Flights from Shenzhen (SZX) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, blends a busy port heritage with creative modern energy. You will find broad boulevards, historic quarters, and a growing café culture that make it an engaging gateway rather than just a transit point.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Madura Strait, with commercial districts, leafy neighbourhoods, and riverside promenades. Colonial-era buildings, vibrant local streets, and contemporary malls sit side by side, giving you a varied urban landscape to explore in short, manageable bursts.

Plan your trip
Surabaya is a practical base for exploring East Java, from volcanic landscapes to coastal towns. Many travellers pair time in the city with journeys to Mount Bromo, the Ijen Plateau, or quieter beach areas, using Surabaya's transport links as a convenient starting and finishing point.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore a well-preserved historic compound with galleries, a small museum, and a view over one of Surabaya's atmospheric old neighbourhoods.

Tunjungan heritage area

Walk along Tunjungan Street to see restored colonial façades, modern cafés, and lively evening lights in the heart of the city.

Suramadu Bridge viewpoints

Head towards the waterfront to admire views of the long Suramadu Bridge linking Java and Madura, especially striking at dusk.

Kenjeran Beach

Visit Kenjeran for sea breezes, coastal walks, and simple seaside snacks, a pleasant contrast to the city centre's bustle.

Surabaya Submarine Monument

Step inside a preserved submarine on the riverfront and learn about Indonesia's naval history in an unusual museum setting.

Ciputra Waterpark

Cool off at one of Surabaya's largest waterparks, with slides and pools that are popular with families and groups of friends.

Merdeka Square and city parks

Stroll through central parks and open squares where locals gather in the early morning and late afternoon to relax and exercise.

Galaxy Mall promenade

Combine shopping with people-watching at this modern mall complex, which offers river views and a wide choice of dining options.

Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and app-based rides are the most straightforward way to move between districts, especially in the heat of the day. Within neighbourhoods, short walks or bicycle rides reveal local stalls and side streets that are easy to miss from a car.

Local life & culture
Surabaya has a strong sense of local pride, reflected in its independent cafés, creative murals, and community events. You will notice a relaxed, practical attitude to daily life, with residents gathering in small eateries, riverside paths, and neighbourhood sports fields in the early morning and evening.

Where to unwind
Green spaces and waterfront areas provide calm corners away from traffic. Visit city parks for shaded pathways, or head to the coast for fresh air and open horizons, particularly around sunrise and sunset when temperatures are more comfortable.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
You can sample fragrant rice dishes, skewers, and noodle bowls from humble stalls dotted around traditional neighbourhoods and late-night street clusters. Many local favourites are hearty and flavourful, making them ideal for a quick, satisfying meal between sightseeing stops.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and newer lifestyle complexes gather a wide range of eateries under one roof, from local chains to Asian and international concepts. Portions are often generous but reasonably sized, so you can comfortably share plates and try several dishes in one sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for venues with city views, rooftop terraces, or riverside seating that showcase Surabaya's lights after dark. Hotel restaurants and standalone spots in newer districts often pair thoughtful menus with calm, well-designed spaces, ideal for a lingering dinner.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres form social hubs in Surabaya, combining international brands, cinemas, supermarkets, and family-friendly entertainment. They are convenient places to pick up essentials, enjoy air-conditioned comfort, and explore both global labels and local designers.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller streets are where you find textiles, everyday goods, and regional snacks. Districts known for older shopfronts and small workshops reward slow exploration, especially if you are looking for simple souvenirs or practical items with local character.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, some streets and mall promenades become livelier with illuminated façades and extended trading hours. Night-time strolls through these areas can be combined with a relaxed meal, and they are generally easy to reach by taxi or app-based ride services.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (musim kemarau, June to September, peak season)
During the dry season, days are typically sunny and warm, around 27–32°C (81–90°F), with lower humidity and fewer showers. It is comfortable for city walks and day trips, and many travellers choose this period for clearer views on excursions into East Java.

Transitional months (April–May and October, shoulder season)
These months bridge the wetter and drier periods, with temperatures around 27–31°C (81–88°F). You may experience brief showers followed by bright skies, which can leave the air feeling fresh. It is a good time if you prefer slightly fewer visitors while still enjoying many outdoor activities.

Wet season (musim hujan, November to March, low season)
The wet season brings higher humidity and more frequent rain, often in short, intense bursts, with temperatures around 26–30°C (79–86°F). The city remains active, and green spaces look especially lush, so you can plan indoor attractions and shopping between showers.

Frequently Asked Questions