The city of Surabaya is where colonial heritage meets contemporary cool, and where every street and building tells a story. As Indonesia’s second-largest city, Surabaya has earned the nickname the “City of Heroes”, thanks to its vital role in the country’s 1945 independence movement, which is still honoured through its impressive monuments and historical sites.
But it’s not all about the past – Surabaya is a hotbed of culture, featuring lush green spaces, a well-planned urban layout and a food scene bursting with flavours and spices. With warm-hearted locals and plenty of amazing spots to explore, it’s easy to see why Surabaya leaves a lasting impression on all its visitors.
Set aside 3-days and 2-nights to discover the very best of Surabaya, as you soak-up all the rich heritage, authentic East Javanese cuisine and buzzing atmosphere that this vibrant city has to offer!
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Recommended Accommodation in Surabaya:
• Luxury Stay: Majapahit Surabaya Hotel
• Family Stay: The Westin Surabaya
• Mid-range: Morazen Surabaya
• Budget: Swiss-Belinn Tunjungan, Surabaya
How To Get There
As the second-largest city in Indonesia, getting to Surabaya is a total breeze! Juanda International Airport (SUB) is one of Indonesia’s busiest hubs, with frequent flights available from most major cities. If you’re coming from Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, Bali (DPS), a short 1-hour flight will find you soon touching-down in Surabaya’s buzzing metropolis.
Best Time to Visit
If you want to experience Surabaya at its best, plan your trip between May and September. This is when the city enjoys its dry season, so you won’t have to worry about rain ruining your outdoor adventures. With daytime temperatures ranging from 29°C to 34°C and evenings cooling down to a comfy 24°C to 27°C, all you need to bring is some light-wear clothing, a hat and sunscreen to enjoy this energetic city in style.
Day 1: Crossing to Madura Island
Morning
- After landing in Surabaya, head straight to Nasi Empal Pengampon to try some of the local food. This legendary eatery has been around since 1973, serving its signature dish Nasi Empal, made from thinly sliced beef shredded into thin pieces and seasoned with a sweet and savoury sauce.
- Head to your hotel to check-in and relax.
Afternoon
- Surabaya is renowned for its food, so seize the opportunity to try one of its popular duck dishes. Cross the Suramadu Bridge, which connects Surabaya and Madura Island, to dine at the famous Bebek Sinjay Restaurant. This eatery specialises in a variety of delicious fried duck dishes which are served crispy and tender, along with a tangy mango sambal (chilli) known as Sambal Pecit.
- After your lunch at Bebek Sinjay, continue to immerse yourself in the city’s heritage by going shopping for some of Madura’s signature batik fabric at Tresna Art. Batik Gentongan is the classic print style of batik for the region, dominated by elaborate red and black motifs. Its production process is lengthy, using natural dyes and requiring the batik to be dipped into barrels and stored for months in dark rooms. It makes for the perfect cultural souvenir to remind you of your Indonesian adventures.
Evening
- After eating and shopping for batik, take some time to relax at one of Indonesia’s longest structures, the Suramadu Bridge. One of the must-visit spots is the viewing platform at the end of the bridge, where you can catch a stunning sunset as it turns the sky into a kaleidoscope of colours. Grab a cup of aromatic local coffee whilst watching ships pass by and listening to the sound of ocean waves, for a peaceful end to your first day in Surabaya.
- Return to the hotel to rest and get your energy for a busy day of sightseeing tomorrow.
Day 2: Exploring Surabaya
Morning
- Start your day with a classic Surabaya breakfast at Lontong Balap Rajawali, which has been serving locals since 1956. Lontong is rice wrapped in banana leaves and boiled until cooked. A portion of lontong is served with tofu, bean sprouts and a dark broth flavoured with shrimp paste and sweet soy sauce – a tasty way to kick-start your day!
- From Lontong Balap Rajawali, continue with a leisurely walk around Surabaya’s Old Town. Historical colonial-era buildings are well-preserved here, giving you a glimpse into the city’s fascinating past. Don’t miss a ride on the Tourwagen, a classic style of sightseeing vehicle that takes you around the Old Town, complete with a guide who explains all about the history of the buildings.
- Treat yourself to something sweet from Siropen Factory, the oldest syrup factory in Indonesia, which has been operating since 1923. The building has been preserved in its original form, and the flavoured drinks are still produced traditionally without chemicals.
Afternoon
- Complete your historical journey through Surabaya’s Old Town with lunch at Depot Sari, a restaurant that has stood the test of time since 1930. Their signature dish is Rawon Merah, a tender beef soup with a sweet, sour and slightly spicy taste – perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up!
- From this historical culinary stop, continue on to the Kenjeran Beach area to visit Sanggar Agung Temple. The temple’s main highlight is the 20-metre-tall statue of Guan Yin (the Goddess of Mercy), flanked by two large dragons forming an archway towards the sea at Kenjeran Beach.
- Just a short walk from Sanggar Agung Temple is the Four-Faced Buddha Statue. This statue is housed within a stupa-like structure, with Buddha seated on his throne. The four faces represent Buddha’s four virtues: compassion, generosity, justice and meditation. A great place to sit and enjoy some quiet contemplation.
Evening
- For dinner, why not sample some smoked fish, a coastal culinary speciality at Kenjeran Fish Market. The traditional smoking process gives the fish a distinctive aroma and savoury taste – paired with warm rice and sambal, it’s the perfect meal!
- From Kenjeran Fish Market, head to Suroboyo Park to check out the city’s symbolic landmark statue of a shark and crocodile. Then, kick-back at the beach as the sun sets and paints the sky in its dreamy colours.
- End your day in Surabaya with a visit to Zangrandi Ice Cream, a legendary parlour established by an Italian family in 1930. Indulge in classic ice-cream flavours like Tutti Frutti and Macadamia.
Day 3: Continuing the Culinary Journey
Morning
- Grab a hearty traditional breakfast at Pecel Bambu Runcing Bu Wuri. This eatery serves Nasi Pecel, a popular dish of mixed vegetables smothered with a savoury peanut sauce. You can choose from a variety of sides, such as chicken, beef or omelette.
- After breakfast, visit Surabaya’s impressive historical destinations – the Heroes Monument and the 10th November Museum. The Heroes Monument was built to commemorate the events that took place in Surabaya on the 10th of November in 1945, one of the key dates in Indonesia’s struggle for independence from Dutch rule. Inside the museum, you’ll be able to find out more details about the heroic figures who took part in this significant part of Indonesian history.
- Return to the hotel to check-out and prepare for your departure.
Final Words
A 3-day, 2-night trip to Surabaya promises everything you need to feast on the city’s history, culture and delicious cuisine. From iconic landmarks to mouthwatering local bites, Surabaya serves up an amazing Indonesian adventure that you won’t forget!
