Did you know that Surabaya is home to Indonesia’s only preserved submarine museum? This converted Soviet-era submarine offers visitors a rare glimpse into naval history, making it just one of the many fascinating attractions in Indonesia’s second-largest city. Often overshadowed by Bali and Jakarta, Surabaya blends rich historical heritage with modern urban charm, creating a destination that rewards curious travelers with authentic experiences and fewer tourist crowds.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Surabaya is well-connected to major cities across Indonesia and Southeast Asia through Juanda International Airport, located about 20 km from the city center. Direct flights operate from Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and other regional hubs, making it easily accessible for international travelers.
Ready to Book Your Trip to Surabaya?
Find the best flight deals to Juanda International Airport from major cities worldwide.
For travelers coming from other parts of Java, train services connect Surabaya to Jakarta (8-9 hours), Yogyakarta (5-6 hours), and other major cities. The main stations are Gubeng (most central) and Pasar Turi. Trains offer a scenic and comfortable alternative to flying and help you avoid Java’s notorious traffic jams.
If you’re arriving by sea, Surabaya is a major port city with connections to other Indonesian islands. Several cruise lines include Surabaya in their Southeast Asian itineraries, allowing you to experience the city as part of a larger regional exploration.
Arriving by Cruise?
Check the latest cruise options that include Surabaya in their Southeast Asian itineraries.
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
Surabaya has a tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures throughout the year. The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to September, when you’ll enjoy sunny days with lower humidity, making it more comfortable for outdoor exploration.
Dry Season (May-September)
- Average temperatures: 25-33°C (77-91°F)
- Minimal rainfall, perfect for sightseeing
- Peak tourist season with slightly higher prices
- Ideal for outdoor activities and day trips
Wet Season (October-April)
- Average temperatures: 24-32°C (75-90°F)
- Frequent afternoon downpours
- Higher humidity levels
- Lower accommodation rates
- Some flooding in certain areas
Even during the dry season, Surabaya can be quite hot and humid. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. If visiting during the wet season, bring a compact umbrella or raincoat for those sudden afternoon showers.
Getting Around Locally
Navigating Surabaya requires some planning, but the city offers several transportation options to help you explore efficiently.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
The most convenient way to get around Surabaya is by taxi or ride-sharing services like Grab and Gojek. Blue Bird taxis are reliable and use meters, while ride-sharing apps offer convenience and often lower prices. For shorter distances, motorcycle taxis (ojek) available through Grab or Gojek can help you navigate traffic more quickly.
Public Transportation
Surabaya has a bus system with two main types: regular buses and patas (express) buses. The Suroboyo Bus is a newer, more comfortable option that accepts plastic bottles as payment—an innovative eco-friendly initiative. For tourists, the P1 patas bus is most useful as it runs along Jl Basuki Rahmat to Purabaya bus station.
Explore at Your Own Pace
Rent a car with a driver to navigate Surabaya comfortably and efficiently.
Free Heritage Bus
The “Surabaya Heritage Track” is a free sightseeing bus operated by House of Sampoerna. It departs three times daily (Tuesday to Sunday) from the museum and is an excellent way to see the city’s historical sites without worrying about transportation.
Where to Stay
Surabaya offers a range of accommodation options to suit various budgets and preferences. The city center (around Tunjungan Plaza) is ideal for first-time visitors, providing easy access to shopping, dining, and major attractions.
Luxury Options
Surabaya boasts several international luxury hotel chains like JW Marriott, Sheraton, and Shangri-La. These properties offer world-class amenities, excellent service, and convenient locations, typically priced from $100-200 USD per night.
Mid-Range Hotels
For comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices ($40-80 USD), consider hotels like Mercure, Ibis Styles, or local chains such as Aria Centra. These offer good value with clean rooms, reliable WiFi, and often include breakfast.
Budget Stays
Budget travelers can find clean, basic accommodations for $15-35 USD at places like Favehotel, POP! Hotel, or local guesthouses. These provide essential amenities while allowing you to save money for experiences.
Find Your Perfect Stay in Surabaya
Browse a wide selection of hotels, from luxury properties to budget-friendly options.
