Flights from Kochi (COK) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is a dynamic port city that blends historic quarters, leafy neighbourhoods, and a growing modern skyline. You will find busy streets, friendly locals, and easy access to volcanic landscapes and coastal scenery nearby.

What to expect
The city is known for its broad avenues, riverside promenades, and characterful districts such as the old Arab Quarter and Chinatown. Modern malls, cafés, and business districts sit alongside heritage warehouses, giving Surabaya a distinctly urban yet relaxed feel.

Plan your trip
Surabaya is an ideal base for exploring East Java, including Mount Bromo, cool highland towns, and coastal escapes. With good road and rail connections across the region, it works well as both a city break and a starting point for a longer Indonesian journey.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

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

Suramadu Bridge

Drive or ride across this impressive bridge linking Surabaya with Madura Island for wide views over the Madura Strait.

Tunjungan Street

Stroll along one of Surabaya’s most famous streets, lined with historic buildings, hotels, and modern shopping centres.

Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam)

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

Cheng Hoo Mosque complex

Admire the distinctive Chinese-influenced architecture and peaceful grounds of this colourful landmark in the city centre.

Kenjeran Park and coastline

Head to the coast for sea breezes, family-friendly attractions, and views across the water, especially in the late afternoon.

Surabaya North Quay

Watch cruise ships and harbour activity from this elevated promenade, with food stalls and open views over the busy port.

Experience Surabaya’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
You can move easily through Surabaya by taxi, ride-hailing services, and the growing network of local buses. For short distances, traditional becak trishaws and walks along key streets such as Tunjungan give you a closer look at daily life.

Local life & culture
Surabaya has a strong sense of local pride, reflected in its lively neighbourhoods, community parks, and cultural centres. You will see students, families, and office workers sharing the same streets, and weekends often bring outdoor events, live music, and casual gatherings along the river.

Where to unwind
The city offers many green spaces, including riverfront promenades and landscaped parks where you can relax in the early morning or late afternoon. Cooler hours are ideal for a gentle walk, a jog, or simply sitting on a bench and watching the city slow down for the day.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya’s streets and small eateries are known for flavourful noodle dishes, rice plates, and snacks that draw evening crowds. Areas around traditional markets and older districts are good places to sample local favourites in a lively setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find many casual restaurants in Surabaya’s malls and modern complexes, offering Indonesian dishes alongside regional Asian and international flavours. Portions are often well-sized for sharing, so you can try a variety of plates with friends or family in one relaxed meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable experience, choose a restaurant with city views from an upper floor or rooftop, especially around sunset. Some hotels and standalone venues offer quiet, well-presented dining rooms where you can enjoy refined versions of local and international cuisine in a calm atmosphere.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Surabaya is known for its large malls, where international brands, lifestyle stores, cinemas, and cafés sit under one roof. These centres double as social spaces where you can shop, meet friends, and enjoy the cool air-conditioning during the warmer parts of the day.

Markets & local crafts
Beyond the malls, traditional markets and smaller shopping streets offer textiles, everyday items, and locally made products. Districts with older shophouses and long-running businesses are good places to look for crafts and distinctive souvenirs that reflect the city’s maritime and trading heritage.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, Surabaya’s malls stay bright and busy, and some street-side areas become livelier with snack stalls and small vendors. Illuminated façades and cooler temperatures make it pleasant to browse or window-shop, and public transport and taxis help you return to your hotel comfortably after dark.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (musim kemarau, May to October, shoulder 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 a comfortable time for city walks, harbour views, and day trips to nearby highlands for cooler air.

Transitional months (April and November, shoulder season)
In April and November, Surabaya experiences a mix of dry days and occasional showers, with temperatures about 27–31°C (81–88°F). These months can feel slightly less humid than peak rainy periods, and you will still enjoy plenty of daylight for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Rainy season (musim hujan, December to March, peak season)
The rainy season brings heavier showers, usually in short bursts, and temperatures of roughly 26–30°C (79–86°F). The greenery in parks and surrounding countryside looks especially lush, and you can plan indoor time in museums, cafés, and malls when the rain passes through.

Frequently Asked Questions