Flights from Chongqing (CKG) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is a lively port city that blends historic neighbourhoods, leafy boulevards, and modern business districts. You will find a down-to-earth atmosphere, wide streets, and a gateway feel that makes the city ideal for both short stays and longer explorations.

What to expect
The city stretches along the coast with a mix of colonial-era architecture, vibrant local markets, and contemporary shopping centres. Daily life is energetic but relaxed, with bustling arterial roads, creative cafés, and waterfront promenades that show you a more local, less touristy side of Indonesia.

Plan your trip
Surabaya is a practical base for exploring East Java, including access to mountain landscapes and coastal destinations. With good transport links, a growing hotel scene, and a steady calendar of events, it works well as both an arrival point and a hub for onward journeys around the region.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore a preserved heritage complex with a small museum, period architecture, and a café set in a historic building.

Surabaya Submarine Monument

Step aboard a decommissioned submarine displayed beside a riverside park for a glimpse into naval history.

Tunjungan Street

Walk along one of Surabaya's best-known thoroughfares, lined with shops, historic façades, and modern hotels.

Surabaya North Quay

Head to the cruise terminal area for sea views, casual eateries, and a chance to watch ships entering the harbour.

Bambu Runcing Monument

Visit this striking monument on a central boulevard, surrounded by fountains and greenery for a quick city photo stop.

Wonokromo and surrounding markets

Browse local markets where stalls sell fresh produce, snacks, textiles, and everyday goods in a lively atmosphere.

Kenjeran Park waterfront

Spend time by the sea at this recreational area, with breezy views, casual food stalls, and family-friendly spaces.

Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most convenient ways to move between dispersed neighbourhoods and malls. In the centre, you can also use local buses or walk shorter stretches along main boulevards. For the last mile, rely on metred taxis or ride-hailing drop-offs close to your destination.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Surabaya revolves around workplaces, universities, and neighbourhood gathering spots such as cafés and food courts. You will see families and friends meeting in parks, along waterfront areas, and in shopping centres, giving the city a friendly, community-focused feel.

Where to unwind
Green spaces, riverside promenades, and the coastal areas offer calm corners away from traffic. Early mornings and late afternoons are pleasant times to stroll, enjoy a cool drink outdoors, or simply sit and watch the city settle into its evening rhythm.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for flavourful noodle dishes, satay, and rice plates served from modest stalls and small eateries. You will find busy clusters of vendors near markets, busier intersections, and older neighbourhood streets where locals gather for relaxed meals.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping malls and newer commercial districts host a wide range of restaurants, from quick-service counters to stylish cafés. Portions are often ideal for sharing, so you can try several dishes in one sitting, making these areas convenient for varied group tastes.

Signature & scenic dining
Along the waterfront and in taller city hotels, some venues offer skyline or harbour views that add atmosphere to your meal. These spots are ideal for marking a special evening, combining thoughtful service with a backdrop of city lights or sea breezes.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya features sizeable malls where you can find international brands, local fashion, cinemas, and family attractions under one roof. These lifestyle centres double as social spaces, with wide corridors, air-conditioned comfort, and extensive dining options.

Markets & local crafts
For a more local experience, visit traditional markets and commercial streets where vendors sell textiles, clothing, and household items. Districts with older shopfronts are good places to look for simple handicrafts, everyday fashion, and unique small businesses.

Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets and mall façades light up, and many stores stay open into the evening. Outdoor food areas and nearby cafés make it easy to combine browsing with a relaxed drink or snack, and local transport and taxis help you 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 typically warm and sunny, with temperatures around 27–33°C (81–91°F). Humidity is lower than in the wet months, making it comfortable for city walks and day trips, and skies are often clear for coastal and rooftop views.

Wet season (Musim Hujan, November to April, peak season)
The wet season brings higher humidity, brief but heavy showers, and temperatures around 26–32°C (79–90°F). Rain often falls in short bursts, leaving time for indoor activities, shopping, and dining in between, with lush greenery as a pleasant backdrop to the city.

Transitional months (around April and November, low season)
In the transitional months between seasons, weather can be changeable, with a mix of sunny periods and occasional showers, and temperatures around 26–32°C (79–90°F). These quieter times can feel relaxed, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy both indoor and outdoor attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions