Plizio Visual Lab
Surabaya
ℹ️Practical info — Surabaya
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Traffic: Traffic can be heavy. Use ride-hailing apps like Gojek or Grab for efficient getting around.
- Historical Walk: The Arab Quarter (Ampel) is best explored on foot; dress modestly.
- Heat: Plan indoor activities or mall visits during the hot early afternoon hours.
- Viewpoint: The Suramadu Bridge to Madura gives great views, especially at sunset.
🍽 Food
A unique local salad with beef snout and peanut paste; try it at traditional "warungs".
A dark, rich beef soup made with keluak nuts, found in many local East Javanese eateries.
Beef or chicken satay coated with grated coconut, famously found at street stalls in the city center.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
A legendary old market complex, great for local snacks and textiles.
One of the largest modern malls in Indonesia for international brands.
A large coastal park area with Chinese temples and a relatively peaceful atmosphere.
Take a boat ride through the quiet mangrove conservation area on the city's east coast.
Water temperature…
Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city and the capital of East Java, is a sprawling, high-energy metropolis that functions as the commercial and industrial heart of the eastern Indonesian archipelago. Historically renowned as the 'City of Heroes' due to the pivotal 1945 battle against British and Dutch forces, Surabaya holds a sacred place in the nation’s struggle for independence, a legacy immortalized by the towering Tugu Pahlawan monument. Geographically, it occupies a strategic position along the Madura Strait at the mouth of the Mas River, making its port, Tanjung Perak, one of the busiest and most vital maritime hubs in Southeast Asia. The city’s economy is exceptionally diverse, anchored by heavy manufacturing, shipbuilding, international trade, and a rapidly expanding tech sector. Beyond its industrial prowess, Surabaya has gained international acclaim for its urban transformation, winning numerous awards for its extensive green spaces, waste management systems, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. The city's cultural landscape is a rich mosaic reflecting its history as a global trading post, featuring distinct Javanese, Chinese, Arab, and colonial Dutch quarters. This diversity is most palpable in the culinary scene, which has iconic dishes like Rujak Cingur and Rawon, and in the local Suroboyoan dialect known for its frank and egalitarian nature. As a major educational center, it hosts prestigious universities such as Airlangga University and the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology, fostering a culture of innovation. The iconic Suramadu Bridge, connecting Surabaya to Madura Island, stands as a symbol of the city's role as a regional unifier and its commitment to infrastructure development. Today, Surabaya remains a model of sustainable urban living, blending its heroic past with a future-focused vision of growth and prosperity.
- Location: Indonesia
- Top sights: Surabaya Sports Museum · Submarine Monument · Masjid Muhammad Cheng Hoo Surabaya
- Nearby: Malang (33 km)
- Population: ~3.018.022 (2026)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 315 | 302 | 273 | 183 | 117 | 68 | 33 | 10 | 13 | 53 | 125 | 270 |
Geography
Facts
- Surabaya's GDP is among the highest of any city in Indonesia.
- The city was a major base for the Dutch East Indies Navy.
- The Suramadu Bridge took nearly 6 years to complete (2003-2009).
- Surabaya's mascot represents the legendary combat between a shark and a crocodile.
- Tanjung Perak Port handles approximately 33% of Indonesia's shipping traffic.
- The city is home to the Grahadi building, the colonial governor's residence.
- Surabaya has won the 'Adipura' award for cleanliness multiple times.
- The city's anniversary is celebrated on May 31st every year.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your morning with a deep dive into local heritage, exploring classic educational roots and paying respects at memorials. Midday heat is perfect for a quick stop at the striking bamboo spears before finding shade. Afternoon takes you inside a real submarine and immerses you in authentic naval history. Conclude the day with an enlightening visit to the health museum as the city cools down.
Museum Pendidikan
Monumen Gubernur Suryo
Tugu Bambu Runcing
Monumen Jenderal Sudirman
Submarine Monument
Museum Kanker Indonesia
The morning starts inside the museum, where the sound of rain on the roof adds a cozy layer to the historical exhibits, keeping you dry from the initial tropical downpour. At noon, we navigate the glistening streets toward the monuments. The wet pavement creates beautiful reflections of the statues, making for unique photo opportunities despite the humidity. In the afternoon, the submarine's interior provides a fascinating and dry refuge. We then move to the Cancer Museum, staying indoors to avoid the heaviest rain of the day. The evening concludes with a gentle drizzle. The illuminated monuments look mystical through the mist, while the city lights dance on the puddles as we finish our walking tour.
Museum Pendidikan
Monumen Gubernur Suryo
Tugu Bambu Runcing
Monumen Jenderal Sudirman
Submarine Monument
Museum Kanker Indonesia
The morning in Surabaya is surprisingly fresh. The mild temperatures are perfect for a long walk before the sun reaches its full tropical intensity later on. At noon, we enjoy the pleasant climate at the monuments. The air is clearer than usual, making the historical statues stand out sharply against the bright sky. In the afternoon, we visit the submarine and the Cancer Museum. Since the sun sets early around 5:00 PM, we capture the golden hour light for our final photos. The evening arrives early, bringing a comfortable chill. The city lights shine brightly in the clear winter night as we finish our day in a cozy, warm spot.
