performances: Live music performances add a lively atmosphere, encouraging social interaction.

Lively night market offering local street food and merchandise. A great place to interact with locals in a bustling social environment.

Bustling Social Atmosphere: Vibrant and lively atmosphere creates an ideal setting for making new connections.
Street Food Tasting: Trying local street food can lead to conversations with vendors and fellow foodies.
Merchandise Bargaining: Bargaining for souvenirs offers opportunities to engage in friendly banter with merchants.

Guided city tour offering insights into Surabaya's history and culture. Joining a group tour is a great way to meet locals.

Knowledgeable Guide: A guide provides valuable insights, sparking conversations with both the guide and fellow travelers.
Group Tour Setting: The group setting encourages interaction between participants, making it easy to meet locals.
Visiting Landmarks and Neighborhoods: Exploring the city together fosters a sense of camaraderie that can lead to lasting friendships.

Attending Friday prayers at local mosques offers a chance to connect with the local Muslim community.

Religious and Cultural Understanding: Sharing religious practices can lead to deeper connections and mutual respect.
Community Gatherings: Post-prayer gatherings provide opportunities for socializing with locals and learning about their customs.
Mutual Respect and Tolerance: Sharing values of mutual respect and tolerance can foster friendships across cultures.

Learning Bahasa Indonesia through classes or language exchange sessions offers a chance to connect with locals on a deeper level.

Language Skills Improvement: Improving your language skills opens up more opportunities for meaningful interactions.
Cultural Immersion: Learning the language provides a deeper understanding of the local culture and customs.
Cross-cultural Friendships: Sharing your language learning journey with locals can lead to lasting friendships.

Visiting university campuses or attending cultural events organized by students offers opportunities to meet local young adults.

Student-led Cultural Events: Cultural events showcase student talents and provide opportunities for socializing.
Youthful Energy and Ideas: Engaging with young, energetic individuals can bring fresh perspectives to your travel experience.
Academic Discussions: Discussing academic topics can lead to insightful conversations and friendships.

Joining local sports clubs allows you to participate in activities with locals and make friends through shared interests.

Shared Interests: Having a common interest makes it easier to strike up conversations and build friendships.
Physical Activity and Wellness: Regular physical activity promotes a sense of well-being and camaraderie.
Cultural Exchange: Sharing sports knowledge can lead to discussions about local and international sports culture.

Participating in community center activities offers opportunities to engage with locals and learn about the city's traditions.

Traditional Activities: Activities showcase local customs, providing opportunities for cultural immersion.
Community Events: Events offer chances to socialize with locals and participate in traditional practices.
Cross-cultural Understanding: Sharing experiences can foster cross-cultural understanding and friendships.

Learning to cook local dishes offers a hands-on experience with the city's culinary traditions and opportunities to connect with locals.

Culinary Skills Improvement: Improving your cooking skills allows you to share the love of food with others.
Cultural Immersion: Learning local recipes provides insights into the city's culinary heritage.
Sharing Meals: Sharing meals prepared in class fosters a sense of camaraderie and friendship.

Volunteering for local community projects offers opportunities to engage with locals while making a positive impact.

Community Impact: Volunteering helps the local community and shows your dedication to the city.
Shared Goals: Sharing a common goal can lead to strong bonds and friendships.
Cultural Exchange: Discussing your experiences and the project's goals with locals can foster cultural understanding.

Visiting local bars or clubs offers opportunities to meet locals and enjoy Surabaya's nightlife.

Lively Atmosphere: A lively atmosphere encourages socializing and making new connections.
Local Music and Dance: Experiencing local music and dance styles can lead to conversations about the city's cultural heritage.
Alcohol-free Options: Many nightlife spots offer alcohol-free options, making them suitable for travelers of all ages and preferences.