Things To Do
in Surabaya
Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, is a vibrant metropolitan area known for its rich history and cultural diversity. Strategically located on the northeastern coast of Java Island, it is a significant economic and commercial hub, serving as a gateway to eastern Indonesia.
The city blends modern urban life with historical landmarks, including the iconic Heroes Monument and the intricately designed Cheng Hoo Mosque, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Apa kabar?" - How are you?
- "Sama-sama" - You're welcome
- "Selamat malam" - Good evening
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.25 - $0.75
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $10 - $30
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Surabaya Monument. Enjoy a local breakfast at a nearby café.
Explore the vibrant Tunjungan Plaza for shopping and dining. Don't miss the chance to try some local delicacies.
Wind down at the stunning Suramadu Bridge, especially beautiful at sunset. Grab dinner at a nearby seafood restaurant.
Visit the House of Sampoerna to learn about Indonesia's rich tobacco history. Enjoy a traditional breakfast in a nearby warung.
Head to the Heroes Monument and Museum for a deep dive into Surabaya's role in Indonesian independence. Take some time to relax in the park surrounding the monument.
Enjoy an evening stroll down the bustling Jalan Raya Darmo. Delight in local street food offerings for dinner.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and diverse communities.
- Strategic location as a major trade and transportation hub.
- Affordable cost of living compared to other Indonesian cities like Jakarta.
- Vibrant culinary scene offering various traditional dishes.
- Proximity to beautiful beaches and natural attractions.
- Traffic congestion during peak hours.
- Air pollution due to industrial activities.
- Limited access to international health care facilities.
- Flooding issues during the rainy season.
- Higher crime rates in certain areas.
Best Activities in Surabaya
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
A waterfront complex featuring dining, shopping, and entertainment options with views of the city skyline and the Surabaya Strait.
Cross the bridge and enjoy the panoramic views of the Madura Strait, with options for walking and cycling.
A popular urban park with a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for picnics, relaxation, and people-watching.
Tours
Uncover the best of Surabaya with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Surabaya
Visit one of these nice places.
A large shopping mall with an observation deck offering panoramic views of Surabaya
A bridge connecting Surabaya and Madura island, providing stunning views of the city and the strait
A shop with a rooftop cafe that provides a great vantage point for capturing the cityscape
Food in Surabaya
Surabaya Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Javanese beef soup flavored with keluak (black nut) and a blend of local spices, often served with rice and sambal. Must-try at Warung Bu Kris or Rumah Makan Putri in the old town area.
Must-Try!
A unique salad dish featuring marinated cow lips, mixed with vegetables, fruits, and a sweet and spicy shrimp paste sauce. Best enjoyed at Pasar Genteng or at Rujak Cingur Mbak Min.
A popular street food dish made of rice cakes, bean sprouts, fried tofu, and lentho (fried mung bean fritter), served with savory fermented soybean sauce. Look for it at Lontong Balap Pak Gendut or Lontong Balap Pahlawan.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Surabaya better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the oldest and most iconic food markets in Surabaya, offering a wide array of street food stalls selling local delights such as Rujak Cingur, Sate Klopo, and local seafood dishes.
A bustling traditional market with numerous street food vendors selling popular snacks like Otak-Otak, Sate Madura, and an assortment of traditional cakes and desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Surabaya, it is customary to greet people with a Salam, which involves a handshake and a slight bow. This is a sign of respect and politeness.
Respect for elders is an important cultural norm in Surabaya. Always use polite language and show deference to older individuals.
It's important to be aware of and respectful towards local customs and traditions. Always be mindful of local practices and norms.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Surabaya with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Surabaya
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Surabaya, Indonesia. It is not expected in restaurants, hotels, or for taxi services.
Payment in Surabaya, Indonesia is commonly done in cash, especially for smaller purchases. However, larger establishments and tourist areas may accept credit cards. It's important to have some cash on hand for transactions in local markets and smaller shops.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Surabaya.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Surabaya is during the dry season, from June to September. During this time, you can expect less rain, lower humidity, and sunny weather, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The wet season in Surabaya usually occurs from October to May, with the peak of rainfall between November and March. During this time, you can expect heavy rain, high humidity, and occasional thunderstorms, which may limit outdoor activities.
Surabaya at Night
Hiking in Surabaya
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The highest mountain in Java, Mount Semeru offers challenging hiking trails with stunning views. A popular spot for experienced hikers.
Famous for its iconic Mount Bromo, this national park provides various hiking routes with breathtaking scenery, including the unique sea of sand.
Located in East Java, Mount Arjuno is known for its cooler climate and beautiful landscapes. The hike is moderate and suitable for various skill levels.
An active volcano offering scenic views and unique geological features. The hiking trails vary in difficulty, accommodating different levels of hikers.
This park offers several easy hiking trails in a forested area, making it perfect for family outings and leisurely walks.
A less crowded hiking spot that offers a moderate trail suitable for beginners to intermediate hikers, with beautiful views at the summit.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Surabaya through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Surabaya by plane.
The main airport serving Surabaya, Indonesia, located approximately 12 km from the city center.
Located in Bali, approximately 139 km from Surabaya. It's one of the busiest international airports in Indonesia.
Located on Batam Island, about 450 km from Surabaya, serves as a gateway to Singapore and Malaysia.
Located in Jakarta, approximately 750 km from Surabaya, it is the largest and busiest airport in Indonesia.
Located near Medan, approximately 1,200 km from Surabaya, serves as a major international hub in Sumatra.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Surabaya, making up a significant portion of the population.
Another major ethnic group in Surabaya, though smaller than the Javanese.
A prominent minority group with a significant presence in commerce and trade.
A smaller demographic known for their contributions to the cultural and business sectors.
A group from North Sumatra, contributing to the diverse cultural landscape of Surabaya.
Includes Madurese, Minangkabau, and various other tribes from across Indonesia.
The Soul of Surabaya
Discover the essence of Surabaya through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Surabaya, with numerous local clubs and strong local support, especially for the Persebaya Surabaya football team.
Badminton is widely played in Surabaya, with many players participating in both social and competitive levels, reflecting Indonesia's strength in the sport.
Basketball has gained popularity in Surabaya, with various local leagues and tournaments contributing to its growth among the youth.
Volleyball is a common sport played in schools and communities, and often features in local competitions.
Various forms of martial arts, including Pencak Silat, are practiced widely in Surabaya, showcasing the country’s cultural heritage.
Motorsports, including motorcycle racing, have a dedicated following in Surabaya, with enthusiasts organizing events and clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Surabaya.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Surabaya's traditional cuisine heavily features meat and seafood, many restaurants and cafes in the city, especially in the westernized areas, offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes such as Gado-Gado, Tahu Campur, and various meat-free noodle and rice dishes.
Gluten-free options can be found in some western-style cafes and restaurants, offering dishes like grilled fish or chicken, salads, and fruit-based desserts. It's advisable to communicate your dietary needs clearly to the staff.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Surabaya with these cultural adventures.
