Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is Indonesia's second-largest city and the commercial heart of East Java, blending busy port life with leafy neighbourhoods and historic quarters. You will find modern malls, riverside promenades, and a growing creative scene alongside atmospheric old streets.
What to expect
The city stretches along the Madura Strait, with wide avenues, riverside parks, and districts that feel distinct from one another. You can explore the heritage buildings around the old port, walk past striking monuments in the city centre, then head to coastal areas and lively food streets as evening arrives.
Plan your trip
Surabaya is an ideal base for exploring East Java, from Mount Bromo and the Ijen plateau to coastal towns and rural highlands. With strong transport links across Java and beyond, it works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for a wider Indonesian journey.