The Chinese New Year celebration is an annual tradition in many cities across Indonesia, including Surabaya, particularly in Tambak Bayan Chinatown. As in previous years, the celebration here is festive, filled with various creative activities such as lion dance performances, film screenings, bazaars, and the Lantern Festival. The festival is not just a one-day event; it has been ongoing since Friday (January 20, 2023). The neighborhood comes alive with beautiful lantern decorations adorning the streets and the historic horse stable building.
Inside the horse stable, visitors can find several historical relics and traditional Chinese ornaments that enhance its cultural atmosphere. Around the neighborhood, colorful murals decorate many corners, keeping tourists engaged. These murals are initiated by university students who annually support the development of Tambak Bayan Chinatown. With these unique elements, the area serves not only as a cultural attraction but also as an educational hub for history and heritage.
Located west of Kalimas or east of Jalan Kramat Gantung, Tambak Bayan Chinatown lies within the former Surabaya Palace area and is only a 15-minute drive from Palm Park Hotel & Convention Surabaya. This is one of Surabaya’s oldest neighborhoods, predominantly inhabited by ethnic Chinese residents. A notable landmark is the large historic horse stable. “The horse stable, built around 1866 AD, spans approximately 3,800 square meters and is now used as a center for community activities,” explained Suseno Karja, Head of RT 02 RW 02 Tambak Bayan Tengah.
In collaboration with KAZA Mall, Palm Park Hotel & Convention Surabaya created engaging content featuring elegant cheongsam outfits blended with the heritage ambiance of Tambak Bayan Chinatown. “We hope to inform our guests and tourists staying at Palm Park Hotel & Convention Surabaya that there is a remarkable historical attraction nearby, easily accessible from the hotel,” said Cicilian Kn, General Manager of Palm Park Hotel & Convention Surabaya.
Guests and tourists who want to know more about Tambak Bayan Chinatown can visit their Instagram page @institutsenitambakbayan, follow @palmparkhotelsurabaya, or directly contact via WhatsApp at +62 81133320002 or call +62 31 3742000.