· ID

Surabaya

Surabaya, Jawa Timur, Indonesia

Surabaya, the capital of East Java, is a bustling metropolis and Indonesia\'s second-largest city. Known for its vibrant street food scene, historical landmarks, and modern attractions, Surabaya offers a captivating blen…

#City#Urban#Indonesia#Jawa Timur#East Java

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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Surabaya.

Top Hotels in Surabaya

Top Flights to Surabaya

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Surabaya.

Tours

Explore the Suramadu Bridge

A visit to the iconic Surabaya-Madura bridge, the longest in Indonesia, offers stunning views.

Discover Surabaya's Chinatown

Explore the bustling streets filled with food vendors, temples, and traditional Chinese architecture.

Art Exploration at House of Sampoerna

Visit a museum and gallery housed in a historic cigarette factory building.

City Zoo Excursion at Surabaya Zoo

Visit one of the oldest and largest zoos in Southeast Asia, home to a wide variety of animals.

Historical Walk in Old Town Surabaya

Explore historical sites and colonial architecture in Surabaya's Old Town.

Shopping

Tunjungan Plaza Shopping Spree

One of the largest shopping centers in Surabaya featuring international brands and local products.

Shopping Extravaganza at Surabaya Carnival Park

Enjoy shopping, games, and entertainment in one of Surabaya's liveliest parks.

Outdoor

Safari Adventure in Taman Safari Prigen

Experience an adventurous safari with a variety of animals in their natural habitat.

Culinary Journey at Pakuwon Food Festival

Taste local and international cuisines at a vibrant food festival.

Mangrove Ecotourism in Wonorejo

A relaxing trip to the mangrove conservation area in Surabaya's east coast.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

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Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Surabaya.

Currency

Rp | IDR | Indonesian Rupiah

Population

2.9 million

Languages

Javanese, Javanese, Indonesian

Average weather

Surabaya

Jan

31°25°

Feb

31°25°

Mar

32°25°

Apr

32°26°

May

32°26°

Jun

31°25°

Jul

31°24°

Aug

31°24°

Sep

33°25°

Oct

34°26°

Nov

34°26°

Dec

32°26°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Surabaya.

What people love

Surabaya, located in East Java, Indonesia, offers a range of attractions and experiences for travelers. Here are some pros of traveling to Surabaya:

Cultural Diversity: Surabaya is known for its diverse cultural heritage, reflecting influences from Javanese, Chinese, Arabic, and European cultures. Visitors can explore various temples, mosques, and churches, as well as vibrant markets and festivals that showcase this rich cultural tapestry.
Historical Sites: Surabaya has a rich history as a major trading port and has several historical sites worth exploring, such as the Heroes Monument and Museum, which commemorates the Battle of Surabaya during Indonesia's struggle for independence.
Culinary Delights: Surabaya is a paradise for food lovers, offering a wide variety of delicious local dishes and street food. From savory dishes like rawon (beef black soup) and tahu tek (tofu salad) to sweet treats like lapis legit (layered cake), visitors can indulge in a culinary journey through the city.
Shopping Opportunities: Surabaya boasts modern shopping malls, traditional markets, and specialized shopping areas where visitors can find a wide range of goods, from traditional batik clothing to modern electronics. Tunjungan Plaza and Surabaya Town Square are popular shopping destinations in the city.
Gateway to Natural Wonders: Surabaya serves as a convenient gateway to explore the natural wonders of East Java, including Mount Bromo, Ijen Crater, and the stunning beaches of Banyuwangi. These attractions are easily accessible from Surabaya and offer breathtaking landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts.

Overall, traveling to Surabaya provides a unique blend of culture, history, cuisine, shopping, and access to natural beauty, making it a rewarding destination for travelers seeking an authentic Indonesian experience.

What to know

Traveling to Surabaya, located in East Java, Indonesia, may have some cons to consider:

Traffic congestion: Surabaya is a bustling city with a high population density, which can lead to heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. This may cause delays in getting around the city and impact your travel plans.
Air pollution: Due to the high volume of vehicles on the road and industrial activities in the city, air pollution can be a concern in Surabaya. This may affect individuals with respiratory issues or those sensitive to poor air quality.
Limited tourist attractions: Surabaya is primarily a business and industrial city, so it may not offer as many tourist attractions or cultural sites compared to other popular destinations in Indonesia. This could potentially limit the range of activities available for travelers.
Language barrier: While English is spoken in some tourist areas, the overall level of English proficiency may not be as high in Surabaya compared to other tourist destinations in Indonesia. This could pose a challenge for travelers who do not speak Bahasa Indonesia.
Safety concerns: As with any travel destination, it's important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings while in Surabaya. Petty theft and scams targeting tourists can occur, so it's advisable to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.

These cons should be taken into consideration when planning a trip to Surabaya.

Surabaya, the capital of the East Java province in Indonesia, has a rich and varied history that stretches back several centuries. Here is a detailed history of Surabaya, including significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Early History

Founding: The name "Surabaya" is believed to originate from the words "suro" (shark) and "baya" (crocodile), symbolizing a local legend about a fight between these two creatures.
Majapahit Era: Surabaya was part of the Majapahit Empire, which was one of the last major Hindu-Buddhist empires in the region, flourishing in the late 13th to 16th centuries. Surabaya was an important port city.

Colonial Period

Dutch Colonization: In the early 17th century, Surabaya became a focal point for Dutch colonial ambitions. By the 18th century, it was under the control of the Dutch East India Company (VOC).
Trade Center: Due to its strategic location, Surabaya developed into a major trading port for spices, sugar, and other goods.

Indonesian National Awakening

Education and Nationalism: In the early 20th century, Surabaya became a center for the Indonesian nationalist movement. The establishment of schools and youth organizations fueled the growth of national consciousness.
Famous Figures: Tjokroaminoto, a prominent nationalist leader, played a significant role during this period and was based in Surabaya.

World War II and Indonesian Independence

Japanese Occupation: During World War II, Surabaya was occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945.
Battle of Surabaya: One of the most significant events in Surabaya's history occurred in late 1945. The Battle of Surabaya was a fierce and pivotal confrontation between Indonesian nationalists and British and Dutch forces. The city's youth and citizens played a crucial role in this battle, which became a symbol of Indonesian resistance and helped galvanize the independence movement.

Post-Independence Era

Economic Development: After Indonesia gained independence in 1949, Surabaya continued to grow as an industrial and economic hub.
Urban Expansion: The city expanded rapidly, becoming the second-largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta.

Modern Surabaya

Infrastructure and Growth: Today, Surabaya is a bustling metropolis known for its infrastructure, educational institutions, and as a center for commerce and trade.
Cultural Diversity: It is home to a diverse population, contributing to its rich cultural tapestry.

Significant Landmarks

Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan): This monument commemorates the Battle of Surabaya and is a symbol of the city's struggle for Indonesian independence.
House of Sampoerna: A well-preserved historical site, it serves as a museum for the famous Sampoerna cigarette company and provides insights into the city's industrial heritage.
Cheng Hoo Mosque: Reflecting the cultural diversity of Surabaya, this mosque is built in a Chinese architectural style.
Suramadu Bridge: The Surabaya-Madura Bridge is the longest bridge in Indonesia, connecting Surabaya with the island of Madura.

Surabaya continues to play a vital role in Indonesia's economy and maintains its historical importance through its active participation in national development and preservation of its cultural heritage.