Flights from Xiamen (XMN) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is a dynamic port city that blends historic districts, leafy neighbourhoods, and modern business hubs. You will find a welcoming atmosphere, broad avenues, and a gateway feel that makes it easy to connect with the rest of East Java.

What to expect
The city stretches along the coast, with landmarks such as the Heroes Monument, the old port area, and the vibrant Chinatown quarter shaping your experience. Daily life moves at a steady pace, with busy malls, riverside promenades, and traditional streets offering different sides of the city.

Plan your trip
Surabaya works well as both a short city break and a starting point for wider adventures across Java. From here, you can arrange journeys to volcanic landscapes, cool highland towns, and coastal areas, while still enjoying the convenience and infrastructure of a major Indonesian city.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore a preserved heritage complex with museum exhibits, period architecture, and a small gallery space.

Heroes Monument and Museum

Visit this landmark tower and museum to learn about Surabaya history and enjoy the landscaped grounds.

Surabaya Submarine Monument

Step inside a decommissioned submarine on the riverbank and see compact living and work spaces up close.

Tunjungan Street

Walk along this central thoroughfare lined with historic buildings, shops, and cafes that light up after dark.

Surabaya North Quay

Head to the waterfront viewing decks to watch cruise ships, enjoy the sea breeze, and take in sunset views.

Old Town and Arab Quarter

Wander narrow streets filled with traditional shophouses, busy trading lanes, and atmospheric architecture.

Mangrove Ecotourism Wonorejo

Take a relaxed boat ride through mangrove channels and enjoy a quieter side of Surabaya nature.

Experience Surabaya everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most convenient way to move between districts, especially in the heat. In central areas, you can combine short rides with walking to explore malls and historic streets. For a different perspective, try a riverside stroll near major landmarks.

Local life & culture
Surabaya has a strong sense of local pride, reflected in its monuments, public spaces, and annual events. Neighbourhoods range from bustling trading streets to quieter residential areas, and you will often see families gathering in parks and plazas. Modern malls sit alongside older quarters, creating a layered urban character.

Where to unwind
For a break from the city pace, visit waterfront promenades, city parks, or mangrove areas on the outskirts. Early mornings and late afternoons offer cooler temperatures and softer light for walking or jogging. Many hotels also feature pools and spa facilities where you can relax after a day of exploring.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for bold, comforting flavours served in casual eateries and roadside stalls. You will find noodles, rice dishes, and snacks in local markets and food streets, where small portions make it easy to sample several favourites in one visit.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Air-conditioned malls and contemporary lifestyle complexes offer a wide mix of Indonesian and international food. These areas are convenient if you are short on time, with cafes, bakeries, and family restaurants clustered together. Many venues stay open late, making them ideal for relaxed dinners after sightseeing.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose restaurants in heritage buildings, rooftop venues, or hotels with city views. Some dining rooms overlook busy streets, while others look out to the water or green spaces. Reserving ahead for popular spots helps you secure a table at peak times.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya is known for its large shopping centres, where international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining options sit under one roof. These malls are popular places to meet friends, enjoy the air-conditioning, and take a break between sightseeing stops.

Markets & local crafts
Away from the malls, you can explore traditional markets and smaller streets selling textiles, clothing, and souvenirs. Older districts and central neighbourhoods are good places to look for everyday items and simple keepsakes that reflect the city character.

Evening retail scene
As the day cools, shopping streets and malls become livelier, with illuminated storefronts and busy food courts. Some areas host small pop-up stalls and seasonal events in the evenings. Public transport and taxis make it easy to reach these districts and return to your hotel comfortably.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (musim kemarau), May to October, is typically warm and less humid, with daytime temperatures around 27–33°C (81–91°F). Clearer skies make it comfortable for walking tours, waterfront strolls, and excursions beyond the city, and it is generally considered the shoulder season.

Wet season (musim hujan), November to April, brings higher humidity and regular showers, with temperatures around 26–32°C (79–90°F). Rain often comes in short bursts, leaving time for indoor attractions, malls, and museums, and this period is usually treated as the low season.

Festive and holiday periods, which can fall at different times of year, see busier travel and a livelier atmosphere in the city. Temperatures remain consistently warm, so light clothing works year-round, and this is often regarded as the peak season for events and gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions