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 center, 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 center, make sure you visit Balai Pemuda Arts Center 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 center, 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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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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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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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
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Embong Kaliasin

While visiting Embong Kaliasin, you might make a stop by sights like Surabaya Plaza Shopping Mall and World Trade Centre.

Embong Kaliasin
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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 City of Tomorrow. Jump on the metro at Waru Station to see more of the city.

Bungurasih
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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
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 HK$577 per night from 4 Jul to 5 Jul
HK$577
HK$698 total
4 Jul - 5 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! (163 reviews)
"The stay was very comfortable. It would be better that there are hooks/hanging bars to hang our wet swimming costumes in the toilet. Also, would appreciate there is a grab bar in the shower, for safety purposes."

Reviewed on 14 May 2025

Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya, Pakuwon Indah
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 HK$486 per night from 12 Jul to 13 Jul
HK$486
HK$588 total
12 Jul - 13 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 Joko ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (280 reviews)
"Always a great stay and the staff are super friendly."

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya, Tunjungan Plaza
Fairfield by Marriott Surabaya
Fairfield by Marriott Surabaya
4 out of 5
Jalan Mayjend Sungkono No. 178, Surabaya
The price is HK$267 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
HK$267
HK$324 total
14 Jul - 15 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 Al-Akbar ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (171 reviews)
"Overall a great place to stay for given rate"

Reviewed on 18 Apr 2025

Fairfield by 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 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
Luxurious & Spacious 2BR Apartment at One East Residences
Luxurious & Spacious 2BR Apartment at One East Residences
3 out of 5
26FL-J Jl. Raya Kertajaya Indah No. 79, Sukolilo, Manyar Sabrangan, Mulyorejo, Surabaya, Jawa Timur
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Surabaya. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and housekeeping. Popular attractions Tunjungan Plaza and Galaxy Mall are located ...
Luxurious & Spacious 2BR Apartment at One East Residences
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
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