Kristian Tandjung, Unsplash License, Source

Surabaya

Vibrant port city blending tradition and modernity

Surabaya is Indonesia’s second-largest city, located on the northeastern coast of Java. Known as a major port and transportation hub, it connects travelers to nearby islands like Madura and Kangean. The city balances busy urban life with quiet parks and riverside walks along the Brangkal River. Local markets sell fresh seafood and tropical fruits such as durian and mangosteen. Surabaya’s history is visible in colonial-era buildings and war memorials, while its food scene features strong Javanese influences alongside Chinese and Indian flavors.

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City in Indonesia

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 6.7

General Safety:	7
Health & medical:	7
Accessibility:	6
Tap water:	4

Read details

3/5

In Surabaya, English is widely understood among younger locals and in tourist spots, but many older residents speak limited English. Tourists will find basic communication easy in hotels, malls and restaurants.

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Surabaya Summary

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Strong in city history and food culture. Visit historic monuments, explore lively markets, try local street food and experience busy urban life.

Place score

8.5

Best at:

Large cities

Islands

Sea

Local cuisine

Street food

Personal score

Suited for

👶 8

Families

🧓 7

Seniors

🛡️ 8

Travel Beginners

👩 8

Solo

Indonesia – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F Type C: Type F: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) £1 ≈ IDR 24,141.20
Cashless info:	Rating 4/5 Cashless payments are becoming more common in urban areas of Indonesia, particularly in larger cities. Credit cards and mobile payment apps like GoPay and OVO are widely accepted in many establishments. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Indonesia. A 5-10% tip is common in restaurants, and taxi drivers may expect small tips for good service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is not commonly seen in Indonesia. Alcohol is consumed mainly in licensed establishments such as bars, restaurants, and hotels.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, including restaurants, shopping centres, and public transport.

Independence Day (17 August)	A national holiday with celebrations and ceremonies
Nyepi (March/April)	The Balinese Day of Silence, celebrated with unique rituals and festivities

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 112
Taxi apps:	GoJek, Grab
Other:	Indonesia is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including beaches, volcanoes, and jungles. It is a great destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Surabaya, Indonesia

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Feb

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Mar

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Apr

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May

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Jun

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Jul

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Aug

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Sep

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Oct

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Nov

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Dec

High season:	June - Sep.
Shoulder season:	April - May, Oct.
Crowdedness:	3 (Few tourists)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Dry season May to October best for day trips to Mount Bromo and Ijen crater

Ramadan: daytime food options limited, many restaurants closed until sunset

Eid al-Fitr: mass domestic travel, transport fully booked and many shops closed for several days

Don't miss

🌉 Explore Suramadu Bridge's panoramic sunset views
🍲 Sample rawon at Kedoya market, spicy beef soup delight
🚴‍♂️ Stroll through Taman Bungkul Botanical Park, bike rentals available
🐒 Visit Surabaya Zoo's endangered primate exhibit
🛍️ Walk along Jalan Rungkut, shop for batik souvenirs
🎆 Attend midnight fireworks at Gubeng Waterfront Festival

You've been here?

Why travel to Surabaya?

Surabaya, Indonesia’s second‑largest city, offers a blend of history, culture and modern convenience that makes it an appealing destination for travelers seeking both authenticity and ease. The city sits on the northern coast of Java, where its bustling port has long been a gateway between East and West. Visitors can explore the historic Old Town (Kota Tua), where colonial architecture – such as the Dutch‑era warehouses now housing cafés and art galleries – provides a tangible link to the past. Nearby, the Heroes’ Monument (Monumen Pahlawan) stands as a reminder of Surabaya’s pivotal role in Indonesia’s struggle for independence. Food is another highlight: the city’s street stalls serve iconic dishes like rawon (black beef soup), soto ayam (chicken soup) and bakso (meatball soup). The vibrant night markets, especially at Jalan Pahlawan, offer a sensory experience of local flavors and crafts. For those interested in nature, the nearby Taman Safari Indonesia provides an opportunity to see wildlife in a setting that blends conservation with visitor engagement. Surabaya’s infrastructure supports comfortable travel: an international airport connects it to major Asian hubs, while efficient public transport – including buses and a growing rail network – makes city exploration straightforward. The city’s mix of heritage sites, culinary delights and practical amenities ensures that travelers can experience the heart of Java without the crowds found in larger capitals.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Taman Bungkul
2 Kids Zoo
3 Heroes Monument

🎡Places for activities

1 Museum Sepuluh Nopember (10. November)

🛍️Shopping

1 Pasar Atom
2 Surabaya Plaza

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Knowledge before you go

Carry a small umbrella; Surabaya’s monsoon season brings sudden showers.
Use local transport apps like Gojek for reliable rides and confirm driver ID before boarding.
Avoid peak traffic hours (7-9 am and 4-6 pm) to reach tourist sites efficiently.
Explore the historic Surabaya Zoo early in the morning; it hosts rare species and offers guided tours with local experts.

