Is a trip to Surabaya for a statue worth it? I rescued that landmark ruined by power lines for you!
qponx
2026-02-01
Is Surabaya's iconic Suro and Boyo statue on your list? Don't let pesky power lines ruin your photos! This guide offers clever tips for capturing the perfect shot of the city's famous landmark. Discover the best angles to hide background clutter, why visiting at night is a game-changer, and how to easily combine your trip with a visit to the Surabaya Zoo. Get ready to snap that Instagram-worthy picture without the frustration.
They all say,"if you haven't visited the Suro and Boyo statue for a photo, then you haven't really been to Surabaya"[1]... Honestly, I believed it at first too. Until I stood in front of it, saw those messy power lines, and almost said Anjay right there! How am I supposed to take photos like this? 🤯
Calming down, I still had to take a good look at this city totem of Surabaya. The giant white shark (Suro) and crocodile (Boyo) are intertwined in a fight, with impressive muscle definition, truly Mantap! It's said that the name Surabaya comes from the legend of these two mythical beasts[2]. There were really a lot of tourists on site, striking all sorts of poses, and families bringing their kids for educational purposes; the atmosphere was quite lively.
But to be honest, the photo-taking experience was a bit hard to describe. The sculpture itself is fine and well-maintained. But the surrounding garden and those unsightly power lines really steal the show[3], making it super hard to get a clean"tourist photo"—it's enough to drive anyone with OCD crazy!
Photo Guide for the Lazy/Clumsy
Don't rush to complain, Sis has compiled a guide to avoid pitfalls for you, here you go!
Alright, the guide is yours, now go do your homework! 📸
- 1. Find"Wild Photographers": There are many Lokal big brothers with cameras on site who can take your photos and give them to you instantly. Prices are clearly marked, especially friendly for Girls traveling alone[4], even social phobics can handle it easily.
- 2. Come at night to Chill: Don't crowd with people during the day. At night, the statue lights up, creating a full nighttime ambiance, and cleverly avoiding messy backgrounds[5].
- 3. Change your shooting angle: Don't just stand there stupidly taking frontal shots! Crouch down and shoot upwards, or walk a few steps to the side, use the main body of the sculpture to block out those messy branches and power lines—the success rate of good photos will be much higher.
- 4. One-stop visit: The statue is right at the main entrance of Surabaya Zoo[6], and parking is convenient. You can totally visit the zoo in the morning and then come here to Nongkrong in the afternoon—no detours in your itinerary, perfect!
- Don't miss Surabaya's Suro and Boyo Statue [1]! Witness the massive, muscular shark and croc in battle. Mantap!
- Surabaya's name stems from this shark and crocodile legend [2]! More than a photo op, feel the city's soul.
- Skip daytime pics! Come Chill at night [3]. The lit statue creates an amazing vibe, guaranteeing stunning photos.
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