Flights from Busan (PUS) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover Surabaya

Why visit Surabaya?
Surabaya is a dynamic port city that blends maritime heritage, elegant colonial-era streets, and a fast-growing modern skyline. It is a gateway to East Java’s volcanic landscapes while offering a lively urban atmosphere and a strong sense of local identity.

What to expect
You will find broad avenues, busy commercial districts, and older quarters filled with characterful shophouses. The city’s waterfront roots are visible in its historic port and riverside areas, while new malls, hotels, and business centres give Surabaya a confident, contemporary feel.

Plan your trip
Surabaya works well as both a standalone city break and a practical base for exploring East Java. From here, you can plan trips to Mount Bromo, the Ijen plateau, and coastal towns, making the city an ideal starting point for wider adventures around the region.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore a well-preserved heritage complex with a museum, gallery spaces, and a glimpse into Surabaya’s early 20th-century architecture.

Surabaya Submarine Monument

Step inside a preserved naval submarine set beside the river and learn about the city’s maritime story in a memorable setting.

Tunjungan area

Walk along this central district to see a mix of restored historic buildings, modern hotels, and one of the city’s busiest shopping corridors.

Suramadu National Bridge

Take in sweeping views as you cross the long bridge linking Surabaya with Madura Island, especially atmospheric around sunset and in the evening lights.

Old Town (Kota Lama)

Wander through streets lined with colonial-era facades, warehouses, and traditional shops that capture Surabaya’s trading past.

Kayoon Park riverside

Stroll along landscaped riverbanks, enjoy open spaces in the heart of the city, and watch daily life unfold beside the water.

Kenjeran Park coastal area

Head to the coast for sea breezes, photo spots, and family-friendly recreation areas on the edge of the city.

Experience Surabaya’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
In Surabaya, taxis and ride-hailing services are the most convenient way to cover longer distances, especially between downtown, the port, and outlying districts. City buses serve key corridors, while walking is pleasant in selected central areas and parks for short hops.

Local life & culture
The city has an energetic pace shaped by trade, education, and industry. You will notice busy markets, university quarters, and neighbourhoods where coffee shops and small eateries fill with locals. Traditional crafts and long-established family businesses sit alongside modern offices and creative spaces.

Where to unwind
Green spaces and riverside promenades offer a welcome contrast to the traffic and bustle. Visit city parks in the early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are gentler and local joggers and families come out. Coastal spots around Kenjeran are also popular for catching sea breezes and relaxed views.

A taste of Surabaya

Street food & local specialties
Surabaya is known for hearty, flavourful dishes served at roadside stalls and simple eateries across the city. Explore neighbourhoods around traditional markets and older districts to sample rich broths, noodle dishes, and snacks enjoyed by locals at all times of day.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and contemporary lifestyle complexes gather many cafes and restaurants under one roof, making them easy places to explore different flavours. Menus often encourage sharing, so you can try several smaller plates in one sitting, from local favourites to broader Asian and international options.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, look for venues with elevated views over central Surabaya or near the riverfront and coastal areas. Hotel restaurants often pair refined takes on Indonesian classics with city panoramas, turning dinner into a relaxed way to see Surabaya from a different angle.

Retail therapy in Surabaya

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres in central Surabaya bring together international fashion, local brands, cinemas, and family attractions. These air-conditioned spaces double as social hubs, where you can browse, dine, and pause between sightseeing or business meetings.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller streets are where you will find textiles, accessories, and everyday essentials. Districts close to the Old Town and long-established commercial areas showcase local traders, giving you a chance to pick up handicrafts and regionally made products.

Evening retail scene
After dark, Surabaya’s malls stay lively, with illuminated facades and late-opening stores. Street stalls and small shops in busy quarters also draw in evening crowds, especially at weekends. Public transport, taxis, and ride-hailing services make it straightforward to reach these areas at night.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau) – May to October, shoulder season
During the dry season, Surabaya is typically hot and less humid, with daytime temperatures around 28–33°C (82–91°F). Skies are often clearer, making it a good time for city walks and excursions to East Java’s highlands, while evenings feel a little more comfortable outdoors.

Wet season (Musim Hujan) – November to April, peak season
The wet season brings short, intense showers, usually in the afternoon or evening, with temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F). The city feels lush and vibrant, and rainfall often passes quickly, allowing you to continue sightseeing, shopping, and dining between showers.

Transitional months – March to May and September to November, low season
In the transitional periods between the main seasons, weather patterns can shift from drier to wetter days, with temperatures about 27–32°C (81–90°F). These months can feel a little quieter, giving you more space in popular areas while still offering plenty of warm, bright days.

Frequently Asked Questions