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Picture of Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia

Travel Guide for
Surabaya

Indonesia

Tropical, wet and dry seasons

Introduction

Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest city, is located on the northeastern coast of Java. Known as the “City of Heroes,” it boasts a rich history from its role in Indonesia’s independence. The city’s vibrant culture mixes old traditions with modern attractions.

In late June, Surabaya enjoys warm, mostly dry weather—perfect for family outings. Enjoy a stroll at Taman Bungkul park, explore the Surabaya Zoo, and visit House of Sampoerna Museum for interactive exhibitions. With affordable dining and family-friendly spots, Surabaya offers memorable experiences for visitors of all ages.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleFamily friendly

Dates27-29 June 2025

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHotel, apartment or house

Interests and Activities:

family activitiessightseeing and tours

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Picture of Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia

Key Facts

Location

East Java, Indonesia

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Religion

Islam

Population

2,885,550

Language

Indonesian, Javanese, Madurese

Electricity

230V, 50Hz, Type C/F

Time zone

UTCWIB (UTC+7)

Country code

+62

Internet access

Widely available, fast 4G/5G, affordable

Climate

Tropical, wet and dry seasons

See More Indonesia Facts

Language:

Indonesian

  • hello

    halo (ha-lo)

  • goodbye

    selamat tinggal (se-la-mat ting-gal)

  • yes

    ya (ya)

  • no

    tidak (tee-dak)

  • how much

    berapa harganya? (be-ra-pa har-ga-nya)

  • please

    tolong (to-long)

  • thank you

    terima kasih (te-ree-ma ka-seeh)

  • excuse me

    permisi (per-mee-see)

Map

Logistics

Surabaya is easily reached by air, with Juanda International Airport serving both domestic and international flights. Families on a budget can often find affordable flights from Jakarta, Bali, or Singapore. Taxis and ride-hailing services make getting from the airport to the city convenient.

Traveling by train is a comfortable and scenic option from major cities like Jakarta or Yogyakarta, with several daily departures. Long-distance buses also connect Surabaya to other cities in Java, offering an economical choice. Weather in late June is typically dry, so travel disruptions are rare; however, it’s wise to book tickets early during school holidays.

Weather

Surabaya has a tropical climate, marked by a hot, humid atmosphere year-round. Temperatures usually range from 26°C to 34°C (79°F to 93°F), with high humidity making it feel warmer. The city experiences two main seasons: the wet season (November to April) brings heavy rainfall, while the dry season (May to October) features sunnier, drier days.

From June 27 to June 29, you can expect Surabaya’s typical dry season weather—generally sunny or partly cloudy, warm, and not much rain, which is ideal for family activities, sightseeing, and tours. Extreme weather is rare during this period, but bring sun protection and stay hydrated as midday heat can be intense.

Food & Drink

Surabaya’s cuisine is a treat for families, with famous dishes like rawon (black beef soup), lontong balap (rice cake with bean sprouts), and rujak cingur (vegetable and fruit salad with beef snout). Try local favorites at Depot Bu Rudy for spicy sambal and warungs at Pasar Atom or Jalan Raya Darmo for affordable, authentic eats.

For family-friendly dining, visit Boncafe for great Indonesian and Western food, or the Surabaya Town Square area for a variety of restaurants and laid-back cafes. Many cafes offer kid-friendly menus and Indonesian-style drinks like es campur and kopi tubruk. Alcohol is available but not common in most local eateries; look to hotels or Western bars for it.

Tipping isn’t mandatory as many places include service charges, but rounding up your bill or giving small change is appreciated. Halal food is easy to find; vegetarian options can be limited, so ask staff for guidance. Food allergies may require extra caution—bring allergy cards in Bahasa Indonesia to help communicate your needs.

A picture of Nasi Goreng

Nasi Goreng

Nasi Goreng, meaning fried rice, is a beloved Indonesian staple dish made with stir-fried rice, topped with a...

A picture of Satay

Satay

Satay, known locally as Sate, consists of skewered and grilled meat, usually chicken, beef, or lamb, served with...

A picture of Rendang

Rendang

Rendang, a slow-cooked beef dish, is simmered in coconut milk and a flavorful mixture of lemongrass, galangal, garlic,...

A picture of Gado-Gado

Gado-Gado

Gado-Gado is a traditional Indonesian salad made from a colorful assortment of boiled vegetables, eggs, tofu, and tempeh,...

A picture of Soto

Soto

Soto, a fragrant and comforting Indonesian soup, features a flavorful broth infused with lemongrass, turmeric, and lime leaves,...

Accommodation

Surabaya offers a range of family-friendly hotels in the city center, such as Hotel Majapahit and Bumi Surabaya City Resort, both praised for their comfort and historic charm. Midtown and Sheraton Surabaya Hotel & Towers are also popular for their convenient locations near malls and attractions. Apartments like Ascott Waterplace and Puncak Permai are great for families seeking extra space and a kitchen.

If you prefer a cozy apartment or a house, check Airbnb and Booking.com for options in secure neighborhoods like Darmo and Citraland, which are well-connected yet quiet. For June 27–29, book early to avoid rising prices, as local events or school holidays might increase demand. Many accommodations offer family rooms or child-friendly amenities, so filter for these features when booking.

Itinerary

Experience Surabaya's vibrant city atmosphere through engaging family-friendly sightseeing, exploring major landmarks and discovering the local culture together.

Discover Suramadu National Bridge

Marvel at the impressive Suramadu National Bridge, the longest bridge in Indonesia, linking Surabaya with Madura Island. Stop at the observation area to snap family photos and learn about the bridge’s engineering feats.

Mount Bromo Sunrise Tour from Surabaya or Malang - 1 Day

Mount Bromo Sunrise Tour from Surabaya or Malang - 1 Day

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Take in a spectacular sunrise and panoramic views from Mount Bromo's peak in one day. All-Inclusive and Private Tour. Departing From Surabaya or Malang.

5.0 (1513 reviews)

From $153 USD

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Experiences

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Kindergarten Teaching in Bali, Indonesia

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Environmental Education in Bali, Indonesia
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Attractions

4.4 (31 reviews)
Surabaya Shore Excursion For Cruise Passengers

Surabaya Shore Excursion For Cruise Passengers

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This tour is designed and suitable for cruise traveller that stop at surabaya. This tour is sharing with other pasengger from the same ship. our team will pick directly at surabaya port, meet with other participant and together we will explore surabaya, (There's no minimum traveller for this trip, The tour will still run no matter how many person join) During this city tour you will have the chance to explore Surabaya, along with it’s history, culture and food. we will visit historical buildings, Temples, Arabtown, etc, and you will have the chance to try some of our delicious fruit and types of food. This tour is perfect for those travellers who want to experience and learn new things about our culture, history, the way local people live. And most important your group will back to the port on time

From $85 USD

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5.0 (18 reviews)
Trowulan Tour Ruin of Majapahit Kingdom from Surabaya

Trowulan Tour Ruin of Majapahit Kingdom from Surabaya

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Trowulan area is archeology site, located in mojokerto which is 1,5 hours from Surabaya city. There are many historical relics from Majapahit kingdom you will visit and learn the historical. this tour is suitable for traveller that looking for unique experience while visiting in Surabaya and interest with archeology. We provide knowledgeable tour guide, speaking good english for this tour, as you need to learn a lot of historical story during this tour. We will pick up at any Hotels in Surabaya or Cruise port. this tour will be in private for pick up from hotel or shared small group for cruise passangers if pick up from cruise port.

From $85 USD

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4.7 (56 reviews)
Epic Mount Bromo Sunrise Tour from Surabaya & Malang

Epic Mount Bromo Sunrise Tour from Surabaya & Malang

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover the beauty of East Java with an unforgettable Holiday in Indonesia experience. Begin your journey from Surabaya or Malang and head toward one of the most iconic landscapes in the country. Witness the breathtaking sunrise over Mount Bromo and Mount Semeru, as the morning light paints the sky and volcanic peaks in golden hues. Your adventure continues with a thrilling ride across the vast Tengger Caldera, where dramatic landscapes and fresh mountain air complete the magical experience. Whether you're a nature lover, photographer, or adventure seeker, this Bromo Sunrise Tour promises memories that will last a lifetime. *Group tour is only available from Malang, not Surabaya. It only includes transport services, an entrance ticket without breakfast, and bottled water.

From $52 USD

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4.9 (79 reviews)
1 Day Bromo Private Day Tour with Madakaripura Waterfall

1 Day Bromo Private Day Tour with Madakaripura Waterfall

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

1 day Bromo Private Tour is suitable to traveller who doesn't has much time in surabaya/malang/Probolinggo. within 1 day start in the morning you will explore one of the most stuning nature in Indonesia If a sunrise tour feels too exhausting, this tour offers a more relaxed schedule, allowing you to avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience. Our private and proffesional tour guide will pick you up with our private comfortable car at any locations in surabaya/malang/Probolinggo. Explore Bromo and Madakaripura waterfall in the same day. its a Private tour you have chance to add or change the destinations that you might interest in the same direction/nearest area THis tour is suitable for Couple/Family/Cruise traveller. you will enjoy Bromo in quite way and avoid tourist crowd.

