The city of Surabaya in East Java is not as well known on the tourist trail as other places in the country although it is actually the second largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta. It is also one of the most important parts of the country historically and there are a range of interesting attractions that make it worth spending some time here if you are travelling around Java.
One of the key reasons to come to Surabaya is for the chance to check out an authentic slice of city life in Indonesia away from the major tourist hubs and you can also spend time eating your way around the city which is known for a clutch of signature dishes such as spicy soups and curries.
Surabaya is also a port and with that in mind you can enjoy sweeping vistas across the water and also enjoy a walk along the waterfront where you can look across to the famous bridge that connects the city with neighboring Madura. All in all, Surabaya is well known as a tourist destination on the domestic market, but unfortunately the international market has yet to catch up despite the myriad charms of this city.
Let’s explore the best things to do in Surabaya:
1. Surabaya City Tour (Day Tour)
The Surabaya day tour package covers the main places to go in Surabaya. You can choose 1 itinerary to see the sights and sounds of Indonesia’s 2nd largest city. This tour is suitable for families, friends, co-workers and lovers. It is available everyday including public holidays.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in central Surabaya is provided. Surabaya airport and train station pick-up and drop-off can be arranged.
If you are organising for bigger groups over 10 pax, chat with us and we are able to assist you.
Inclusions
- Pick-up and drop off from/to Surabaya Hotel (any hotel in Surabaya city) or Juanda Airport or Surabaya Train Station
- Private air-conditioned transportation
- English/Bahasa speaking tour guide
2. Take a Tour to Mount Bromo
One of the main highlights of East Java is Mount Bromo which is a volcano that is technically still active. The smoldering mountain lies in the wider Bromo Tengger National Park and one of the easiest ways to get here is to take the famous Bromo Midnight Tour that leaves from Surabaya.
As the name suggests, you will leave around midnight in order to get to the volcano in the early hours of the morning where you can watch the majestic sun rise over the lip of the crater.
If you visit Surabaya then this is a one day trip that you shouldn’t miss and for many, is the highlight of their trip to Java.
3. Take a Tour to Mount Ijen
The Kawah Ijen volcano and crater lake in Banyuwangi is hands down one of the world’s most spectacular sights. Don’t leave Indonesia without seeing it, especially if you’re already visiting Bali!
The lake at Mount Ijen is the biggest acid lake in the world, and it’s also famous for a crazy phenomenon known as the ‘Kawah Ijen blue fire’, where you can see hot blue flames burning like lava in the dark!
The good news is that the Kawah Ijen lake is pretty easy to visit from Bali and other parts of Indonesia. Most people either visit Mount Ijen on an overnight tour from Bali, or do it as a road trip combined with Mount Bromo and other epic sights in East Java.
4. Tour Monumen Kapal Selam
If you’re traveling to Surabaya, don’t miss the Monumen Kapal Selam, commonly known as Monkasel. This place is different from other tourist attractions because you can actually go inside a real submarine, the KRI Pasopati 410, which was once used by the Indonesian Navy.
Once you step inside, you’ll feel the narrow and authentic atmosphere, as if you were underwater with the crew. You can see the control room, torpedo room, crew sleeping quarters, and even the ship’s kitchen. Besides being exciting, this place is also very educational, especially if you’re interested in history and maritime life.
Outside the submarine, the Monkasel area is also great for taking photos, especially in the late afternoon or evening when the lights are on. Its location near the Kalimas River makes the atmosphere even more appealing and Instagram-worthy.
5. Walk Around Chinatown
Indonesian cities are often difficult to navigate on foot so if you get the chance make sure to head to the Chinatown area of Surabaya which lends itself well to an afternoon stroll.
This part of Surabaya got its name thanks to the influx of Chinese owned restaurants and shops in the area and you can still find a wealth of local architecture here that leads off the main road which is called Jalan Karet.
6. Have Some Food at G-Walk
If you’re looking for a relaxed yet modern hangout spot in Surabaya, G-Walk (Gastronomy Walk) Surabaya is a great choice. Located in the Ciputra World Surabaya area, G-Walk is known as a culinary and entertainment hub with a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing outdoor concept.
The place is filled with various restaurants, cafés, and eateries offering a wide range of cuisines from local Indonesian dishes to Asian and Western food. So whether you’re in the mood for a full meal, a casual coffee, or just some light snacks with friends, you’ll find plenty of options here.
7. Have Afternoon Tea at Majapahit Hotel
Afternoon tea at Hotel Majapahit Surabaya is a timeless and elegant experience that takes you back to the city’s rich colonial heritage. Set in one of Surabaya’s most iconic historic hotels, the afternoon tea offers a perfect blend of classic ambiance and refined hospitality.
Served in the hotel’s charming lounge or dining area, the tea set usually includes a selection of premium teas accompanied by delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and beautifully crafted pastries. Each bite feels sophisticated yet comforting, making it ideal for a relaxing afternoon with friends, family, or even a special date.
Tea is served from 12 pm until 6 pm and this is one of the best upscale dining experiences in Surabaya.
8. Go For a Stroll at Taman Bungkul
If you want to take in some of the scenery in Surabaya then head to Taman Bungkul which is one of the few green spots in the city.
This park is a welcome relief from the congested traffic and frenetic pace found elsewhere in the city and you can go for a walk and enjoy the local flora and fauna. Note however that it can get quite busy in the evenings when amorous couples wander around so go in the afternoon if you want to beat the crowds.
9. The Suramadu National Bridge
The Suramadu National Bridge is one of the longest bridges in this part of the world and connects Surabaya with the neighboring island of Madura.
If you walk along the waterfront in the city you can take in the majesty of the bridge and one of the best times to come here is after dark when the bridge is illuminated with a variety of colourful lights.
10. Visit the Surabaya National Monument
No visit to Surabaya is complete without a trip to the Surabaya National Monument. The name Surabaya comes from two ancient Sanskrit words, namely ‘sura’ which means whale and ‘baya’ which means crocodile.
These two animals are said to represent the difference between war and peace. At the national monument you will find two sculptures of the animals that are the national motif of the city. The story goes that the city was founded after an epic battle between a crocodile and a whale and you will find more echoes of these fighting motifs in other spots all over Surabaya.
11. Take a Bus Tour Around the City
The bus leaves from the factory at 9 am every day except for Monday and will take you around the city and show you all the main sights for free. If you are just stopping off in Surabaya and don’t have much time to explore the city, this is one of the best ways to visit everything quickly.
12. Try the Food at Pasar Atum
One of the main reasons why people come to Surabaya, particularly the domestic tourists, is to try the delicious food.
The main area of the city to try some of the famous Surabaya culinary delights is Pasar Atum. One restaurant in particular stands out in the form of Kartiko Restaurant which is known for its traditional food. The food here is cheap and offers you a quick taste of some of the best flavours in the city such as flavourful curries and a range of both sweet and savoury snacks.
13. Visit the Cheng Hoo Mosque
Cheng Ho Mosque
Many people may not realize that Surabaya has a large Chinese population who originally came here as traders and then settled in the area. As a result, the Cheng Hoo Mosque is one of the key religious sites for Chinese Indonesians in Surabaya who converted to Islam but still retained much of their heritage. This is a top spot to visit to see some of the culture firsthand.
Make sure to check out the vivid red, yellow, and green decorations all over the mosque as well as the traditional pagoda which is a blend of dragon and lion carvings.
14. Catch a Game at The Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium
The Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium
Indonesians love football and no more so than in Surabaya which is the home of the Persebaya Football Club. The club play out of the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium which can seat up to 50,000 spectators at one time and if you want to see one of the most exciting sporting events in the city, make sure to catch a game while you are in town.
15. Have a Bowl of Soup at Rawon Setan
Rawon Setan is probably one of Surabaya’s best known dishes and is basically a kind of very spicy soup which is not for the faint of heart. ‘Setan’ literally means ‘Satanic’ in Indonesian which tells you everything you need to know about the spice levels used here! The restaurant is so popular that it is open 24 hours a day.