Best Areas to Stay
City Center/Tunjungan
The heart of Surabaya offers convenient access to shopping malls, restaurants, and historical sites. Perfect for first-time visitors who want to be close to major attractions.
Gubeng
Located near the main train station, this area provides good transportation connections and a slightly more local feel while still being close to attractions.
Dining & Local Cuisine
Surabaya’s culinary scene is a delicious reflection of East Java’s diverse cultural influences. From street food stalls to upscale restaurants, the city offers countless opportunities to tantalize your taste buds.
Must-Try Local Dishes
Rawon
This iconic black beef soup gets its distinctive color from keluak nuts. The rich, complex flavor is typically served with rice, bean sprouts, and salted duck egg. Try it at Rawon Setan, a local institution since 1950.
Rujak Cingur
A unique salad featuring cow snout (cingur), vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and a spicy-sweet dressing made with petis (fermented shrimp paste). Head to Rujak Cingur Genteng for an authentic version.
Lontong Balap
A hearty dish of rice cakes, bean sprouts, fried tofu, and lentho (fried mashed beans) topped with sweet soy sauce and shrimp paste. Sample it at Lontong Balap Pak Gendut in Genteng.
Where to Eat
Food Markets & Street Food
Pasar Genteng and Pasar Atom offer authentic local flavors at budget-friendly prices. For a vibrant street food experience, visit Gwalk Citraland in the evenings, where dozens of vendors sell everything from satay to seafood.
Restaurants & Cafes
For a more upscale dining experience, visit Seventeen Skyview Restaurant for panoramic city views and international cuisine. Sarkies at Majapahit Hotel offers excellent Indonesian dishes in a colonial setting, while Surabaya’s growing café scene provides perfect spots for coffee and light meals.
Local Tip: Many restaurants in Surabaya don’t serve alcohol due to religious considerations. If you’re looking for alcoholic beverages, your best bet is higher-end hotels and Western-style establishments.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Surabaya offers a fascinating mix of historical sites, architectural landmarks, and modern attractions that showcase the city’s rich heritage and contemporary culture.
Historical Sites
House of Sampoerna
This beautifully preserved Dutch colonial building houses a museum dedicated to the history of Indonesia’s famous clove cigarette industry. Watch skilled workers hand-roll cigarettes and explore exhibits on local history. Don’t miss the free heritage bus tour that departs from here.
Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan)
Standing 41.15 m (135 ft) tall, this monument commemorates the Battle of Surabaya, a key event in Indonesia’s struggle for independence. Visit the museum beneath the monument to learn about the revolution and the city’s role in it.
Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam)
Explore a decommissioned Soviet-built submarine that served in the Indonesian Navy from 1962 to 1990. You can walk through the entire vessel and experience the cramped conditions submariners endured.
Religious Sites
Ampel Mosque and Arab Quarter
One of Indonesia’s oldest mosques, Ampel was built by Sunan Ampel, one of the nine saints who spread Islam in Java. The surrounding Arab Quarter features narrow lanes filled with shops selling Middle Eastern goods, perfumes, and dates. Non-Muslims can visit the mosque complex but not enter the prayer hall.
Cheng Ho Mosque
This unique mosque combines Chinese and Islamic architectural elements, honoring Admiral Cheng Ho, a Chinese Muslim explorer who visited Indonesia in the 15th century. Its distinctive pagoda-style design makes it a fascinating cultural landmark.
Experience Surabaya’s Top Attractions
Book guided tours to make the most of your visit to Surabaya’s historical and cultural sites.
Modern Attractions
Suramadu Bridge
The longest bridge in Indonesia connects Surabaya to Madura Island. At 5.4 km (3.4 miles) long, it offers spectacular views, especially at sunset. Consider taking a taxi across to enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving.
Surabaya North Quay
This revitalized port area features a modern promenade with views of ships entering and leaving the harbor. Visit in the evening when locals gather to enjoy the sea breeze and street food vendors set up shop.
Tunjungan Plaza
Surabaya’s largest shopping mall complex comprises six interconnected buildings with hundreds of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. It’s a great place to escape the heat and experience modern Indonesian urban life.
Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals
Dive deeper into Surabaya’s rich cultural heritage through its museums, cultural institutions, and vibrant festivals that showcase the city’s history and traditions.
