Flights from Perth (PER) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya, the gateway to East Java

Surabaya is a dynamic port city that blends a modern urban skyline with leafy neighbourhoods, waterfront promenades, and historic quarters. As one of Indonesia's largest cities, it offers a lively mix of malls, markets, and local eateries, all set against the backdrop of a busy harbour and wide boulevards.

You will find a city that is a starting point for wider adventures across East Java, as well as a destination in its own right. From characterful old streets and colonial-era buildings to contemporary shopping centres, Surabaya offers an authentic urban experience with a relaxed coastal feel.

Whether you are visiting friends and family, travelling for business, or connecting onwards to nearby islands and mountain landscapes, Surabaya welcomes you with a warm atmosphere and straightforward city layout that makes it easy to explore.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore a beautifully preserved Dutch-era compound with an engaging museum, art space, and café in a calm courtyard setting.

Suramadu Bridge

Drive or ride across this impressive bridge linking Java and Madura for wide sea views and a sense of the region's scale.

Tunjungan Street

Stroll along one of Surabaya's most famous streets, lined with historic façades, hotels, and modern shopping centres.

Submarine Monument

Step inside a decommissioned submarine on the riverbank and learn about Indonesia's maritime heritage in a unique setting.

Kenjeran Park and beach area

Relax by the waterfront, enjoy sea breezes, and take in coastal views at this popular recreational area east of the city centre.

Experience East Java from Surabaya

Surabaya is an excellent base for exploring East Java's varied landscapes. Day trips can take you to coastal viewpoints, nearby islands, or inland to scenic highlands where the climate is cooler and the pace is slower. Guided tours are widely available, making it easy to reach viewpoints and photo stops without complex planning.

Within the city, you can join walking tours that focus on Surabaya's heritage architecture, local markets, and riverfront areas. These routes are a good way to understand how the port shaped the city, while discovering small cafés and shops along the way. Evening tours often highlight popular food streets and night-time viewpoints.

If you prefer to stay active, there are riverside paths and parks where you can jog or walk in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are more comfortable. Families will find indoor entertainment centres, aquariums, and themed parks around the city, providing easy options when you want a break from the heat.

A taste of Surabaya

Surabaya's dining scene is full of flavour, from street-side stalls to contemporary cafés and restaurants. You can try East Javanese favourites featuring rich sauces, aromatic spices, and a balance of sweet and savoury notes, often served with rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables. Many eateries open late into the evening, so it is easy to eat on local time.

Food streets and hawker-style centres offer a wide choice in one place, where you can sample grilled skewers, noodle soups, and snacks such as fried treats and savoury cakes. These spots are ideal if you want to try several small dishes in one meal. For a more relaxed setting, Surabaya has a growing number of modern coffee shops and dessert cafés that are popular with both locals and visitors.

In shopping malls and hotels, you will find a mix of Indonesian, pan-Asian, and international restaurants, often with air-conditioned comfort and family-friendly menus. Many venues also offer city or waterfront views, allowing you to unwind over a meal while watching Surabaya's skyline light up after sunset.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Surabaya is known for its large and varied shopping malls, which combine international labels, local fashion, entertainment, and dining under one roof. These centres are popular meeting places and provide a convenient way to spend the afternoon in air-conditioned comfort, especially during the warmest part of the day.

Traditional markets and smaller shops complement the mall experience, offering textiles, clothing, snacks, and household items. Exploring these spaces gives you a sense of daily life in Surabaya, and you may discover locally made crafts, fabrics, and souvenirs that are characteristic of East Java.

If you are short on time, focus on one or two major malls where you can find everything from electronics and lifestyle brands to beauty products and local specialty foods. Many complexes are connected to nearby hotels or office towers, making it easy to combine shopping with dining or a coffee break.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau), typically from May to September, brings plenty of sunshine, lower humidity, and average temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F). As a peak season, it is popular for city exploring and day trips, with clearer skies and more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.

Transition months around the edges of the seasons, usually April and October, can be considered a shoulder season with mixed sunny and rainy days. Temperatures hover near 27–32°C (81–90°F), and showers tend to be short-lived. This period offers a pleasant balance of lively city life and slightly fewer crowds.

Rainy season (Musim Hujan), generally from November to March, is a low season with warm temperatures of about 26–31°C (79–88°F) and regular afternoon or evening showers. The rain cools the air and keeps the city green, making indoor attractions, malls, and Surabaya's café culture especially enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions