Complete Travel Guide Surabaya

Surabaya is the second-largest city in Indonesia and the capital of East Java Province. It’s known as the “City of Heroes” for its role in the Indonesian struggle for independence. Surabaya has a rich history, vibrant culture, delicious food, and plenty of attractions to explore. In this travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Surabaya, including the best places to visit, things to do, and where to eat and stay. Here is our travel guide Surabaya.

The city has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of Javanese, Chinese, and Arab influences. Visitors to Surabaya can explore several historical sites, including the Heroes Monument and Museum, the Surabaya Submarine Monument, and the House of Sampoerna Museum, which tells the story of Indonesia’s tobacco industry.

Surabaya is also known for its delicious cuisine, with a wide range of street food and local dishes to try. Some popular dishes include rawon (beef soup), soto ayam (chicken soup), and lontong balap (rice cake with bean sprouts and meatballs).

For shopping, Surabaya has several malls and markets, including the Tunjungan Plaza, the largest shopping mall in East Java. The city is also home to several parks and green spaces, including the Taman Bungkul and Taman Flora parks.

Overall, Surabaya is a vibrant and dynamic city that offers visitors a unique blend of culture, history, and modernity.

Heroic Monument Surabaya, Sura dan Baya statue, Suramadu Bridge, Plaza Tunjungan shopping mall, Heroic Monument Surabaya. Yogwi21, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Top Places to Visit:

Suramadu National Bridge – This 5.4-kilometer bridge connects Surabaya to the island of Madura and is the longest bridge in Indonesia.

House of Sampoerna – A museum and cigarette factory that showcases the history of Indonesia’s tobacco industry.

Tugu Pahlawan – A monument commemorating the heroes of Indonesia’s independence struggle.

Surabaya Zoo – The largest zoo in Southeast Asia with over 3,000 animals from 351 species.

Cheng Hoo Mosque – A mosque that combines Chinese and Islamic architecture, located in the area of Ampel.

Surabaya North Quay – A modern waterfront area with restaurants, cafes, and a promenade for leisurely walks.

Tunjungan Plaza – The largest shopping mall in Surabaya, with a wide range of local and international brands.

Surabaya Submarine Monument – A retired Russian submarine that has been turned into a museum.

Heroes Monument – A landmark monument in Surabaya dedicated to the heroes of the Indonesian Revolution.

Ciputra Waterpark – A fun water park with various slides, pools, and water attractions.

Surabaya Central Park, Graha SA Surabaya, Sanggar Agung Temple, Suramadu bridge, Surabaya Carnival Park, Museum 10 November, Pura Jagatnatha Perak, UNESA Lake. File:Surabaya_Central_Park.jpg: Everyone Sinks StarcoFile:Graha SA Surabaya.jpg: Everyone Sinks StarcoFile:Sanggar Agung Temple.jpg: Argio TJFile:Suramadu 3.jpg: Valen ShascaryoFile:Surabaya Carnival Park.jpg: Ilham AgengFile:Museum 10 November.jpg: Everyone Sinks StarcoFile:Pura Jagatnatha Perak.jpg: Everyone Sinks StarcoFile:UNESA Lake.jpg: Everyone Sinks Starcoderivative work: Badpuccini, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Things to Do:

Explore the old city of Surabaya and its historic buildings, including the Grahadi Building, the Surabaya City Hall, and the Grand Mosque of Surabaya.

Visit the Museum Mpu Tantular, which showcases the history and culture of East Java Province, located in Buduran, Sidorajo, East Java, a province of Indonesia.

Enjoy a traditional Javanese dance performance at the Balai Pemuda Cultural Center.

Try local Surabaya cuisine, such as soto ayam, rawon, and lontong balap.

Take a sunset cruise on the Kalimas River and see the city from a different perspective.

Visit the Surabaya Night Market, where you can find a wide range of street food, clothes, and souvenirs.

Attend a traditional Javanese music performance at the Sanggar Agung Temple.

Take a day trip to the nearby Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, known for its stunning volcanic landscapes.

Join a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Javanese dishes.

Attend a traditional Indonesian wedding ceremony at the Gereja Katedral Surabaya.

Where to Eat:

Depot Gang Lombok – A popular restaurant that serves authentic Surabaya dishes, such as rawon and soto ayam.

Warung Leko – A restaurant that specializes in traditional East Javanese dishes, such as nasi tumpang and lontong sayur.

Bebek Sinjay – A restaurant that serves crispy duck with traditional spices.

Depot Bu Rudy – A restaurant that serves a variety of Javanese dishes, including the famous lontong balap.

Sate Klopo Ondomohen – A restaurant that serves grilled meat skewers with coconut flavor.

Bubur Ayam Barokah – A restaurant that specializes in chicken porridge and other Indonesian breakfast dishes.

Depot Tiga Putra – A restaurant that serves traditional East Javanese dishes, including soto and rawon.

Taman suroboyo. Fighting shark and crocodile, the emblem of Surabaya since colonial times, derived from local folk etymology. Government of Surabaya, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Information to help you plan your trip to Surabaya

If you’re planning to visit Surabaya, here’s some information to help you plan your trip:

Best Time to Visit

Surabaya has a tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this time, you can enjoy sunny weather and lower humidity levels.

Transportation

Surabaya has a well-developed transportation system that includes taxis, public buses, and ride-sharing services. The city also has a network of train stations that connect it to other parts of Java Island. The Juanda International Airport is the main gateway to Surabaya and serves both domestic and international flights.

Accommodation

Surabaya has a wide range of accommodation options, including luxury hotels, budget hotels, and guesthouses. Some popular hotels in Surabaya include Sheraton Surabaya Hotel & Towers, Shangri-La Hotel Surabaya, and JW Marriott Hotel Surabaya.

Safety

Like any other city, Surabaya has its share of safety concerns. It’s important to take precautions and stay aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone or at night. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas, and keep your valuables safe.

Culture and Etiquette

Surabaya has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors are expected to respect local customs and etiquette. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, and remove your shoes before entering a mosque or temple. It’s also important to show respect to elders and authority figures.

Overall, Surabaya is a vibrant and exciting city with a rich cultural heritage and plenty to see and do. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or food, Surabaya has something for everyone.

Surabaya airport

Juanda International Airport (SUB) is the main airport serving Surabaya and the surrounding region. It’s located about 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from the city center and is one of the busiest airports in Indonesia.

Transportation to and from the airport is convenient, with several options available:

Taxi – Taxis are readily available at the airport and can take you to your destination in Surabaya. The journey takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Make sure to use the official taxi stand to avoid scams.
Bus – DAMRI buses operate between the airport and several locations in Surabaya, including Bungurasih Bus Terminal, Purabaya Bus Terminal, and Tunjungan Plaza. The bus service is frequent and affordable, making it a good option for budget travelers.
Train – The airport is connected to the Surabaya-Sidoarjo commuter train line, which provides easy access to several stations in Surabaya. The train runs every 30 minutes and is a good option for those traveling light.
Car rental – Several car rental companies have desks at the airport, making it easy to rent a car and explore Surabaya on your own.

Juanda International Airport has a modern and well-equipped terminal, with several restaurants, shops, and other amenities. There are also several lounges available for travelers with access to priority services.

Photo credit: ignartonosbg via Pixabay

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Travel Guide Surabaya | Top Attractions, Places to Visit, Things to Do, Where to Eat