Gresik Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Gresik is easily accessible from Surabaya, East Java's capital, with just a 30-minute drive along the coastal highway. Regular buses connect these cities, while trains serve Gresik from major Javanese cities including Jakarta (approximately 8-10 hours). For those coming from other islands, the ferry terminal offers frequent connections to Madura and other nearby destinations. When arriving by car, ample parking is available near the ferry terminal, though it's advisable to arrive early during peak holiday periods. Local angkot (minivans) and ojek (motorcycle taxis) provide convenient transport between the city center and the port.

Nestled on the northeastern coast of Java, Gresik blends industrial prowess with rich cultural heritage. This bustling port town serves as an important maritime gateway to East Java, with centuries of trading history visible in its architecture and traditions. Visitors stepping off the ferry will immediately sense the unique character of a city where Islamic influence, traditional Javanese culture, and modern commerce create a fascinating tapestry.

Gresik enjoys a tropical climate with temperatures consistently between 25-33°C year-round. The dry season from May to September offers the most reliable weather for ferry travel, with calmer seas and clearer skies. Consider visiting during Ramadan to witness the special night markets and festivities that illuminate the city, particularly around the historic Islamic sites. The Gresik Festival in October showcases local culture with performances and food stalls. Ferry services maintain regular schedules throughout the year, though they may be reduced during extreme weather in the rainy season (November-March).

Gresik serves as a strategic jumping-off point for exploring East Java's coastal treasures. Ferries regularly depart for Madura Island, just a 30-minute journey across the strait, where traditional bull races and salt production offer unique cultural experiences. Bawean Island, nicknamed 'The Island of Women' due to its unique social structure, can be reached in about 3-4 hours by fast ferry, rewarding visitors with pristine beaches and deer sanctuaries. Shorter trips to the mangrove forests of Bungah provide nature enthusiasts with bird-watching opportunities just a quick ferry ride away. The scenic route to Probolinggo also opens access to Mount Bromo for more adventurous travelers.

Gresik rewards curious travelers with historical sites like the Malik Ibrahim Tomb, one of Indonesia's oldest Islamic relics dating back to the 15th century. The Gresik Town Square (Alun-Alun) buzzes with local life, particularly at dusk when food vendors offer authentic East Javanese specialties like nasi krawu (rice with shredded beef) and pudak, a sweet rice flour treat unique to Gresik. Kampung Kemasan showcases well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture, with guided walking tours available through its narrow streets. For shoppers, the Gresik Market offers traditional crafts including the famous sarung Gresik (woven fabric) and damar kurung (traditional painted lanterns) that make perfect souvenirs.

Gresik holds the distinction of being one of the first places where Islam took root in Indonesia, with tombs of Arab merchants dating back to the 11th century found within the city limits. The city's name reportedly derives from 'giri-gisik' meaning 'shore hills' in Javanese, referencing its unique coastal topography. Gresik was once a major hub for the Dutch East India Company, with remnants of colonial warehouses still visible along the old harbor. The tradition of damar kurung (colorful paper lanterns) represents a unique art form that has been passed down through generations of Gresik women, recently recognized as national cultural heritage.