Flights from Da Nang (DAD) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is a dynamic port city on the northeastern coast of Java, known for its wide boulevards, lively streets, and rich blend of heritage and modern industry. You will find a city that feels authentic and energetic, with historic quarters sitting alongside contemporary shopping streets.

What to expect
As Indonesia's second-largest city, Surabaya offers broad cityscapes, waterfront areas, and characterful neighbourhoods such as the old Arab Quarter and Chinatown. Modern malls, business districts, leafy parks, and a growing café culture give the city a confident, forward-looking feel, while traditional markets keep long-standing trading traditions alive.

Plan your trip
Surabaya is a practical base for exploring East Java, including access to the dramatic landscapes around Mount Bromo and Ijen. With its busy port and strong rail and road links, it serves as a convenient gateway for journeys across Java and onward to nearby islands, making it easy to combine urban experiences with nature escapes.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore a beautifully preserved colonial-era complex that now houses a museum, gallery space, and a charming courtyard café.

Suramadu Bridge

Drive or ride across this impressive bridge linking Java and Madura Island, especially striking when illuminated after dark.

Tunjungan Street

Stroll along one of Surabaya's best-known central streets, lined with shops, historic buildings, and modern lifestyle spots.

Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam)

Step inside a decommissioned Russian-built submarine displayed on the riverbank and learn about Indonesia's naval history.

Surabaya North Quay

Head to the harbourfront promenade to watch cruise ships dock, enjoy sea views, and capture sunset photos over the port.

Maspati and Kampung Lawas heritage villages

Wander through narrow lanes decorated with murals and restored homes that showcase Surabaya's community spirit and heritage.

Bungkul Park

Relax in this popular city park, known for its shady trees, play areas, and frequent community events and performances.

Galaxy Mall and Pakuwon Mall

Spend time in Surabaya's major malls for shopping, cinemas, and a wide range of dining options under one roof.

Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm

Getting around
You can move easily around Surabaya by using taxis and ride-hailing services for point-to-point trips, with the option of local buses and ride-sharing vans on key routes. For a scenic experience, try a gentle walk along central streets or the river area, then use taxis for the last leg back to your hotel.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Surabaya is shaped by its trading history, with neighbourhoods reflecting Javanese, Arab, and Chinese influences. You will notice a strong community feel in kampung areas, a thriving café and street-side snack culture, and a growing arts scene reflected in murals, small galleries, and occasional outdoor performances.

Where to unwind
To slow the pace, spend time in city parks such as Bungkul Park or smaller neighbourhood gardens that offer shade and playgrounds. The waterfront areas and bridges are pleasant around late afternoon and early evening, when temperatures ease and the city lights begin to reflect on the water.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for bold, flavourful dishes served from humble stalls and casual eateries scattered across the city. You will find many local favourites in busy areas such as G-Walk and around traditional markets, where vendors prepare comforting bowls, skewers, and noodle dishes to order.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In malls like Tunjungan Plaza, Galaxy Mall, and Pakuwon Mall, you can choose from food courts and relaxed restaurants offering Indonesian dishes alongside international options. Portions are often sized so you can share plates or try several smaller dishes, making it easy to sample different flavours in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a more memorable experience, look for restaurants and cafés with skyline or riverside views, especially in higher floors of central buildings or hotels. Evening dining with city lights, or a seat overlooking the port and Suramadu Bridge, lets you pair local cuisine with a distinctive Surabaya backdrop.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya offers extensive mall culture, with destinations like Tunjungan Plaza, Galaxy Mall, and Pakuwon Mall bringing together international brands, local designers, supermarkets, and cinemas. These complexes act as social hubs where you can shop, dine, and unwind in comfortable, air-conditioned spaces.

Markets & local crafts
For a more local feel, visit traditional markets and smaller shopping streets where traders sell textiles, clothing, and simple handicrafts. Neighbourhoods such as the old town, Arab Quarter, and areas around Pabean and Kembang Jepun reveal long-established trading lanes and shops focused on everyday goods and local products.

Evening retail scene
After dark, some streets and food-focused areas transform with bright lights and late-opening stalls, creating a relaxed evening shopping atmosphere. Night-time streets around G-Walk and central districts are popular for combining light shopping with snacks, and you can use taxis or app-based rides to reach them comfortably.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Kemarau (dry season, generally May to October, shoulder season)
During the dry season, Surabaya is typically hot and relatively less humid, with average temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F). Clearer skies make it comfortable for city walks and excursions to East Java's highlands, and you can expect more predictable conditions for day trips.

Musim hujan (rainy season, generally November to April, peak season)
In the rainy months, temperatures usually range from 27–31°C (81–88°F), with short, intense showers often in the afternoon or evening. The city feels lush and green, and showers are usually followed by clear periods that are pleasant for dining, shopping, and indoor attractions.

Transitional months (around April and November, low season)
Around the shifts between seasons, you may experience a mix of dry days and occasional showers, with temperatures about 28–31°C (82–88°F). These months can bring slightly less predictable weather but a relaxed feel in the city, giving you flexibility to enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions