TIMES MALAYSIA, SUARABAYA – Surabaya may be known for its towering buildings, modern malls, and fast-paced development, but hidden within this metropolitan city are vibrant villages that preserve its soul. These kampung wisata, or tourism villages, offer travelers an immersive cultural experience that highlights local heritage, culinary traditions, and creative innovation.

In collaboration with the city government, each village is maintained and developed by its own residents—a living model of community-driven tourism in the heart of urban Indonesia.

A traveler from Finland named Ancelikh described Surabaya’s free city tour on Tripadvisor as the best way to start visit to the city.  “The best tourist thing you can do in Surabaya," he wrote on TripAdvisor. 

Here are eight of Surabaya’s most popular and distinctive tourism villages, ranked from the busiest to the most underrated.

The thick Japanese vibrant at Kampung Wethan Wonderland. (Photo: Diskominfo Surabaya)

1. Kampung Ketandan: A Colonial Gem in the City Center

Located in the bustling Genteng district near the iconic Tunjungan Plaza, Kampung Ketandan enjoys steady foot traffic from both local and international tourists. The village is known for its preserved colonial architecture and traditional ambiance that transports visitors back to the Dutch East Indies era.

It also houses Balai Budaya Cak Markeso, a cultural center where residents organize performances like Tari Remo, ludruk theater, and batik workshops. Despite the modern buildings that surround it, Ketandan retains a uniquely nostalgic charm.

2. Kampung Peneleh: History Carved in Every Wall

Not far from Ketandan lies Kampung Peneleh, one of the oldest residential areas in Surabaya. It holds deep historical value as the birthplace of Indonesia’s founding father, Bung Karno.

Visitors can explore his childhood home and see Sumur Jobong, an ancient well believed to date back to the Majapahit Empire. With its narrow alleyways and preserved homes, Peneleh has become a must-visit spot for heritage seekers and history lovers touring Surabaya’s past.

3. Kampung Maspati: A Living History Book

Kampung Maspati offers a beautiful blend of history, education, and art. Once a Dutch colonial military area, the village still has several historic buildings such as the 1907 Dutch barracks, Raden Sumomiharjo’s house, and Sekolah Ongko Loro.

What makes Maspati even more engaging are the colorful murals along the village’s walls that depict Surabaya’s independence struggle and local legends. It's a favorite stop for students and cultural travelers alike.

4. Kampung Jambangan: A Pioneer in Eco-Tourism

Famous for its sustainable lifestyle, Kampung Jambangan is often visited by school groups, researchers, and eco-tourists. This village became a national model for zero-waste living, with its strong recycling programs and clean environment.

Residents make compost, sort trash, and create useful items from waste, turning the kampung into a thriving eco-friendly community. Its success in waste management has even attracted international attention.

5. Kampung Lumpia: A Culinary Haven in Ngaglik

Food lovers will find joy in Kampung Lumpia, located in the Ngaglik area. Known for its signature long spring rolls filled with bean sprouts and carrots, served with savory tauco sauce, the village is a small-scale culinary industry.

Residents produce thousands of lumpia daily, especially during local events and football matches. Its strong local economy shows how a community can thrive through food entrepreneurship.

6. Kampung Kue: Sweet Treats and Small Business Dreams

Located in the Rungkut area, Kampung Kue is a paradise for fans of Indonesian traditional cakes and snacks. Home to many home-based businesses and women-led cooperatives, this village specializes in delicacies like klepon, lapis legit, and putu ayu.

Visitors can buy treats directly from the bakers—often still warm from the oven. The kampung not only satisfies culinary cravings but also supports a growing network of family businesses.

7. Kampung Semanggi: Preserving a Local Culinary Legacy

In Kendung, Sememi, and Benowo, Kampung Semanggi keeps alive the tradition of pecel semanggi, a local salad made from clover leaves, bean sprouts, water spinach, and spicy fermented shrimp paste.

It’s served with puli crackers and wrapped in banana leaves. Locals offer simple workshops to pass down this culinary heritage to younger generations. Though a bit off the tourist path, it remains essential to Surabaya’s food culture.

8. Kampung Wethan Wonderland: Thematic Innovation in Urban Tourism

Kampung Wethan, short for RW Satu Banjarsugihan, brings innovation into community tourism. Divided into six themed sub-villages, it offers a blend of local and international cultural vibes, from Japanese-Balinese gardens in Kampung Jelita to a European-Javanese mix in Kampung Jawara.

With colorful murals, creative installations, and Instagrammable spots, this kampung appeals to younger tourists and digital creatives looking for new experiences.

Where Heritage and Community Tourism Thrive

Each of these villages tells a different story of independence, family recipes, cultural pride, or environmental innovation. Together, they form a mosaic of Surabaya's living traditions.

While modern Surabaya continues to grow skyward, these kampungs remind visitors and residents alike that the city's real treasure lies in its people, their stories, and their unwavering community spirit.

As global travelers seek more meaningful and responsible experiences, Surabaya’s kampung wisata offer something rare: authenticity, education, and heart. These villages aren’t just places to visit—they’re places to connect. (*)