BSMT BLOG #10: 3D2N 🇮🇩

Hi everyone!

It’s been awhile since I had last updated this blog on travels. Recently we flew to the city of Surabaya for 3D2N and the kids had so much fun there!

Day 1, Friday

Flew there by Scoot ( Departed from Sg at 7.40 am - flight time 2 hours but omg it felt like an eternity) - in case you have missed out on my ig story, here it goes ( I am feeling much better now- thank you everyone who has checked in on me!)

 

Reached Surabaya around 9.30 am local time ( Surabaya time is one hour behind Sg) , we were picked up by the local driver that we had booked in advance from Traveloka

Please note that the price $ 96 is only for the car rental ( excluding driver fees, toll fees, petrol, other expenses ). Usage time is 12 hours, over time is charged at IDR 35k per hour. 

Basically there are many operators to choose from but I just went with the higher ratings. 

Overall, their service is ok, pick up on time and driver is nice but the only thing was after end of each day, we made payment to the driver but there is no receipt/ invoice so had to ask him manually what the charges were for (if you’re English speaking, you may WhatsApp the operator directly to ask for the breakdown of charges).

Upon reaching the airport, the driver had sent us a text telling us that he had reached and he would be waiting at a certain place. 

Upon meet & greet, we headed to the hotel to settle down before heading to the Safari! 🦒🦒🦒🐘🐘

The journey took about 1.5 hours so it was almost lunch time by then and the thing is many restaurants in Indonesia ( not the ones in the shopping malls- it’s the ones by the road side) are closed during fasting month. Or some of them opened but only for takeaway, so it was abit of a challenge but we still managed to find a way. 

We had our lunch at Ayam Goreng Sri in Pandaan ( One of the best Kampung Chicken served!) and they were not opened for dine in so we asked for take away and had it outside their restaurant. There was a small cosy hut and playground next to their restaurant ( which was empty). We had our lunch and fed the kids there. Callum had the same thing as us, Isaac had 2 packets of quick porridge and some chicken 🤭

I wished I had taken some photos over there but our hands were full with the kids. But you may Google this place and you will be able to visualise the place :)

From the restaurant to the Safari isn’t exactly too far- perhaps 20-30 mins drive. The weather was perfect, thankfully.

📍Ayam Goreng Sri Pandaan :

Jl. DR. Soetomo No.3 - 4, Sumber Gedang, Kec. Pandaan, Pasuruan, Jawa Timur 15157, Indonesia

Taman Safari Prigen

Upon reaching the park, we bought a bunch of carrots for feeding ( 4 bunches of 4 carrots - total 16 carrots for IDR50k 😩). I tried to bargain la but she said her carrots were freshly plucked out from the ground and gave me that kind of pitiful look. Then ok la nvm la buy la.

Then we headed off to buy an entrance ticket ( everything done in the car- so no need to get down). Adult price IDR135k, kids below 3 is free.

And off we go!

When we entered Carnivore Roaming area, we were warned to NOT wind down the car window , NOT to feed any animals, and to sound our horn 3 times in times of emergency. Sounds terrifying but actually there were park rangers stationed in each area to ensure visitor's safety.

As we exit the Carnivore Roaming Area, we moved on to feed elephants and giraffes. They sold a few bags of long beans and carrots for feeding (IDR65K each - so exp :X ) - But afterall it is a tourist area so expect overpricing.

Anything as long as the boys are happy!

Unfortunately, Isaac slept throughout the journey and only woke up when we were about to exit the park. I did not really want to wake him up for the fear that he would be cranky.

Anyway, there were many wildlife animals that we saw in their habitats and it’s really cool!

Tho it was a Friday, it wasn’t too crowded and we were one of the two cars that visited that day 

[Please feel free to check out my IG reel on this visit for a more coverage ☺️]

This visit took about 1-1.5 hrs cos we took some time for animal feeding. As we headed out of the Safari, we were directed to the amusement park which was part of the recreational area ( the ticket price has included the amusement park entrance fee)

We had to skip the amusement park cos the boys were getting too tired and cranky but we were contented with the amazing experience.

