Indonesia

Surabaya

Surabaya: gritty port city with history, food and heart.

Local time: UTC+7
Population: 2.9M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$

Very cheap

Food$$$$$About $8 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $32 a night for two
Transport$$$$$About $1.1 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇮🇩 IDR =

Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

SUBJuanda International AirportMain gateway, about 15 km south-east of the centre; Terminal 1 domestic, Terminal 2 international.

How	Cost	Time
Damri busPurabaya (Bungurasih) bus terminal	Rp 25,000	20-30 min
Leaves from both terminals; then connect onward by city bus or ride app.
Suroboyo BusCity centre	Rp 5,000	45-70 min
Cashless only; needs QRIS or an e-money card.
TaxiCity centre	Rp 120,000-150,000	30-50 min
Includes airport surcharge and tolls; tip optional.
Grab / GojekCity centre	Rp 90,000-140,000	30-50 min
Fixed upfront price; use the app pickup point.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Surabaya

Getting around

Ride-hailing motorbike taxis (Gojek, Grab) for most trips; buses if you're saving money.

MetroNo metro or tram. Commuter trains are very limited; don't plan around rail.
BusSuroboyo Bus and Trans Semanggi are air-conditioned, Rp 5,000, cashless only (QRIS or e-money card). Clean but waits run 15–30 min; track them on the GOBIS app.
Taxi / ride apps ★Gojek, Grab and Maxim work well; use GoRide or GrabBike to beat traffic. Taxis are plentiful — check the meter (argo) is on. Green SM runs an electric fleet.
Rental carPossible, but traffic is heavy and parking is hard. Most visitors do better with ride apps.
WalkingPatchy. Sidewalks are inconsistent, so use ride apps for anything beyond a few blocks.
BecakCycle rickshaws are common. Agree a price first, around Rp 5,000–20,000.
FerryFerries leave from Tanjung Perak harbour. Check schedules on the day.

Recommended stay★ 1 night (2 days)

One night covers the old town and the food; add a night if you want a Bromo or Malang side trip.

Best for

CultureOld town, Arab quarter and colonial streets.
FoodRawon, sate and street stalls all day.

Weather by month

30°25°Jan🌧 29d

30°25°Feb🌧 28d

30°25°Mar🌧 29d

30°25°Apr🌧 24d

31°25°May🌧 12d

31°25°Jun🌧 10d

31°24°Jul🌧 5d

31°24°Aug🌧 2d

32°24°Sep🌧 4d

33°25°Oct🌧 9d

32°25°Nov🌧 21d

31°25°Dec🌧 28d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Tropical and hot all year, around 30–33°C by day. Rain is heavy from November to April and light from June to September.

Best time: June to SeptemberDriest months, with only about 2–10 rain days. Good for walking and day trips.
Wet season: November to AprilAbout 24–29 rain days a month. Showers are often short but heavy; plan indoor backups.
Hot every monthHighs stay near 30–33°C and lows near 24–25°C. October is the hottest month.
Humid all yearExpect muggy air, especially near the coast. Light, breathable clothes help.
Afternoon stormsIn the wet season, storms often hit in the afternoon. Do outdoor sights in the morning.
What to packLight clothes, a rain jacket or umbrella, sandals, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

Landmarks 6

Must-see · 5

1
Ampel Mosque
Surabaya's most famous landmark and the heart of the old Arab quarter, a pilgrimage site tied to the spread of Islam in Java. Visit outside prayer times and dress modestly; the surrounding Ampel market is lively in the morning.
2
House of Sampoerna
A beautifully preserved colonial-era cigarette factory and museum that tells the story of one of Indonesia's best-known companies. It is a must-see for its architecture and free guided tours; go in the morning to watch the hand-rolling floor at work.
3
Suramadu Bridge
Indonesia's long bridge linking Surabaya to Madura and one of the city's defining modern sights. Drive or take a taxi across for views, ideally in the late afternoon or at sunset.
4
Surabaya Zoo
A large, long-established city zoo and a familiar family outing in Surabaya. Go early in the day when it is cooler and animals are more active.
5
Cheng Hoo Mosque
A distinctive mosque blending Chinese and Islamic architecture, honoring the admiral Cheng Hoo. It is a short stop worth combining with a visit to the old town; dress modestly.

