Flights from Tokyo (TYO) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is a dynamic port city on the northeastern coast of Java, known for its wide boulevards, historic quarters, and lively waterfront. It blends a strong maritime heritage with a modern skyline, making it both a commercial hub and a convenient base for wider adventures.

What to expect
You can expect busy streets, bustling shopping streets, and characterful neighbourhoods that reveal Surabaya’s layered history. Stroll around the old quarter near the port, explore modern business districts, and enjoy the city’s growing café culture in between your sightseeing.

Plan your trip
Surabaya is an excellent gateway to East Java, with easy access to volcanic landscapes, cool highland retreats, and coastal escapes. Whether you are here for business or en route to natural attractions, the city’s hotels, transport links, and amenities make planning your journey straightforward.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Visit this historic complex set in a preserved Dutch-era building, featuring a museum and gallery spaces around a central courtyard.

Tunjungan Street

Walk along this central thoroughfare lined with shops, malls, and landmarks that showcase Surabaya’s modern city life.

Suramadu Bridge

Take in views from Indonesia’s first cross-sea bridge, linking Surabaya to Madura Island with sweeping panoramas, especially in the evening.

Old City (Kota Lama)

Explore streets near the port where heritage buildings and warehouses reflect Surabaya’s history as a major trading centre.

Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam)

Step inside a decommissioned submarine displayed beside the river and learn about its role in Indonesia’s maritime story.

Kenjeran Park and Beach

Head to the coast on the city’s edge for sea views, breezes, and family-friendly recreation areas by the water.

Bromo day-trip gateways

Use Surabaya as a starting point for organised excursions to Mount Bromo, one of East Java’s most famous volcanic landscapes.

Experience Surabaya’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and app-based ride services are the most convenient way to move between dispersed neighbourhoods and shopping areas. Within central districts, short walks let you explore streets and alleys at your own pace, while hotel concierges can help arrange drivers for day trips beyond the city.

Local life & culture
Daily life centres around busy markets, roadside stalls, and modern malls that double as social spaces. Wander through older quarters to see traditional trading activity, then contrast this with the contemporary feel of new business and residential districts that showcase Surabaya’s growing creative and entrepreneurial scene.

Where to unwind
Parks, riverside walks, and coastal spots around Kenjeran offer space to slow down after a day in traffic. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most pleasant times for outdoor strolls, when the light softens and temperatures ease, giving you a calmer side of the city.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for flavourful noodle, rice, and soup dishes served from simple stalls and casual eateries. Look for clusters of food vendors around traditional markets and busy intersections, where you can sample regional recipes that are loved by locals.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping malls across the city house food courts and casual restaurants serving Indonesian favourites alongside East Asian and Western options. The variety of small plates and set meals makes it easy to try different dishes in one sitting, whether you are grabbing a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner.

Signature & scenic dining
For more atmospheric meals, choose venues in high-rise hotels or restaurants overlooking the city and coastline. These spots often combine thoughtfully prepared menus with wide views, turning a business dinner or special occasion into a memorable part of your stay.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls form the core of Surabaya’s retail scene, bringing together international labels, local brands, cinemas, and dining under one roof. They offer a comfortable place to escape the heat, browse, and meet friends between work or sightseeing.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller shopping streets are where you can look for crafts, textiles, and everyday goods. Districts around the old town and established neighbourhoods are especially good for exploring side streets and independent shops that show a more local side of the city.

Evening retail scene
After dark, many malls stay lively, and certain streets take on a more relaxed, evening feel with illuminated shopfronts and late-opening eateries. It is easy to reach key retail areas by taxi or app-based rides, meaning you can enjoy night-time browsing without worrying about navigation.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (musim kemarau, May to October, shoulder season)
During the dry season, Surabaya is generally sunny and warm, with average temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F). Lower rainfall makes it comfortable for city walks and day trips to surrounding highlands, and clear skies often mean brighter coastal views.

Wet season (musim hujan, November to April, peak season)
The wet season brings short, intense showers, usually in the afternoon or evening, with temperatures around 27–31°C (81–88°F). The city remains busy, and the rain can bring cooler moments, fresher greenery, and dramatic skies, especially if you are exploring nearby landscapes.

Transitional months (around April and November, low season)
These shoulder-like periods bridge the shift between dry and wet seasons, with a mix of sunny spells and occasional showers. Temperatures typically sit near 28–31°C (82–88°F), and the changing weather can give your visit a varied, interesting atmosphere both in the city and on excursions.

Frequently Asked Questions