Things to Do in Surabaya

About Surabaya

Surabaya pulses with an intoxicating energy that embodies the very spirit of modern Indonesia. As the nation's second-largest city, this maritime metropolis easyly weaves together centuries of trading heritage with contemporary urban dynamism. Here, colonial Dutch architecture stands shoulder-to-shoulder with gleaming skyscrapers, while the aromatic symphony of street food vendors mingles with the salt-tinged breeze from the bustling port. The city's soul reveals itself in the labyrinthine alleys of the Arab Quarter, where centuries-old mosques echo with prayers, and in the busy Chinatown where red lanterns dance above bustling markets. Surabaya's inhabitants, known as Arek Suroboyo, carry themselves with a distinctive pride and warmth that transforms every interaction into a cultural exchange. This is a city where dawn brings the melodic calls of street vendors, where sunsets paint the Kalimas River in golden hues, and where the night awakens a thousand stories in bustling warungs and modern cafes. Surabaya doesn't just welcome visitors—it embraces them into its living, breathing narrative of resilience, commerce, and authentic Indonesian life.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Download the Grab app for reliable ride-hailing services. Use TransJakarta buses for budget travel (Rp 3,500 per ride). Avoid rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) when traffic becomes extremely congested. Rent a motorbike only if experienced with chaotic traffic patterns.

Money: Always carry Indonesian Rupiah cash as many local vendors don't accept cards. Use ATMs at banks like BCA or Mandiri for better exchange rates. Expect to pay 15,000-25,000 IDR for street food, 100,000-200,000 IDR for mid-range restaurant meals.

Cultural Respect: Dress modestly when visiting mosques—cover shoulders and legs, remove shoes before entering. Learn basic greetings: 'Selamat pagi' (good morning), 'Terima kasih' (thank you). Avoid pointing with your index finger; use your thumb instead. Accept food and gifts with your right hand.

Food Safety: Eat at busy warungs with high turnover for freshest ingredients. Try signature dishes: rawon (black beef soup), rujak cingur, and lontong balap. Stick to bottled or boiled water. Avoid raw vegetables at street stalls but cooked street food is generally safe.

When to Visit

Surabaya experiences a tropical climate with two distinct seasons that significantly impact your travel experience. The dry season (April to October) offers the most comfortable conditions, with temperatures ranging from 24-33°C (75-91°F) and minimal rainfall of 50-100mm monthly. June through August represents peak season, with accommodation prices increasing 30-40% and attractions becoming more crowded. The wet season (November to March) brings heavy monsoons with 200-350mm monthly rainfall and temperatures of 25-35°C (77-95°F), but offers significant savings with hotel rates dropping 25-35% and fewer tourists. April-May and September-October provide the sweet spot for savvy travelers: pleasant weather, moderate prices (15-20% lower than peak), and manageable crowds. Key festivals include the Surabaya Cross Culture Festival (October), offering busy cultural performances, and the traditional Dugderan celebration marking Ramadan (dates vary). Chinese New Year (January/February) transforms Chinatown into a spectacular celebration. Business travelers should avoid Indonesian holidays like Lebaran (Eid al-Fitr) when the city becomes quiet. Families benefit from the dry season's predictable weather, while budget travelers can capitalize on wet season deals if they don't mind occasional downpours and higher humidity levels reaching 80-85%.