Flights from Cape Town (CPT) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is Indonesia's second-largest city and the main gateway to East Java, blending a busy port-city energy with leafy neighbourhoods and historic quarters. You will find a mix of heritage architecture, modern business districts, and a friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere.

What to expect
The city stretches along the coast, with the old port area, Chinatown, and Arab Quarter offering narrow streets and traditional shophouses, while newer districts feature malls, hotels, and business towers. Traffic is lively, but wide boulevards, green spaces, and riverside promenades balance the urban pace.

Plan your trip
Surabaya is a practical base for exploring East Java, including Mount Bromo, the cool highlands around Malang, and coastal towns along the Java Sea. With a good range of hotels, dining options, and transport links, it works well for both short stopovers and longer journeys through the region.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore a well-preserved heritage complex with an engaging museum, historic architecture, and views over one of Surabaya's most atmospheric neighbourhoods.

Suramadu National Bridge

Drive or ride across this impressive bridge linking Java and Madura Island for expansive sea views, especially striking in the evening light.

Tunjungan Heritage Street

Stroll past colonial-era buildings and restored facades along this central boulevard, which now mixes cafés, hotels, and local shops.

Submarine Monument (Monkasel)

Step inside a real decommissioned submarine displayed beside the river and learn about Indonesia's maritime history in an unusual setting.

Surabaya North Quay

Watch cruise ships and harbour activity from this waterfront promenade, with open views of the busy port and coastline.

Mangunan Park and Green Spaces

Escape the bustle in city parks and riverside areas, where walking paths and shaded benches offer a calm pause in the day.

Ciputra Waterpark

Cool off at this family-friendly waterpark, featuring slides, pools, and themed zones suited to a relaxed afternoon out.

Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the most practical way to move around Surabaya, especially between the airport, hotels, and malls. In central areas, pavements and pedestrian crossings make short walks manageable, while occasional city tours give a simple overview for first-time visitors.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Surabaya centres on neighbourhood streets, small cafés, and community parks where people meet after work and in the early evening. You will notice a mix of traditional shophouses and modern buildings, with a strong sense of local pride reflected in murals, monuments, and public events.

Where to unwind
To unwind, seek out riverside promenades, landscaped parks, and hotel pools that offer a quiet break from the busy roads. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most comfortable times for walks, when temperatures ease and the city softens into a gentler rhythm.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Street stalls and simple eateries are where Surabaya's flavours stand out, with aromatic rice dishes, grilled meats, and noodle soups served from early morning until late at night. Busy corners near markets and older neighbourhoods are ideal for tasting local favourites in a lively setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping malls and new lifestyle complexes bring together cafés, bakeries, and restaurants offering Indonesian and international menus in one place. Many venues are designed for sharing plates, so you can sample several dishes in a single meal while enjoying air-conditioned spaces and convenient opening hours.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose hotel restaurants with skyline views or venues overlooking the river and city lights. Some rooftop and upper-floor spaces frame Surabaya's broad avenues and illuminated buildings, turning dinner into a relaxed way to take in the scale of the city.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya is known for its large shopping malls, where international brands, local labels, cinemas, and family attractions sit under one roof. These complexes are popular meeting points, offering cool spaces to shop, dine, and spend a comfortable afternoon indoors.

Markets & local crafts
Away from the malls, traditional markets and older streets are good places to look for textiles, batik, and everyday household items. Districts near the old town and port area host smaller shops and stalls where you can browse at a slower pace and see more of local commercial life.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, malls stay busy, and some streets around them come alive with pop-up stalls and casual outdoor seating. Illuminated facades and cooler temperatures make window-shopping more pleasant, and public transport, taxis, and ride-hailing services help you return to your hotel easily after dark.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau, May to October, shoulder season)
During the dry season, Surabaya is typically hot and less humid, with average temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F). Clearer skies make it easier to explore the city and plan side trips to nearby highlands or coastal areas.

Wet season (Musim Hujan, November to April, peak season)
The wet season brings short, often intense showers, usually in the late afternoon or evening, with temperatures around 27–31°C (81–88°F). The rain refreshes the city, and you can comfortably enjoy indoor attractions, malls, and dining while waiting out passing storms.

Transitional months (around April and November, low season)
The months at the edges of the seasons can feel changeable, with a mix of sunny spells and occasional showers, and temperatures near 28–31°C (82–88°F). These periods can offer a quieter feel, with plenty of time to enjoy Surabaya's urban sights at a relaxed pace.

Frequently Asked Questions