Cultural

Islamic 2

Museum 1

Bridge 1

Activities

Amusement Park 1

Zoo 1

Day trips from Surabaya

Malang · 1 h 57 by train

★★★★☆ · Full day · 91 km from Surabaya

Best way: The train is faster than the bus and drops you at Malang station near the city sights.

Take a train or bus from Surabaya to Malang (about 2-3 hours); trains run from Surabaya Gubeng/Pasar Turi to Malang station, then local transport reaches the city sights.

Train ★1 h 57 · from $3-$18
Bus2 h 08 · from $9-$11
Car1 h 11 · taxi ≈ 465,000 IDR

What to see

Jalan Ijen colonial boulevard
Tugu Malang and old town
Museum Angkut (transport museum)
Bromo foothills scenery nearby

1 landmark quest to check off here

Good to know

Trains leave from Surabaya Gubeng or Pasar Turi
Book ahead for weekend travel
Cooler highland climate than Surabaya

Batu · 1 h 22 by road

★★★☆☆ · Full day · 100 km from Surabaya

Best way: No direct service; you must reach Malang first, then take a local bus or angkot for the final 30-45 minutes.

Take a bus or train to Malang then a local bus/angkot up to Batu; the final leg from Malang is by road, roughly 30-45 minutes.

Bus2 h 11 · from $10-$12
Car1 h 22 · taxi ≈ 510,000 IDR

What to see

Selecta recreational park
Batu Night Spectacular
Museum Angkut
Apple orchards and hill views

2 landmark quests to check off here

Good to know

Best visited in the dry season
Weekdays are quieter than weekends
Bring a light jacket for the highland evenings

Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

Plans

Surabaya rewards visitors with colonial relics, fierce local food and a lively waterfront. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

How long?

What do you enjoy most?

Day trip · Culture

One compact day through the old Arab quarter, colonial streets and a sunset by the water.

Stay: Genteng. Old city core near the Arab quarter, Chinatown and the bridge; budget hotels and street food.

Tickets & tours: ≈ IDR 35,000
Taxis: ≈ IDR 136,477

Day 1

Old town morning, colonial evening

Tickets ≈ IDR 35,000 pp · taxis ≈ IDR 136,477

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ IDR 22,388
1

08:00–09:00 · Free · donations welcome

Ampel Mosque Landmark quest

Go early, before the heat. Dress modestly.

Open Open daily, roughly 07:00–21:00; check on the day
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ IDR 24,465
2

09:15–09:45 · Free

Cheng Hoo Mosque Landmark quest

Short walk or a quick ride away. Avoid prayer times.

Open Check on the day; avoid prayer times for sightseeing
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ IDR 25,397
3

10:00–11:00 · Free to enter · pay per item

Pabean Market

Busiest at dawn but still lively. Keep bags close.

Open Early morning to midday; busiest at dawn
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ IDR 29,406
4

12:00–12:45 · ≈ IDR 25,000–50,000 per bowl

Rawon Setan food stop

Lunch stop. Check opening hours on the day.

Open Often evening into late night; check on the day
Taxi · 666 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ IDR 15,000
5

17:00–18:30 · Free

Tunjungan Street walk

Evening stroll past the old buildings. Cooler and lit up.

Open Always open; best in the evening
Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ IDR 19,821

Day trip · Food

A grazing day: market snacks, a classic rawon lunch and street food by the sea.

Stay: Genteng. Old city core near the Arab quarter, Chinatown and the bridge; budget hotels and street food.

Tickets & tours: ≈ IDR 85,000
Taxis: ≈ IDR 182,670

Day 1

Market to seafront eating

Tickets ≈ IDR 85,000 pp · taxis ≈ IDR 182,670

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ IDR 22,523
1

07:00–08:00 · Free to enter · pay per item

Pabean Market

Arrive at dawn for the freshest stalls and snacks.

Open Early morning to midday; busiest at dawn
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ IDR 26,529
2

10:30–10:50 · ≈ IDR 10,000–25,000

Es kelapa muda stall

Cool down with es kelapa muda. Check the stall is open.

Open Daytime; check on the day
Taxi · 580 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ IDR 15,000
3

12:30–13:15 · ≈ IDR 25,000–50,000 per bowl

Rawon Setan food stop

Rawon for lunch. Often busier in the evening.

Open Often evening into late night; check on the day
Taxi · 8 km · ≈ 29 min · ≈ IDR 50,191
4

16:30–18:00 · ≈ IDR 5,000–20,000 entry; check on the day

Kenjeran Beach and promenade

Seafood and snacks along the promenade at late afternoon.

Open Daytime into evening
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 27 min · ≈ IDR 46,402
5

19:30–20:00 · ≈ IDR 15,000–40,000 per item

Kebab Turki Baba Rafi Landmark quest

Quick mall bite if you are still hungry. Mall hours apply.

Open Check on the day; mall outlets keep mall hours
Taxi back to your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ IDR 22,024

Day trip · History

Independence sites, the old quarter and a bridge view to close the day.

Stay: Genteng. Old city core near the Arab quarter, Chinatown and the bridge; budget hotels and street food.

Tickets & tours: ≈ IDR 90,000
Taxis: ≈ IDR 196,764

Day 1

Heroes, harbour history and sunset

Tickets ≈ IDR 90,000 pp · taxis ≈ IDR 196,764

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 637 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ IDR 15,000
1

08:30–09:30 · ≈ IDR 5,000–10,000; check on the day

Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument)

Monument and museum. Museum closed some days, check first.

Open Daytime; museum closed some days
Taxi · 912 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ IDR 15,000
2

10:00–11:30 · ≈ IDR 30,000–100,000 guided; check on the day

Maspati village walk

Village walk by arrangement. Book ahead.

Open By arrangement; check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ IDR 21,401
3

12:00–12:45 · ≈ IDR 25,000–50,000 per bowl

Rawon Setan food stop

Lunch nearby. Check hours on the day.

Open Often evening into late night; check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ IDR 17,621
4

13:30–15:00 · Free entry · small fee for some tours

House of Sampoerna Landmark quest

Colonial-era factory and museum. Check daytime hours.

Open Check on the day; typically daily daytime hours
Taxi · 11 km · ≈ 38 min · ≈ IDR 65,531
5

17:00–18:00 · Free · transport costs extra

Suramadu Bridge viewpoint

Bridge viewpoint at sunset. Bring water.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 10 km · ≈ 36 min · ≈ IDR 62,210

1 night · Culture ★ Recommended length

Our pick for first-timers: old Surabaya's mosques, colonial streets and a market, all close together.

Stay: Genteng. Old city core near the Arab quarter, Chinatown and the bridge; budget hotels and street food.

Tickets & tours: ≈ IDR 55,000
Taxis: ≈ IDR 197,995
Hotel: IDR 250,000–700,000

Day 1

Arrive, old town and the Arab quarter

Tickets ≈ IDR 35,000 pp · taxis ≈ IDR 118,661

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ IDR 22,388
1

14:00–15:00 · Free · donations welcome

Ampel Mosque Landmark quest

Dress modestly. Busiest around prayer times.

Open Open daily, roughly 07:00–21:00; check on the day
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ IDR 24,465
2

15:15–15:45 · Free

Cheng Hoo Mosque Landmark quest

Short taxi ride. Avoid prayer times for sightseeing.

