Flights from Bangkok (BKK) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is Indonesia's second-largest city, known for its busy port, broad boulevards, and blend of heritage buildings and modern offices. You will find an energetic, working-city atmosphere with pockets of green and riverside promenades to explore between meetings or sightseeing.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Madura Strait, with distinct districts ranging from colonial-era streets near the old port to contemporary shopping and business hubs in West Surabaya. Wide roads, flyovers, and a growing public transport system shape the urban landscape, while cafés, parks, and waterfront spots offer welcome breathing space.

Plan your trip
Surabaya is a practical base for both business and leisure, with good hotels, malls, and services, as well as access to nearby highlands and coastal areas. Many travellers use the city as a gateway to East Java, continuing on to places such as Mount Bromo, the cool hill town of Malang, and ferry links further east.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore a well-preserved Dutch colonial complex with galleries, a small museum, and a charming courtyard café.

Suramadu National Bridge

Drive or ride across this long bridge linking Java and Madura for wide views over the Madura Strait, especially striking after dark.

Tunjungan Heritage Street

Stroll along this historic thoroughfare lined with restored façades, local eateries, and one of the city’s landmark hotels.

Submarine Monument (Monkasel)

Step inside a decommissioned submarine displayed beside the river and learn about Indonesia’s maritime history.

Kenjeran Park and Beach

Head to the coast for sea breezes, family-friendly attractions, and broad sea views from the waterfront promenades.

Bungkul Park

Unwind in one of Surabaya’s favourite urban parks, popular for walking, people-watching, and casual street snacks in the evening.

North Quay Surabaya

Visit the modern terminal area overlooking the port, where you can watch large vessels dock and enjoy the sea view.

Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most convenient way to move between districts in Surabaya, especially in the heat. For a different perspective, try a short riverfront walk or a leisurely drive across the Suramadu Bridge. Within neighbourhoods, pavements around malls and parks are good for short strolls.

Local life & culture
Surabaya has a strong trading and maritime identity, reflected in its port, shipyards, and busy commercial streets. You will notice a dynamic urban lifestyle, with office workers, students, and families gathering in cafés, malls, and public parks. Older quarters near the port reveal a slower rhythm, with narrow lanes and traditional shops.

Where to unwind
Bungkul Park and other revitalised green spaces give you a chance to relax under shady trees or enjoy a quiet bench. Along the coast, Kenjeran offers sea air and open horizons, while hotel pools and spa facilities provide calm after a busy day. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most pleasant times to be outdoors.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for flavourful East Javanese dishes such as rawon, soto, and lontong-based meals served at humble stalls. You will find lively food streets and small eateries in many districts, with evenings bringing out vendors offering skewers, noodles, and snacks along popular roads and near parks.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Air-conditioned malls and lifestyle centres across West and Central Surabaya offer an easy mix of cafés, fast-casual spots, and family restaurants. Menus typically span Indonesian, Asian, and Western flavours, with portions that make it easy to share a few different dishes. Food courts are convenient when you have limited time.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose hotel rooftop venues or higher-floor restaurants that look out over the city lights and port. Some coastal eateries near Kenjeran serve fresh seafood with wide views of the water. Advance reservations are helpful if you are planning a peak-time dinner with a view.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya offers several large malls where you can find international fashion brands, electronics, and lifestyle stores under one roof. These centres often include cinemas, supermarkets, and family attractions, making them popular places to meet friends, dine, and shop in comfort throughout the day.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and streetside shops sell textiles, batik-inspired pieces, and everyday household items. Neighbourhoods around the old town, central districts, and areas near the port are good for browsing local products and simple souvenirs. Take your time to explore side streets and indoor passages for more traditional finds.

Evening retail scene
After sunset, some shopping streets and mall façades are attractively lit, and food stalls appear around busy junctions. Night-time markets and roadside clusters of vendors invite you to combine light shopping with snacks and people-watching. Many of these areas are easy to reach by taxi or ride-hailing services.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau, May to October, shoulder season)
During the dry season, Surabaya is hot and mostly sunny, with average temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F). Clear skies make it easier to plan day trips to nearby highlands and coastal areas, and evenings in parks and outdoor cafés feel more comfortable.

Transition months (March–April and November, shoulder season)
These months bridge the wetter and drier periods, with warm days of about 27–31°C (81–88°F) and a mix of sunshine and passing showers. It is a good time to enjoy both indoor attractions and occasional outdoor strolls, with slightly fewer visitors at popular sites.

Rainy season (Musim Hujan, December to February, low season)
The rainy season brings higher humidity and regular showers, with temperatures typically around 26–30°C (79–86°F). Downpours are often intense but brief, leaving plenty of dry intervals for mall visits, museum stops, or café breaks between explorations.

Frequently Asked Questions