The Surabaya Submarine Monument nestles in the heart of the bustling city center, standing as a silent sentinel of a bygone era. They have turned the massive submarine into a museum that beckons history enthusiasts and tourists alike. It is also one of the main historical attractions that you might want to visit.
We arrived at the entrance by Grab and caught sight of the massive green-black submarine from afar. The entrance ticket cost Rp15,000 each, and we proceeded inside after paying.
Upon entering, we noticed that we were the only foreigners on-site that day, as the rest of the visitors were mostly local students. They were already on the steps, queuing to enter the submarine. We ended up wandering around a bit and taking photos while waiting for the queue to disperse. There was a row of shops selling snacks and beverages around the area for those who needed a break.
Finally, the stairs were clear, and we stepped through the entrance of the submarine. The dimly lit, narrow, and claustrophobic corridor transported me from the busy cityscape. The museum’s interior retained the original structure of the vessel, with many compact compartments and rooms that once housed sailors during their missions. The humidity inside was quite intense, probably due to the crowd and the lack of air conditioning. Various old photographs and informational displays were mounted on boards, but all the text was written in Bahasa. Tourists like me would not have understood any details at all. After a quick walk-through, we left the submarine and headed to Plaza Surabaya, a huge shopping mall located nearby.
In conclusion, the Surabaya Submarine Monument is more than just a static display. It is an immersive narrative that invites every visitor to embark on a journey into the history of the country. It is also where the bravery of the past continues to inspire the present.
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