Open Check on the day; avoid prayer times for sightseeing
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ IDR 25,397
3

16:00–17:00 · Free to enter · pay per item

Pabean Market

Quieter by late afternoon; many stalls close by midday, so check on the day.

Open Early morning to midday; busiest at dawn
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ IDR 29,406
4

18:30–19:15 · ≈ IDR 25,000–50,000 per bowl

Rawon Setan food stop

Dinner. Often opens in the evening.

Open Often evening into late night; check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 1401 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ IDR 17,006

Day 2

Colonial streets, then fly

Tickets ≈ IDR 20,000 pp · taxis ≈ IDR 79,334

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 961 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ IDR 15,000
1

09:00–10:30 · Free entry · small fee for some tours

House of Sampoerna Landmark quest

Check opening days on the day.

Open Check on the day; typically daily daytime hours
Taxi · 328 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ IDR 15,000
2

11:00–12:00 · ≈ IDR 5,000–10,000; check on the day

Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument)

Museum may be closed some days.

Open Daytime; museum closed some days
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ IDR 18,784
3

12:30–14:00 · Free

Tunjungan Street walk

Walk the old street; grab lunch nearby.

Open Always open; best in the evening
Taxi · 1110 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ IDR 15,550
4

14:15–14:35 · ≈ IDR 10,000–25,000

Es kelapa muda stall

Cool down with es kelapa muda before you go.

Open Daytime; check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 855 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ IDR 15,000

1 night · Food ★ Recommended length

A quick eating tour: dawn market, village snacks, mall food and a late-night rawon.

Stay: Genteng. Old city core near the Arab quarter, Chinatown and the bridge; budget hotels and street food.

Tickets & tours: ≈ IDR 135,000
Taxis: ≈ IDR 283,740
Hotel: IDR 250,000–700,000

Day 1

Arrive, market to mall

Tickets ≈ IDR 110,000 pp · taxis ≈ IDR 124,411

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ IDR 22,523
1

07:00–08:00 · Free to enter · pay per item

Pabean Market

Go early; it is busiest at dawn and winds down by midday.

Open Early morning to midday; busiest at dawn
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ IDR 19,663
2

09:00–10:30 · ≈ IDR 30,000–100,000 guided; check on the day

Maspati village walk

Village walk with snacks. Arrange ahead; check on the day.

Open By arrangement; check on the day
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ IDR 28,131
3

12:30–13:00 · ≈ IDR 15,000–40,000 per item

Kebab Turki Baba Rafi Landmark quest

Quick lunch at a mall outlet; mall hours apply.

Open Check on the day; mall outlets keep mall hours
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ IDR 20,934
4

13:30–15:00 · Free to enter

Tunjungan Plaza

Cool off and graze the food court.

Open Mall hours, roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi · 1231 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ IDR 16,154
5

19:00–19:45 · ≈ IDR 25,000–50,000 per bowl

Rawon Setan food stop

Dinner. Often evening into late night.

Open Often evening into late night; check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 1401 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ IDR 17,006

Day 2

Seafood by the water, then fly

Tickets ≈ IDR 25,000 pp · taxis ≈ IDR 159,330

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 855 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ IDR 15,000
1

10:00–10:20 · ≈ IDR 10,000–25,000

Es kelapa muda stall

Light start before the heat.

Open Daytime; check on the day
Taxi · 8 km · ≈ 28 min · ≈ IDR 48,777
2

16:00–17:30 · ≈ IDR 5,000–20,000 entry; check on the day

Kenjeran Beach and promenade

Promenade snacks and seafood; go late afternoon.

Open Daytime into evening
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ IDR 33,343
3

17:45–18:45 · Free · transport costs extra

Suramadu Bridge viewpoint

Sunset view of the bridge, then head to the airport.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 10 km · ≈ 36 min · ≈ IDR 62,210

1 night · History ★ Recommended length

Independence sites, the old harbour market and the Arab quarter in one short stop.

