Flights from Phuket (HKT) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is Indonesia's vibrant port city on the island of Java, known for its blend of historic quarters, busy harbour views, and wide modern boulevards. It feels dynamic yet grounded, giving you a clear sense of everyday Indonesian urban life.

What to expect
You can explore riverside promenades, heritage streets around the old port, and leafy residential areas that show Surabaya's diverse character. The city offers large shopping centres, business districts, and relaxed neighbourhood cafes, all connected by broad roads and a growing urban skyline.

Plan your trip
Surabaya is a key gateway to East Java, with good connections to volcanic landscapes, cool highland towns, and coastal areas. Base yourself in the city for a few days, then plan day trips or onward journeys to explore waterfalls, viewpoints, and rural scenery across the region.

Top sights in Surabaya

Heroes Monument and Museum

Learn about Surabaya's role in Indonesia's history at this towering landmark and its informative museum.

House of Sampoerna

Step into a preserved early-20th-century compound with a gallery, museum, and views over the surrounding old town streets.

Suramadu Bridge

Drive across this impressive bridge linking Java and Madura Island for wide views over the Madura Strait, especially striking at dusk.

Tunjungan Street

Stroll along this central avenue lined with shopping malls, heritage buildings, and lively evening activity.

Kampung Arab

Wander through narrow lanes near the old port to experience traditional shophouses, small businesses, and local street life.

Kenjeran Park and Beach area

Head to the coast for sea breezes, casual seaside walks, and views over the strait.

Bungkul Park

Relax in this popular city park, where families gather in the evenings for street snacks and fresh air.

Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most convenient way to move around Surabaya, especially between the airport, business districts, and malls. In central areas, you can combine short rides with walking to explore side streets, parks, and waterfront viewpoints at your own pace.

Local life & culture
Surabaya has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, with busy commercial districts, ports, and industrial areas forming the backdrop to daily life. In neighbourhoods such as Darmo and Gubeng, you will see a mix of older houses and modern developments, where cafes and small businesses sit side by side.

Where to unwind
For a break from the city streets, parks like Bungkul and the riverside promenades offer greenery and open space. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most pleasant times to walk, sit on a bench, or enjoy a cool drink outdoors as the city slowly wakes up or winds down.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for hearty, flavourful dishes served from humble stalls and simple eateries. Around traditional neighbourhoods and near markets, you can try comforting noodle dishes, rich broths, and rice meals that highlight bold spices and generous portions.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In central Surabaya, large malls and mixed-use developments gather a wide range of Indonesian and international options under one roof. Food courts and mid-range restaurants make it easy to sample different flavours in one visit, so you can share plates and try several styles of cooking.

Signature & scenic dining
For something more atmospheric, look for restaurants with rooftop terraces or upper-floor dining rooms that overlook busy streets or the wider cityscape. Evening is a good time to linger over a relaxed meal while watching the lights come on across Surabaya.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya has several large shopping centres where you can find international brands, local labels, and plenty of dining options. These malls often include cinemas, indoor play areas, and lifestyle stores, making them popular places to meet friends, relax, and spend an afternoon.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and older commercial streets around the city centre are good for browsing everyday goods and simple souvenirs. Districts such as Tunjungan and areas near the old port offer a mix of traditional shops and newer outlets where you can pick up textiles, accessories, and homeware.

Evening retail scene
After dark, the main shopping streets and mall façades are brightly lit, giving Surabaya a lively evening atmosphere. Many centres stay open into the night, so you can combine dinner, a walk, and shopping in one outing, with local transport and taxis making these areas easy to reach.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau, May–October, shoulder season)
During the dry season, Surabaya is typically hot and relatively less humid, with temperatures around 28–33°C (82–91°F). Clearer skies make it a comfortable time for city walks, rooftop views, and day trips to nearby highland areas.

Wet season (Musim Hujan, November–April, peak season)
The wet season brings higher humidity and frequent short showers, with temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F). Rain often falls in bursts, leaving many dry intervals to explore malls, museums, and indoor attractions while enjoying the city at its greenest.

Transitional months (around April and November, low season)
The months that bridge the wet and dry periods can feel changeable, with a mix of sunny spells and occasional rain and average temperatures near 28–32°C (82–90°F). This is a pleasant time to experience Surabaya with a slightly calmer atmosphere in popular areas.

Frequently Asked Questions