Day Trips from Surabaya. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Nearby Destinations

East Java a variety of compelling destinations easily accessible from Surabaya for day trips or short overnight stays. Each an unique facet of the region.

Explore Mount Bromo for stunning sunrise views or the historical sites of Mojokerto. Madura Island beckons with its distinct culture.

Accessible Locations

Mount Bromo (3-4 hours by car to Cemoro Lawang) for sunrise.
Ijen Crater (6-8 hours by car to Paltuding) for blue flames and lake.
Madura Island (short ferry or Suramadu Bridge) for local culture.
Mojokerto / Trowulan (1-1.5 hours by car) for Majapahit Kingdom history.

Transport & Tours

Exploring East Java beyond Surabaya has various transportation approaches. Organized tours a seamless way for complex trips, while independent travel offers freedom.

Transportation Options

Travel to nearby cities and natural wonders by train, private car, or organized tours.

Mode of Travel

Malang: Train a comfortable option; private cars or buses also available.
Bromo/Ijen: Organized tours (private/group) the preferred way, including transport.
Madura Island: Drive across Suramadu Bridge or ferry. Local transport on island.

Tour Vs. Independent Travel

Choose between guided convenience or flexible self-exploration for your excursions.

Planning Considerations

Organized Tour: For Bromo/Ijen, a tour the most convenient, safest, and often most efficient.
Independent Travel: For Malang, Madura, Mojokerto. Greater flexibility.
Cost: Independent travel can lead to cost savings.

Suggested Itineraries

Day Trips

Malang: Full day or overnight. Explore city, Jodipan, Batu.
Bromo: Very long day trip, starting midnight for sunrise.
Ijen: Typically an overnight trip for blue fire or early morning crater lake.
Madura: Half to full day. Explore Bangkalan, Sumenep, local cuisine.

Multi-day Tours

2-day Bromo & Ijen: Combines awe-inspiring sunrise and unique blue flames.
Malang & Batu: Combine with Surabaya for relaxed cultural and recreational extension.
Yogyakarta: Cultural capital, home to Borobudur and Prambanan, a natural progression.
Bali: Combine Java's sights with Bali's relaxation.

Travel Times

Surabaya to Bromo:3-4 hours
Surabaya to Ijen:6-8 hours
Surabaya to Malang:2 hours
Surabaya to Trowulan:1-1.5 hours

Bromo to Ijen:4-6 hours
Malang to Batu:30 mins
Madura Island ferry:30 mins
Juanda Airport to City:30-60 mins

Tour Booking

Consider booking your day trips and excursions through GetYourGuide for reliable experiences and convenient planning.

Natural Escapes

East Java, with Surabaya as its gateway, spectacular natural escapes beyond the urban environment. These range from dramatic volcanic landscapes to unique savannas and serene beaches.

Volcanic Wonders

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park: Active volcanoes, vast caldera, unique savannas. A main destination for dramatic landscapes.

African Savanna

Baluran National Park (Situbondo): "Africa van Java," expansive savanna landscapes, diverse wildlife like deer and wild buffalo.

Highland Beauty

Malang: Rolling hills, lush green tea plantations, picturesque scenery.

Coastal Beauty

South East Java offers pristine beaches less crowded than Bali.

Beaches & Waves

South East Java beaches (Pacitan, Malang) for pristine sands.
Strong waves suitable for surfing.
Longer drives (3-5+ hours) from Surabaya.

Mountain & Rural Scenes

Dramatic peaks and tranquil agricultural vistas define East Java's inland.

Exploring Inland

Mount Bromo and Ijen Crater for challenging hikes and vistas.
Highlands near Malang: cooler temperatures, lush scenery.
Rural areas: Observe traditional life, rice paddies, villages.

Seasonal Highlights

Ijen Crater "blue flames":Best seen during the dry season (May-October).

Rain impact:Rain can obscure views or make treks challenging.

Dry Season Advantages:Clearer skies, safer conditions for outdoor activities.

Wet Season Considerations:Heavy rainfall, higher humidity.

Baluran Wildlife:Early morning for spotting wildlife.

Southern Beaches:Access can be tougher during heavy rains.

Baluran Park Visit

If you visit Baluran National Park, go early in the morning.
This your chances of spotting wildlife.
Animals active during cooler hours.
Park an unique savanna resemblance to African plains.
Consider wildlife tours for spotting deer and banteng.

Cultural Excursions

Beyond Surabaya's city limits, East Java several cultural excursions, exploring ancient kingdoms, rural villages, and significant pilgrimage sites. These trips a historical and cultural context to the region.

Ancient Kingdoms

Trowulan and Singosari offer glimpses into Java's imperial past.

Majapahit & Singhasari

Trowulan (Mojokerto): Capital of Majapahit Kingdom.
Candi Brahu, Bajang Ratu Gate, Tikus Temple, Trowulan Museum.
Singosari Temple (near Malang): 13th-century Hindu-Buddhist temple.

Villages & Pilgrimage

Experience traditional life and Java's religious heritage.

Local Life & Spiritual Sites

Rural villages en route to Bromo/Ijen: observe farming, traditional life.
Sunan Drajat Tomb (Lamongan): Revered Wali Songo pilgrimage site.
Sunan Giri Tomb (Gresik): Historical and spiritual significance.

Regional Travel Connections

Connect to other iconic Indonesian destinations for extended journeys.

Transportation Links

Train: Excellent connections from Surabaya to Malang, Yogyakarta, Jakarta.
Flight: Direct flights from Juanda (SUB) to Bali (DPS), Jakarta (CGK), Yogyakarta (YIA).
Bus: Extensive bus network covers Java, a budget-friendly option for inter-city travel.

Suggested Regional Routes

Itinerary paths for broader exploration of Java and beyond.

Longer Journeys

Java Overland: Jakarta to Bandung, Yogyakarta, then Surabaya, continuing to Bali.
East Java Loop: Focus on East Java, Surabaya to Bromo, Ijen, Malang.
Choose reputable tour operators for multi-day tours.

Multi-day Extensions

Surabaya an ideal starting point for broader Java exploration.

Bromo & Ijen Tour

Popular 2-day/1-night tour from Surabaya, combining volcanoes.

Malang & Batu

Combine with Malang, then Batu for cooler weather, orchards, theme parks.

Yogyakarta Extension

Cultural capital of Java, home to Borobudur and Prambanan.

Regional Travel Routes

Explore "Java Overland" (Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, then Bali) or the "East Java Loop" for in-depth regional discovery.

Day Trips from Surabaya