If you have a lot of days to spare in the city, I recommend staying overnight at Baobab Safari Resort which is very conveniently located near the Safari. Within the resort itself, there are plenty of activities curated for the guests such as animal feeding or get up close with some animals like meerkats ( It’s gonna be a cool experience- a pity that we didn’t stay there).

You can book the rooms directly from their website or from booking.com or agoda.

The last time I checked, the rooms seemed pretty decent and the price was affordable too.

Then we headed back to hotel (another 1.5 hours of journey) for some rest and shower before heading out again.

We stayed in Oakwood Hotel and we booked 2 bedroom suite. It’s super spacious, comes with kitchen, living and dining area, washing machine & dryer. Booked this because both boys are still sleeping separately and the price wasn’t too crazy as it was non-peak period

Sorry, I didn’t take any photos of the room cos by the time we reached, we had all the barang2 lying around and it was just unsightly but here are some of the photos taken from Traveloka website. It’s true as advertised.

 

Living and Dining Room

Bedroom #1 and the bathroom (with bathtub)

Bedroom #2 ( the bathroom doesn’t come with any bathtub)

[Photo Courtesy: Traveloka Website]

📍Jl. Raya Kertajaya Indah No.79, Manyar Sabrangan, Kec. Mulyorejo, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60116, Indonesia

After some rest, we headed out again to Galaxy Mall ( it is one of the shopping malls that is closest to our accommodation). Galaxy Mall has recently undergone a huge renovation and expansion. So there are 3 building in total, namely Galaxy Mall 1,2,3 ( 1 being the oldest). It’s a typical shopping mall, nice place to chill and if you are there, drop by a pancake shop within the mall called Pan & Co in Galaxy Mall 3. They sell various types of fluffy pancakes. Go for their original one- it is their best selling. 1 portion can serve 2 pax so don’t need to order too much.

I ordered matcha pancake for myself!

Then we headed to Layar Restaurant for dinner. This restaurant has been very popular among the locals and tourists because it serves very nice seafood variety. I didn’t take many photos but here is a chilli crab that we ordered 😳

 

And some sambal sotong dish. 
Super nice! And it’s a must try!

📍Layar Restaurant 

Jl. Raya Manyar Kertoarjo no. 23-25
Surabaya Timur

Another Location is here:

Jl. KH Abdul Wahab Siamin Surabaya No.216, Dukuh Pakis, Kec. Dukuhpakis, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60225, Indonesia

and that wrapped up the first day! ✌️✌️

 

Day 2, Saturday

We brought the boys down to the hotel’s indoor swimming pool for a quick swim (sorry, again, no photos- hands were more than full 😅). Isaac loved the water so much that he refused to get out and when we carried him up to the room, he was screaming uncontrollably 🔥

Gave them a quick shower, did a grabfood for breakfast and we headed out to Kidzania

 

Kidzania Surabaya

It’s located within a newly constructed shopping mall (not officially opened yet as there are so many shops that are still closed), called Lagoon Avenue Mall Sungkono

📍 Jl. Abdul Wahab Siamin Kav. 9-10 Lagoon Avenue Mall, Grand Lagoon Sungkono, Dukuh Pakis, Kec. Dukuhpakis, Kota SBY, Jawa Timur 60225

Kidzania is located in the second floor. It’s very easy to navigate and you know that you have reached the place when you see a huge airplane fuselage sticking out of the place!

In here, kids are encouraged to take part in role playing, complete activities and tasks and earn their ‘salary’ upon complete. It’s the replica of how the real world works (less the stress and hectic life)

Here is their opening hour

Weekday ticket price

Weekend ticket price

 

<Photos courtesy of Kidzania Surabaya website>

When we were there, they were having this promotion whereby you just had to sing out a product slogan and you get 25% off. The slogan is in Bahasa, but I think if you at least give it a try, they will still give you the discount :)

Isaac entered FOC cos apparently there was nothing much for him 🥲. This place is more suitable for preschoolers, perfect for 3yo and above because many activities are hands on and will be best when LO can understand and follow instructions. 

