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Surabaya

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State capital
—°12
Surabaya (Indonesia)
ℹ️

Practical info — Surabaya

🌤 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

🍽
Rujak Cingur

A unique local salad with beef snout and peanut paste; try it at traditional "warungs".

🍽
Rawon

A dark, rich beef soup made with keluak nuts, found in many local East Javanese eateries.

🍽
Sate Klopo

Beef or chicken satay coated with grated coconut, famously found at street stalls in the city center.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Pasar Atom

A legendary old market complex, great for local snacks and textiles.

🛍
Tunjungan Plaza

One of the largest modern malls in Indonesia for international brands.

🧘
Kenjeran Park (Kenpark)

A large coastal park area with Chinese temples and a relatively peaceful atmosphere.

🧘
Mangrove Wonorejo

Take a boat ride through the quiet mangrove conservation area on the city's east coast.

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.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272727282827272728292928
Rain mm3153022731831176833101353125270

Geography

Population
3,018,022 (2026)
Coordinates
-7.25750, 112.75210

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.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Surabaya (12)

Surabaya Sports Museum🏛 museum

This museum displays memorabilia of famous Indonesian athletes and the sporting history of Surabaya city.

Submarine Monument🏺 historical

This monument consists of the KRI Pasopati 410, a real Russian Whiskey-class submarine that now serves as a museum.

🕒 Mo-Su 08:00-21:00

Masjid Muhammad Cheng Hoo Surabaya⛪ religious

This mosque, built in 2002, stands out with its unique Chinese architecture and animated red facade.

Museum Kanker Indonesia🏛 museum

A specialized museum dedicated to cancer awareness and promoting a healthy lifestyle in Indonesia.

Museum WR Soepratman🏛 museum

The former residence of the composer of the Indonesian national anthem now houses personal belongings and historical documents.

🕒 Tu-Su 08:00-15:00

Menggapai Cakrawala🏺 historical

This monument depicts a globe and human figures, symbolizing the Indonesian nation's aspiration for global progress.

Monumen Perjuangan Polri🏺 historical

A monument honoring the role of the Indonesian police force during the National Revolution for independence.

teater kusuma UNTAG🎭 culture

A theater and cultural center at UNTAG University, regularly used for student art performances and public events.

French Institute🎭 culture

A cultural hub offering French language courses, art exhibitions, and international film screenings.

🕒 Mo-Fr 09:00-19:00; Sa 10:00-17:00

Balai Pemuda🎭 culture

A historic colonial-era complex that serves as a lively cultural center for youth arts and performances.

Vihara Cun Kui⛪ religious

A serene Chinese temple decorated with traditional red lanterns and intricate dragon carvings.

Masjid Istiqoomah⛪ religious

A neighborhood mosque featuring a prominent green dome and a minaret for the call to prayer.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Surabaya called the 'City of Heroes'?
Because of the Battle of Surabaya during the independence war in 1945.
What is the symbol of the city?
The Sura and Baya monument, depicting a shark and a crocodile.
Is the House of Sampoerna worth a visit?
Yes, it is a fascinating museum located in an old cigarette factory.
How do you get from Surabaya to Mount Bromo?
By car or train to Probolinggo, followed by a jeep tour.
Is the Suramadu Bridge worth seeing?
Yes, it is the longest bridge in Indonesia, connecting Java and Madura.
Surabaya: where is it located?
Surabaya is located in Indonesia.
Surabaya: what is there to see?
Highlights include Surabaya Sports Museum, Submarine Monument, Masjid Muhammad Cheng Hoo Surabaya.
Surabaya: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Surabaya: why is it worth visiting?
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.
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