Flights from Chengdu (TFU) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is a vibrant port city on the northeastern coast of Java, known for its wide boulevards, historic quarters, and dynamic business districts. You will find a blend of heritage architecture, busy waterfronts, and modern malls that together create an energetic yet approachable city.

What to expect
The city stretches along the coast and is framed by waterways and leafy neighbourhoods, with districts such as Tunjungan and Darmo offering a mix of offices, shops, and hotels. Traffic can be busy at peak times, but main roads are well developed, and key attractions, malls, and business areas are easy to reach.

Plan your trip
Surabaya works well as both a standalone city break and a jumping-off point for wider adventures in East Java. From here you can reach volcanic landscapes, highland plantations, and coastal towns, making Surabaya a practical base for combining urban comforts with nature-focused side trips.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore this well-preserved museum complex set in historic buildings, with exhibits on local industry and city history.

Suramadu National Bridge

Drive across this long bridge linking Java and Madura Island for sweeping views over the Madura Strait, especially towards sunset.

Tunjungan area

Stroll through this central district where historic facades sit alongside modern malls, hotels, and lively city streets.

Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam)

Visit a retired submarine displayed beside the river, offering an insight into maritime history and naval technology.

Old City (Kota Tua)

Walk among colonial-era buildings and warehouses that hint at Surabaya's past as a major trading port.

Kenjeran Park and beach area

Head to the coastal zone for sea breezes, open spaces, and views across the water, popular with locals on weekends.

Bromo access via Surabaya

Use Surabaya as a convenient gateway for early-morning trips to the dramatic volcanic landscapes around Mount Bromo.

Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most straightforward way to move between the airport, business districts, and major malls in Surabaya. For a different perspective, you may also see traditional becak trishaws in older areas. For short distances, walking between adjacent malls and hotels is often practical.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Surabaya revolves around busy streets, roadside stalls, and neighbourhood markets where residents shop and meet. You will notice a strong sense of local pride, with public spaces, monuments, and riverside areas being steadily improved. Cafes, community spaces, and city parks give you an easy window into local routines.

Where to unwind
City parks and waterfront areas offer moments of calm away from the main roads, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are more comfortable. Hotel pools and spa facilities provide another way to relax after a day of meetings or sightseeing, with skyline views adding to the sense of escape.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for flavourful dishes served in modest warung eateries and street stalls, from rich soups to skewered grilled snacks. Neighbourhoods near the old town and Kenjeran area are dotted with small venues where you can sample local favourites in a relaxed setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres in areas such as Tunjungan and western Surabaya gather many cafes, bakeries, and restaurants under one roof. Menus typically range from Indonesian comfort food to Asian and international options, with smaller plate sizes making it easy to try several dishes during one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
Hotels along the main boulevards often feature rooftop or high-floor restaurants with distant city views, ideal for an unhurried evening. Some venues near the coast and riverside make the most of open-air seating and breezes, turning dinner into a relaxed way to end your day in the city.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya is a city of malls, with large complexes offering international fashion, electronics, and lifestyle brands alongside cinemas and dining. These centres are popular social spaces where you can combine shopping, meals, and leisure in air-conditioned comfort throughout the day.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and traditional shopping streets showcase local textiles, clothing, and daily essentials. Areas near the old town and long-established commercial streets are good for browsing local labels and crafts, as well as observing the busy trade that fuels the city.

Evening retail scene
After dark, many malls stay lively with families, friends, and office workers relaxing over food and shopping. Some neighbourhood streets also come alive with kiosks and small shops that extend their hours into the evening, and local transport makes it straightforward to reach key retail districts.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau, May to October, peak season)
During the dry season, Surabaya is typically hot and relatively less humid, with average temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F). Clearer skies make it appealing for city sightseeing and for using Surabaya as a base for excursions to nearby highlands and coastal destinations.

Transition months (April and November, shoulder season)
April and November bridge the change between dry and wet conditions, with temperatures around 27–31°C (81–88°F). You may experience brief showers alongside plenty of dry hours, which can mean greener surroundings and slightly calmer visitor numbers while still enjoying the city comfortably.

Rainy season (Musim Hujan, December to March, low season)
The rainy season brings heavier showers, usually in the afternoon or evening, with temperatures around 26–30°C (79–86°F). Between showers, you can enjoy indoor attractions, malls, and dining, and the city often feels lush and refreshed, making it a pleasant time for slower-paced visits.

Frequently Asked Questions