Flights from London (LON) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is a dynamic port city that blends heritage streets, industrial energy, and a relaxed waterfront atmosphere. You will find colonial-era architecture, creative districts, and access to nature within easy reach of a major urban centre.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Madura Strait with broad avenues, green parks, and lively neighbourhoods such as Tunjungan and Darmo. Modern malls sit alongside traditional markets, while the riverfront and historic quarters give you an insight into Surabaya's trading past.

Plan your trip
Surabaya is an excellent base for exploring East Java, including Mount Bromo, Malang, and coastal escapes. With good road and air links, you can combine business or city sightseeing here with wider journeys across Java and the surrounding islands.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore a well-preserved colonial compound that now houses a museum, gallery spaces, and a café in one of Surabaya's most atmospheric districts.

Suramadu Bridge

Drive or be driven across this long bridge linking Java and Madura for sweeping views over the Madura Strait, especially striking in the evening light.

Tunjungan area

Wander a central neighbourhood where historic buildings sit near modern malls, creating a walkable area for shopping, dining, and people-watching.

Submarine Monument (Monkasel)

Step inside a decommissioned submarine on the riverbank to learn about maritime history and enjoy a different perspective on the city skyline.

Kampung Arab

Stroll through narrow lanes lined with traditional shop-houses selling textiles, perfumes, and household items in one of Surabaya's oldest quarters.

Kenjeran Park and beach

Head to the waterfront for sea breezes, photo spots, and open spaces that are especially lively around sunset and on weekends.

Bungkul Park

Join locals at this popular city park, where you can relax under the trees, sample nearby snacks, and enjoy the cooler hours of the late afternoon.

Ciputra World Surabaya

Combine shopping, dining, and entertainment at a modern lifestyle mall with a wide choice of international and local brands.

Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most practical way to move between central Surabaya, business districts, and malls. In selected areas you can also use buses or dedicated city transport corridors, then walk the last few minutes to your hotel or café.

Local life & culture
Surabaya has a proud, down-to-earth character, with wide boulevards, lively shop-houses, and a strong sense of local identity. Neighbourhoods come alive in the early morning and late afternoon, when residents gather in parks, along riversides, and at small community spaces.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as Bungkul Park and other city gardens offer shade and a calm break from traffic. For a wider horizon, the seafront at Kenjeran and riverside promenades are pleasant in the early morning or around sunset, when temperatures are more comfortable.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for bold, savoury flavours served at casual stalls and simple eateries. Around traditional markets and older neighbourhoods, you can sample noodles, rice dishes, and snacks that reflect East Java's distinctive cooking style.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In areas such as Tunjungan, Darmo, and around major malls, you will find cafés, food courts, and casual restaurants that are ideal for relaxed meals. Menus often mix Indonesian favourites with Asian and Western dishes, making it easy to share plates and try a variety of flavours.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, rooftop venues and hotel restaurants in central Surabaya offer city views and attentive service. Some overlook the skyline or river, giving you a sense of space while you enjoy carefully presented local and international cuisine.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya has several large malls that combine shopping, dining, and entertainment under one roof. In central areas you can browse international brands, local designers, and lifestyle stores, then pause in cafés or cinemas when you need a break.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller shopping streets are the best places to look for textiles, clothing, and household items with a local touch. Districts such as Tunjungan, around Pasar Atom, and parts of North Surabaya reveal a more traditional trading atmosphere.

Evening retail scene
Many malls stay open into the evening, when they become social hubs for families and friends. Streets around central shopping areas are pleasantly busy after dark, and you can usually reach them easily using taxis or ride-hailing services from most hotels.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau, May to October, peak season)
During the dry season, Surabaya is typically warm to hot, around 27–33°C (81–91°F), with lower humidity and plenty of sunshine. It is a comfortable time for city walks, day trips around East Java, and evening strolls in parks and waterfront areas.

Transition months (April and November, shoulder season)
In April and November, temperatures hover around 27–32°C (81–90°F) with occasional showers that tend to pass quickly. These months combine a lively city atmosphere with slightly fewer visitors, making it easier to enjoy attractions and book excursions at a relaxed pace.

Rainy season (Musim Hujan, December to March, low season)
The rainy season brings higher humidity and regular showers, with temperatures around 26–31°C (79–88°F). Rain often falls in bursts, leaving clear intervals for sightseeing, shopping, and café-hopping, and the surrounding countryside appears greener and more vibrant.

Frequently Asked Questions