Flights from Yangon (RGN) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Surabaya, the dynamic gateway to East Java

Surabaya combines a busy port-city energy with leafy neighbourhoods and waterfront promenades. As Indonesia's second-largest city and the capital of East Java, it is a hub for business, education, and culture, with a skyline of modern towers standing alongside historic streets and grand colonial-era buildings.

You will find a city that feels both energetic and relaxed. Lively markets, coffee shops, and street food stalls keep the pavements buzzing, while spacious malls and parks offer places to pause and unwind. Surabaya is also the ideal base for exploring East Java, from volcanic landscapes to coastal towns, all within reachable distance.

Whether you are visiting for meetings, family, or discovery, Surabaya offers a welcoming introduction to the region, with efficient infrastructure, a growing creative scene, and plenty of green spaces that soften its urban edge.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore a well-preserved historic complex with a small museum, gallery spaces, and charming architecture in the old city.

Tunjungan Street

Walk along one of Surabaya's most famous thoroughfares, lined with shopping centres, heritage buildings, and busy cafés.

Suramadu Bridge

Drive or ride across this impressive bridge linking Surabaya with Madura Island and enjoy wide views over the Madura Strait.

Wonokromo and Maspion Square

Browse local shops and markets in these busy districts, where everyday Surabaya life unfolds from morning to night.

Kenjeran Park

Head to the waterfront at Kenjeran Park for sea breezes, coastal views, and open-air recreation spaces.

Experience Surabaya and East Java

Surabaya is a starting point for memorable journeys across East Java. Many travellers use the city as a base before heading towards Mount Bromo and other highland areas, arranging early-morning tours for sunrise views over dramatic volcanic scenery. Closer to the city, you can explore riverfront paths and green pockets that offer a quieter side to this urban centre.

Within Surabaya, guided walking tours of the old town introduce you to grand civic buildings, warehouses, and port areas that tell the story of its maritime past. Creative districts and small galleries showcase local designers and artists, while contemporary performance venues host music and cultural events throughout the year.

For relaxation, spend time in the city’s parks or visit nearby coastal areas for fresh air and open skies. From structured day trips to unplanned strolls through local neighbourhoods, Surabaya encourages you to experience East Java at your own pace.

A taste of Surabaya

Surabaya is known for generous, flavourful food, with dishes that reflect East Java’s love of bold spices and slow-cooked comfort. Across the city you will find humble street stalls, family-run eateries, and contemporary restaurants, each with their own take on local favourites. Busy hawker areas and night markets are ideal places to sample a variety of snacks and hearty plates in a single evening.

Look out for rich soups, grilled seafood, and rice dishes served with crunchy crackers and vibrant chilli sauces. Many venues specialise in just one or two recipes that have been refined over generations, and lunchtime can be especially lively as locals queue for their preferred spot. Sweet treats, iced drinks, and traditional cakes are easy to find when you need a mid-afternoon break.

Coffee culture is also strong in Surabaya. Independent cafés and modern coffee bars sit alongside long-established coffee houses, giving you plenty of options for a quiet pause, a casual meeting, or an evening catch-up with friends and colleagues.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Shopping in Surabaya ranges from large, modern malls to traditional markets where bargaining is part of the experience. Major shopping centres offer international and local brands, cinemas, and spacious food courts, making them popular places to cool off and spend a few relaxed hours. Many are connected to hotels and office complexes, so they are easy to combine with business or sightseeing.

If you enjoy local crafts and textiles, explore neighbourhood markets and small boutiques that showcase products from across East Java. You may find batik, handicrafts, and contemporary designs that blend traditional patterns with modern styles. Visiting these smaller shops is a good way to discover unique items and observe daily commerce up close.

For everyday essentials, souvenirs, and snacks, convenience stores and small supermarkets are widely available. Whether you prefer browsing flagship stores or wandering through bustling markets, Surabaya offers varied retail experiences to match different travel styles.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau), typically from May to September, brings plenty of sunshine, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall, with daytime temperatures around 30–33°C (86–91°F). It is the peak season, appreciated for clear conditions that suit city walks, excursions to Mount Bromo, and coastal day trips.

Transitional shoulder months, usually April and October, sit between the wettest and driest periods, with temperatures near 30–32°C (86–90°F) and a mix of sun and short showers. This shoulder season offers a pleasant balance of greenery and good visibility, ideal if you enjoy slightly quieter streets while still experiencing lively city life.

Rainy season (Musim Hujan), from November to March, is the low season, marked by warmer days around 30–32°C (86–90°F), higher humidity, and frequent but often brief downpours. The showers refresh the city, parks feel lush, and indoor attractions, cafés, and malls become especially appealing places to spend time.

Frequently Asked Questions