Flights from Siem Reap (SAI) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is a dynamic port city where heritage warehouses, graceful colonial buildings, and modern towers sit side by side. You will find a busy waterfront, leafy neighbourhoods, and a growing creative scene that makes the city an engaging base for both short stays and longer explorations.

What to expect
The city stretches along the coast with distinct districts, from the historic quarters near the port to contemporary business and shopping areas. Wide roads, substantial industrial areas, and bustling local streets create an energetic pace, while riverside promenades and compact parks offer quieter corners to pause.

Plan your trip
Surabaya works well as both a stand-alone city break and a practical starting point for exploring East Java. With good onward connections to mountain landscapes, highland towns, and coastal escapes, it serves as a convenient gateway to a wider journey through the region.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore this well-preserved heritage complex set in a former mansion, with exhibits on local industry and architecture, plus a charming surrounding neighbourhood.

Surabaya Submarine Monument

Step inside a decommissioned submarine on the riverbank and walk through its narrow corridors for a close look at maritime history.

Old Town and Arab Quarter

Wander among narrow lanes, historic shopfronts, and traditional trading streets that showcase Surabaya's long-standing role as a port city.

Tunjungan Street

Stroll along this central boulevard lined with shops, eateries, and landmark buildings, especially lively in the evenings and on weekends.

Suramadu Bridge viewpoints

Head towards viewpoints near the Suramadu Bridge to admire expansive views across the strait and the impressive span linking Java and Madura.

Kenjeran seaside area

Visit the Kenjeran coastal area for sea views, breezy promenades, and a relaxed atmosphere away from the city centre.

City parks and green pockets

Take a break in Surabaya's maintained parks and pocket gardens, which offer shaded walking paths and open lawns within the urban landscape.

Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most convenient way to move between Surabaya's spread-out districts. For a more local feel, you can use city buses on main corridors, then walk short distances to explore individual streets and alleys at a slower pace.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Surabaya revolves around busy markets, corner shops, and informal eateries, where conversations flow from early morning to late at night. You will notice a strong trading spirit, with many families involved in small businesses, and a growing creative community shaping art spaces and local events.

Where to unwind
Throughout the city you will find compact parks, riverside walks, and neighbourhood squares that are ideal for a gentle stroll. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially pleasant, when temperatures ease and residents gather outdoors for exercise, socialising, and enjoying the evening breeze.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for flavourful noodle dishes, satay, and hearty rice plates served from small stalls and casual eateries. Lively areas near traditional markets and older neighbourhoods offer dense clusters of vendors where you can sample local favourites in a single walk.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and newer commercial districts host a broad mix of cafés, bakeries, and contemporary restaurants, ideal when you want air-conditioned comfort and variety in one place. Menus often feature smaller sharing plates, making it easy to try several dishes with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for restaurants with rooftop terraces or higher floors that offer views of the skyline, river, or busy streets below. Hotel venues and standalone establishments across central Surabaya provide relaxed, well-designed settings for lingering over an unhurried lunch or dinner.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya's large malls combine international labels, local brands, and entertainment, making them popular social hubs. You can easily pair shopping with cinema visits, casual meals, and time in well-cooled indoor spaces, especially welcome on warmer afternoons.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and older commercial streets are ideal for browsing everyday goods, textiles, and simple souvenirs. Districts near the traditional trading quarters reveal long-standing family shops and stalls, giving you a sense of the city's commercial roots.

Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and mall exteriors are lit with colourful signs, while some areas host evening pop-up stalls and open-air events. Many centres stay open into the night, and you can rely on taxis and ride-hailing services to get back to your hotel comfortably.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau, May to October, shoulder season)
During the dry season, Surabaya is typically warm to hot, around 27–33°C (81–91°F), with lower humidity and plenty of sunshine. It is a comfortable time for city walks, coastal visits, and day trips to nearby highland areas under usually clear skies.

Transitional months (April and November, shoulder season)
In April and November, you can expect mixed conditions, with warm days around 27–32°C (81–90°F) and occasional showers. These months offer a pleasant balance of bright weather and refreshing rain, with a generally relaxed travel atmosphere and fewer crowds at key spots.

Wet season (Musim Hujan, December to March, low season)
The wet season brings higher humidity, frequent showers, and temperatures around 26–31°C (79–88°F). Rainfall often comes in short, heavier bursts, leaving cooler periods in between, which can be ideal for enjoying indoor attractions, cafés, and Surabaya's many malls.

Frequently Asked Questions