Museum Pendidikan
Monumen Gubernur Suryo
Tugu Bambu Runcing
Monumen Jenderal Sudirman
Submarine Monument
Museum Kanker Indonesia
Kick off your cycling tour at a unique mosque, blending distinct cultural architectures perfectly in the morning light. Pedal into the midday to uncover musical history and monumental historic icons along shaded boulevards. Your afternoon ride follows the local struggle, passing striking statues and lively street corners. Finish cycling at the ethnographic museum, pondering the mysteries of Indonesian cultures.
Masjid Muhammad Cheng Hoo Surabaya
Museum WR Soepratman
Submarine Monument
Tugu Bambu Runcing
Monumen Perjuangan Polri
Museum Etnografi
The bike tour kicks off at the Cheng Hoo Mosque as light drizzle wets the colorful walls. We use the mosque's covered areas for our first sheltered break. At noon, we cycle carefully toward the WR Soepratman Museum. The roads are slick, but the breeze from riding cools the tropical heat as long as the rain stays light. In the afternoon, the submarine monument provides a perfect escape from a heavy downpour. Afterward, we continue to the monuments, skillfully dodging puddles on the paths. The evening finishes at the Ethnography Museum. The lights reflect beautifully on the wet asphalt, and we end our ride refreshed but a bit damp in the warm night air.
Masjid Muhammad Cheng Hoo Surabaya
Museum WR Soepratman
Submarine Monument
Tugu Bambu Runcing
Monumen Perjuangan Polri
Museum Etnografi
The winter morning offers the best air quality for cyclists. We start at the mosque, where the cool breeze makes the ride exceptionally light and pleasant. At noon, we cycle through the city to the WR Soepratman Museum. Without the oppressive summer heat, we reach our destination relaxed and sweat-free. In the afternoon, the route takes us to the submarine and the monuments. The clear sunlight provides brilliant colors, but we move quickly as the light fades early. The evening arrives around 5:00 PM with a picturesque sunset. We reach the Ethnography Museum at dusk and enjoy the cool night air on our final leg.
Masjid Muhammad Cheng Hoo Surabaya
Museum WR Soepratman
Submarine Monument
Tugu Bambu Runcing
Monumen Perjuangan Polri
Museum Etnografi
Your drive begins seamlessly in the historic center, blending educational heritage with striking religious architecture in the morning. Drive south for midday to dive into local sporting achievements at the grand stadium museum. Spend your afternoon navigating between dramatic military statues honoring courageous local battalions. Park by the sea for a spectacular late afternoon view of the naval monument to end your journey.
Museum Pendidikan
Masjid Muhammad Cheng Hoo Surabaya
Surabaya Sports Museum
Monumen Mayangkara
Monumen Mastrip
Menggapai Cakrawala
The trip starts comfortably in the dry car while rain drums against the windows. Our first stop is the Education Museum, where we drop off right at the entrance. At noon, we head to the Cheng Hoo Mosque. Thanks to the car, we avoid the wet streets and reach the covered areas of the religious site without getting soaked. In the afternoon, we visit the Sports Museum and the monuments. We use the driving time to dry off before stepping out with an umbrella for quick sightseeing visits. The evening concludes with steady rain at the Cakrawala statue. The city lights reflect in the puddles while we enjoy the comfort of our car in the humid night.
Museum Pendidikan
Masjid Muhammad Cheng Hoo Surabaya
Surabaya Sports Museum
Monumen Mayangkara
Monumen Mastrip
Menggapai Cakrawala
The winter morning in Surabaya begins with a pleasant freshness. In the car, we enjoy the clear views of the city while driving to the Education Museum. At noon, we head toward the mosque and the Sports Museum. The car's AC can stay on a low setting today as the outside temperatures are very moderate. In the afternoon, we visit the various monuments. The winter sunlight is perfect for photography, but we need to keep a tight schedule due to the early sunset. The evening arrives around 5:00 PM, bringing a cool night air. We finish the tour at the Cakrawala statue, enjoying the clear view of the starry winter sky.
Museum Pendidikan
Masjid Muhammad Cheng Hoo Surabaya
Surabaya Sports Museum
Monumen Mayangkara
Monumen Mastrip
Menggapai Cakrawala
Sights in the town Surabaya (12)
Submarine Monument🏺 historical
This monument consists of the KRI Pasopati 410, a real Russian Whiskey-class submarine that now serves as a museum.
Museum WR Soepratman🏛 museum
The former residence of the composer of the Indonesian national anthem now houses personal belongings and historical documents.
French Institute🎭 culture
A cultural hub offering French language courses, art exhibitions, and international film screenings.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Surabaya called the 'City of Heroes'?
What is the symbol of the city?
Is the House of Sampoerna worth a visit?
How do you get from Surabaya to Mount Bromo?
Is the Suramadu Bridge worth seeing?
Surabaya: where is it located?
Surabaya: what is there to see?
Surabaya: when is the best time to visit?
Surabaya: why is it worth visiting?





















