Flights from Penang (PEN) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya blends modern urban energy with historic charm and a proud maritime heritage. As one of Indonesia's largest cities, it offers leafy boulevards, characterful old quarters, and access to dramatic volcanic landscapes nearby.

What to expect
You will find a busy port city with wide streets, shopping malls, and districts that still reflect Dutch-era architecture. Neighbourhoods like the old town and the riverfront area reveal a slower pace, with cafés, museums, and a growing creative scene.

Plan your trip
Surabaya works both as a standalone city break and a starting point for wider East Java adventures. From here, you can explore Mount Bromo, waterfalls, and coastal areas, while still returning to a city with reliable transport, accommodation, and dining options.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Walk through a beautifully preserved historic complex with galleries that tell the story of Surabaya's industrial and cultural past.

Suramadu National Bridge

Drive or ride across this impressive bridge linking Java and Madura and enjoy expansive views of the Madura Strait.

Tunjungan Street

Stroll along this central boulevard lined with landmarks, hotels, and shops that showcase the city's modern side.

Submarine Monument (Monkasel)

Step inside a decommissioned submarine on the riverfront and learn about Indonesia's naval history in an immersive setting.

Kampung Arab

Explore narrow lanes filled with traditional houses, small stores, and a distinctive blend of local architecture and culture.

Kenjeran Park and coastal area

Head to the seaside for breezy views, open spaces, and a relaxed atmosphere away from the city centre.

Surabaya North Quay

Visit the passenger terminal overlooking the harbour, where you can watch cruise ships and enjoy sunset views over the port.

Bromo day and overnight trips

Use Surabaya as your base for organised trips to Mount Bromo, known for its otherworldly caldera and sunrise viewpoints.

Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Surabaya is best explored using a mix of taxis, ride-hailing services, and modern buses for longer journeys across town. In compact areas like the old town, walking lets you appreciate heritage details up close, while hotel concierges can help arrange private cars for day trips.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Surabaya moves at a steady, business-like pace, with offices, universities, and port activity shaping the daytime rhythm. Coffee shops, relaxed eateries, and small galleries are popular meeting spots, especially in revitalised older neighbourhoods and around major shopping streets.

Where to unwind
When you need a break, head to city parks, riverside promenades, or the coastal strip near Kenjeran for open views and fresh air. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most pleasant times to be outside, with softer light and cooler temperatures for leisurely walks.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for hearty, flavourful dishes served at casual warungs and street stalls scattered across the city. Neighbourhoods around traditional markets and older districts are ideal for sampling local favourites in an informal setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find a wide choice of cafés, bakeries, and restaurants inside major malls and lifestyle centres, offering both Indonesian and international flavours. Portions are often generous yet reasonably sized, making it easy to share and try several different dishes in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose a restaurant in a high-rise hotel or along the waterfront to enjoy city or harbour views with your meal. Some venues pair Surabaya classics with modern presentation, creating a relaxed but refined atmosphere ideal for special occasions.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya is home to large, modern malls that bring together international brands, local designers, supermarkets, and entertainment under one roof. These centres double as social spaces, with spacious atriums, cinemas, and family-friendly facilities where you can easily spend a full day.

Markets & local crafts
For a more traditional experience, explore local markets and older shopping streets where independent traders sell textiles, everyday goods, and crafts. Areas around the old town and port district reveal smaller shops and stalls that offer a glimpse into long-established trading patterns.

Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and mall exteriors light up with colourful signs and a lively flow of visitors. Some areas stay busy well into the evening, especially at weekends, and are easy to reach by taxi or ride-hailing services from most hotels.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau) – peak season
From May to September, Surabaya experiences its dry season, with average temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F) and lower humidity. Clearer skies make this an appealing time for city sightseeing and trips to Mount Bromo, and it is considered the peak season for visitor numbers.

Transitional months – shoulder season
April and October sit between the main dry and wet periods, with temperatures near 28–31°C (82–88°F) and occasional short showers. These shoulder season months can bring a pleasant balance of sunshine and clouds, slightly quieter attractions, and good conditions for both urban and nature activities.

Rainy season (Musim Hujan) – low season
From November to March, the rainy season brings warmer, more humid days of about 27–30°C (81–86°F), with showers usually arriving in bursts rather than lasting all day. This low season offers lush greenery, fewer crowds at major sights, and comfortable conditions for indoor museums, malls, and cafés.

Frequently Asked Questions