Museums
Mpu Tantular Museum
This provincial museum houses an impressive collection of archaeological artifacts, traditional weapons, and cultural items from East Java. Don’t miss the gamelan orchestra instruments and the ancient Javanese inscriptions.
Museum 10 November
Located beneath the Heroes Monument, this museum documents the Battle of Surabaya and Indonesia’s struggle for independence through dioramas, historical photographs, and personal artifacts from the revolution.
Cultural Experiences
Kampung Lawas Maspati
This “heritage village” preserves traditional Javanese architecture and lifestyle. Local residents offer guided tours, traditional games, and cultural performances, providing an authentic glimpse into old Surabaya.
Taman Budaya Jawa Timur
East Java’s Cultural Park regularly hosts traditional dance performances, art exhibitions, and cultural workshops. Check their schedule for events during your visit to experience local performing arts.
Batik Workshops
Several studios in Surabaya offer batik-making workshops where you can learn about this UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage and create your own batik piece as a unique souvenir.
Annual Festivals
Surabaya Birthday Celebration (May/June)
The city celebrates its founding with parades, cultural performances, and food festivals. The highlight is the Parade Bunga (Flower Parade) featuring colorful floats decorated with thousands of flowers.
Cap Go Meh Festival (February)
Marking the end of Chinese New Year celebrations, this festival features lion and dragon dances, traditional music, and delicious Chinese cuisine in Surabaya’s Chinatown area.
Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences
While Surabaya is primarily an urban destination, it offers several green spaces and nearby natural attractions for those seeking outdoor activities and nature experiences.
Parks and Green Spaces
Taman Bungkul
This award-winning city park features walking paths, a skateboard arena, food stalls, and regular cultural performances. It’s particularly lively on weekends when local families gather to relax and socialize.
Kebun Bibit Wonorejo
This large botanical garden and plant nursery offers shady walking paths and a peaceful escape from the city bustle. It’s an excellent spot for morning exercise or a leisurely afternoon stroll.
Mangrove Ecotourism Wonorejo
Explore East Java’s largest mangrove forest via boardwalks or boat tours. This conservation area is home to diverse bird species and offers a surprising natural retreat just 30 minutes from downtown.
Day Trips from Surabaya
Mount Bromo
One of Indonesia’s most iconic landscapes, Mount Bromo is an active volcano surrounded by the “Sea of Sand.” Day trips from Surabaya (about 3-4 hours each way) typically depart very early to catch the spectacular sunrise over the volcanic landscape.
Trowulan Archaeological Site
Explore the remains of the Majapahit Empire, one of Indonesia’s most powerful ancient kingdoms. Located about 60 km southwest of Surabaya, this site features temple ruins, bathing pools, and a museum housing artifacts from the 13th-15th centuries.
Adventure Awaits
Book a guided tour to Mount Bromo or other natural wonders around Surabaya.
Sports and Recreation
Surabaya has several sports facilities open to visitors, including swimming pools, tennis courts, and golf courses. The Ciputra Golf Club offers an 18-hole course designed by Andy Dye in a scenic setting. For a more local experience, join the morning tai chi sessions that take place in many of the city’s parks.
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Understanding local customs and practicing appropriate etiquette will enhance your experience in Surabaya and show respect for the local culture.
Safety Tips
- Surabaya is generally safe for tourists, but take standard precautions against petty theft, especially in crowded areas.
- Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night.
- Use reputable transportation services rather than hailing unknown vehicles.
- Drink bottled water and be cautious with street food if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport rather than the original when exploring the city.
- Be prepared for occasional flooding during the rainy season (October-April).
- Have the contact information for your country’s embassy or consulate.
- Purchase travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.
Cultural Etiquette
Greetings & Interactions
Indonesians typically greet with a gentle handshake and a slight nod. Using your right hand for giving, receiving, eating, and handshakes is important, as the left hand is considered unclean. Learning a few basic Indonesian phrases like “Terima kasih” (thank you) and “Permisi” (excuse me) will be appreciated.
Religious Respect
When visiting mosques, remove your shoes, dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees), and women should cover their hair. During Ramadan, be respectful by not eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.
Photography
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas or at religious sites. Some locations may charge a small fee for photography or prohibit it entirely.