Stay: Genteng. Old city core near the Arab quarter, Chinatown and the bridge; budget hotels and street food.

Tickets & tours: ≈ IDR 55,000
Taxis: ≈ IDR 175,413
Hotel: IDR 250,000–700,000

Day 1

Arrive, heroes and old streets

Tickets ≈ IDR 40,000 pp · taxis ≈ IDR 80,982

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 637 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ IDR 15,000
1

09:30–10:30 · ≈ IDR 5,000–10,000; check on the day

Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument)

Museum may be closed some days; check on the day.

Open Daytime; museum closed some days
Taxi · 328 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ IDR 15,000
2

11:00–12:30 · Free entry · small fee for some tours

House of Sampoerna Landmark quest

Colonial-era factory and museum; check hours on the day.

Open Check on the day; typically daily daytime hours
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ IDR 18,977
3

13:30–15:00 · Free

Tunjungan Street walk

Lunch, then walk the old shopping street.

Open Always open; best in the evening
Taxi · 666 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ IDR 15,000
4

18:30–19:15 · ≈ IDR 25,000–50,000 per bowl

Rawon Setan food stop

Dinner. Often opens in the evening.

Open Often evening into late night; check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 1401 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ IDR 17,006

Day 2

Old harbour and mosques, then fly

Tickets ≈ IDR 15,000 pp · taxis ≈ IDR 94,430

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ IDR 22,523
1

07:00–08:00 · Free to enter · pay per item

Pabean Market

Historic harbour market; go at dawn.

Open Early morning to midday; busiest at dawn
Taxi · 432 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ IDR 15,000
2

08:30–09:30 · Free · donations welcome

Ampel Mosque Landmark quest

Old quarter around the mosque. Dress modestly.

Open Open daily, roughly 07:00–21:00; check on the day
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ IDR 24,465
3

09:45–10:15 · Free

Cheng Hoo Mosque Landmark quest

Chinese-Muslim heritage mosque; avoid prayer times.

Open Check on the day; avoid prayer times for sightseeing
Taxi · 1488 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ IDR 17,442
4

10:30–10:50 · ≈ IDR 10,000–25,000

Es kelapa muda stall

Quick drink before the airport.

Open Daytime; check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 855 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ IDR 15,000

2 nights · Culture

First-timers who want the old city, the Arab quarter and a colonial street walk at an easy pace.

Tickets & tours: ≈ IDR 105,000
Taxis: ≈ IDR 151,066

Day 1

Arrive, old town and the Arab quarter

Tickets ≈ IDR 35,000 pp · taxis ≈ IDR 79,268

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

08:30–09:30 · Free · donations welcome

Ampel Mosque Landmark quest

Go early, before the heat. Dress modestly.

Open Open daily, roughly 07:00–21:00; check on the day
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ IDR 24,465
2

09:45–10:15 · Free

Cheng Hoo Mosque Landmark quest

Short walk from Ampel. Avoid prayer times.

Open Check on the day; avoid prayer times for sightseeing
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ IDR 25,397
3

10:30–11:30 · Free to enter · pay per item

Pabean Market

Busiest at dawn but still lively late morning. Bring small cash.

Open Early morning to midday; busiest at dawn
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ IDR 29,406
4

12:00–12:45 · ≈ IDR 25,000–50,000 per bowl

Rawon Setan food stop

Lunch stop. Often opens later in the day, so check on the day.

Open Often evening into late night; check on the day

Day 2

Colonial streets and Tunjungan

Tickets ≈ IDR 20,000 pp · taxis ≈ IDR 45,550

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

10:00–11:30 · Free entry · small fee for some tours

House of Sampoerna Landmark quest

Check on the day for opening hours.

Open Check on the day; typically daily daytime hours
Taxi · 328 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ IDR 15,000
2

12:00–13:00 · ≈ IDR 5,000–10,000; check on the day

Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument)

Museum may be closed some days. Check on the day.

