Flights from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is Indonesia's second-largest city and the dynamic gateway to East Java, known for its maritime heritage, modern skyline, and lively portside neighbourhoods. You will find a mix of historic quarters, green boulevards, and contemporary developments shaping the cityscape.

What to expect
The city blends wide avenues and business districts with characterful old streets, riverside promenades, and cultural landmarks. Its waterfront areas, leafy parks, and local cafés give you a sense of everyday Indonesian urban life, while shopping centres and creative hubs offer modern comforts.

Plan your trip
Many travellers use Surabaya as a base for exploring East Java, including volcanic landscapes and coastal towns. With good onward connections by road and air, it works well as both a short city stay and a starting point for wider journeys across the region.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore a well-preserved historic complex, with exhibits on local industry and architecture set around a charming central courtyard.

Suramadu National Bridge

Drive or ride across this impressive bridge linking Surabaya with Madura Island, especially scenic in the soft light of early morning or evening.

Tunjungan Street

Stroll along this central boulevard lined with heritage buildings, vibrant shops, and city landmarks that come alive after dark.

Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam)

Step aboard a preserved submarine on the riverbank and learn about Indonesia's naval history in an unusual setting.

Old Town Surabaya

Wander through streets filled with colonial-era architecture, warehouses, and riverfront views that reveal the city’s trading past.

Kenjeran Park and Beach

Head to the coast to enjoy sea breezes, open spaces, and coastal views, a relaxing contrast to the bustle of central Surabaya.

Bungkul Park

Join locals in this popular urban park, where you can relax under the trees, people-watch, and enjoy the city’s outdoor atmosphere.

Galaxy Mall area

Combine shopping, dining, and entertainment in one of Surabaya’s key lifestyle districts, convenient for an air-conditioned escape.

Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most straightforward way to move around Surabaya, especially between the airport, central districts, and shopping areas. In select corridors, local buses and newer transport options complement the road network, while short walks or local transport cover the last stretch.

Local life & culture
Surabaya has the feel of a working port city, with busy commercial quarters balanced by residential neighbourhoods where cafés, parks, and small venues bring people together. Historic districts showcase older architecture and local businesses, while newer areas highlight the city’s growing creative and commercial energy.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as Bungkul Park and riverside promenades offer a welcome place to pause during the day. In the late afternoon and evening, cooler temperatures make outdoor walks more comfortable, and coastal areas provide open views and fresh air close to the urban core.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya's streets and simple eateries are ideal for discovering local flavours, from hearty rice dishes to snacks enjoyed on the go. Areas near traditional markets and older neighbourhoods are especially rich in small stalls where you can sample regional cooking styles.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres such as Tunjungan Plaza and Galaxy Mall gather many cafés and restaurants under one roof, making it easy to try different cuisines in one visit. Portions are often well sized for sharing, so you can order a few dishes and experience a wider range of tastes.

Signature & scenic dining
Across the city, you will find higher-floor restaurants, hotel venues, and riverside spots that pair dining with views of the skyline or waterfront. Evening is a popular time, when cooler air and city lights create a relaxed setting for a memorable meal.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya offers several large malls, including Tunjungan Plaza and Galaxy Mall, where international brands sit alongside local labels, cinemas, and family attractions. These complexes are popular gathering places, combining shopping, dining, and leisure in air-conditioned comfort.

Markets & local crafts
For a more local atmosphere, traditional markets and older commercial streets showcase everyday goods, textiles, and regionally made items. Districts near the old town and long-established trading areas are especially rich in small shops and stalls offering a more personal shopping experience.

Evening retail scene
After sunset, Surabaya’s main streets and malls stay lively, with illuminated façades and extended opening hours encouraging evening strolls. Night-time street stalls and casual vendors add to the atmosphere, and local transport options make it straightforward to reach key shopping districts after dark.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau, May to September, shoulder season)
During the dry season, Surabaya is typically hot and less humid, with daytime temperatures around 27–33°C (81–91°F). Clearer skies make it comfortable for city sightseeing and day trips, with many visitors timing outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

Transition months (April and October, shoulder season)
In April and October, the city transitions between wetter and drier periods, with temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F). You may encounter brief showers alongside sunny spells, creating a pleasant balance that suits both indoor exploration and shorter outdoor excursions.

Wet season (Musim Hujan, November to March, peak season)
The wet season brings higher humidity and more frequent showers, with temperatures typically 26–31°C (79–88°F). Rain often falls in bursts, leaving cooler intervals that can be refreshing for museum visits, shopping, and exploring Surabaya’s indoor attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions