Welcome to Surabaya — Indonesia's Second City
Surabaya is Indonesia's second-largest city, yet it receives a fraction of the tourist attention that Jakarta and Bali attract. That's part of what makes it special. As a working, living city with deep historical roots, Surabaya offers an authentic Indonesian urban experience — bustling commerce, rich heritage, diverse cuisine, and warm local hospitality — without the overwhelming tourist infrastructure of more heavily visited destinations.
Getting to Surabaya
Juanda International Airport serves Surabaya and is well connected to major Indonesian cities as well as a number of international hubs. From the airport, you can reach the city centre via:
- Airport taxis: Use official counters inside the terminal to avoid overpricing.
- Ride-hailing apps (Gojek, Grab): Available and convenient — book from the designated pick-up zones.
- DAMRI bus: A cheaper public option connecting the airport to several city points.
Getting Around the City
Surabaya is a large, sprawling city, and navigating it efficiently makes a real difference to your experience:
- Ride-hailing apps are the most practical option for most visitors — affordable, reliable, and available across the city.
- Suroboyo Bus: The city's modern bus rapid transit system covers key corridors and is free with a reusable card (topped up with discarded plastic bottles at select stops — a unique and admirable initiative).
- Angkot (minibuses): Cheap but confusing for newcomers without local knowledge of the routes.
- Rented scooter: Viable for experienced riders familiar with Indonesian traffic conditions.
Key Landmarks to Visit
| Landmark | What It Is | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| House of Sampoerna | Colonial-era tobacco museum and cultural space | History & culture |
| Suramadu Bridge | Iconic bridge connecting Java to Madura island | Scenic views & photos |
| Tunjungan Street | Historic commercial street with colonial architecture | Walking, heritage |
| Ampel Mosque Area | Arabic quarter with religious heritage and food | Cultural immersion |
| Kenjeran Beach | North coast beachfront with local atmosphere | Sunset, local vibe |
Neighbourhood Highlights
Genteng & Embong Malang
The central business district, home to Plaza Surabaya and surrounding commercial strips. Great for shopping and easily navigable on foot.
Ampel (Arab Quarter)
One of Indonesia's oldest Arab trading settlements, now a fascinating neighbourhood of mosques, traditional stores, and excellent Middle Eastern–influenced food.
Pecinan (Chinatown)
Surabaya's Chinese-Indonesian heritage is vivid here — ornate temples, traditional medicine shops, and delicious Chinese-Javanese cuisine.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs are plentiful in the city centre.
- Surabaya is a conservative city — dress modestly when visiting religious or heritage sites.
- Heat and humidity are year-round realities; carry water and dress in breathable fabrics.
- English is spoken at hotels, malls, and tourist spots, but less so in local markets — a translation app helps.
- Bargaining is expected at traditional markets; fixed-price retail in malls does not require negotiation.
The Best Time to Visit
The dry season (May to October) is generally more comfortable for sightseeing. However, Surabaya's indoor attractions — including Plaza Surabaya — are enjoyable year-round, making it a solid destination even during the wet season (November to April).