Surabaya, the city of heroes, has many interesting historical tourist destinations to visit. One of the most famous is the House of Sampoerna. This historical building not only holds the long history of the cigarette industry in Indonesia, but is also an educational tourist spot full of unique facts. In this article, we will explore the history and unique facts about the House of Sampoerna.
History of House of Sampoerna
The Beginning of the House of Sampoerna
House of Sampoerna was established in 1932 and was originally a cigarette factory. This building was founded by Liem Seeng Tee, an immigrant from China who managed to achieve great success in the kretek cigarette industry. This factory became a place of production of cigarettes with the Sampoerna brand which is very famous in Indonesia.
Development and Transformation
Over the years, House of Sampoerna has grown rapidly and become one of the largest cigarette factories in Indonesia. However, over time, the factory has undergone a transformation. In 2003, the building was converted into a museum open to the public. This change aims to preserve history and introduce the wider community to Sampoerna’s long journey.
Unique Facts about House of Sampoerna
Stunning Colonial Architecture
House of Sampoerna has a very stunning Dutch colonial architecture. This building is designed in a classic colonial style that is still well maintained until now. Every corner of this building exudes a strong historical nuance, making visitors feel like they have returned to the past.
A Complete Historical Collection
This museum has a very complete historical collection. From traditional cigarette production tools, old photos, to various artifacts related to the history of Sampoerna. This collection is not only interesting for history buffs, but also provides deep insight into the cigarette production process and the history of the cigarette industry in Indonesia.
Direct Cigarette Production Process
One of the main attractions of the House of Sampoerna is the opportunity to see firsthand the cigarette production process. Here, visitors can watch how workers skillfully roll kretek cigarettes manually. This process is an attraction in itself, because it provides a real picture of how kretek cigarettes are made by hand.
Coffee Shop and Souvenirs
House of Sampoerna is also equipped with a coffee shop that serves various types of Indonesian coffee. In addition, there is a souvenir shop that sells various Sampoerna products and other unique items. This makes a visit to the House of Sampoerna not only educational, but also fun.
Why Should You Visit House of Sampoerna?
Educational and Informative
House of Sampoerna is a very informative educational tourist destination. Here, visitors can learn a lot about the history of the cigarette industry in Indonesia, the cigarette production process, and Sampoerna’s long journey as one of the famous cigarette brands.
Unique and Different Experience
Visiting the House of Sampoerna provides a unique and different experience. Visitors can not only enjoy the beauty of colonial architecture, but also gain deep insight into the history and culture associated with the cigarette industry.
Strategic location
Located in the heart of Surabaya, House of Sampoerna is easily accessible from all directions. Its strategic location makes it a must-visit tourist destination while in Surabaya.
Tips for Visiting the House of Sampoerna
Best Time to Visit
For the best experience, it is recommended to visit in the morning or afternoon. At these times, the museum is usually less crowded so visitors can enjoy every corner of the museum more freely.
Bringing a Camera
Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture precious moments during your visit. There are many interesting and historical spots that are worth capturing.
Get to Know More with Tour Guide
To get more in-depth information, visitors can join a tour provided by the museum. This tour is guided by an experienced guide who will provide detailed explanations about each collection and history in the museum.
House of Sampoerna is one of the tourist destinations that offers the perfect combination of history, education, and entertainment. By visiting this place, visitors not only gain knowledge about the history of the cigarette industry in Indonesia, but also enjoy the unique experience of seeing the kretek cigarette production process firsthand. So, if you are planning to visit Surabaya, don’t miss the opportunity to explore history and unique facts at House of Sampoerna.