Travel Guide of Surabaya in Indonesia by Influencers and Travelers

Surabaya is the capital of the Indonesian province of East Java and the second-largest city in the country, after Jakarta. The city has a population of over three million within its city limits and over ten million in the Surabaya metropolitan area, making it the second-largest metropolitan area in Indonesia.

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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Surabaya

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Kenjeran

Suroboyo Bridge or commonly known as Kenjeran Bridge is a through arch bridge across the coastal area of Eastern Surabaya in Kenjeran Beach, District Kenjeran, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.

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2 - Suramadu Bridge

   8 km away

The Suramadu Bridge, also known as the Surabaya–Madura Bridge, is a cable-stayed bridge between Surabaya on the island of Java and the town of Bangkalan on the island of Madura in Indonesia.

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3 - Trekking | Surabaya

Explore the most breathtaking natural landmarks of Java Island including Mount Bromo, Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, and the Ijen Crater on a 3-day tour from Surabaya with accommodation and breakfast.

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4 - Kenjeran Park

   7 km away

Sanggar Agung Temple or Hong San Tang is a Chinese temple in Surabaya dedicated to Chinese deities and other Asian religious icons.

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5 - Jalan Tunjungan

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6 - Hiking | Surabaya

Embark on a 4-day adventure tour from Surabaya to Mount Bromo, Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, Pekalen River, and Ijen Crater. Watch the sunrise from Mount Bromo, raft down the Pekalen River, and more.

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7 - Pagoda Tian Ti

   6 km away
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8 - Surabaya North Quay

   7 km away
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9 - CAFE BAWAH JEMBATAN SURAMADU

   6 km away
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10 - 4 Brahma Statue Arts

   6 km away
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11 - Gresik

   15 km away

Gresik Regency is a regency within East Java Province of Indonesia. As well as a large part of the Surabaya northern and western suburbs, it includes the offshore Bawean Island, some 125 km to the north of Java and Madura.

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12 - Sidoarjo

   26 km away
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13 - Banyuwangi

   27 km away

Banyuwangi, previously known as Banjoewangi, is the administrative capital of Banyuwangi Regency at the far eastern end of the island of Java, Indonesia. It had a population of 106,000 at the 2010 Census and 117,558 at the 2020 Census. The town is also known as city of festival as many festivals are held throughout the year.

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14 - Porong

   30 km away
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15 - Mount Penanggungan

   42 km away

Mount Penanggungan is a small stratovolcano, immediately north of Arjuno-Welirang volcanic complex in East Java province, Java island, Indonesia. Mount Penanggungan is about 40 kilometers south of Surabaya, and can be seen from there on a clear day. Several Hindu-Buddhist sanctuaries, sacred places and monuments are on the mountain dating from AD 977–1511. Lava flows and pyroclastic deposits are around the volcano.

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16 - Mojokerto

   46 km away

Mojokerto is a city in East Java Province, Indonesia. It is located 40 km southwest of Surabaya, and constitutes one of the component units of the Surabaya metropolitan area which comprises Gresik Regency, Bangkalan Regency, Mojokerto Regency, Mojokerto City, Surabaya City, Sidoarjo Regency, and Lamongan Regency.

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Pictures and Stories of Surabaya from Influencers

18 pictures of Surabaya from Kevin Yudhistira Alloni, Anggit Rizkianto, moto moto sc and other travelers

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Why should you visit Surabaya ?

Travel to Surabaya if you like:

  🛣️ Off-roading     🏰 Temple     🗼 Landmark     🏘️ Town     🌲 Forest  

How to visit Surabaya ?

Why traveling there?

Surabaya, the second-largest city in Indonesia, is an alluring destination for travelers seeking a blend of rich history, diverse culture, and modern urban life. The city boasts a vibrant street food scene, stunning colonial architecture, and proximity to beautiful natural attractions like Mount Bromo and the Madura Island. Surabaya is also the gateway to East Java, making it a perfect base for exploring the region.

How to get there?

Surabaya is well connected by air, land, and sea. The main entry point is Juanda International Airport (SUB), which serves both domestic and international flights from major cities like Jakarta, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use a ride-hailing app like Grab to reach the city center.

Alternatively, you can reach Surabaya by train from Jakarta or other cities on Java Island. The city has two main train stations: Gubeng and Pasar Turi. Surabaya is also accessible via bus from other cities in Java, with the main bus terminal being Purabaya.

What to book in advance?

If you plan to visit Mount Bromo or other popular attractions around Surabaya, it's a good idea to book guided tours in advance. This ensures your spot in the tour and can save you time in organizing transportation and entrance fees. Also, consider booking accommodations, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred choice.

What are the costs?

Surabaya is an affordable destination for most travelers. Budget accommodations can cost around IDR 100,000 to 300,000 per night, while mid-range hotels range from IDR 300,000 to 800,000. Meals at local eateries can cost as low as IDR 20,000, while more upscale restaurants may charge IDR 150,000 or more per person.

Attractions in and around the city have varying entrance fees, with some being free. Guided tours to Mount Bromo can range from IDR 500,000 to 1,000,000 per person, depending on the group size and inclusions.

What are the best things to do?

- Explore the historical sites like the House of Sampoerna, the Arab Quarter, and the Majapahit Hotel
- Visit the Surabaya Zoo and Taman Bungkul, a popular recreational park
- Take a stroll along the Tunjungan Street and shop at the famous Tunjungan Plaza
- Discover the city's street food scene, especially around Jalan Gula and Pasar Atom

Where to eat?

- Zangrandi Ice Cream: Established in 1930, this iconic ice cream parlor offers a variety of ice creams and sundaes in a charming, nostalgic atmosphere.
- Boncafe Steak & Ice Cream: This popular local restaurant offers delicious, affordable steaks and a variety of Indonesian dishes.
- Domicile Kitchen & Lounge: A stylish restaurant with a diverse menu, including Indonesian, Asian, and Western dishes, and a great selection of cocktails.

Where to stay?

- Hotel Majapahit: A historic, luxurious hotel located in the city center, featuring beautiful architecture and impeccable service.
- Artotel Surabaya: A boutique hotel with vibrant, art-inspired interiors and modern amenities.
- Krowi Inn: A budget-friendly hostel located in a central area, offering private rooms and dormitory-style accommodations.

Off the beaten path

For an unusual travel experience in Surabaya, head to the Kampung Lawas Maspati, a well-preserved heritage village showcasing traditional Javanese architecture and way of life. Wander through the narrow alleys, explore the local village market, and interact with friendly locals to learn more about their unique customs and traditions. This hidden gem offers a fascinating glimpse into the authentic side of Surabaya, away from the bustling city life.

Learn More about Surabaya

Surabaya is located in the Indonesian archipelago on Java island. It is a modern and dynamic city. By counting 3,5 million inhabitants, Surabaya is the second biggest city in Indonesia after Jakarta. The city of Surabaya

has played a pivotal role during the Indonesian National Revolution from 1945 to 1949. Its role owes to this city the nickname "city of heroes." On the agenda is a visit of religious sites, but also volcanos, mounts, and

a lot more to discover. Here is a sample of a few places to visit while in Surabaya.

1) Religious sites:

• Masjid Cheng Hoo: This mosque built in the 15th century is dedicated to Chinese Muslims. The Javanese and oriental styles are mixed. It also looks like a Chinese temple thanks to the colors.

• Masjid Nasional Al Kabar: It is the second biggest mosque in Indonesia. Notable for its blue roofs, the outside is as astonishing as the inside with gorgeous paintings and architecture. The minaret gives a panoramic view

of Surabaya.

• Gerea Kelahiran Church: Although there is a majority of Muslims in Indonesia, it is a metropolis that includes all people with different religions. Built during the 19th century, this Roman Catholic Church is one of the

oldest in Surabaya.

2) Nature:

• Volcanos Bromo and Ijen: Numerous tours are planned from Surabaya to discover the Bromo and Ijen mounts. The Bromo mount is located at 2,200 meters in altitude. Regarding the Ijen mount, it is advised to climb it

during the night to see blue fires. Once arrived at the top, the sunrise will unveil an emerald-colored lake at the bottom of the crater.

• Wonorejo mangrove: Visit the eco-touristic area of the city where it is possible to travel the mangrove by boat if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

3) The Old Surabaya:

• The old town: Located at the North of Surabaya, the old town managed to keep its picturesque side with colonial buildings, temples, and mosques. There is also the Governor's residency. The old town gives you access

to the Arab and Chinese districts.

• The Arab district: It is a must-see in the city of heroes. Also called Ampel or Kampung Arab, the Arab district looks similar to the Moroccan Medina. It allows traveling two countries into one.

• The Chinese district: Every big city has its Chinatown. The Chinese district of Surabaya is a place where you can visit the marketplace and enjoy Chinese cuisine.

4) Gastronomy: Travelling to Surabaya leads to tasting Asian gastronomy. From the streets of Surabaya to chic restaurants, the food is accessible anywhere, for any budget, and all tastes.

The city of Surabaya is multicultural: you will discover about different religions and ethnicities. There are also many landscapes, mounts, volcanos, beaches, buildings, all of this in one city. Discover about the history of

Surabaya and the heritage left by the Dutch.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Surabaya

How to travel from France to Surabaya ?

There are no direct flights to land in Surabaya from France. Some flights from Paris include au stopover in Singapore.

Where is the international airport of Surabaya ?

The international airport of Surabaya is located 20 km south of the city.

Is there an restriction for foreign citiziens due to Covid to travel to Surabaya?

Since the 7th of January 2022, foreign citizens cannot travel to Indonesia if they went to South Africa, Botswana, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, Lesotho, Norvegia, France, Denmark, and the United Kingdom for the last 14 days. Excluded from this restriction are foreign citizens who own a visa. To get your visa, go online to the Directorate General of Immigration. Are required:

• Certificate of vaccination to confirm a complete vaccination plan
• Declaration letter in which you agree to respect the health protocol
• Proof of health/travel insurance including medical coverage and/or a letter of declaration agreeing to pay all applicable expenses in case of COVID-19 infection while in Indonesia.

   Where to Stay in Surabaya

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Surabaya

  🏘️ Town spots     🏰 Temple spots     Natural landscape spots     🏞️ Lake spots     🗼 Landmark spots     🛣️ Off-roading spots     🏖️ Shore spots     🌆 Skyline spots     Architecture spots     🐾 Wildlife spots     Driving spots     🌲 Forest spots  

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