Dress Code
Surabaya has a tropical climate, so lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended. However, modest dress is appreciated, particularly when visiting religious sites. In upscale restaurants, shopping malls, and business settings, smart casual attire is appropriate. Beachwear should be reserved for beach areas only.
Practical Travel Tips
These practical tips will help you navigate Surabaya more smoothly and make the most of your visit.
Money Matters
- The Indonesian currency is the Rupiah (IDR)
- ATMs are widely available in shopping malls and business districts
- Major credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants
- Carry small bills for taxis, street food, and small purchases
- Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service (10% is generous)
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for affordable data (available at the airport)
- Download Grab or Gojek apps for transportation and food delivery
- Google Translate is helpful for language barriers
- Download offline maps before your trip
- WiFi is available in most hotels, cafes, and shopping malls
Health & Comfort
- Stay hydrated in the tropical heat
- Carry tissues or wet wipes (some public restrooms lack toilet paper)
- Bring insect repellent, especially for evening activities
- Pack a small first-aid kit with basic medications
- Schedule outdoor activities for morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat
Suggested Itineraries
One Day in Surabaya
- Start at House of Sampoerna and take their free heritage bus tour
- Explore the Arab Quarter and Ampel Mosque
- Lunch at a local warung for authentic East Javanese cuisine
- Visit the Submarine Monument
- End the day with sunset views from Suramadu Bridge
Three Days in Surabaya
- Day 1: Historical sites (House of Sampoerna, Heroes Monument, Old Town)
- Day 2: Cultural experiences (Mpu Tantular Museum, Chinatown, traditional markets)
- Day 3: Day trip to Mount Bromo or Trowulan Archaeological Site
Local Insight: The “Suroboyo Bus” accepts plastic bottles as payment instead of money—an innovative eco-friendly initiative. Collect empty plastic bottles during your trip and use them for a unique transportation experience while contributing to the city’s sustainability efforts.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Surabaya offers diverse shopping experiences, from modern malls to traditional markets where you can find unique souvenirs and local products.
What to Buy
Batik
East Java has distinctive batik patterns, particularly from nearby Madura Island. Look for the characteristic bold colors and maritime motifs that differ from Central Javanese styles. Quality pieces can be found at Mirota Batik or the upper floors of Tunjungan Plaza.
Food Souvenirs
Bring home alang-alang (ginger cookies), sambal (chili paste), or krupuk (crackers) unique to East Java. The food court level of most shopping malls has stores selling packaged local specialties perfect for gifts.
Handicrafts
Look for handmade items from East Java, including pottery, woven bamboo products, and silver jewelry. The Mirota handicraft store offers a curated selection of quality items from around the region.
Shopping Destinations
Traditional Markets
Pasar Atum is Surabaya’s largest traditional market, offering everything from textiles to electronics at bargain prices. Pasar Genteng specializes in fabrics and traditional snacks. Remember to haggle—it’s expected and part of the experience!
Modern Shopping
Tunjungan Plaza, Surabaya Town Square (Sutos), and Grand City Mall offer air-conditioned comfort with international and local brands. For a premium shopping experience, visit Ciputra World or Galaxy Mall in the eastern part of the city.
Ready to Explore Surabaya?
Surabaya may not be Indonesia’s most famous destination, but this vibrant city rewards travelers with authentic cultural experiences, fascinating historical sites, and delicious culinary adventures without the tourist crowds found in Bali or Jakarta. From exploring Dutch colonial architecture to savoring unique East Javanese cuisine, Surabaya offers a genuine glimpse into Indonesian urban life and serves as an excellent gateway to the natural wonders of East Java.
Whether you’re spending a few days in the city or using it as a base to explore Mount Bromo and beyond, Surabaya’s warm hospitality and rich heritage will leave you with memorable experiences and a deeper appreciation for Indonesia’s diverse culture. Pack your bags, bring your curiosity, and discover why Indonesia’s “City of Heroes” deserves a spot on your travel itinerary!
Start Planning Your Surabaya Adventure Today
Find the best flights, accommodations, and experiences for your trip to East Java’s vibrant capital.
The above is subject to change.
Check back often to TRAVEL.COM for the latest travel tips and deals.
