Royal Plaza, similar to BG Junction, is also known as “the mall for everyone.” It’s no surprise that this shopping mall is always crowded on weekend nights and during Eid al-Fitr. The food here is incredibly cheap. The food court offers a variety of local Surabaya dishes, with prices of around 15,000 IDR (0.93 USD) per item.
Royal Plaza recently partnered with BRI, a state-owned Indonesian bank, to promote cashless payments. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t do anything without going 100% cashless. There are even free activities available.
In addition to these offerings, Royal Plaza has many other activities to enjoy, from strolling around the Beauty Zone to snacking on popcorn while watching kids play. If you’re wondering what else to do here, I have some recommendations. Keep reading for things to do in Royal Plaza, Surabaya’s first cashless shopping mall.
Shop your heart out
1. Fuel your fangirling needs at Hobbies Tees, Chokiwa, and SweetBox
Hobbies Tees and Chokiwa are neighboring stalls on the 2nd floor of Royal Plaza. Hobbies Tees’ Newjeans t-shirts sell out very quickly! I was so sad about this because they cost less than 100,000 IDR (6.14 USD), and I found Newjeans’ Tokki bunny adorable. Well, at least Royal Plaza has Gen Z—another t-shirt-selling merchant specializing in Japanese anime prints.
If you wish to purchase photocards, tote bags, stickers, and more from your favorite K-pop idols, Chokiwa is the place to go.
Meanwhile, SweetBox’s strategic placement on the third floor near selfie spots allows you to take photos with your oppa before and after your shopping. The boxed collections are SweetBox’s most popular products. You need to ask the SPGs to unlock the boxes to purchase your K-pop merchandise.
2. Get a makeover at Beauty Zone, Tuesbelle, and Herborist
Royal Plaza’s Beauty Zone features Luxcrime cosmetics and Dermies by Erha, which are my personal favorites. Both products are authentically made, with a touch of luxury, and are produced locally. The best part is that the prices are less than 150,000 IDR (9.21 USD) per item. They are budget-friendly and cater to the specific needs of Asian skin.
In terms of local body products, I highly recommend Herborist. Their Balinese body scrubs are simply amazing! You can find their pop-up store on the Ground (G) floor.
I must also mention that Tuesbelle has recently joined the lineup of beauty brands at Royal Plaza. I am thrilled to have my favorite makeup products available in this aesthetically pleasing store.
3. Buy cute accessories at Toko Kawaii Royal Plaza, Minicu, and Wyn Collection
As a haven for devoted fangirls and schoolgirls who adore cute stationery, Royal Plaza has a variety of shops to cater to visitors’ needs. One example is Toko Kawaii Royal Plaza, which offers neck pillows featuring Bunini mascots from Newjeans.
Among the accessory stores at Royal Plaza, there are three things that I particularly love: cute headbands, plushies, and colorful backpacks! These stores offer a wide range of soft-colored accessories, and a budget of under 50,000 IDR (3.07 USD) is more than sufficient for shopping at these establishments.
I also noticed that Royal Plaza is home to other adorable accessory stores such as Minicu and Wyn Collection. In fact, Wyn Collection not only sells accessories but also offers a variety of colorful and glittery office folders.
4. Explore affordable eyewear options at CEO Eyewear and Optik Frez
CEO Eyewear’s store design reminds me of Korean Dr. Specs, which has branches in Surabaya, Malang, and other cities in Indonesia. However, the prices of frames and glasses are quite cheap, starting at 95,000 IDR (5.83 USD).
Optik Frez’s store may appear smaller and dimmer compared to CEO Eyewear. Nevertheless, their prices range from 150,000 to 250,000 IDR (9.21-15.34 USD), which is quite economical. I estimate that it’s about three to five times cheaper than eyewear found in city centers. Additionally, their eye exams are unique with colorful blocks, setting them apart from other eye exam manuals.
As a bonus, Optik Frez offers a free drink of your choice with a purchase of 150,000 IDR (9.21 USD) or more.
5. Shop for Sharia-compliant goods in Mustafa Center
Have you always prioritized Sharia compliance (or the “halal” aspects) when shopping for clothes and other items in a shopping mall?
Royal Plaza’s Mustafa Center has over five stores that sell Muslim clothes and prayer equipment in the vicinity. The area itself is adorned with a glittering sign depicting a crescent moon and stars, evoking thoughts of serene prayers to the Almighty Creator.