Open Daytime; museum closed some days
Taxi · 812 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ IDR 15,000
3

13:15–13:35 · ≈ IDR 10,000–25,000

Es kelapa muda stall

Cool down with es kelapa muda.

Open Daytime; check on the day
Taxi · 1110 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ IDR 15,550
4

18:30–20:00 · Free

Tunjungan Street walk

Best in the evening when the street cools down.

Open Always open; best in the evening

Day 3

Village walk, then fly

Tickets ≈ IDR 50,000 pp · taxis ≈ IDR 26,249

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:00–10:30 · ≈ IDR 30,000–100,000 guided; check on the day

Maspati village walk

By arrangement only. Ask your hotel to book ahead.

Open By arrangement; check on the day
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ IDR 26,249
2

11:00–12:30 · Free to enter

Tunjungan Plaza

Lunch and last shopping before the airport.

Open Mall hours, roughly 10:00–22:00

2 nights · Food

Visitors who plan the day around rawon, market snacks and street stalls.

Tickets & tours: ≈ IDR 135,000
Taxis: ≈ IDR 149,648

Day 1

Market morning and old town bites

Tickets ≈ IDR 50,000 pp · taxis ≈ IDR 56,573

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

07:00–08:00 · Free to enter · pay per item

Pabean Market

Come at dawn for the busiest stalls.

Open Early morning to midday; busiest at dawn
Taxi · 432 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ IDR 15,000
2

08:30–09:30 · Free · donations welcome

Ampel Mosque Landmark quest

Walk the quarter and snack around the mosque.

Open Open daily, roughly 07:00–21:00; check on the day
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ IDR 26,573
3

11:00–11:20 · ≈ IDR 10,000–25,000

Es kelapa muda stall

Afternoon heat builds, so go early.

Open Daytime; check on the day
Taxi · 580 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ IDR 15,000
4

19:00–19:45 · ≈ IDR 25,000–50,000 per bowl

Rawon Setan food stop

Dinner. Often evening into late night; check on the day.

Open Often evening into late night; check on the day

Day 2

Promenade and mall food

Tickets ≈ IDR 35,000 pp · taxis ≈ IDR 66,826

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

16:00–17:30 · ≈ IDR 5,000–20,000 entry; check on the day

Kenjeran Beach and promenade

Late afternoon is best. Seafood stalls along the promenade.

Open Daytime into evening
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 27 min · ≈ IDR 46,402
2

18:30–19:00 · ≈ IDR 15,000–40,000 per item

Kebab Turki Baba Rafi Landmark quest

Quick snack. Mall outlets keep mall hours.

Open Check on the day; mall outlets keep mall hours
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ IDR 20,424
3

19:30–21:00 · Free

Tunjungan Street walk

Evening walk, then dessert nearby.

Open Always open; best in the evening

Day 3

Village food walk, then fly

Tickets ≈ IDR 50,000 pp · taxis ≈ IDR 26,249

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

09:00–10:30 · ≈ IDR 30,000–100,000 guided; check on the day

Maspati village walk

Home-style snacks. Book by arrangement.

Open By arrangement; check on the day
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ IDR 26,249
2

11:00–12:30 · Free to enter

Tunjungan Plaza

Lunch at the food court before the airport.

Open Mall hours, roughly 10:00–22:00

2 nights · History

Travellers focused on independence sites, the old harbour and the Arab quarter.

Tickets & tours: ≈ IDR 90,000
Taxis: ≈ IDR 174,244

Day 1

Heroes and the old harbour

Tickets ≈ IDR 40,000 pp · taxis ≈ IDR 67,432

1

08:30–09:30 · ≈ IDR 5,000–10,000; check on the day

Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument)

Morning is cooler. Museum closed some days; check on the day.

Open Daytime; museum closed some days
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ IDR 23,046
2

10:00–11:00 · Free to enter · pay per item

Pabean Market

Old trading quarter near the harbour.

