Flights from Bandar Seri Begawan (BWN) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is a dynamic port city that blends historic neighbourhoods, broad boulevards, and a busy harbour with a modern business centre. You will find a straightforward, welcoming atmosphere and an excellent base for exploring East Java and its natural landmarks.

What to expect
The city stretches along the coast with character-filled quarters, leafy residential areas, and a compact core of offices, malls, and hotels. Everyday life moves at a steady pace, with traffic that is lively but manageable and a growing network of cafés, parks, and public spaces to explore.

Plan your trip
Surabaya works well as both a short city break and a launchpad to nearby attractions such as Mount Bromo and the highland towns. With its rail, road, and air connections across Java and beyond, it is an efficient gateway for discovering more of Indonesia.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore a beautifully preserved Dutch-era compound that now houses a museum, gallery, and café in one of Surabaya's most atmospheric quarters.

Suramadu Bridge

Take in sweeping views from Indonesia's longest bridge, linking Surabaya to Madura Island and offering striking city and sea vistas, especially at dusk.

Tunjungan heritage area

Stroll past restored colonial-era buildings, historic hotels, and bustling shopfronts in this central district that showcases Surabaya's architectural past.

Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam)

Step aboard a decommissioned submarine on the riverfront and get a close look at life inside a former naval vessel turned city landmark.

Kenjeran Park and beach

Head to the coast for sea breezes, family attractions, and open spaces that are especially lively in the late afternoon and early evening.

Merdeka Square and Heroes Monument

Visit this central area to see prominent monuments, green spaces, and civic buildings that reflect Surabaya's role in Indonesia's modern history.

Surabaya Zoo and surrounding park

Spend a relaxed few hours at one of Indonesia's oldest zoos, set beside shady trees and walking paths close to the city centre.

Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm

Getting around
In Surabaya, main journeys are most convenient by taxi or ride-hailing services, which connect hotels, malls, and business districts efficiently. City buses and local minibuses serve popular routes, while walking is pleasant in central areas such as Tunjungan for short hops between sights.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Surabaya is shaped by its role as a trading hub, with lively streets, cafés, and food stalls opening from early morning. Neighbourhoods range from historic quarters with low-rise buildings to modern areas with offices and apartments, giving you a varied sense of the city in a single day.

Where to unwind
You can unwind in city parks, riverside promenades, and along the seafront at Kenjeran, where the sea breeze offers welcome relief. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most comfortable times to enjoy outdoor spaces, with soft light and a relaxed atmosphere ideal for strolling.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for bold flavours and hearty dishes, which you will find at roadside stalls, casual eateries, and simple cafés across the city. Areas around traditional markets and older neighbourhoods are especially good for sampling local specialities in an informal setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Modern malls and lifestyle centres host a wide range of cafés, bakeries, and restaurants, from Indonesian favourites to popular Asian and Western options. Many venues offer smaller portions or sharing-style menus, so you can comfortably try several dishes in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, look for restaurants in upper floors of hotels or towers that overlook the city lights and major boulevards. Some venues near the waterfront or riverside provide a relaxed backdrop, combining open-air seating with views of Surabaya's skyline.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya offers large, modern shopping centres where you will find international brands, local labels, dining, and entertainment under one roof. These malls double as social spaces, with cinemas, family attractions, and comfortable seating areas for a relaxed break between shops.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller commercial streets feature textiles, everyday goods, and regional souvenirs. Districts with older shophouses and side streets around the city centre are particularly good for browsing independent stores and discovering items with a local touch.

Evening retail scene
After dark, certain streets and mall areas stay lively with illuminated façades, extended opening hours, and open-air stalls. Night-time shopping zones are easy to reach by taxi or ride-hailing services, letting you enjoy the cooler evening air while you explore.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (musim kemarau, May to October, shoulder season)
During the dry season, days are generally sunny and warm, with average temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F). This period offers more predictable weather, making it comfortable for sightseeing, coastal visits, and day trips to surrounding highland areas.

Transition months (April and November, shoulder season)
April and November bridge the wetter and drier months, with a mix of sunshine and short showers. Temperatures sit around 27–31°C (81–88°F), and the changing skies can make for atmospheric sunsets, adding variety to city walks and waterfront visits.

Rainy season (musim hujan, December to March, low season)
The rainy season brings more frequent showers and occasional heavy downpours, usually interspersed with bright, humid intervals. Average temperatures remain around 27–30°C (81–86°F), and the greener surroundings and quieter attractions can make city exploring feel pleasantly unhurried.

Frequently Asked Questions