City of Tomorrow, widely known as CITO, sits right at the southern gateway of Surabaya near the Waru roundabout and Juanda International Airport. Opened with grand ambitions to serve as a futuristic, integrated transit-oriented development, it combined apartments, hotels, and a massive retail podium under one roof. If you look at older promotional brochures, it promised an ultra-modern shopping experience packed with thousands of outlets.
Reality paints a different picture today. While internet descriptions often recycle glowing PR copy about bustling futuristic hubs, visiting CITO reveals a mixed environment. Parts of the complex experience low foot traffic and vacant storefronts, while select anchors like Cinepolis, Hypermart, and specific food court zones continue to draw local crowds. This guide cuts through the marketing noise to give you an accurate, ground-level look at what to expect from Surabaya's unique landmark.
Location and Strategic Access
CITO occupies a prime physical footprint at Jalan Bundaran Waru, making it the literal threshold for travelers entering Surabaya from the south or heading toward Juanda Airport.
- Transit Proximity: The location connects major inter-city bus routes and commuter paths, which originally inspired the "City of Tomorrow" moniker as a transit-oriented hub.
- Accessibility: Reaching the complex by car or ride-hailing service is straightforward, though peak-hour traffic around the Waru roundabout can cause major delays.
- Parking Infrastructure: The building features expansive multi-level parking zones, though drivers should note that maintenance standards vary compared to newer lifestyle centers in West or East Surabaya.
Current Tenant Landscape and Retail Reality
When managing expectations for a visit, you shouldn't expect the packed corridors of upscale destinations like Tunjungan Plaza or Pakuwon Mall. CITO has faced considerable commercial shifts over the years.
- Anchor Stores: Essential retailers like Hypermart remain open for grocery and household shopping, providing practical value for nearby residents.
- Department Stores: Portions of older department store footprints have seen closures or downsizing, leading to stretches of quiet, shuttered roll-up gates on certain floors.
- Entertainment: The operational Cinepolis cinema complex draws moviegoers looking for affordable ticket prices and a quieter atmosphere than central city megaplexes.
Dining Options and Food Courts
Food and beverage outlets represent some of the most active zones in the building. While ground-floor cafes experience fluctuating occupancy, the upper-level food court areas and select local eateries maintain a steady stream of diners.
- Local Cuisine: You'll find affordable Indonesian stalls serving regional comfort food, local bakso, and fried rice variants.
- Budget-Friendly Pricing: Unlike high-end lifestyle malls where dining carries a steep markup, CITO's food options generally cater to local student and worker budgets.
- Atmosphere: Dining areas can feel dated, but they offer quick service and minimal wait times during off-peak hours.
Common Mistakes Visitors Make
Travelers and locals alike often misjudge what CITO offers because outdated online guides present it as a booming futuristic utopia. Keep these practical points in mind:
- Expecting a Premium Retail Spree: If you want international fashion flagships, luxury boutiques, or trendy lifestyle brands, you'll want to head elsewhere in the city. CITO functions primarily as a neighborhood convenience and transit hub.
- Visiting Late on Weekdays: Many smaller independent retail shops close early if foot traffic is low. Plan your visit during late afternoon or weekends if you want to see the maximum number of open stalls.
- Ignoring Navigation Cues: Because sections of the mall see lower occupancy, certain corridors can feel deserted. Stick to well-lit areas near the active supermarkets and the cinema.
You can check regional municipal transit updates via the Surabaya Government Portal for broader city travel context. For broader Indonesian retail insights, look to references provided by bodies like the Ministry of Trade Republic of Indonesia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CITO Mall Surabaya still open?
Yes, the complex remains open to the public, anchored by operational supermarkets, a cinema, and select food vendors, though a large percentage of upper-floor retail spaces are vacant.
How close is CITO to Juanda International Airport?
The mall sits roughly 10 to 15 minutes away from Juanda International Airport depending on traffic conditions around the southern approach roads, making it a convenient final stop before catching a flight.
What are the main highlights left in the mall?
The primary operational draws include the Hypermart grocery store, the Cinepolis movie theater, and the affordable food court zones on the upper levels.
Is it worth visiting for tourists?
For standard sightseeing or shopping, tourists usually prefer larger active centers like Tunjungan Plaza. However, architecture enthusiasts and urban explorers interested in the evolution of Indonesian transit-oriented developments may find CITO's history fascinating.
