Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover dynamic Surabaya

Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, combines a busy port heritage with a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Wide avenues, historic neighbourhoods, and modern shopping centres sit side by side, giving you an easy blend of old-world charm and contemporary city life. It is a place where everyday Indonesian culture is on full display, from streetside food stalls to lively city parks.

For many visitors, Surabaya is also the gateway to East Java's dramatic landscapes. Travellers use the city as a base for trips to volcanic highlands, cool mountain retreats, and coastal towns. Whether you are here for business, family visits, or a wider journey through Java, you will find Surabaya welcoming, practical, and full of character.

The city is easy to navigate, with established business districts, a growing café scene, and friendly locals. You can spend your days exploring historic buildings and riverfront areas, then end your evenings sampling local dishes in open-air dining spots as the city cools down.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore a well-preserved colonial-era complex with a small museum, galleries, and a glimpse of Surabaya's historic architecture.

Suramadu Bridge

Drive or ride across this impressive bridge linking Surabaya and Madura Island for wide bay views and cooling sea breezes.

Tunjungan Historic Area

Stroll past heritage buildings and classic shopfronts in one of Surabaya's most atmospheric central districts.

Mpu Tantular Museum

View collections that showcase the cultural history and everyday life of East Java in an accessible setting.

Kenjeran Beach Area

Head to the waterfront to enjoy coastal views, fresh sea air, and casual food stalls popular with local families.

Experience Surabaya and East Java

Surabaya invites you to experience daily Indonesian life at a relaxed pace. Join locals on early morning walks along riverside paths, visit neighbourhood parks, or explore traditional markets where vendors sell fresh produce, snacks, and local crafts. Guided city tours are a good way to learn about Surabaya's role as a port city and its layered history.

From Surabaya, you can easily join excursions into the cool highlands of East Java. Many travellers set off before dawn on small-group tours towards the Bromo-Tengger area to see dramatic volcanic landscapes and mountain viewpoints. Others choose gentler day trips to hillside towns, tea plantations, or waterfalls, enjoying cooler air and views back towards the city.

If you prefer to stay within Surabaya itself, you can take river cruises, food-focused walking tours, or photography outings in historic neighbourhoods. As evening falls, the city comes alive with street food, roadside cafés, and shopping streets that stay open late, offering a relaxed way to experience local nightlife.

A taste of Surabaya

Surabaya is known for bold, flavour-packed dishes that reflect East Java's culinary traditions. You will find everything from simple noodle stalls and rice dishes to hearty soups and grilled specialities. Many locals eat at humble warungs and food courts, where vendors prepare family recipes that have been passed down for generations.

In shopping centres and along major streets, modern cafés and casual restaurants offer both Indonesian favourites and international options. This makes it easy to mix local meals with familiar comfort food during a longer stay. Seafood is particularly popular, with many venues serving freshly cooked fish and shellfish in a variety of sauces.

Night-time is when Surabaya's food scene really stands out. Seek out clusters of street stalls where you can try small plates and snacks, ideal if you want to sample several dishes in one evening. Pair your meal with iced drinks or fresh juices, and take your time to enjoy the city’s warm evenings and lively atmosphere.

Retail therapy in East Java's port city

Surabaya offers a mix of modern malls and traditional markets, so you can find both international brands and local products. Large shopping centres feature familiar fashion labels, electronics, and lifestyle stores, along with cinemas and dining floors for a full day out.

Traditional markets are where you can browse textiles, batik, household items, and everyday goods. These lively spaces are ideal for picking up small souvenirs and seeing how locals shop. Smaller boutiques around the city offer locally made clothing, accessories, and homeware with East Javanese designs.

If you are looking for gifts to take home, consider packaged snacks, locally produced coffee, or simple handicrafts. Many malls also host periodic fairs and pop-up stalls that showcase regional products, giving you more ways to discover East Java's creative side while you shop.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau), typically from May to September, brings warm, relatively low-rainfall days with average temperatures around 27°C to 32°C (81°F to 90°F). As the peak season, it is popular for city sightseeing and trips to the volcanoes, with many clear mornings and less humidity.

Transition season, around April and October, sits between the main wet and dry periods, with temperatures of about 27°C to 31°C (81°F to 88°F). This shoulder season offers a balance of sunshine and short showers, softer light for photography, and slightly fewer crowds at popular spots.

Rainy season (Musim Hujan), usually from November to March, features higher humidity and regular showers, with temperatures near 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F). As a low season, it allows a quieter experience in the city, and rain often falls in bursts, leaving dry intervals for museums, malls, and dining.

Frequently Asked Questions