MileHacker Logo
Surabaya Itineraries

Surabaya Itineraries

East Java Indonesia Travel Guide

-Hour Layover

Maximize a short stopover with historical and cultural spots.

Experience Surabaya's independence struggle, local flavors, and commercial heritage.

Morning Exploration

  • Heroes Monument PLUS A museum Sepuluh Nopember (1.5-2 hours).
  • Lunch: Try Rawon Setan or Lontong Balap at a local warung.
  • The house of Sampoerna (museum and free "Surabaya Heritage Track" bus tour).

Weekend & Long Stay

Extend your visit for a dive into Surabaya and East Java.

Day 1: Old City Immersion

Show up and explore Surabaya's historical heart.

Arrival & Exploration

  • Arrive Juanda Airport (SUB), arrive at your lodging.
  • Explore Kota Tua (Old City), Ampel Mosque & Market district.
  • Visit Pasar Pabean, Jalan Gula, Cheng Hoo Mosque.
  • Dinner in Ampel area, sampling Arabic-influenced Indonesian food.
Consider enhancing your trip with GetYourGuide experiences.

Day 2: History & Modernity

A blend of historical learning and modern city life.

City Discovery

  • Morning: Heroes Monument & Museum, then Submarine Monument.
  • Mid-day: House of Sampoerna museum and free heritage bus tour.
  • Evening: Tunjungan Plaza/An avenue for shopping, dining, city atmosphere.

Day 3: Relaxed Departure / Excursion

Pick between urban relaxation or a quick island escape.

Final Day Options

  • Morning: Leisurely stroll through Taman Bungkul or Flora Park.
  • Optional Half-Day Trip: Madura Island via Suramadu Bridge.
  • Departure: Head to Juanda Airport (SUB) for your flight.

One-week Comprehensive

A deep dive into Surabaya and East Java's natural wonders.

Full Week Journey

  • Days 1-3: Follow Weekend Getaway itinerary for Surabaya city.
  • Day 4: Early train/car to Malang. Explore city, Jodipan Colorful Village.
  • Days 5-6: Organized 2-day/1-night Mount Bromo & Ijen Crater tour.
  • Day 7: Relaxed morning in Surabaya, last-minute souvenir shopping, departure.

Two-week In-depth Exploration

Combine Surabaya with broader Indonesian exploration.

Java Overland

Combine East Java with Yogyakarta (Borobudur, Prambanan) for 3-4 days.

Bali Extension

From Jawa Timur, fly to Bali for a week of beaches, relaxation, and Hindu culture.

Further Exploration

Consider flying or taking a train to Jakarta for exploring cities before flying home.

Traffic Awareness

When planning an itinerary, use navigation apps to estimate travel times between sights. Surabaya traffic can be unpredictable, so allocate extra time, especially during peak hours.

Interest-based Routes

Tailor your Surabaya journey to your specific interests. Whether a history buff, a food lover, an adventure seeker, or traveling with family, these routes experiences that resonate with your passions.

Historical & Heritage Focus

Immerse yourself in Surabaya's past and ancient kingdoms.

History Enthusiast

  • Explore Kota Tua: Jalan Gula, Pasar Pabean, Klenteng Hong Tiek Hian.
  • Heroes Monument & Museum, Submarine Monument.
  • House of Sampoerna for industrial heritage.
  • Day trip to Trowulan (Mojokerto) for Majapahit Kingdom ruins.
Discover with more history tours on GetYourGuide.

Food & Culinary Experiences

Begin a culinary journey through Surabaya's varied tastes.

Gastronomy Adventure

  • Guided street food tour for local delights.
  • Visit Pasar Atom and Ampel District for a range of cuisine offerings.
  • Try signature dishes: Rawon, Sate Klopo, Lontong Balap, Rujak Cingur.
  • Explore mall food courts for wider options.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Focus on the natural wonders outside the city.

Nature's Call

  • Core of itinerary: multi-day trip to Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater.
  • Surabaya: Visit Keputih Bamboo Forest for tranquil escape.
  • Serious enthusiasts: research further trekking in East Java parks.
  • Dedicate at least 2-3 days for this exhilarating experience.
Book your adventure tours safely through GetYourGuide.

Family-friendly Itinerary

Surabaya has attractions for families with children.

Kid-friendly Fun

  • Visit Submarine Monument (Monkasel), often captivating children.
  • Time at Flora Park (mini-zoo) and Taman Bungkul (playgrounds).
  • Tunjungan Plaza or Pakuwon Mall for shopping, cinemas, arcades.
  • Day trip to Surabaya Zoo or Batu (near Malang) for theme parks.

Art & Architecture Emphasis

Appreciate Surabaya's beauty of the architecture and art scene.

Design & Culture

  • Explore colonial-style architecture on Jalan Tunjungan and Kota Tua.
  • Visit Sanggar Agung Temple and Cheng Hoo Mosque for unique blends.
  • Seek out street art and murals, especially on Jalan Gula.
  • House of Sampoerna for history and well-preserved colonial compound.

Spiritual & Wellness Journey

Focus on Surabaya's spiritual sites and relaxation opportunities.

