Travel Goals Achieved

Hi,

Well hello there, night owls! It's past midnight here in Surabaya, and I just finished the highly important task of tidying up my suitcase. My soundtrack? Classic Indonesian rock legends! The hotel TV is currently blasting a concert by Ahmad Dhani and Pasha Ungu on MTV. Talk about hitting me right in the nostalgia bone!🎸 Hearing those jams instantly flashed me back to my undergraduate days at UTM, where these songs were the absolute must-haves on everyone's Winamp playlist. Ah, the good old days!

So, what exactly did I cram into my day in this amazing city? Honestly, there's too much awesome to unpack here. If I told you every single thing, you'd be reading this until sunrise! So, I'm skipping the serious stuff and only sharing the highlights, the fun, must-try experiences you might want to bookmark if you ever find yourself in Surabaya.

First order of business for any true traveller? Find the best local traditional massage! After all that academic matchmaking yesterday, my body was demanding some serious TLC. I had been heavily stalking Google Reviews for a well-loved spot, and today was the day!

This place is hitting all my happy buttons!

I tracked down EVE Reflexology (located easily at Tunjungan Plaza 2, Level UG). My verdict? I LOVE IT. I went for the 90-minute full-body traditional massage. And here's the best part, they didn't use that super-greasy oil that makes you slide off the bed and stain your clothes. Nope! They used this non-greasy green tea lotion that smelled so good, I honestly contemplated trying to eat my arm afterwards. (I resisted, don't worry.)

But wait, there's more! The price? Insanely cheap! Talk about IDR170000 (~RM40) for a 90-minute session? Seriously, I couldn't get this kind of luxurious goodness for this price back in Malaysia if I tried. Can someone please arrange a future trip for me that's just for a 90-minute massage session here? Asking for a friend (who is me). 😆

The absolute next highlight of the day was an unforgettable dining experience at JAVAROMA, the first-ever airplane café right in the heart of Surabaya!

I only paid for a massive almond croissant that cost a ridiculously low IDR42,000! My antioxidant iced tea was on the house.

I stumbled upon this gem thanks to a complimentary voucher from my hotel for a free drink. Initially, I thought, "Okay, cool, a hipster café with some airplane-themed décor." Little did I know, I was about to board a real, actual airplane that's been converted into a sophisticated, first-class setting!

It was such a cool, unexpected experience. It proves that sometimes, the absolute best memories happen when you're just expecting something totally normal. My time in Surabaya has been effortlessly awesome, literally and figuratively. Who knew claiming a free hotel drink would lead to a trip down a jetway?

The whole place was so chic and elegant. Every detail screamed luxury.

And that's the end of tonight's transmission. I still can't quite believe my time here is wrapping up in less than 24 hours. My wallet is lighter, my muscles are relaxed, and my heart is full. I officially know one thing: I absolutely have to fly back here soon! Knowing my tendency to book a flight before I even finish my first cup of coffee, don't be shocked if I show up here again next month!. 😂

That's all the adventure I have for you tonight! Here's a final, restful good night wish from amazing Surabaya! Good night!💕