Open Early morning to midday; busiest at dawn
Taxi · 432 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ IDR 15,000
3

11:15–12:15 · Free · donations welcome

Ampel Mosque Landmark quest

Historic mosque and surrounding lanes.

Open Open daily, roughly 07:00–21:00; check on the day
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ IDR 29,385
4

19:00–19:45 · ≈ IDR 25,000–50,000 per bowl

Rawon Setan food stop

Dinner. Check hours on the day.

Open Often evening into late night; check on the day

Day 2

Colonial heritage and the bridge

Tickets ≈ IDR 0 pp · taxis ≈ IDR 80,563

1

10:00–11:30 · Free entry · small fee for some tours

House of Sampoerna Landmark quest

Old factory and museum. Check on the day.

Open Check on the day; typically daily daytime hours
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ IDR 20,434
2

12:00–12:30 · Free

Cheng Hoo Mosque Landmark quest

Avoid prayer times for sightseeing.

Open Check on the day; avoid prayer times for sightseeing
Taxi · 10 km · ≈ 35 min · ≈ IDR 60,130
3

17:00–18:00 · Free · transport costs extra

Suramadu Bridge viewpoint

Sunset view of the bridge. Always open.

Open Always open

Day 3

Village history, then fly

Tickets ≈ IDR 50,000 pp · taxis ≈ IDR 26,249

1

09:00–10:30 · ≈ IDR 30,000–100,000 guided; check on the day

Maspati village walk

Local guides tell the neighbourhood story. Book ahead.

Open By arrangement; check on the day
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ IDR 26,249
2

11:00–12:30 · Free to enter

Tunjungan Plaza

Lunch and last shopping.

Open Mall hours, roughly 10:00–22:00

Swap in instead

Add a day for Malang: cooler hill town with colonial streets, about 2 hours by train or car.
Bromo sunrise trips leave at night from Surabaya; expect a long, cold, bumpy drive. Book ahead.
Swap a city afternoon for a mangrove and fishing-village stop on the east coast; check transport on the day.

Getting around

No metro or tram; commuter trains are very limited.
Suroboyo Bus and Trans Semanggi are air-conditioned; fare Rp 5,000, cashless only (QRIS or e-money card).
Buses are clean but waits run 15-30 min; track them on the GOBIS app.
Gojek, Grab and Maxim work well; use GoRide or GrabBike to beat traffic.
Taxis are plentiful; check the meter (argo) is on. Green SM runs an electric fleet.
Becak (cycle rickshaws) are common; agree a price first, around Rp 5,000-20,000.
Walking is patchy; sidewalks are inconsistent. Ferries leave from Tanjung Perak harbour.

Where to stay

Tunjungan · ≈ IDR 350,000–900,000 a night
Central. Walk to Tunjungan Plaza mall and the old colonial streets; easy for taxis and buses.
Gubeng · ≈ IDR 300,000–800,000 a night
Next to Gubeng train station and the airport bus; good for early departures to Malang or Bromo.
Genteng · ≈ IDR 250,000–700,000 a night
Old city core near the Arab quarter, Chinatown and the bridge; budget hotels and street food.
Darmo · ≈ IDR 400,000–1,100,000 a night
Quieter, greener south side with malls and family hotels; a short ride from the centre.

Food & drink

Try rawon (dark beef soup with keluak nut), served with rice and bean sprouts. A local favourite.
Sate kelapa and lontong balap are Surabaya classics. Look for busy warungs (small eateries) at lunch.
The Arab quarter near Ampel: try nasi kebuli and fresh bread from the bakeries.
Cheap eats: street stalls and food courts, roughly Rp 15,000–40,000 a plate. Check prices first.
Drink bottled water. Ice from busy cafés is usually fine; skip it at quiet roadside stalls if unsure.

