Surabaya

Travel Guide
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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Waru

Even though there aren't top sights in Waru, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like Royal Plaza Surabaya. Jump on the metro at Waru Station to see more of the city.

Waru
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Bungurasih

Even though there aren't top sights in Bungurasih, you can explore the larger area and take in top sights like Al Akbar Mosque. Jump on the metro at Waru Station to see more of the city.

Bungurasih
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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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Ngagel

Ngagel is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can plan an outing to Surabaya Zoo and Taman Bungkul while you're in town.

Ngagel
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Ketintang

The restaurants and shopping are just a few features travellers like about Ketintang. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Royal Plaza Surabaya and Surabaya Zoo are a few top places to visit.

Ketintang
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$98 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
S$98
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Surabaya. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Tunjungan Plaza and Grahadi are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (239 reviews)
Good location and yummy breakfast
"Very convenient location. Just next to shopping mall w restaurants & fast foods. Very yummy breakfast buffet with fresh juice, handmade noodle etc…"

Reviewed on 20 Nov,2023

Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya, Tunjungan Plaza
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$103 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
S$103
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star golf hotel in Surabaya. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (106 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 20 Feb,2024

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$118 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
S$118
per night
29 Mar - 30 Mar
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! (411 reviews)
"Provide me the early check in while available room, which was helpful."

Reviewed on 7 Mar,2024

JW Marriott Surabaya
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 Trade Center and Pakuwon ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (90 reviews)
"Very well set out accommodation."

Reviewed on 29 Dec,2022

Ascott Waterplace Surabaya
Cosmy Benson Apartment at Pakuwon Mall
Cosmy Benson Apartment at Pakuwon Mall
3.5 out of 5
jl. puncak indah supermall pakuwon, Benson Tower, Pakuwon Residential, Surabaya, East Java
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly apartment in Surabaya. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Pakuwon Mall and Pakuwon ...
Cosmy Benson Apartment at Pakuwon Mall
Soerabaja Place Guest House
Soerabaja Place Guest House
3 out of 5
Jl. Jaksa Agung Suprapto No. 27, Surabaya, Jawa Timur
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Surabaya. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Taman Hiburan Rakyat and ...
Soerabaja Place Guest House
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 21.428571428571427%
4 - Good
10
" "4 - Good 71.42857142857143%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 7.142857142857143%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
20 Nov 2019

Local food was good

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveller
31 Jul 2019

I will not visit there again

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
11 Jul 2019

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

5/5 - Excellent

Masao
27 Jun 2019

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
28 Feb 2019

Cleaner than Jakarta

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
31 Dec 2018

Good variety of foods and very cheap