What to do in Surabaya: the must-sees to discover in the City of Heroes

Between the traces of the Majapahit kingdom, the Dutch colonial heritage, and Arab and Chinese influences, the city of Surabaya offers a journey through time of exceptional richness. Its iconic monuments and preserved neighborhoods invite you to dive into the unique soul of this destination, for families as well as travelers in search of authenticity.

The Heroes Monument, or Monument of the Heroes, stands as the very symbol of Surabaya. This 41-meter-tall obelisk, erected in memory of the fighters of the 1945 battle, dominates the heart of a memorial complex that also houses an underground museum dedicated to the Indonesian revolution. Plan about an hour on site to grasp its full historical depth.

Not far from there, the Sampoerna House deserves particular attention. This Dutch colonial-style complex houses a museum devoted to the history of one of the country’s most famous brands of clove cigarettes. The visit lasts about an hour and a half and can easily extend into the adjoining café, ideal for a pleasant break. In the same vein, the old town, or Kota Lama, invites strolling among its well-kept colonial buildings with arcades, picturesque alleys, and very photogenic colorful façades. The Majapahit Hotel, built in 1910 in an elegant Art Deco style, completes this picture with its symbolic role in Indonesian independence. For a truly unusual experience, Monkasel, a real Soviet submarine converted into a museum in the city center, will delight both adults and younger travelers. An hour of visiting is enough to explore its depths and understand its history.

The Al Akbar National Mosque, with its 99-meter minaret and its impressive blue domes, ranks among the most remarkable buildings in the entire city. An elevator provides access to the viewing platform to enjoy a panoramic view of Surabaya: count about an hour to appreciate every detail. The Arab Quarter, locally known as Ampel, offers, for its part, an atmosphere of a spellbinding medina, with its lively alleys, perfume stalls and handicrafts, and at its heart, the Sunan Ampel Mosque. Nearby, the Cheng Hoo Mosque stands out for its blend of Middle Eastern, Javanese and Chinese architectures, recognizable by its yellow, green and red hues: a unique building that perfectly symbolizes the cultural mosaic of Surabaya.

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Beyond its built heritage, Surabaya offers a range of varied activities that make this destination a playground for families as well as couples or solo travelers. From spectacular natural excursions to more urban pleasures, here is what makes the city truly unique in Southeast Asia.

Undoubtedly one of the things to do in Surabaya that leaves the strongest lasting impression: setting off at dawn toward Mount Bromo. This active volcano, rising to 2,200 meters on the island of Java, offers one of the world's most spectacular sunrises. The view from Mount Penanjakan, with the smoke from the Bromo volcano mingling with a sea of golden clouds, is a sight not to be missed for any reason. It is possible to explore the crater surroundings on foot or by jeep, and to combine this excursion with Mount Ijen, where the blue sulfur flames in the early morning constitute a truly rare natural phenomenon.

For a different change of scenery, the island of Madura, connected to Surabaya by the Suramadu Bridge — the longest in Indonesia at 5.5 kilometers — offers an immersion in a calming and distinct culture. Its arid landscapes, traditional crafts and its famous bull races make for a particularly rewarding day trip. In a more contemplative vein, the Wonorejo mangrove, east of the city, invites a boat ride into the heart of a preserved ecosystem, ideal for a little serenity away from the urban bustle.

Advice from our Travel Planners: to fully enjoy the sunrise over Mount Bromo, plan to sleep near the site the night before your excursion. It is a truly special moment to share that should be prepared with care.

Visiting Surabaya also means letting yourself be carried away by the richness of its cuisine. Between street warungs, bustling food courts and fine dining tables, the flavors of East Java express themselves through emblematic dishes:

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• Nasi goreng, fried rice with generous spices, a must-try at any time;
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• Lontong balap, a unique local speciality served in a flavorful broth;
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• Rujak cingur, a spicy buffalo snout salad, the region's culinary signature.
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For shopping, Tunjungan Plaza, one of the city's most emblematic shopping centers, offers hundreds of shops across multiple floors, from major brands to local designers. Other shopping centers in the city follow the same logic: air-conditioned spaces, varied dining and family-friendly entertainment. Surabaya's nightlife comes alive especially in the G-Walk and Loop districts, where bars and restaurants enliven evenings in a warm atmosphere.

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To make the most of your stay, choosing the season is essential. Surabaya enjoys a humid tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 23 to 35 °C year-round. The most favorable period to visit Surabaya runs from May to September, during the dry season, when rainfall is rare and conditions are ideal for outdoor excursions.

Did you know? July and August are the driest months of the year, with barely a few millimeters of precipitation. It's the ideal period to combine discovering the city and a trip to Mount Bromo or Madura Island in the best conditions. A tailor-made arrangement, entrusted to a specialized Travel Planner, lets you make the most of every day, whatever season you choose.