East Java Indonesia Travel Guide
Budget-friendly, with dormitory-style rooms and shared facilities. Popular with solo travelers and backpackers for social interaction and low costs.
Local and close, often family-run, providing a comfortable, home-like atmosphere. AN effective way to interact with local residents at moderate prices.
Basic amenities, tidy rooms, and comfortable stays without frills. For cost-conscious travelers prioritizing a private room and conveniences.
More facilities such as pools, fitness centers, and dining. A balance of comfort, convenience, and value for business and leisure travelers.
Traditional properties incorporating local design elements and architecture, offering a distinct ambiance for cultural immersion.
Appropriate for longer visits, families, or groups. These options provide more space, kitchen facilities. Vrbo can assist.
Less prevalent in urban Surabaya, but individual options exist. A chance to experience local life directly. TrustedHousesitters for unique stays.
Not available within Surabaya city. Consider this for excursions to natural areas outside the city, like national parks or volcanic regions.
Surabaya's several areas each possess a distinct character, influencing your stay.
City center areas like Tunjungan are the noisiest due to heavy traffic, commercial activity, and nightlife.
Residential areas like Gubeng, Darmo, and Manyar offer a quieter and more easygoing environment. The Old City/Ampel district can be very lively and noisy, especially around markets and the Ampel Mosque.
Effective booking strategies secure accommodation at favorable prices in Surabaya.
When using online booking platforms, filter by guest review scores (e.g., 8.0+ or "Very Good").
High scores generally indicate consistent quality and good service, regardless of the star rating.
This method helps make an informed decision for your stay.
Surabaya has a range of recommended accommodations to fit various budget levels and traveler types. This section covers illustrative examples and outlines features for an informed decision.
Darmo / Mayjen Sungkono | Price Range: IDR 1,500,000 - 3,500,000+
Gubeng | Price Range: IDR 600,000 - 1,200,000
Tunjungan / Tegalsari | Price Range: IDR 200,000 - 400,000
Embong Malang (Central) | Price Range: IDR 700,000 - 1,500,000
Numerous mid-range-range and luxury hotels cater to families, offering family/connecting rooms, kids' pools, and play areas. Serviced apartments also work well.
Hostels (Livinn Hostel) offer dorms and social areas. Cheap accommodations (My Studio Hotel) provide safe, affordable private rooms in convenient locations.
For prolonged visits, vacation rentals (apartments or houses) or serviced residences are well-suited. They offer amenities like kitchenettes and more living space.
Seek out boutique hotels or guesthouses located in renovated colonial buildings for historical charm and architectural details.
Consider unique establishments that incorporate local design elements for a distinct ambiance.
Apartments and vacation rentals often provide kitchen facilities for self-catering, good for families or longer visits.
Before booking, use a map to visualize the hotel's exact location relative to attractions you plan to visit.
Choosing a spot that minimizes travel time maximizes convenience during your stay.
Reviews from other travelers usually provide accurate insights into the actual quality and service of a property.
High review scores generally indicate consistent quality and good service, regardless of the star rating.
If shopping and nightlife are main interests, staying in the urban core is advisable.
For a deep cultural immersion, the Old City provides an authentic setting.
For a more tranquil stay, consider neighborhoods like Gubeng or Darmo.