Once we have paid for the tickets, we were each given a wristband, a sticker for myself and Callum as I would be assisting Callum in most of the activities while husband was looking after Isaac. 

We were also given 2 cheques worth 50 kidZos each and a bank card for Callum. So Callum had to complete some tasks so that he can earn his ‘salary’ which they will credit into his bank card. These earned ‘money’ can then be used to buy goods and services within kidZania vicinity. Pretty cool!

As we entered the venue, there was a quick security check (outside food and drinks are not allowed within the premises). They sell food and drinks within the premises in case you need them. 

Once we’ve passed through the security check, we were quite awed by the settings of the place. It was my first time going to Kidzania so I have nothing that I could compare it to but for the price that we paid for, I would say it was worth the visit!

 

The staff were so helpful and friendly. And there weren’t too many people despite being a Saturday so we managed to try our hands on a few activities  

Before we even got started with any attractions, we had to head to Kidzania bank to exchange the cheques with the KidZos notes and to activate his bank card. 

Then we headed straight to Kidzania Immigration booth to make his Kidzania passport ( I couldn’t remember the price exactly but it was around IDR85k per passport if I remember correct) and it is valid in all the Kidzania in the world and valid till Callum turns 16 yo

Once done, we headed to our first stop.

Stop #1- Fire station 🚒🧯

As he entered, he needed to pass the passport and bank card to the staff so that they will stamp on it and credit the KidZos into his bank card.

Basically, Callum had to wear the firefighter costume and get into the fire truck ( which was driven by the respective staff) round the kidZania town and they headed to the extinguish the fire in one of the buildings ( So much fun and so interactive!)

However, before starting on his quest, he had to watch an education video on firefighting  (video is in Bahasa) and he had to attend a brief firefighting training

Next, the respective staff would drive him back to the fire station and Callum’s first job was done!

 

Here's Callum posing in front of the fire truck!

 

Stop #2- AlfaMart 🛒 ( It is one of the famous convenience stores in Indonesia)

Here, he also had to put on the cute vest uniform and he could choose to either be cashier or floor crew - in which he chose to be a cashier 😆

I was then given a shopping basket and specimen notes to do my shopping ( Just as how a customer does) - I could pick up to 7 items and once done, I should pass the basket to Callum and he would do the checkout and bagging for me. This is one of my favourites!

Same thing- before he began his quest, he had to pass his passport and bank card to the staff and he also had to sit for a 5 min educational video ( It was in Bahasa, I guess he just watched the visuals 🤭)

Callum's on-the-job training

 

Stop #3: Callum’s Diner 🍔🥪

This is a free play area catered more for younger toddlers like Isaac. The setup resembles the real diner with comprehensive toy cutleries, kitchenette, drying racks, built-in oven, microwave, and counter top  

Stop #4: City bus Operator 🚐🚌🚍🚏

It’s a real engine operated vehicle so Callum could only sit at the side and the staff would drive us around the vicinity. This one is ok la, not very popular among the kids so there was no queue at all  😅

 

Stop #5: Opthamologist / Eye doctor 🥼👀

Here, we learnt about eye health and Callum also got a complimentary quick eye check up.

Actually, there is nothing much here but it's still worth visiting if there's no queue.

Stop #6: Pizza Maker 🍕

Over here, Callum could make his own pizza. However, please note that there is an additional charge of IDR85K to make the pizza. He could put his own sauce and toppings. The staff will then put it into the oven and put it in a box once ready. 

Here's Callum getting ready with his uniform to make his own DIY pizza

 

Waited about 30 mins for the pizza to be ready. Tbh, it tasted not bad!

 

Stop #7: Working in Indomie factory 🍜 (The best!)

As usual, before we even got down to work, we had to watch the 5 mins educational videos on Indomie, how it is made and what are the ingredients in it.

Each session can accommodate up to 6 pax. once we were seated, each of us was given a rolled dough, roller, pasta machine, a plate and a rolling board.