Altara stands out as one of Mustafa Center’s unique features, being a strictly Sharia-compliant minimarket. I particularly enjoy their honey products and dates. But I must warn you that this area gets extremely crowded during the Eid Al-Fitr season.
6. Admire gorgeous prints at Pojok Batik
“Pojok” in Indonesian translates to “zone.” So, “Pojok Batik” means “Batik Zone”. Tourists from all over the world would never miss out on batik clothes wherever they go in Indonesia. So, I believe you won’t want to miss this Royal Plaza shopping zone!
You can buy your favorite authentic batik-printed shirts and accessories at Pojok Batik. I love how they balance their fashion designs and price ranges. The designs are quite luxurious when we consider the prices. For instance, they sell a bracelet starting as cheap as 5,000 IDR (0.31 USD).
Try out foods and beverages from different shops
7. Savor local and contemporary East Javanese foods at Food Boulevard
The presence of Madurese shops such as Sate Kambing Sakera and SLK Rujak Cingur Madura (which has many dishes that use shrimp paste) highlights the presence of the Madurese people in Surabaya’s Royal Plaza’s Food Boulevard!
Nasi Goreng Master sells similar food products. If you are traveling to Surabaya alone, you can take away their generous portions of nasi goreng (fried rice). Sometimes, one portion is enough for two meals!
Semangkok Mie Kari is my favorite and sells authentically made Surabaya curry mee.
8. Refill your rice and tea for free at D'Cost
D'Cost may have been established in Jakarta, but its presence is more noticeable in Javanese areas, including Surabaya. Personally, I prefer the D'Cost restaurant at Royal Plaza because the portions of meat are more generous and juicy here. Let’s not forget that it is the only food and beverage outlet on the UG floor.
D'Cost has a unique way of ordering food. You have to take cards that correspond to the menus you want to order. Then, the waiters and waitresses will serve the dishes based on the pictures on the cards.
One of D'Cost’s distinctive features is that they offer free refills of jasmine rice and tea, which I haven’t seen in other restaurants at Royal Plaza. Just make sure to include these two items in your order before requesting a refill!
9. Taste K-foods in Food Society: Myoung Ga Express and Ppang
Have you watched enough K-drama series or your idols’ performances and thought about having some kimchi-based dishes?
Myoung Ga Express serves the best tteokbokki and other soup-based K-foods! Despite the “Express” in their name, their spaces are cozy enough to chat with friends or immerse yourself in everything K-pop!
Recently, Royal Plaza’s Food Society welcomed a new K-food outlet, Ppang. I wanted to try their savory bolognese pizza-flavored Ppang products. Unfortunately, I went alone and Ppang products are best enjoyed fresh, so I couldn’t bring them back with me!
10. Enjoy a vintage vibe with your food at Angonjiwo
Angonjiwo is originally from Gresik, another region in East Java. However, this restaurant has expanded to Surabaya. I first discovered Angonjiwo at BG Junction before finding out about another branch in Royal Plaza.
So, what sets Royal Plaza’s Angonjiwo apart from the one at BG Junction? Firstly, the design at Royal Plaza’s Angonjiwo highlights the green and white elements, reminiscent of a vintage school canteen. Secondly, the tempting gelato booth is located in front of the restaurant, rather than being “hidden” inside the restaurant’s premises.
11. Buy contemporary sweet snacks at Moji, Ichigo Daifuku, and Lapis Tugu
This food court at Royal Plaza is somewhat of a hidden gem as not many people are aware of it. However, it is located right in front of Angonjiwo Canteen.
In my experience, this place is perfect for buying sweet snacks and oleh-oleh (gifts)! For example, Ichigo Daifuku serves a fresh strawberry inside a mochi. You can use them as toppings for gelato or eat them separately. They even have Malang’s Lapis Tugu here!
Another store to check out is Moji, a stall that serves the only butter coffee with fried banana rolls in Surabaya!
Other highlights in Royal Plaza
12. Top-up OVO or GoPay e-wallet at Hypermart
I no longer see cash registers in the 3rd-floor food court of Royal Plaza, which is an early sign that they have gone cashless. At the same time, we can’t always use our debit or credit cards, especially if our bills are below 50,000 IDR (3.11 USD).
What if we forget and bring too much cash? Thankfully, Hypermart grocery supermarket on the LG floor is one of the few places that accepts cash payments.
