Flights from Manila (MNL) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is a dynamic port city on the northeastern coast of Java, known for its blend of heritage districts, modern business hubs, and lively waterfront areas. You will find a welcoming atmosphere, leafy neighbourhoods, and easy access to some of East Java's most striking landscapes.

What to expect
The city combines broad boulevards and contemporary malls with characterful old quarters, including colonial-era streets and traditional markets. Business travellers will appreciate its efficient infrastructure, while leisure visitors can experience riverside promenades, green parks, and a growing creative scene that gives the city an energetic feel.

Plan your trip
Surabaya is an excellent base for exploring East Java, with overland and day-trip access to volcanic highlands, plantations, and coastal towns. Its well-connected airport, rail links, and road network make it a practical gateway whether you are continuing deeper into Java or returning to Manila after your stay.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore a beautifully preserved early 20th-century compound with exhibits on local industrial heritage and elegant architecture.

Suramadu Bridge

Drive or ride across this long bridge linking Java and Madura Island for wide sea views, especially striking in the evening light.

Tunjungan heritage area

Stroll along Tunjungan to see restored buildings, historic hotels, and a mix of classic and contemporary city life.

Monkasel (Submarine Monument)

Step inside a decommissioned submarine beside the river and learn about its history in a unique open-air setting.

Kayoon Park riverside

Walk the landscaped riverside paths, enjoy public art, and watch the city slow down as the sun sets over the water.

Ciputra Waterpark

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

Galaxy Mall and surrounds

Combine shopping, dining, and entertainment in a modern complex that also serves as a convenient meeting point for locals.

Kampaeng Madura culinary streets

Visit these lively streets in the evening for a snapshot of Surabaya’s social life and a wide range of local snacks.

Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most convenient way to move between districts, especially in the heat of the day. For a different perspective, you can try local city buses on newer routes. For shorter distances, walking along shaded pavements or using hotel car services works well.

Local life & culture
You will notice Surabaya’s character in its neighbourhood coffee shops, informal street-side stalls, and busy community parks. Residents gather in the cooler hours to chat, exercise, and enjoy music, giving many areas a friendly and social feel that visitors can easily join.

Where to unwind
City parks and riverside walks offer quiet places to pause between meetings or sightseeing. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most pleasant times to enjoy these outdoor spaces, when temperatures are milder and soft light adds to the relaxed mood.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
You will find many of Surabaya’s favourite dishes at simple stalls and casual eateries, especially in neighbourhoods known for late-evening dining. Follow the crowds to discover fragrant rice dishes, grilled specialities, and comforting noodle bowls that reflect East Java’s flavours.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping malls and newer lifestyle districts gather cafés, bakeries, and relaxed restaurants under one roof, making it easy to try several tastes in one visit. Portions are often ideal for sharing, so you can sample multiple dishes with friends or colleagues during a single meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose venues with elevated views over the city skyline or dining rooms set inside heritage buildings. These spaces pair creative menus with memorable surroundings, turning a business dinner or celebration into a highlight of your stay.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls across Surabaya offer international labels, local brands, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment. They are popular places to meet, dine, and shop in air-conditioned comfort, especially during the warmest hours of the day.

Markets & local crafts
Neighbourhood markets and smaller streets around older districts are good for browsing textiles, accessories, and everyday items. Areas near Tunjungan and other central quarters give you a sense of local commerce while you look for simple souvenirs or gifts.

Evening retail scene
After dark, many shopping streets and mall façades are attractively lit, and smaller stalls appear around busy corners. Night-time brings a relaxed yet lively shopping atmosphere, and you can usually reach these areas easily by taxi or ride-hailing service.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau, May to October, shoulder season)
During the dry season, days are typically sunny with low rainfall and temperatures around 27–33°C (81–91°F). It is a comfortable time for city exploring and excursions to surrounding regions, with clearer skies and less humid conditions.

Transitional months (April and November, shoulder season)
April and November sit between the dry and rainy periods, with warm temperatures of 27–32°C (81–90°F) and occasional showers. These months can bring fresher breezes and slightly fewer visitors, while still allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities and city walks.

Rainy season (Musim Hujan, December to March, peak season)
The rainy season brings short, heavier showers, usually in the afternoon or evening, with temperatures around 26–31°C (79–88°F). The city remains active, greenery looks refreshed, and you can comfortably focus on indoor attractions, dining, and shopping between bursts of rain.

Frequently Asked Questions