 

Once the noodle is done, it is put into this extruder machine and magically, it transforms into...

A packet of Indomie!

Once we were done with the session, Callum got back his passport and bank card with KidZos money credited in it.

Not only that, we were also given a souvenir which is a packet of Indomie. hehe.

Working in Indomie factory done!

This is my favourite instant noodle of course I have to take picture with it proudly haha!

Indomie, seleraku~~

 

Stop #8: Working in Tea Factory ( Teh Pucuk ) ☕️🫖🌱

This was probably the second best activity after Indomie factory.

Over here, Callum was taught how to grow tea leaves, how to care for them, how to extract the tea leaves and process it to make it into a bottled tea called Teh Pucuk

Check out the cute uniform!

This time round, I asked the husband to go with Callum (at least we took turns la cos it was so tiring to take care of Isaac all the way). I was glad he joined Callum because it seemed that he had so much fun as well!

We spent the whole day in KidZania because there were just too many of activities that we could take part in. There were other activities that we would love to partake in but unable to due to age limit such as Hospital role play ( for 6 yo and above)- the kids can get to ride on an ambulance and role play as medics and Roleplaying as a pilot for 4yo and above! 

There are others such as news broadcaster, bakery, jewellery making, Reality Show, Book making, to name a few :)

Sounds like so much fun, right? 1 day is not enough  

And we are planning to go back to make a KidZanian passport for Isaac when he is abit older and when he can take part in these activities!

 

Day 3, Sunday

Since we were leaving for Singapore on Day 3 (Our flight was at 6 pm with SQ), we had plenty of time in the morning to do some shopping in the Hypermart. 

We also made a special trip to buy the MUST BUY SPIKOE CAKE (#1 in town) from Surabaya ( I will get to that later!)

After getting ready , we had our breakfast in the hotel by grabfood. Personally, I feel there is no need for hotel breakfast because there is plenty of choices you can choose from through grabfood. Some are even kids friendly, such as chicken porridge (but I still brought along my electric lunch box to cook healthier food for the boys 🤭)

Anyway, we headed to Ciputra World to do our shopping and also to bring both boys to Kidzooona since Isaac could not really play with anything in KidZania

Here’s Kidzooona’s admission ticket price:

For non- member entry on weekdays:

1 hr IDR 60k

2 hrs IDR 80k

Whole day ( re-entry is allowed) IDR 120k

 

For non- member entry on weekends and PH:

1 hr IDR 90k

2 hrs IDR 130k

Whole day ( re-entry is allowed) IDR 180k

We chose the whole day entry because expected to stay there for more than 2 hours and true enough! We stayed there for about 3 hours before we had to leave to the hotel and pack our luggage to fly back to Sg!

The playground itself is very spacious with many small booths for the kids to role play and they even provide costumes in each booth!

There are bouncy slides, flying fox, slides, ball pits, sensory area, a few tepees and relaxing corner for parents to have their snacks and beverages at.

Highly recommended!

📍 Kidzooona Ciputra World, Jl. Mayjen Sungkono No.89, Gunung Sari, Dukuhpakis, Surabaya, East Java 60224, Indonesia (Level2)

Before we headed back to the hotel, we dropped by the most famous cake store in Surabaya that sells Kue Spikoe ( it’s like kue lapis but 100x better!). There are many stores selling Kue Spikoe but I feel that this is still the best and my favourite so far! 😋

So if you happen to be travelling to Surabaya, don’t forget to buy this as souvenir/ goodie for gifting.

The cakes can be stored in room temperature for up to 5 days and in the fridge for up to 12 days!

📍 Kue Spikoe Resep Kuno: Jl. Rungkut Madya No.41, Rungkut Kidul, Kec. Rungkut, Surabaya, Jawa Timur 60293, Indonesia

It’s so moist! Perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea time!

That’s all for our quick adventure to East Java and I hope this inspires you to explore Indonesia with your little ones!

 

With Love,

Jane❤️