You need to go to the cashier’s register outside the supermarket to top up your e-wallet balance. I usually top up my OVO or GoPay balance with 50,000 IDR - 100,000 IDR (3.08 USD - 6.16 USD).
13. Pamper yourself with nail arts: Beauty Bar, Starluxe, and Hola Nailss
Beauty Bar, Starluxe, and Hola Nailss in the Beauty Zone are some of the establishments that offer nail art services that look lovely. They use vibrant colors to create saturation and gradient effects. Whenever I visit any of these nail art service providers, I find myself unable to take my eyes off their cherry blossom flower designs!
In terms of pricing, you can expect to pay less than 200,000 IDR (12.37 USD) for a single nail art session at any of the establishments in Royal Plaza.
14. Play PlayStation 4 games and boardgames: Trinity and The Space Boardgame
Royal Plaza’s board game center, The Space, may seem small, but it offers a wide selection of puzzles and RPG-based board games.
Next to The Space is Trinity, a PlayStation-playing center. I was immediately impressed by its display of classic 3D fighting games! And let’s not forget about the colorful and comfortable bean bags they provide for players.
One of the perks of these two game centers is that they offer the option to choose between hourly play times or playing all day long. They have separate prices for each plan. I also love that they provide mouthwatering snacks inside the game centers.
15. Photograph yourself and your friends: Photoplace, Photois
If you’re someone who doesn’t like taking photos while you eat and prefer to do it later, the Photoplace opposite Hypermart below the stairs can accommodate your needs!
Last time, I spent around 40,000 IDR (2.49 USD) for one photoshoot at Photois, and another photobooth in Royal Plaza. You can expect similar price ranges for one person in other photobooths. If you are short of money, you can also photograph yourself at Beauty Zone’s gondola for free. Mind their maximum capacity, though.
Food Society’s cherry blossom bonsai can also be an adorable addition to your photoshoots!
16. Play with live animals and reptiles in Pet Corner
The Food Society is not the only thing you will find on the LG floor of Royal Plaza. Behind Bebek Semangat’s store is Pet Corner, a mini zoo area with artificial autumn leaves as the backdrop.
If you’re wondering why I referred to it as a “mini zoo,” it’s because they sell large domestic animals. So far, they have the most diverse cat population in Surabaya. I wish they would let me touch the cats.
You can even pay as little as 10,000 IDR (0.61 USD) for a one-time photo session with live animals. P.S.: The animals change every week or so; the last time I visited, the snow owl was the highlight!
17. Appreciate traditional paintings and calligraphy at D'Kreatif
Not many shopping malls feature spaces for stores that sell traditional paintings and calligraphy. I haven’t seen any traditional artists painting visitors’ requests on the spot either. Yet, that’s how Royal Plaza differentiates itself from other shopping malls.
D'Kreatif might be the hidden gem of the LG floor. Don’t get me wrong, though, as this rustic and natural-looking store is the only place where you can request black-and-white or colored paintings. It also sells traditional paintings for up to 1,500,000 IDR (92.22 USD).
When you reach the third floor, you will also come across a store that sells calligraphy. This store primarily sells Arabic calligraphy products that you can hang on your walls.
18. Try circus-themed popcorn at KooKooroo playground
If you missed the experience of eating circus popcorn as a kid, you can fulfill your childhood longings at KooKooroo playground located next to the South Lobby. The highlight here is the cartoon circus-themed popcorn. And don’t worry, adults can also enjoy sampling the popcorn and even take some home!
As a bonus, KooKooroo playground features an open stall with a rustic decoration near the entrance of Pizza Hut. The giant rabbit and animal rides are absolutely fantastic! And of course, you can find the same circus popcorn here as well.
If you want to let the kids try some rides, there are options in front of Yoshinoya and D'Cost respectively. Personally, I prefer the one in front of D'Cost because the “under the sea” theme perfectly aligns with D'Cost’s brand of providing the best seafood meals!
Enjoy your time to the fullest in Royal Plaza
Photoshoots and culinary experiences are two things you can expect at Royal Plaza. In particular, the food court on the 3rd floor is packed with dozens of locally crafted Surabaya culinary products. Additionally, getting lost in idol merchandise shops is also a great way to spend time at Royal Plaza!
The earlier you come, the more fun aspects you can explore at Royal Plaza. After all, this shopping mall rarely closes! So, what are you waiting for? Head to this incredible cashless mall for some fun!
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