Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is a dynamic port city on the north coast of Java, blending historic trading heritage with a modern urban skyline. You will find a mix of colonial architecture, leafy neighbourhoods, and lively streets that offer an authentic window into contemporary Indonesian city life.

What to expect
The city stretches along the coast and inland, with distinct districts ranging from the old town around Jembatan Merah to newer commercial areas and waterfront promenades. Wide roads, sizeable malls, and green spaces give Surabaya a spacious feel, while traditional markets and side streets keep its character close at hand.

Plan your trip
Surabaya is an excellent starting point for exploring East Java, including volcanic landscapes and coastal towns. With strong domestic connections and good road links, you can use the city as a base for wider adventures while still enjoying comfortable hotels, varied dining, and urban conveniences.

Top sights in Surabaya

Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument)

Visit this striking landmark set in peaceful grounds and learn about Surabaya's role in Indonesia's modern history.

House of Sampoerna

Explore a well-preserved heritage complex with a small museum, art spaces, and a glimpse into Surabaya's past as a trading hub.

Surabaya Submarine Monument

Step inside a preserved submarine on the riverfront and see compact cabins, equipment, and displays about maritime life.

Old Town (Kota Tua)

Wander past historic warehouses and colonial-era buildings, capturing the atmosphere of Surabaya's trading heyday.

Taman Bungkul

Relax in this central park, popular with locals for evening strolls, casual gatherings, and open-air events.

Kenjeran Park and Beach

Enjoy sea views, coastal breezes, and photo spots along Surabaya's shoreline, especially pleasant in the late afternoon.

Surabaya North Quay

Head to the harbourfront to watch cruise ships dock, enjoy the skyline, and take in ocean views at sunset.

Surabaya Zoo

Spend a relaxed few hours exploring one of the country's oldest zoos, home to a wide range of animal species.

Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Surabaya is best explored using metered taxis or ride-hailing services for longer distances, as the city is quite spread out. Public buses and newer transport options connect main corridors, while walking is comfortable within specific districts and parks for last-mile journeys.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Surabaya moves at a steady, purposeful pace, with residents gathering in parks, cafés, and open-air spaces after work. Traditional markets sit alongside modern shopping centres, and neighbourhood streets often come alive in the evening with small stalls, music, and friendly social interaction.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as Taman Bungkul and riverside promenades offer pockets of calm amid the city. Waterfront areas, including Kenjeran and the North Quay, are ideal for a leisurely stroll in the late afternoon, when the light softens and the sea breeze makes the temperature more comfortable.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for flavourful local dishes served at simple eateries and roadside stalls. You can sample favourites in neighbourhood food streets and around busy intersections, where vendors prepare everything to order and meals are enjoyed in an informal, convivial setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Air-conditioned malls and contemporary lifestyle complexes offer convenient dining options with a broad mix of regional Indonesian, Asian, and international flavours. Smaller portions and shared plates are common, giving you the chance to try several dishes across different venues in a single meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, look for restaurants in high-rise hotels or at waterfront locations that provide wide city or harbour views. These settings combine refined menus with a relaxed atmosphere, turning dinner into an occasion, whether you are celebrating or simply marking the end of a day of exploring.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya has several large malls that serve as social and lifestyle hubs, bringing together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining. These centres are comfortably air-conditioned and make it easy to combine shopping, a meal, and entertainment in one visit.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller commercial streets are the best places to find local textiles, crafts, and everyday goods. Areas around the old town and older commercial quarters feature narrow lanes with family-run shops and stalls that have served the community for generations.

Evening retail scene
As temperatures ease after dark, many shopping streets and mall exteriors become pleasantly lit and more animated. Small stalls, snack vendors, and late-opening stores create a relaxed, sociable atmosphere, and local transport or ride-hailing services make it straightforward to get back to your hotel.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (musim kemarau, May to October, shoulder season)
During the dry season, Surabaya is generally hot and less humid, with temperatures around 27–33°C (81–91°F). Clearer skies make it a good time for city sightseeing and excursions to nearby landscapes, with fewer interruptions from heavy showers.

Wet season (musim hujan, November to April, peak season)
The wet season brings higher humidity and regular afternoon showers, with temperatures typically between 26–32°C (79–90°F). Short, intense rain is common, but you will still enjoy bright mornings, lush parks, and comfortable conditions in malls and indoor attractions.

Transitional months (around April and November, low season)
In the weeks when the seasons shift, weather can alternate between dry, sunny days and brief downpours. Temperatures hover around 27–32°C (81–90°F), and this mix of conditions can be ideal if you enjoy quieter attractions and flexible sightseeing that balances indoor and outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions