Flights from Munich (MUC) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is a dynamic port city on the island of Java, known for its busy streets, lively waterfront, and mix of heritage architecture and contemporary developments. You will find a destination that blends maritime history with an emerging creative and business scene.

What to expect
The city is spread across wide boulevards, historic quarters, and revitalised riverfronts, with neighbourhoods that reveal different sides of local life. From old trading districts and characterful warehouses to modern malls and leafy residential areas, Surabaya offers a grounded, everyday view of Indonesia.

Plan your trip
Surabaya is an excellent gateway to eastern Java, with road and rail links to volcanic landscapes, coastal towns, and highland retreats. It works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for wider itineraries across Java and neighbouring islands.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore a well-preserved colonial-era complex that now houses a museum, gallery spaces, and a café in a distinctive historic setting.

Suramadu Bridge

Drive or ride across this impressive bridge linking Java and Madura Island, especially striking when illuminated in the evening.

Tunjungan Street

Stroll along one of Surabaya's most famous thoroughfares, lined with heritage buildings, hotels, and modern retail spaces.

Old City (Kota Lama)

Wander through the old port area to see warehouses, trading houses, and riverfront scenes that reflect the city’s maritime past.

Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam)

Step inside a decommissioned submarine displayed in the city centre and learn about Indonesia’s naval heritage.

Madura Island day trip

Take a short journey across the Suramadu Bridge to discover quieter coastal landscapes and traditional communities on Madura.

City parks and green spaces

Relax in well-kept urban parks dotted around Surabaya, popular with families and walkers in the early morning and late afternoon.

Kenjeran coastal area

Head to the Kenjeran waterfront to enjoy sea breezes, views of the Suramadu Bridge, and a relaxed local seaside atmosphere.

Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm

Getting around
In Surabaya, taxis and app-based ride services are the most convenient way to cover longer distances between districts. For a more local perspective, you may also encounter city buses and small public vans on key routes. For shorter hops, walking around compact neighbourhoods is often the most pleasant option.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Surabaya centres on neighbourhood streets, traditional markets, and relaxed cafés where people gather to socialise. You will notice a strong sense of local pride in the city’s maritime roots, alongside a growing creative community and student population that adds a youthful energy to many districts.

Where to unwind
When you need a break from the traffic, Surabaya’s parks and riverside promenades offer welcome pockets of greenery. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for walking, jogging, or simply sitting on a bench to watch the city slow down, especially as the heat eases and the lights come on.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for flavourful dishes such as rich meat stews, noodles, and fresh seafood, often found at humble street stalls and small eateries. Neighbourhoods around traditional markets and busy main roads are good places to try recipes that locals have enjoyed for generations.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Across Surabaya’s shopping centres and newer commercial districts, you will find casual restaurants, cafés, and international chains. Menus often feature a mix of Indonesian favourites and global comfort food, with sharing plates and modest portions that make it easy to sample several dishes in one sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for venues on higher floors of hotels or office towers that offer city views, especially at sunset. You can also find restaurants close to the waterfront or overlooking main boulevards, where the backdrop of lights and traffic adds to the atmosphere.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls in Surabaya gather international fashion brands, electronics, lifestyle stores, and entertainment under one roof. They are popular places to shop, dine, and meet friends, with air-conditioned corridors that offer a comfortable escape from the midday heat.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller shopping streets are where you will find textiles, everyday goods, and locally made items. Areas around the old town and established neighbourhood centres showcase small boutiques and stalls that reflect the city’s character and craftsmanship.

Evening retail scene
After dark, many shopping streets and malls remain busy, with illuminated storefronts and extended dining hours. Temporary stalls sometimes appear around plazas and open spaces, adding to the evening buzz. Public transport and taxis make it straightforward to reach these areas in the evening.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau) – May to October, shoulder season
During the dry season, temperatures typically range from 26°C to 33°C (79°F to 91°F), with lower humidity and plenty of sunshine. This is a comfortable time for city sightseeing and day trips, and clearer skies often mean more vivid sunsets and evening views.

Transitional months – March to April and November, shoulder season
In these months you can expect warm temperatures of about 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F) and a mix of sunny and cloudy days with occasional showers. It is a flexible period for travel, with fewer extremes in rainfall and a pleasant atmosphere for both indoor and outdoor activities.

Wet season (Musim Hujan) – December to February, low season
The wet season brings higher humidity and regular showers, with temperatures usually between 25°C and 31°C (77°F to 88°F). Rainfall often comes in bursts, leaving cooler periods in between, which can be ideal for exploring malls, museums, and indoor attractions while still enjoying calmer streets.

Frequently Asked Questions