Flights from Yangon (RGN) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is Indonesia's second-largest city and a dynamic gateway to East Java, where heritage architecture, wide boulevards, and busy port life come together. You will find a mix of historic quarters, leafy neighbourhoods, and modern developments that reflect its role as a trading hub.

What to expect
The city combines traditional markets and old warehouses with new malls, business districts, and riverside promenades. Neighbourhoods such as the old Arab and Chinese quarters offer a strong sense of history, while newer areas around West Surabaya feel contemporary and relaxed, with cafés and parks.

Plan your trip
Surabaya works well as both a stand-alone urban stay and a starting point for exploring East Java. From here, you can reach volcanic landscapes, coastal towns, and highland retreats, making it a practical base for a longer journey through the region.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Visit this well-preserved Dutch colonial complex with a small museum, gallery spaces, and a quiet courtyard café.

Suramadu Bridge

Drive or ride across this long bridge linking Surabaya and Madura Island for wide views over the Madura Strait.

Tunjungan Heritage Street

Stroll along this historic boulevard lined with old buildings, hotels, and newer lifestyle spots that come alive in the evening.

Submarine Monument (Monkasel)

Step inside a preserved submarine on the riverfront and learn about Indonesia's maritime history in an unusual setting.

Surabaya Zoo

Spend a family-friendly day walking shaded paths and seeing a wide variety of animals in one of the country's oldest zoos.

Ciputra World Surabaya

Combine shopping, dining, and entertainment in this large modern mall popular with both locals and visitors.

Kenjeran Park and Beach

Head to the coast for sea breezes, open spaces, and simple seaside snacks, especially pleasant in the late afternoon.

Chinatown (Kya-Kya area)

Explore narrow streets filled with shopfronts, traditional shophouses, and a lively evening atmosphere.

Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm

Getting around
You can move easily around Surabaya using metered taxis and app-based ride services, which are convenient for longer distances. In certain areas, minibuses and city buses connect main roads, while walking is pleasant in newer districts with pavements. For short hops, ask your driver to drop you close to your exact landmark.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Surabaya centres on neighbourhood markets, local eateries, and community events, giving the city a grounded, approachable feel. Historic districts show traces of Dutch-era streets and trading houses, while newer neighbourhoods embrace cafés, cultural venues, and music, reflecting a younger creative scene.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as city parks and riverside areas offer a calm break from traffic and heat. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most comfortable times for walking, jogging, or people-watching. Coastal spots near Kenjeran provide fresh air and wide horizons, especially as the light softens towards evening.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
You can try signature East Javanese flavours at casual stalls, roadside eateries, and busy local food courts. Neighbourhoods close to traditional markets often serve dishes that have been popular for generations, with bold spices and comforting broths that reflect the region's culinary roots.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In modern malls and lifestyle centres across West Surabaya, you will find local chains, international names, and small cafés side by side. Menus usually range from noodle bowls to grilled dishes and light bites, with portions that encourage you to sample several flavours when dining with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a more elevated meal, look for hotel restaurants and city-view venues spread across central and western districts. Some offer skyline or riverside outlooks, turning a relaxed dinner into a memorable evening, especially when the city lights begin to glow after sunset.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya is known for its large, modern shopping centres that bring together international brands, local boutiques, supermarkets, and cinemas. These malls double as lifestyle hubs where you can shop, dine, and relax in air-conditioned comfort, making them a popular meeting point in the city.

Markets & local crafts
If you prefer a more local feel, traditional markets and older streets offer textiles, homeware, and everyday essentials. Districts near the old town and Chinatown are good places to look for small shops and modest workshops that showcase regional fabrics, accessories, and simple keepsakes.

Evening retail scene
After dark, some streets and mall areas take on a livelier atmosphere, with illuminated façades, pop-up stalls, and late-opening eateries. Certain night spots blend casual shopping with snacks and music, and you can use taxis or app-based rides to reach them easily and return to your hotel comfortably.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau, May to October, shoulder season)
During the dry season, Surabaya is generally hot and sunny, with average temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F). Lower rainfall makes it easier to plan day trips and outdoor walks, and clear skies are common, especially in the middle of the year.

Wet season (Musim Hujan, November to April, peak season)
In the wet season, temperatures stay warm at about 26–31°C (79–88°F), with short, sometimes intense showers, often in the afternoon or evening. The city remains lively, and the greener surroundings and fresher air after rain can feel rewarding for visitors.

Transitional months (around April and November, low season)
The transition periods between wet and dry bring mixed conditions, with a blend of sunshine and occasional showers, and average temperatures near 27–31°C (81–88°F). These months can be calmer for travellers who prefer slightly fewer crowds while still enjoying a full range of city experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions