Surabaya

Surabaya is the capital of East Java province and Indonesia's second-largest city, with a population of about 3 million. It is a major industrial and commercial hub, home to one of Southeast Asia's busiest ports (Tanjung Perak). The city played a crucial role in Indonesia's independence struggle and is known as the "City of Heroes" (Kota Pahlawan). Despite its industrial image, Surabaya has a growing culinary scene, colonial heritage, and serves as a gateway to Mount Bromo and the beaches of East Java.

By plane

Juanda International Airport (SUB) serves domestic flights from major Indonesian cities and international flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, and others. It is about 20 km south of the city center.

By train

Surabaya's two main stations are Stasiun Gubeng (business and executive class) and Stasiun Pasar Turi (economy class). Trains connect to Jakarta (9-10 hours), Yogyakarta (4-5 hours), Bandung (8 hours), and Malang (1.5 hours).

By bus

Bungurasih Terminal (Purabaya) is the main bus terminal connecting Surabaya to cities all over Java and some destinations in Bali.

By car

Surabaya is at the eastern end of the Trans-Java Toll Road. It is about 4 hours from Malang, 5 from Yogyakarta, and 10 from Jakarta.

Ride-hailing apps (Gojek, Grab) are the most efficient transport. Suroboyo Bus is the city's bus rapid transit. Taxis are available. Angkot (public minivans) cover short routes. Damri buses connect the airport to various points.

The House of Sampoerna, a Dutch-colonial cigarette factory turned museum and cultural center. Tugu Pahlawan (Heroes Monument) and the adjacent 10 November Museum honoring the 1945 Battle of Surabaya. Suramadu Bridge, connecting Surabaya to Madura Island. The Surabaya Zoo (Kebun Binatang Surabaya), one of Indonesia's oldest and largest. Monkasel (Submarine Monument), a former Soviet submarine turned museum. Cheng Ho Mosque, a Chinese-style mosque. Kebun Bibi Wonorejo, a mangrove conservation area.

Take a food tour of Surabaya's legendary street food scene. Shop at Tunjungan Plaza, the city's largest mall, or the Pasar Atom traditional market. Visit the colorful Arab Quarter (Ampel) and Makanan Khas Ampel food street. Explore the colonial-era Old Town around Jembatan Merah. Go to the mountain highlands of Tretes and Selecta for cool air and Dutch-era resorts.

Surabaya is a food powerhouse. Rujak cingur (salad with cow snout and shrimp paste dressing), sate klopo (coconut-grated beef satay), lontong balap (rice cakes with bean sprouts and fried tofu), tahu campur (mixed tofu and noodle soup), rawon (black beef soup with kluwek), soto ayam Lamongan, and nasi campur Surabaya are iconic. Jalan Kembang Jepun and Jalan Pahlawan are great food streets.

Es dawet (coconut milk with rice flour jelly), es campur (mixed iced dessert), and wedang jahe (ginger tea) are popular. Kopi susu Surabaya is known for its strong, sweet profile.

Budget areas include Jalan Kaliasin and Jalan Embong Malang (Rp 150,000–350,000). Mid-range hotels (Hotel Santika, Harris, Ibis) cost Rp 350,000–700,000. Luxury options include Hotel Majapahit (a heritage property), Shangri-La, and Sheraton (USD 80–200).

Tunjungan Plaza is a massive shopping complex. Pasar Atom and Pasar Genteng sell textiles, electronics, and local products. Surabaya is famous for kerupuk (crackers), particularly kerupuk puso (casava crackers). Other souvenirs include wingko babat (coconut cake), spiku (layered cake), and Sidoarjo shrimp paste (petis).

From Surabaya, take a train to Malang (1.5 hours), gateway to Mount Bromo. Buses run to the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park area (3-4 hours). Probolinggo and Banyuwangi (for the Bali ferry) are accessible by bus or car. Madura Island is connected via the Suramadu Bridge. Domestic flights connect to Bali, Lombok, and Jakarta.