Surabaya

Travel Guide

Surabaya
Surabaya
Surabaya
Surabaya
Surabaya

Indonesia’s second-largest city is a thriving business centre with lively food courts, markets and a colourful local arts scene. It’s also home to one of Indonesia’ largest mosques.

Come to Surabaya to explore this ancient city’s many exciting districts, shop in the markets and malls and spot a fascinating display of architecture from several different eras. Use this exciting city as a base to explore the mountains, national parks and outer islands of East Java or explore the city’s fascinating streets and treat yourself to a luxury hotel. 

Surabaya was founded in the 13th century and has a rich history. One of the city’s most notable historical events was its early role in the Indonesian Battle for Independence. Surabaya has since grown to become a major industrial centre, though those who explore will be sure to find the city’s fascinating heritage and culture amid new commercial developments.

Wander around the enchanting Arab District or explore one of Indonesia’s largest Chinatown districts. You can sample local delicacies in the food courts on G-Walk and The Loop, both in the west of the city. 

Don’t miss the Masjid Al Akbar Mosque, which towers above the skyline and is one of the largest mosques in the country. Families will love the Surubaya Zoo, one of the oldest and largest zoos in the country. Near the city centre, make sure you visit Balai Pemuda Arts Centre to see dancers perform traditional Reog dances. A large festival, the Seni Surubaya, takes place here in June. 

Many people use Surabaya as a base from which to explore other east Javanese sights. Mount Bromo is a popular two-day trip, while the ancient archaeological site of Trowulan can be explored in one action-packed day. 

Being such an important industrial centre, Surabaya has a busy international airport and has excellent bus and rail links with the rest of Java. Once you have arrived in the city, taxis are the most convenient way to get around. 

Be prepared for flash rain showers from November to February. Otherwise, the climate in Surabaya is tropical and sunny year-round.

Where to stay in Surabaya

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Gubeng

4/5(2 area reviews)

You might enjoy the bars while you're in Gubeng, and if you want to see some more of the larger Surabaya area, you can take a ride on the metro at Ngagel Station.

Gubeng
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Surabaya Center

While you're in Surabaya Center, take in top sights like Tunjungan Plaza and jump on the metro at Ngagel Station to see more of the city.

Surabaya Center
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Kedungdoro

While Kedungdoro isn't home to many top sights, Tunjungan Plaza and Surabaya Plaza Shopping Mall are some notable places to visit nearby.

Kedungdoro
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Wonokromo

4/5(1 area review)

Get to know Wonokromo and its many features like its museums and cafes. You might want to explore sights like Royal Plaza Surabaya and Surabaya Zoo, and you can jump on the metro at Wonokromo Station or Ngagel Station to get around the city.

Wonokromo
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Genteng

When in Genteng, you can plan a visit to Tunjungan Plaza and Surabaya Plaza Shopping Mall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Genteng
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Embong Kaliasin

While visiting Embong Kaliasin, you might make a stop by sights like Surabaya Plaza Shopping Mall and Submarine Monument.

Embong Kaliasin
Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya, Pakuwon Indah
Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya, Pakuwon Indah
4 out of 5
Pakuwon Mall, Jalan Puncak Indah Lontar No. 2, Surabaya
The price is S$118 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
S$118
19 Jul - 20 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Surabaya. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (169 reviews)
"It is right next to biggest Pakuwon Mall, connected to many luxus Condominium buildings behind the Mall, breakfast was very lavish, great choices, chef cook came out to greet guests, weekend breakfast has music orchestra and sing in local music, great experiences."

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya, Pakuwon Indah
JW Marriott Surabaya
JW Marriott Surabaya
5 out of 5
Jalan Embong Malang 85-89, Surabaya, East Java
The price is S$127 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
S$127
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Surabaya. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (446 reviews)
Enjoy the stay at JW Marriott Surabaya
"I enjoyed my 3-day stay at JW Marriott Surabaya, staff was super nice. Kiki at Front Desk made my check in super easy and smooth, and Andyta, Putri, Oliv and Bima at lounge made me feel at home, they remembered all my favorite drink and foods. I appreciate their care and attention."

Reviewed on 23 Mar, 2025

JW Marriott Surabaya
Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya, Tunjungan Plaza
Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya, Tunjungan Plaza
4 out of 5
Jl Embong Malang 25 - 31, Tunjungan Plaza, Surabaya, East Java
The price is S$101 per night from 25 Jul to 26 Jul
S$101
25 Jul - 26 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Surabaya. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Tunjungan Plaza and Pakuwon ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (281 reviews)
"Always a great stay and the staff are super friendly."

Reviewed on 13 Jun, 2025

Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya, Tunjungan Plaza
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ascott Waterplace Surabaya
Ascott Waterplace Surabaya
4.5 out of 5
Tower D1 Jalan Pakuwon Indah, Lontar Timur Kav 3-5, Surabaya, East Java
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Surabaya. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Pakuwon Mall and Tunjungan Plaza ...
SURABAYA OCTOBER 2024
"Nice hotel in a great location next to a shopping mall so lots of choice for dining. Staff were friendly and very helpful. The suite was very nice. My only suggestion having stayed at lots of similar places is that there were a few simples things missing in the room that would have helped. No moisturising ..."

Reviewed on 12 Oct, 2024

Ascott Waterplace Surabaya
Best Choice And Tidy 2Br At Puncak Dharmahusada Apartment
Best Choice And Tidy 2Br At Puncak Dharmahusada Apartment
2 out of 5
Surabaya
Stay at this apartment in Surabaya. Popular attractions Tunjungan Plaza and Galaxy Mall are located nearby.
Best Choice And Tidy 2Br At Puncak Dharmahusada Apartment
Grand Luxurious And Spacious Studio At Benson Supermall Mansion Apartment
Grand Luxurious And Spacious Studio At Benson Supermall Mansion Apartment
3 out of 5
Benson 26FL #06 Jl. Raya Lontar, Lontar, Sambikerep, Surabaya, Jawa Timur
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Surabaya. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and housekeeping. Popular attractions Pakuwon Mall and Tunjungan Plaza are located ...
"nice apartment with a good view and easy access down the mall. Room quite spacious compare to similar apartments, cozy, phone signal reception still good, kitchenware also clean and pretty new. This was managed by Travelio so we redirected with the checkin proses with them. The only downside is there ..."

Reviewed on 31 Dec, 2022

Grand Luxurious And Spacious Studio At Benson Supermall Mansion Apartment
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Surabaya

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 21%
4 - Good
10
4 - Good 71%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 7%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Local food was good

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller

I will not visit there again

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

I was attending the church conference so I didn't have much time to visit anywhere..maybe next time.

5/5 - Excellent

Masao

It’s heaven on earth for culinary visit. No doubt about it because i was born and grew up in Surabaya until I finished university, and lived in Bogor ever since.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Cleaner than Jakarta

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Good variety of foods and very cheap