Serene Escapes

  • Visit revered Ampel Mosque and its spiritual district.
  • Explore Gereja Perawan Maria Tak Berdosa and Buddhist temples.
  • Indulge in a conventional Javanese massage at a local spa.
  • Day trip to hot springs in Pacet or Tretes for natural therapy.

Interest-based Planning

Mix Activities

Mix intense activity days with more relaxed ones for balanced exploration.

Personalize

Tailor courses to your specific passions for a more fulfilling adventure.

Avoid Burnout

Balanced itineraries prevent fatigue and allow full absorption of experiences.

Balanced Journey

When crafting an interest-based itinerary, mix intense activity days with more relaxed ones. This prevents burnout and allows you to absorb the experiences fully.

Budget-based Plans

Surabaya caters to all budgets, from backpackers seeking low-cost adventures to travelers seeking luxury desiring premium experiences. These plans outline how to experience the city based on financial comfort.

Backpacker's Guide

Navigate Surabaya affordably with smart choices.

Budget Traveler

  • Accommodation: Hostels (IDR 70,000-150,000) or basic guesthouses.
  • Food: Street food and local warungs (IDR 15,000-40,000 per meal).
  • Transportation: Public buses (e-money card), motorcycle ride-hailing.
  • Activities: Free attractions (parks, Kota Tua), low-cost museum entries.
Find budget-friendly tours on GetYourGuide.

Mid-range Traveler's Itinerary

Comfortable travel with a combination of local and modern amenities.

Balanced Comfort

  • Accommodation: Mid-range hotels/guesthouses (IDR 300,000-700,000).
  • Food: Mix of local warungs, mid-range restaurants, occasional international cuisine.
  • Transportation: Car ride-hailing (Gojek/Grab Car), taxis, inter-city trains.
  • Activities: Major attractions, guided city tour, group day trips (Bromo).

Luxury Experience Plan

Indulge in premium services and exclusive experiences.

Premium Travel

  • Accommodation: 4-LUXURY hotels (IDR 1,500,000+).
  • Food: High-end restaurants, fine dining, private dining.
  • Transportation: Private car with dedicated driver.

Exclusive Activities

  • Bespoke tours to attractions plus outings (e.g., private Bromo/Ijen tour).
  • Spa treatments, exclusive cultural experiences, and premium shopping.
  • Utilize hotel concierge services for all bookings and recommendations.

Value-focused Recommendations

Combine elements from various budgets for maximum value.

Smart Spending

  • Prioritize local transport and food for daily savings.
  • Allow occasional splurges on specific important experiences.
  • Balance free activities with paid ones for unique value.
  • Look for hotel deals including breakfast and happy hour promotions.

Seasonal Specialties

Surabaya's climate dictates the optimal periods for specific activities, while public and religious holidays unique cultural experiences.

Seasonal Overview

  • Dry Season (May-October): Less rain, lower humidity, ideal for outdoor trips.
  • Best for Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater: clear skies, safer trekking.
  • Wet Season (November-April): Heavy rainfall, high humidity.
  • Wet Season: Cheaper flights/accommodation, focus on indoor activities.

Carry Small Bills

Irrespective of your budget, always carry small denominations of Indonesian Rupiah. This simpler purchases from street vendors and small shops, that might not have change for larger bills.

Seasonal Specialties

Surabaya's climate dictates the best times for certain activities, while public and religious holidays unique cultural experiences.

Weather Highlights

Dry and wet seasons influence alfresco activity potential.

Seasonal Overview

  • Dry Season (May-October): Less rain, lower humidity, ideal for outdoor trips.
  • Best for Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater: clear skies, safer trekking.
  • Wet Season (November-April): Heavy rainfall, high humidity.
  • Wet Season: Cheaper flights/accommodation, focus on indoor activities.
Dry season good for clear views of volcanos.

Festival & Event Visits

Plan visits around unique cultural celebrations.

Cultural Calendar

  • Heroes' Day (November 10): Patriotic events commemorating Battle of Surabaya.
  • Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran): Major religious holiday, observe communal prayers.
  • Yosomulyo Cultural Festival: Annual event demonstrating classic arts.
  • Look for area food celebrations, art exhibitions, or music concerts.

Off-season Strategies

Advantages when traveling during the wet season.

Smart Off-season

  • Lower prices and fewer crowds at attractions.
  • Flexible with open-air plans; have backup indoor activities for rainy days.
  • Find better offers on private automobiles or tours due to lower demand.
  • Focus on urban exploration, cultural sites, culinary delights.

Budget-wise Tips

Practical advice for managing your finances while traveling.

Financial Planning

  • Always carry small denominations of Indonesian Rupiah.
  • This uncomplicatedr purchases from street vendors and small shops.
  • Small shops and street vendors could be without change for larger bills.
  • This helps to avoid issues with change and simplifies transactions.

Seasonal Planning

Holiday Bookings

During major holidays like Eid al-Fitr, book transport and accommodation well in advance.

Peak Demand

Prices increase and availability limited due to high domestic demand.

Holiday Travel

If you plan to visit during a major holiday like Eid al-Fitr, arrange all inter-transportation in the city and popular accommodation well in advance. Prices increase and availability becomes constrained by high domestic demand.