Majapahit Historical Tour from Surabaya: Red Brick Ruins

Red brick gates, sacred temples and royal bathing sites from a 14th-century empire

A private half-day tour from Surabaya explores the ruins and relics of the Majapahit Empire, one of Indonesia's largest historical kingdoms. You visit red brick structures dating to the 14th and 15th centuries (gates, temples believed to be crematoriums, and a royal bathing site) with an English-speaking guide who explains the archaeology and the empire's influence on Javanese and Balinese culture. Private transportation, bottled water and an air-conditioned vehicle are included. The tour runs about five hours and suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Majapahit historical sites

• Visit red brick 50-foot-high gates
• Explore red brick temple, former crematorium
• See gate-like site influencing Bali architecture
• Visit Tikus temple, royal bathing site
• Explore palace ruins complex
• Travel to and from Trowulan and Mojokerto

The experience

The tour centers on Trowulan, the archaeological site near Mojokerto where Majapahit's physical traces remain. You start at Wringin Lawang, a 50-foot-high red brick gate from the 14th to 15th century. Historians debate whether it functioned as a gate or temple. The guide walks you through the structure and the evidence. From there you move to a red brick temple believed to have been a crematorium for deceased kings, though excavation has challenged that theory. The site predates Majapahit itself but was used during the empire's period, and the guide explains why the crematorium story likely misses the mark.

The itinerary includes two more gated structures with similar architectural influence: one shaped like a gateway to something sacred, its design echoing in later Balinese architecture. Tikus temple, named for its condition when excavated, was actually a bathing site for the royal family before rituals or leisure. You also visit a complex of ruins believed to be part of the palace itself. The route passes through Trowulan and Mojokerto, with stops timed to show how these sites relate to each other across the landscape.

Your guide speaks English throughout and travels with you in an air-conditioned vehicle, which handles the five-hour span and the distances between sites. Bottled water is provided. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and the operator notes it suits all physical fitness levels. Pickup from your Surabaya location is included in the booking.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned transportation with a driver.
• English-speaking guide throughout the tour.
• bottled water.
• parking fees and fuel surcharge.
• hotel or location pickup in Surabaya.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 09:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (16 to 75 years) · Under 16: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePublic transport nearby

Operated by TrippyTrip Tour

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to explore Majapahit's physical ruins with a guide who can explain the archaeology and the empire's place in Indonesian history. The private format means the pace and stops adapt to your questions, and the five-hour span covers the main sites without rushing through them.

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Top questions

What exactly is Wringin Lawang, and why do historians disagree about what it was?

Wringin Lawang is a 50-foot-high red brick gate built in the 14th to 15th century during the Majapahit period. Historians describe it as a gate rather than a temple, though the debate centers on its original function and what it guarded or led to. The guide explores the structure itself and the evidence historians use to argue their case.

Is Tikus temple really a crematorium like some sources say?

Tikus temple was actually a bathing site for the royal family, used before rituals or for leisure. It was once believed to be a crematorium for deceased kings, but excavation revealed its true purpose. The guide explains what the site shows and why that earlier theory likely misses the mark.

How long does this tour take, and what's included in the price?

The tour runs about five hours and includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, fuel surcharge and parking fees. Your guide speaks English, and pickup from your Surabaya hotel or location is part of the booking. Lunch and gratuities are not included.

What is the Majapahit Empire, and why does it matter to Indonesian history?

Majapahit was one of the largest empires in Indonesian history, with enormous influence over Java and Bali. Its cultural legacy shaped the kingdoms and architecture that followed. Several later kingdoms even used the Majapahit name to legitimize their power. The ruins and relics you visit are the physical evidence of that influence.

Can I do this tour if I have mobility issues or use a wheelchair?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. The operator notes it suits all physical fitness levels, and you travel by private vehicle between sites, which minimizes walking distances. Confirm your specific needs when booking so the guide can plan the route accordingly.