Surabaya
Surabaya is a city that wears its history with a gritty, unassuming pride.
04:06 PM
30°C
Spirit of the City
Surabaya is a city that wears its history with a gritty, unassuming pride. We call it the 'City of Heroes,' and you feel that spirit in the salty air blowing in from the Madura Strait and in the relentless energy of its people. This isn't a polished, manicured tourist destination; it's a city of survivors and innovators, a sprawling metropolis built on the backbone of trade and revolution. From the bustling, chaotic lanes of Pasar Atom, where generations of merchants have plied their trade, to the quiet dignity of the Heroes Monument piercing the skyline, Surabaya tells a story of resilience. We are a city of contrasts, where gleaming new skyscrapers cast shadows on old Dutch colonial buildings, and the call to prayer from ancient mosques mingles with the roar of a million motorbikes. Life here is a vibrant tapestry of Javanese traditions, Chinese entrepreneurial spirit, and a uniquely Surabayan directness. We are fiercely proud of our culinary heritage, from the pungent, unforgettable taste of 'rujak cingur' to the comforting warmth of a bowl of 'rawon'. To live in Surabaya is to be part of a city that is constantly moving, constantly evolving, yet always grounded in the unyielding spirit of its past.
Landmarks Map
Top Landmarks (8)
Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan)
A towering monument dedicated to the heroes of the Battle of Surabaya. Locals know that the best time to visit is during the evening when the monument is beautifully lit, and the surrounding park is filled with families and food vendors.
Monumen Kapal Selam (Submarine Monument)
A real Russian submarine, the KRI Pasopati 410, now a museum. A little-known fact is that you can climb into the conning tower for a unique view of the city, a detail often missed by regular tourists.
House of Sampoerna
A Dutch colonial-style cigarette factory and museum. The hidden gem here is the art gallery on the second floor, which showcases contemporary Indonesian artists, a quiet escape from the bustling factory floor.
Suramadu National Bridge
The longest bridge in Indonesia, connecting Surabaya with the island of Madura. Locals will tell you the best view is not from the bridge itself, but from the Kenjeran Park shoreline at sunset, where you can see the bridge's silhouette against the colorful sky.
Ampel Mosque
The oldest mosque in East Java, a significant pilgrimage site. The secret of Ampel is the bustling market behind the mosque, a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from perfumes to traditional snacks, a sensory experience many visitors miss.
Kenjeran Park (Taman Kenjeran)
A recreational park with a beach, statues, and a pagoda. The hidden spot is the old Dutch-built lighthouse at the edge of the park, offering panoramic views of the Madura Strait for those who venture to find it.
Cheng Hoo Mosque
A unique mosque with Chinese architectural influences, a symbol of cultural harmony. A little-known detail is the small, traditional Chinese garden behind the main prayer hall, a tranquil spot for reflection.
Surabaya Zoo (Kebun Binatang Surabaya)
One of the oldest and largest zoos in Southeast Asia. The local secret is the early morning feeding times, especially for the primates, which offer a more active and engaging viewing experience before the crowds arrive.
Surabaya offers a mix of public transportation options including the modern Suroboyo Bus, DAMRI Airport Bus, and angkot minivans. Ride-sharing services like Grab (GrabCar and GrabBike) are widely available and convenient. Taxis are also readily accessible and generally inexpensive, with an initial fare around IDR 10,000 and approximately IDR 5,000 per kilometer.
Shopping Guide
Surabaya boasts numerous shopping destinations, from expansive modern malls to vibrant traditional markets. Key malls include Tunjungan Plaza, Pakuwon Mall, and Galaxy Mall, offering a wide range of international and local brands. For a more traditional experience, explore markets like Pasar Genteng or Pasar Turi for local goods, textiles, and handicrafts.
Events & Seasons
Kya-Kya Chunjie Fest
A lively Chinese New Year festival in Surabaya Chinatown featuring cultural performances street food and festive decorations.
The Gilded Stallion Celebration Festival
A vibrant Lunar New Year celebration with exciting exhibitions and cultural performances.
Maulid Nabi Festival
A religious festival celebrating the birth of Prophet Muhammad with parades religious ceremonies and traditional music.
Surabaya Color Run Festival
A fun and energetic running event where participants are doused in colored powder. It includes music and various entertainment.
Surabaya Anniversary (Hari Jadi Kota Surabaya)
A week-long celebration of the city's founding with parades, cultural performances, and culinary festivals. It's a city-wide party that showcases the best of Surabaya's culture and community spirit.
Sweet Garden Magical LED Show
An enchanting display of lights and visual effects creating a magical garden experience. Perfect for families and photography enthusiasts.
Surabaya Cross Culture Festival
An international arts festival featuring performances from various countries, promoting cultural exchange. It's a great opportunity to see traditional and contemporary art forms from around the world.
Surabaya Great Sale
An annual city-wide shopping event offering significant discounts and promotions across various stores and malls in Surabaya.
Jazz Traffic Festival
A prominent music festival showcasing local and international jazz artists. It attracts music lovers from across the region.
Surabaya Night Market
A bustling night market offering a wide array of street food local crafts and live entertainment. A great place to experience local culture.
Surabaya Fashion Carnival
A spectacular parade featuring creative and elaborate costumes showcasing local fashion talent and cultural themes.
Christmas Wonderland
A festive Christmas event with decorations fireworks parades and various family-friendly activities.
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Videos about Surabaya
Best Time to Visit
Monthly temperatures in °C
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 32° | 32° | 32° | 33° | 33° | 32° | 32° | 33° | 34° | 35° | 34° | 33° |
| Low | 24° | 24° | 24° | 25° | 25° | 24° | 23° | 23° | 24° | 25° | 25° | 25° |
Airports & Lounges
City airports and available lounges
Juanda International Airport
SUB💳 Lounge Access Programs
Safety & Emergency
In Surabaya, for police assistance, dial 110 or 112, and for an ambulance, call 118 or 119. A major hospital is RSUD Dr. Soetomo, which is a primary referral hospital in East Java. For consular services, it is advisable to contact your respective country's embassy or consulate, such as the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya.