Flights from Cebu (CEB) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is Indonesia's second-largest city, known for its energetic port, historic neighbourhoods, and access to East Java's dramatic landscapes. You will find a mix of heritage streets, leafy avenues, and modern developments that give the city a distinctive character.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Madura Strait, with busy commercial districts, restored colonial-era buildings, and waterfront promenades. Neighbourhoods such as Tunjungan and North Surabaya show different sides of local life, from contemporary malls to atmospheric old streets and bustling harbours.

Plan your trip
Surabaya is a practical base for exploring East Java, including Mount Bromo, Ijen, and nearby coastal towns. With good road and rail links, you can combine time in the city with day trips or longer excursions, making it a useful starting point for a wider regional journey.

Top sights in Surabaya

Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument)

Visit this striking city landmark, set in a landscaped square with a small museum and wide views of central Surabaya.

Surabaya North Quay

Walk along the waterfront terrace overlooking the busy port, with views of cruise ships and the Madura Strait.

House of Sampoerna

Explore a preserved historic complex with galleries and exhibits set in elegant early 20th-century buildings.

Tunjungan area

Stroll a central district where restored facades, hotels, and malls sit side by side, ideal for an easy city walk.

Kenjeran Park and beach area

Head to the coast for sea views, open promenades, and a cooler breeze, especially pleasant towards late afternoon.

Madura Strait bridges viewpoints

Take in photo-worthy perspectives of the long bridge across the Madura Strait from vantage points on the Surabaya side.

City parks and green spaces

Relax in Surabaya's well-tended parks, where shaded paths, ponds, and public art offer a calmer side of the city.

Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and app-based ride services are the most convenient way to move between Surabaya's spread-out districts. In the centre, you can pair short rides with relaxed walks around Tunjungan and the older northern quarters for a closer look at the architecture.

Local life & culture
Surabaya has a strong sense of local pride, reflected in its public spaces, waterfront promenades, and lively community events. You will notice a mix of traditional shophouses, contemporary buildings, and wide avenues, giving everyday neighbourhoods a varied and lived-in feel.

Where to unwind
Look for city parks and landscaped riverfront areas when you need a break from the tropical heat. Early morning and late afternoon are the most comfortable times to enjoy green spaces or a gentle stroll along the waterfront, when the light is softer and the air feels cooler.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for bold, flavourful dishes served at modest eateries and roadside stalls across the city. You will find comforting rice and noodle dishes, grilled favourites, and local snacks that reflect East Java's culinary traditions.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In central districts such as Tunjungan and around major malls, you can choose from casual restaurants, food courts, and cafés. Menus often combine local classics with regional and international options, and smaller portions or shared plates make it easy to sample a variety of dishes.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, seek out venues with elevated views over the city skyline or facing green, open spaces. Hotel restaurants and selected rooftop spots offer a quieter setting, where you can enjoy dinner while watching the lights of Surabaya come on after sunset.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya has several large malls where you can find international brands, lifestyle stores, and entertainment under one roof. These centres serve as social meeting points, with cafés and family attractions alongside fashion and homeware.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and traditional markets around older neighbourhoods are good places to look for local products and everyday goods. Districts close to the historic centre showcase smaller traders, where you can browse textiles, accessories, and simple souvenirs.

Evening retail scene
As the day cools, shopping streets and mall exteriors become livelier, with illuminated facades and more relaxed crowds. Many malls stay open into the evening, and local transport and taxis make it straightforward to reach key retail areas after dark.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau, May to October, shoulder season)
During the dry season, temperatures usually range from 26°C to 33°C (79°F to 91°F), with plenty of sunshine and lower humidity. This is a comfortable time for city walks and excursions to nearby highland areas, with clearer skies and fewer rainy interruptions.

Transition months (April and November, shoulder season)
April and November sit on the edge of the wet and dry seasons, with temperatures around 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F). You may experience brief showers mixed with sunny spells, creating fresher evenings and a lush feel to the city and surrounding countryside.

Rainy season (Musim Hujan, December to March, low season)
The rainy season brings more frequent showers and thunderstorms, typically in the late afternoon or evening, with temperatures near 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F). It is a good time to focus on indoor attractions, shopping, and dining, while enjoying the greener urban landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions