Flights from Mumbai (BOM) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is a dynamic port city on the island of Java, known for its bustling streets, heritage architecture, and easy access to natural attractions. You will find a mix of modern developments and historic neighbourhoods, with a friendly, business-focused atmosphere.

What to expect
The city centres around broad avenues, waterfront areas, and lively commercial districts, with a skyline of office towers and shopping centres. Traditional quarters, leafy residential zones, and compact museums offer a more intimate side to Surabaya, while its café culture gives you plenty of places to pause between explorations.

Plan your trip
Surabaya works well as both a standalone destination and a starting point for wider journeys across East Java. You can use it as a base for day trips to coastal areas and volcanic landscapes, or connect onwards by air, rail, and road to other cities across Indonesia.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore a well-preserved historic compound with galleries and exhibits that trace the story of one of Surabaya’s best-known heritage brands.

Suramadu Bridge

Take in wide views from Indonesia’s first sea bridge, linking Surabaya with Madura Island and offering sweeping perspectives of the coastline.

Tunjungan area

Wander a central district lined with heritage buildings, modern malls, and hotels, where Surabaya’s commercial and social life come together.

Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam)

Step inside a preserved submarine by the riverfront and learn about its history through compact, easy-to-explore displays.

Kenjeran Park and beach area

Head to the waterfront for sea breezes, open spaces, and family-friendly attractions along the shoreline.

Old City (Kota Lama)

Discover streets lined with colonial-era architecture, photo-friendly facades, and local eateries tucked inside restored buildings.

Surabaya Zoo

Visit one of Indonesia’s longstanding urban zoos, home to a wide variety of animal species and shaded walking paths.

Experience Surabaya’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most convenient way to move between central districts, especially in the heat. Newer bus routes and local commuter services help you cover longer distances, while short walks around compact neighbourhoods are ideal for the final stretch.

Local life & culture
Surabaya has an energetic, entrepreneurial feel, with busy office crowds during the day and relaxed families and students filling cafés in the evening. Historic quarters, waterfront promenades, and small museums give you an insight into the city’s maritime and trading heritage.

Where to unwind
City parks, riverside paths, and coastal strips such as Kenjeran offer space to slow down away from traffic. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most comfortable times to stroll, enjoy the breeze, or find a quiet bench to watch daily life unfold.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya’s food stalls and small eateries are a highlight, serving bold, flavourful dishes that showcase East Javanese cooking. Busy local hubs and roadside clusters let you sample everything from noodle dishes to savoury snacks in a casual setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Air-conditioned malls and contemporary lifestyle complexes gather a wide choice of eateries in one place, from local favourites to international names. Portions are often ideal for sharing, so you can try several dishes across cafés, fast-casual spots, and sit-down restaurants in a single visit.

Signature & scenic dining
For something more memorable, look for rooftop venues, hotel restaurants, or places overlooking the city skyline and main boulevards. Many of these spots pair refined takes on local flavours with polished service and a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for a special evening in Surabaya.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya is known for its large, modern shopping centres that combine international fashion, local brands, cinemas, and family entertainment. These malls are popular meeting points, with wide corridors, food courts, and supermarkets all under one roof.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller neighbourhood streets are where you can look for textiles, everyday goods, and locally made souvenirs. Districts with older shopfronts and clusters of independent stores give you a more local feel and a chance to discover smaller labels.

Evening retail scene
Shopping districts stay active into the evening, with illuminated façades and cafés staying open as the heat eases. Some markets and street-side stalls become livelier after dark, and you can reach many of these areas easily by taxi, ride-hailing services, or local transport.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau, June to September, peak season)
During the dry season, days are generally sunny and warm, with average temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F). It is a popular time for outdoor exploring, day trips to nearby coastal areas, and clearer views over East Java’s landscapes.

Shoulder months (April to May, and October, shoulder season)
In these transition months, Surabaya sees a mix of sunshine and showers, with temperatures typically 27–31°C (81–88°F). The city feels lively yet not overly busy, making it pleasant for sightseeing, shopping, and evening walks once the day cools.

Rainy season (Musim Hujan, November to March, low season)
The rainy season brings more frequent showers, often in short, heavier bursts, while temperatures stay around 26–30°C (79–86°F). It is a comfortable time to enjoy Surabaya’s malls, cafés, and indoor attractions, with bright intervals between downpours adding variety to your day.

Frequently Asked Questions