Flights from Johannesburg (JNB) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is a dynamic port city on the island of Java, known for its blend of historic quarters, leafy neighbourhoods, and thriving business districts. You will find a busy waterfront, characterful old streets, and modern malls that reflect its role as Indonesia's second-largest city.

What to expect
The city centres around the Tunjungan and Embong Malang areas, where offices, hotels, and shopping centres sit alongside cafes and local eateries. Down by the old port and Arab Quarter, narrow lanes, traditional markets, and heritage buildings give Surabaya a more intimate, small-town feel.

Plan your trip
Surabaya is a convenient base for exploring East Java, including Mt Bromo, waterfalls, and coastal towns. With strong transport links and a variety of accommodation options, you can combine time in the city with day trips into the surrounding countryside and onward journeys across Java and beyond.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore a well-preserved colonial-era complex with a small museum, art displays, and views over the historic neighbourhood.

Suramadu Bridge

Drive or ride across this long sea bridge linking Java and Madura for wide views of the Madura Strait, especially atmospheric at night.

Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam)

Step inside a preserved submarine on the riverside and learn about Indonesia's maritime history in an unusual setting.

Tunjungan Street

Stroll along this central boulevard lined with malls, hotels, and heritage buildings that light up after sunset.

Old City (Kota Tua)

Wander streets of fading warehouses and colonial façades near the port that hint at Surabaya's trading past.

Kenjeran Park and Beach

Visit this coastal area on the city's edge to enjoy sea breezes, family-friendly attractions, and simple seaside snacks.

Mangrove Ecotourism Wonorejo

Take a boat trip through shaded mangrove channels and spot birdlife just a short drive from the city centre.

Surabaya City Hall and Heroes Monument area

Walk around landscaped grounds and distinctive monuments that commemorate the city's role in Indonesia's modern history.

Experience Surabaya's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Surabaya is best explored using a mix of taxis, ride-hailing services, and local buses for longer hops between districts. In central areas, wide pavements and improved crossings make short walks between malls, offices, and hotels straightforward.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Surabaya revolves around offices, campuses, and shopping streets, with many residents gathering in cafes and casual eateries after work. Neighbourhoods such as Darmo and Gubeng feel leafy and residential, while areas near the port offer a more traditional, small-scale atmosphere.

Where to unwind
For fresh air, city parks and riverside paths provide welcome shade in the late afternoon. In the evenings, you can join locals in plazas and open spaces that come alive with joggers, cyclists, and families enjoying the cooler temperatures.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for flavourful dishes such as savoury noodle soups, grilled skewers, and rice plates served from simple stalls. Around traditional markets and older districts, you will find compact food courts and roadside vendors offering quick, satisfying meals.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In central Surabaya, large malls and mixed-use complexes house food courts, bakeries, and contemporary restaurants. Menus often mix local favourites with pan-Asian and international options, with portions sized so you can comfortably try several dishes when dining with friends or colleagues.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for restaurants and hotel venues with elevated views over the city skyline or riverside. Some establishments pair refined local recipes with international cuisine, offering a calm setting for business dinners, special occasions, or a relaxed end to a day of sightseeing.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya is known for its large, modern shopping centres, where international brands, local designers, cinemas, and family attractions sit under one roof. These malls are popular meeting places, offering cool, air-conditioned spaces to shop, dine, and relax between appointments or sightseeing.

Markets & local crafts
Alongside the malls, traditional markets and neighbourhood streets are good places to look for textiles, home décor, and small accessories. Districts near the old port and central avenues feature independent shops where you can browse for everyday items and modest keepsakes.

Evening retail scene
After sunset, Surabaya's shopping streets, food courts, and mall façades glow with colourful signs and lights. Many centres stay open into the evening, so you can combine dinner and shopping before heading back to your hotel, with taxis and ride-hailing services making these areas easy to reach.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (musim kemarau, May to October, peak season)
During the dry season, Surabaya is generally sunny and warm, with average temperatures around 28–32°C (82–90°F). Clear skies make it appealing for city walks and day trips to coastal areas or highland destinations nearby.

Transitional months (April and November, shoulder season)
In April and November, the weather shifts between wet and dry patterns, with temperatures around 27–31°C (81–88°F). You may experience brief showers alongside bright, clear periods, creating comfortable conditions for sightseeing and indoor-outdoor plans.

Wet season (musim hujan, December to March, low season)
The wet season brings more frequent showers and higher humidity, with average temperatures of 26–30°C (79–86°F). Rain often falls in short bursts, leaving cooler moments in between, and indoor attractions, malls, and cafes become especially pleasant places to spend time.

Frequently Asked Questions