Flights from Shanghai (PVG) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is a dynamic port city that blends historic quarters, leafy neighbourhoods, and a growing modern skyline. As Indonesia's second-largest city, it offers an authentic urban experience, from riverside promenades to characterful old streets lined with heritage architecture.

What to expect
You can explore a mix of traditional markets, modern malls, and waterfront spaces, all set against a backdrop of busy streets and lively local life. Districts such as the old town and the newer business areas offer very different atmospheres, giving you plenty of variety in a single trip.

Plan your trip
Surabaya is a practical base for discovering East Java, with easy access to coastal areas, highland retreats, and volcanic landscapes. Its well-connected transport network, port, and airport make it a convenient starting point for wider exploration of the region.

Top sights in Surabaya

Surabaya Submarine Monument

Step aboard a preserved submarine set beside the river and learn about the city’s maritime heritage.

House of Sampoerna

Walk through a restored colonial-era complex featuring galleries, period architecture, and views over the historic neighbourhood.

Tunjungan Street

Stroll along this central boulevard, where historic buildings sit beside modern hotels, restaurants, and shopping spots.

Surabaya North Quay

Head to the waterfront promenade to watch cruise ships, enjoy sea views, and capture sunset photos over the harbour.

Kebun Binatang Surabaya

Spend a relaxed few hours at one of Indonesia’s longstanding urban zoos, set within a leafy, shaded park.

Madura Strait viewpoints

Take in vistas across the water and the long bridge that links Surabaya with nearby islands and coastal areas.

City parks and monuments

Discover green pockets and striking monuments scattered across the city, offering calm spaces amid the urban pace.

Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most straightforward way to move between Surabaya’s spread-out districts. Within central areas, you can combine short walks with these services to reach malls, parks, and historic streets efficiently while avoiding the heat at midday.

Local life & culture
Surabaya’s character is shaped by its role as a working port city, with busy streets, neighbourhood markets, and a strong sense of local pride. You will notice a contrast between older quarters, where shophouses line narrow roads, and newer areas with wider avenues and contemporary buildings.

Where to unwind
You can pause in city parks, riverside promenades, and waterfront terraces as the day cools. Early mornings and late afternoons are pleasant times for gentle walks, when locals also come out to exercise, relax, and enjoy the open spaces.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
You will find flavourful local dishes at roadside stalls, casual eateries, and neighbourhood food courts across the city. Evening is a lively time to explore these spots, when more vendors open and the temperature becomes more comfortable for wandering.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Surabaya’s malls and newer commercial districts bring together cafes, bakeries, and restaurants serving local and international flavours. With plenty of sharing plates and modest portions, you can sample a range of tastes with friends or family in a single sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
For a more elevated meal, look for venues in high-rise hotels or along the waterfront that offer views over the city or harbour. These settings pair thoughtfully prepared menus with a calmer atmosphere, ideal for marking a special evening.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres across Surabaya bring together international labels, local brands, cinemas, and family entertainment. They are convenient places to spend an afternoon, with air-conditioned spaces that make browsing comfortable in the tropical climate.

Markets & local crafts
Neighbourhood markets and smaller streets are where you will find everyday goods and local-made items. Areas around the old town and some traditional districts are known for textiles, handicrafts, and small independent shops that reward unhurried exploration.

Evening retail scene
After dark, some shopping streets and mall exteriors remain bright and busy, with cafes and eateries adding to the atmosphere. It is easy to pair evening shopping with dinner, and local transport options can bring you back to your hotel comfortably.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau), May to October, offers warm, relatively dry days around 27–32°C (81–90°F), with clearer skies and less humidity. As many travellers prefer these conditions, this period is generally considered peak season, especially around local holiday times and school breaks.

Transition months, April and November, sit on the edge of the wet and dry seasons with temperatures of about 26–31°C (79–88°F). You may experience brief showers alongside sunny spells, creating a balanced mix that keeps the city green, making this a pleasant shoulder season for flexible travellers.

Rainy season (Musim Hujan), December to March, brings higher humidity, short downpours, and temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F). Showers are often concentrated in parts of the day, leaving time for indoor sightseeing and shopping, so this low season can feel calmer and more relaxed.

Frequently Asked Questions