Surabaya

Travel Guide

Surabaya
Surabaya
Surabaya
Surabaya
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

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Gubeng

4/5(4 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 catch 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

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Kedungdoro and surrounding area, you can visit Tunjungan Plaza and Surabaya Plaza Shopping Mall.

Kedungdoro
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Ketintang

Ketintang is well-liked for its restaurants and shopping. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Royal Plaza Surabaya and Surabaya Zoo are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Ketintang
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Genteng

While Genteng might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Tunjungan Plaza and Surabaya Plaza Shopping Mall.

Genteng
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Wonokromo

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Wonokromo is well-liked for its museums and cafes. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Royal Plaza Surabaya and Surabaya Zoo are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Wonokromo Station or Ngagel Station to get around.

Wonokromo
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 NT$2,251 per night from Jul 19 to Jul 20
NT$2,251
NT$2,724 total
Jul 19 - Jul 20
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! (170 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 2025/6/30

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 NT$2,251 per night from Jul 18 to Jul 19
NT$2,251
NT$2,724 total
Jul 18 - Jul 19
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! (447 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 2025/3/23

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 NT$1,981 per night from Jul 25 to Jul 26
NT$1,981
NT$2,397 total
Jul 25 - Jul 26
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! (282 reviews)
"Always a great stay and the staff are super friendly."

Reviewed on 2025/6/13

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 2024/10/12

Ascott Waterplace Surabaya
Cosmy Orchard Apartment
Cosmy Orchard Apartment
3 out of 5
Pakuwon Mansion, Orchard Tower, Surabaya, Jawa Tengah
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Surabaya. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Pakuwon Mall and Tunjungan ...
"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 2019/1/16

Cosmy Orchard Apartment
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

Reviews of Surabaya

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
12
5 - Excellent 39%
4 - Good
8
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
11
3 - Okay 35%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Hoho

Very friendly city

5/5 - Excellent

Sadstay

The city is cleaner than several years ago. Transportation and traffic getting better! Bravo Surabaya!

3/5 - Okay

Daphne

Surabaya doesn't have much except for malls.

Cities near Surabaya