You're Going to Love Surabaya
Surabaya is the place where Indonesia's independence struggle began. These days, it is a thriving port with a beautiful old colonial center, plenty of shopping opportunities, and ready access to the sedate, scenic countryside of eastern Java.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Surabaya
1. It's a Multicultural Metropolis
Surabaya has an incredible mixture of neighborhoods. There's the elegant old Dutch colonial center, the Arab Quarter where you'll find the stately Masjid Ampel, and a bustling Chinatown too.
2. Take in Some Traditional Javanese Theater
Java is famous for its slapstick puppet shows, and there's no better place to catch a performance than the theater in Surabaya's Taman Remaja park.
3. Intriguing Markets to Explore
The markets of Surabaya are full of energy and a little mystery too. Buy gorgeous porcelain items at Pasar Pabean or fill up on satisfying street food at Pasar Genteng.
4. Beautiful Scenery Is Not Far Away
A few miles outside Surabaya, you'll come to some gorgeous scenery. Tretes is a great example, with its numerous waterfalls and hillside views (as well as its string of lively bars).
5. The Old Colonial City
Surabaya was one of the key centers of the Dutch East Indies. Tour elegant 19th-century buildings like the House of Sampoerna or the Governor's Residence to step back into another era.
When to Visit Surabaya
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The best time for a trip to Surabaya is probably between May and September (the dry season). It's hot all year round, but you won't risk being drenched if you head over at that time.
How to Get to Surabaya
Plane
Juanda International Airport (SUB) offers plenty of regional connections. From there, expect taxis to cost around Rp130,000 or take the DAMRI airport bus for Rp20,000.
Train
Trains run from Jakarta and Bandung, and most services stop at Pasar Turi Station, near the heart of town. Expect tickets from the capital to cost around Rp260,000.
Car
Highway 1 runs all the way from Jakarta to Surabaya (although it's a long haul). From Malang, take Highway 23, then Highway 1 into town.
Bus
Plenty of intercity buses run into Surabaya every day, and most stop at Bungurasih (around six miles south of the city center).
Airlines serving Surabaya
Where to stay in popular areas of Surabaya
Most booked hotels in Surabaya
How to Get Around Surabaya
Public Transportation
Buses cost Rp2,000 for single tickets, while faster Patas buses, which cost Rp3,000. Angguna minibuses also whiz around town at lower prices, if you can flag one down.
Taxi
Expect taxis to charge around Rp8,000 for the meter drop, followed by Rp6,000 per mile.
Car
Car rental options include Globe Rent a Car and Rental Mobil Surabaya, and prices can be as low as Rp40,000 per day.
Car rental agencies in Surabaya
The Cost of Living in Surabaya
Shopping Streets
Markets like Pasar Genteng are a great place to bargain hunt, but there are also hypermalls to enjoy, including Galaxy Mall and Tunjungan Plaza.
Groceries and Other
Supermarkets in Surabaya include LotteMart and Bilka, where you can expect to pay around Rp50,000 for a gallon of milk.
Where to Eat in Surabaya
You'll find superb Chinese eateries like Ka-Soh or Lin's Garden alongside Indonesian restaurants like Soto Ambengan Pak Sadi Asli and even Italian places like La Rucola. Expect meals to come to around Rp40-60,000 a head.