How to travel to Surabaya

Surabaya is accessible via Juanda International Airport, located approximately 15 kilometers southeast of the city center. The airport connects to major Indonesian cities such as Jakarta, Bali and Medan through domestic flights operated by airlines like Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air and Batik Air. Ground transportation from the airport includes taxis, ride-hailing services (Gojek, Grab) and private transfers, with travel time typically taking 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. The city is also reachable via ferry services from nearby islands such as Madura, though these are less common for visitors. Public bus networks link Surabaya to surrounding regions, while a growing taxi and ride-hailing infrastructure supports local mobility.

Access summary

From Juanda Airport (SUB): Taxi or ride‑share to city center, 30–45 min.
From Jakarta (CGK): Direct bus or train to Surabaya, 10–12 hrs; flight 1 hr 15 min.
By ferry from Banyuwangi: 4–5 hrs across Bali Strait to Surabaya.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Surabaya

Surabaya offers a wide spectrum of lodging that caters to every traveler’s budget and taste. Budget‑conscious visitors can find clean, well‑maintained hostels and guesthouses in the city center for as little as IDR 200,000 (£8.31) per night, while mid‑range hotels provide comfortable rooms with modern amenities around IDR 600,000 – 1,200,000 (£24.94 – 49.88). For those seeking a more upscale experience, boutique hotels and serviced apartments in the Prawirotaman and Surabaya City Hall areas offer stylish décor, rooftop terraces and concierge services, typically priced between IDR 2,000,000 (£83.14) and IDR 4,500,000 (£187.06) per night. The city is also renowned for its traditional “rumah tamu” inns, which blend local architecture with contemporary comforts, appealing to travelers looking for an authentic Indonesian stay.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Bumi Surabaya City Resort

9.3

Grand Swiss-Belhotel Darmo

9.5

DoubleTree by Hilton Surabaya

9.5

Hotel Ciputra World Surabaya managed by Swiss-Belhotel International

9.1

Vasa Hotel Surabaya

9.1

The Life Styles Hotel Surabaya

8.8

Sheraton Surabaya Hotel & Towers

9.0

Elmi Hotel

9.2

JW Marriott Hotel Surabaya

9.1

Hotel Platinum Tunjungan Surabaya

9.6

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Surabaya

Surabaya offers several convenient transportation options for getting around the city. The most common method is using a motorcycle taxi, known locally as *ojek*, which provides flexibility and access to narrow streets. For longer distances or group travel, ride-hailing apps like Gojek or Grab are widely used and reliable. Taxis are also available but best negotiated in advance due to variable pricing. Public buses serve major routes across the city, though schedules can be inconsistent. Walking is feasible in central districts for short trips. For intercity connections, taxis or private cars with drivers are recommended, especially when traveling to nearby islands like Madura via ferry from Surabaya Port.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-75 %

Daily expenses in Surabaya are around 75% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-20 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to IDR) is 20% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£20	£45	£135
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£9	£26	£75
🍝 Food per day	£9	£16	£54
🚕 Transportation per day	£2	£2	£6

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£4.40
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£1.10
🍟 Fast food combo	£2.20
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£3.70
☕ Cappuccino	£1.25
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£2

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£0.31
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£3.90
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.55

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£2
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£9
🤧 Cold medication	£1.90
💇 Basic haircut	£2.40

Safety information overview

General safety

Surabaya is generally safe for travelers, with low violent crime rates and well‑patrolled tourist areas. Petty theft can occur in crowded markets; keep valuables secure and stay aware of local traffic rules. Follow standard precautions and you’ll enjoy a smooth visit.

Health & Medical

Surabaya offers reliable medical care with modern hospitals and a growing network of clinics, staffed by qualified doctors and nurses. Travelers should stay hydrated, avoid street food until fully acclimated and be aware of seasonal dengue risk; vaccinations for Hepatitis A/B are recommended.

Accessibility

Surabaya offers mixed accessibility: many modern malls and public transport have ramps, elevators and tactile signage, making navigation easier for wheelchair users. However, older streets and some historic sites lack curb cuts or clear pathways, so careful planning is advised.

Tap water

Surabaya’s tap water is generally safe for local consumption but often tastes chlorinated; many residents still prefer filtered or bottled options. Public fountains are scarce, so carrying a reusable bottle and using household filters is advisable to stay hydrated comfortably.