Flights from Singapore (SIN) to Surabaya (SUB)

About Surabaya

Discover East Java's dynamic port city

Surabaya is Indonesia's second-largest city and the bustling gateway to East Java. Lively streets, historic districts, and a busy waterfront give the city a distinctive character that feels both industrial and welcoming. You will find traditional markets, modern shopping centres, and leafy neighbourhoods sitting side by side.

Beyond its urban energy, Surabaya is an ideal base for exploring the wider region, from coastal mangroves to volcanic landscapes further inland. The city offers a relaxed yet purposeful pace, a strong local food culture, and plenty of hidden corners where you can slow down over a coffee or traditional snack between your adventures.

Whether you are travelling for business, visiting family, or continuing onward to East Java's natural highlights, Surabaya offers the convenience of a major hub with the warmth of a close-knit community.

Top sights in Surabaya

House of Sampoerna

Explore a well-preserved colonial-era complex with a small museum, gallery spaces, and a cafe overlooking a cobbled courtyard.

Suramadu Bridge

Drive or ride across this long sea bridge linking Surabaya and Madura Island for wide views over the Madura Strait, especially striking at night.

Submarine Monument

Step inside a retired naval submarine displayed on the riverfront and learn about Indonesia's maritime history in an unusual setting.

Tunjungan Street

Stroll along one of Surabaya's main thoroughfares, lined with shopping centres, historic buildings, and evening street food stalls.

Mangunharjo Mangrove Forest

Wander along wooden boardwalks through a coastal mangrove reserve and enjoy cooler air, birdlife, and views back towards the city skyline.

Experience Surabaya's local energy

Surabaya invites you to experience daily life up close. Start your day in traditional markets, where stalls overflow with fresh produce, local snacks, and textiles, and where friendly stallholders are usually happy to explain unfamiliar ingredients. Walking through older quarters, you can admire a mix of colonial architecture and classic shophouses, pausing at small cafes that blend local flavours with contemporary design.

Guided city tours offer an easy way to understand Surabaya's history, port heritage, and role as a gateway to East Java. Many itineraries include riverside promenades, historic squares, and characterful older streets. If you prefer to explore independently, ride-hailing services and taxis make it simple to create your own route between the city's key neighbourhoods.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Surabaya is a natural launchpad for day trips or overnight excursions. Travellers often use the city as a starting point for journeys towards mountain and highland areas elsewhere in East Java, combining urban convenience with access to wide open spaces.

A taste of Surabaya

Surabaya has a rich food scene shaped by Javanese, Chinese, and other regional influences. You will find everything from simple roadside stalls to contemporary eateries serving refined takes on classic dishes. Local favourites often feature fragrant broths, slow-cooked meats, and generous use of fresh herbs and spices.

Signature dishes to look out for include soto and rawon, comforting soups known for their deep flavours, as well as various rice and noodle plates topped with grilled or braised meats. Snack-lovers can graze on traditional cakes, fritters, and desserts available from market vendors and small bakeries throughout the city.

Modern malls and lifestyle precincts add another layer, with cafes and restaurants offering both international menus and creative versions of local fare. Whether you prefer a quick street-side meal or a sit-down dinner in air-conditioned comfort, you will find plenty of options to match your schedule after your flight.

Retail therapy in East Java's capital

Shopping in Surabaya ranges from large, modern malls to busy traditional markets. Air-conditioned shopping centres along main avenues house international brands, cinemas, supermarkets, and lifestyle stores, making them convenient stops for travellers who want everything in one place.

For a more local experience, markets and smaller shopping streets offer clothing, textiles, homeware, and everyday essentials. You can browse stalls selling batik, handicrafts, and snacks that make practical gifts to take home. The atmosphere is lively, with vendors calling out their latest offers and shoppers chatting over refreshments.

If you are looking for something specific, many malls group similar shops together, such as electronics, fashion, or home goods, so you can compare options easily. With long opening hours and a mix of modern and traditional venues, it is simple to fit in some shopping before meetings, between sightseeing, or on your last day before heading back to the airport.

Best time to visit Surabaya

Dry season (Musim Kemarau), typically from May to October, brings sunny days and relatively lower humidity, with average temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F). As conditions are stable and ideal for urban exploring and regional trips, this period is often considered the peak season.

Transition season, around April and November, sees a mix of sunshine and occasional showers, with temperatures of about 26–31°C (79–88°F). Brief rainstorms freshen the air, and visitor numbers are more moderate, making it a pleasant shoulder season for flexible travellers.

Rainy season (Musim Hujan), usually from December to March, features more frequent showers and slightly higher humidity, with temperatures near 26–30°C (79–86°F). Rain often comes in short bursts, leaving time for indoor attractions and relaxed dining, so you can still enjoy the city during this low season.

Frequently Asked Questions