Surabaya

Travel Guide
Surabaya
Indonesia’s second-largest city is a thriving business center with lively food courts, markets and a colorful 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

Fairfield by Marriott Surabaya
Fairfield by Marriott Surabaya
4 out of 5
Jalan Mayjend Sungkono No. 178, Surabaya, 60225
The price is HK$261 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
HK$261
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Surabaya. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (122 reviews)
Surabaya best value hotel
"Excellent service from the breakfast team. Nice pure juice and latte, delicious omelette. Friendly reception and perfect security guards"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2022

Fairfield by Marriott Surabaya
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, 60216
The price is HK$475 per night from 13 Jun to 14 Jun
HK$475
per night
13 Jun - 14 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Surabaya. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Popular attractions Pakuwon Mall and Al-Akbar Mosque are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews)
"Access to the mall for dining and shopping"

Reviewed on 28 May 2023

Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya, Pakuwon Indah
Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya
Four Points by Sheraton Surabaya
4 out of 5
Jl Embong Malang 25 - 31, Tunjungan Plaza, Surabaya, East Java, 60261
The price is HK$522 per night from 4 Jun to 5 Jun
HK$522
per night
4 Jun - 5 Jun
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Surabaya. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (220 reviews)
"Great staff!"

Reviewed on 27 May 2023

Four Points by Sheraton 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.
Whiz Residence Darmo Harapan Surabaya - CHSE Certified
Whiz Residence Darmo Harapan Surabaya - CHSE Certified
3.5 out of 5
Darmo Harapan 1, Surabaya, East Java, 60187
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Surabaya. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (8 reviews)
"Beautiful all around nice big swimming pool nice gym.big setting area. Nice love ❤️ to be there."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2022

Whiz Residence Darmo Harapan Surabaya - CHSE Certified
Ascott Waterplace Surabaya
Ascott Waterplace Surabaya
4.5 out of 5
Tower D1 Jalan Pakuwon Indah, Lontar Timur Kav 3-5, Surabaya, East Java, 60126
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Surabaya. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (83 reviews)
"Very well set out accommodation."

Reviewed on 29 Dec 2022

Ascott Waterplace Surabaya
Cosmy Orchard Apartment
Cosmy Orchard Apartment
3 out of 5
Pakuwon Mansion, Orchard Tower, Surabaya, Jawa Tengah, 60217
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Surabaya. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a children's pool. Popular attractions Pakuwon Mall and Al-Akbar ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
"Cozy well functioned appartment with wifi, netflix, warn shower and small kitchen. The host was very responsive and allowed late check out. We will come back next time We"

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2019

Cosmy Orchard 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.

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