Tips

Use Grab or Gojek for safe and transparent taxi/motorbike rides
The weather is consistently hot; plan activities for early mornings or late afternoons
Visit the House of Sampoerna for a look at local history and tobacco production
Traffic is chaotic and intimidating; rely on ride-hailing services for navigation
Indonesian is the primary language, but English is understood in business settings

Sources for prices and hours

Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

Tours & activities

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Suramadu Bridge

Three-day trip toward Tumpak Sewu, Mount Bromo and Ijen
Departs from Surabaya or Malang
1,372 reviews · 4.8 rating

Multi-dayHotel pickup

Surabaya or Malang: Tumpak Sewu Bromo & Ijen 3-Day Trip

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (1,372)

$171View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Suramadu Bridge

Bromo sunrise with a shared guided group
Route via Malang and Probolinggo
767 reviews · 4.7 rating

Sunrise tourShared group

Surabaya Malang Probolinggo: Bromo Sunrise Share Guided Tour

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (767)

$40View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Suramadu Bridge

Tumpak Sewu waterfall and Bromo over two days
Departs from Surabaya or Malang
117 reviews · 4.9 rating

2D1NShared group

Surabaya or Malang: Tumpak Sewu and Bromo 2D1N Shared Guided Tour

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (117)

$138View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

House of Sampoerna

Art Deco architecture in the old town
Guided walk through historic streets
51 reviews · 4.8 rating

Walking tourArchitecture focus

Old Town Walking Tour of Art Deco Architecture

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (51)

$20View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Ampel Mosque

Ruins of the Majapahit Kingdom at Trowulan
Day trip from Surabaya
28 reviews · 4.9 rating

History tourGuided

Trowulan Tour Ruin of Majapahit Kingdom

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (28)

$95View tour

Souvenirs

Almond Crispy

IDR 50000–90000about 150g box · shop prices

A crispy almond snack sold as a popular gift from Surabaya.

Where: Wisata Rasa official shop

The crispy snacks break easily, so ask for extra padding or carry them in your hand luggage.

Flights

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Cost of a day

Exchange rate

Getting in

Getting around

Weather by month

Climate

Landmarks 6

Must-see · 5

Ampel Mosque

House of Sampoerna

Suramadu Bridge

Surabaya Zoo

Cheng Hoo Mosque

Cultural

Islamic 2

Museum 1

Bridge 1

Activities

Amusement Park 1

Zoo 1

Day trips from Surabaya

Malang · 1 h 57 by train

What to see

Good to know

Batu · 1 h 22 by road

What to see

Good to know

Plans

Ampel Mosque Landmark quest

Cheng Hoo Mosque Landmark quest

Pabean Market

Rawon Setan food stop

Tunjungan Street walk

Pabean Market

Es kelapa muda stall

Rawon Setan food stop

Kenjeran Beach and promenade

Kebab Turki Baba Rafi Landmark quest

Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument)

Maspati village walk

Rawon Setan food stop

House of Sampoerna Landmark quest

Suramadu Bridge viewpoint

Ampel Mosque Landmark quest

Cheng Hoo Mosque Landmark quest

Pabean Market

Rawon Setan food stop

House of Sampoerna Landmark quest

Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument)

Tunjungan Street walk

Es kelapa muda stall

Pabean Market

Maspati village walk

Kebab Turki Baba Rafi Landmark quest

Tunjungan Plaza

Rawon Setan food stop

Es kelapa muda stall

Kenjeran Beach and promenade

Suramadu Bridge viewpoint

Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument)

House of Sampoerna Landmark quest

Tunjungan Street walk

Rawon Setan food stop

Pabean Market

Ampel Mosque Landmark quest

Cheng Hoo Mosque Landmark quest

Es kelapa muda stall

Ampel Mosque Landmark quest

Cheng Hoo Mosque Landmark quest

Pabean Market

Rawon Setan food stop

House of Sampoerna Landmark quest

Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument)

Es kelapa muda stall

Tunjungan Street walk

Maspati village walk

Tunjungan Plaza

Pabean Market

Ampel Mosque Landmark quest

Es kelapa muda stall