From $131 USD

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4.5 (15 reviews)
Majapahit Heritage Archaelogy tour via surabaya

Majapahit Heritage Archaelogy tour via surabaya

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This tour is a historical tour. Which one will explore the relics of the great Hindu kingdom in eastern Java. The Majapahit Great Kingdom is a great Hindu kingdom in East Java. Many historical relics that we can enjoy starting from the temple, the rest of the palace, artifacts, household items and others . You will also enter a museum that holds many traditional objects of the past. explore villages and villages of indigenous people. Many places to photograph with typical East Javanese scenery. Lunch with traditional cuisine is an unforgettable experience. Enjoy the atmosphere of East Java in the past in this tour

From $80 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Bromo Sunrise Tours via Surabaya

Bromo Sunrise Tours via Surabaya

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

we will discuss tourism, culture and history clearly, and I will be open and honest with tourists who will be visiting Indonesia, and will become a family. because we do it wholeheartedly. no money oriented

From $150 USD

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4.8 (28 reviews)
Tumpak Sewu waterfall & volcano Bromo - start Surabaya // 2 days & 1 night

Tumpak Sewu waterfall & volcano Bromo - start Surabaya // 2 days & 1 night

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Tumpak Sewu waterfalls are also called the Indonesian Niagara waterfalls.... Check for yourself! Depending on the season, the water flow is more or less. The height is about 120 m. Combined with unforgettable moments in the Bromo area this 2 days tour is unique. The active volcano Bromo lies in an ancient caldera of 10 km in width. The caldera is partly a black volcanic Sand Sea and partly a lush savanna. The viewpoint Pananjakan shows the greatness of Earth.

From $250 USD

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4.9 (272 reviews)
Active Volcanoes Bromo and Ijen - Start Surabaya 3 Days and 2 Nights

Active Volcanoes Bromo and Ijen - Start Surabaya 3 Days and 2 Nights

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Mt. Bromo & Mt. Ijen are 2 worthy highlights of East Java. Visit 2 spectacular active volcanoes in 3 days. You will have to wake up early each morning to get the best of both sites. You will get rewarded tough with a grey-greyish unbelievable moonlike landscape at mount Bromo and the most acidic green blueish lake in the world at Ijen... The sulphur miners at the crater lake, will be working from early morning till about noon.   After the tour you will be dropped in Ketapang/Banyuwangi. Or, you can return to Surabaya. You will spend the night in Cemara Lawang in Cafe Lava hotel (or similar) and in Bondowoso in Ijen View Hotel.  All included except personal expenses, all lunches and dinners, horse riding at mount Bromo, optional tours. If you book the tour for 4 or more travelers, an English speaking guide is added to the tour.

From $325 USD

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4.9 (77 reviews)
2-Day Private Sightseeing Tour of Bali with Hotel Pickup

2-Day Private Sightseeing Tour of Bali with Hotel Pickup

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enjoy a 2-day private sightseeing tour of Bali to visit attractions such as Tirta Empul Temple, the Mt. Batur volcano, Tanah lot temple, the Uluwatu temple at sunset, and Tegalalang Rice Terrace. You'll also have the chance to check out a coffee plantation, and admire countryside views as you travel in the comfort of a private vehicle. The tour starts with pick up from your hotel both mornings as you will be returning to your accommodation on the first night.

From $87 USD

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5.0 (63 reviews)
Bali Full-Day Wonderful Sightseeing Tour with Lunch

Bali Full-Day Wonderful Sightseeing Tour with Lunch

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover the wonderful villages of Bali on this 9-hour full-day sightseeing tour. Check out Batuan Temple, Tegenungan Waterfall, Art Villages, Kintamani Batur Volcano Overlooking with a gourmet buffet lunch, Tegalalang Rice Terraces, and Sacred Ubud Monkey Forest. This full-day tour is great for solo, couple, family, and small-group up to 12 travelers including private vehicle, driver/guide, all entrance tickets as per itinerary, gourmet buffet lunch at Kintamani, and hotel pick up-drop off Sanur, Ubud, Seminyak, Legian, Kuta, Canggu, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Benoa, and Denpasar.

From $77 USD

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5.0 (14 reviews)
Bromo sunrise tour - start Surabaya // 1 day

Bromo sunrise tour - start Surabaya // 1 day

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Uncover East Java's treasure mount Bromo on a 1-day private adventure tour. Observe Bromo's magnificent landscape while the sun is rising at mount Pananjakan, marvelling at the grey-greyish Sea of Sand, undertake the hike to the crater of the active volcano Bromo, and explore the hidden Madakaripura Waterfalls on your way back to Surabaya. Mount Bromo is a top attraction with its local horse men, the Luhur Poten temple in the Sea of Sand, and the astonishing views while being in the ancient caldera. As you walk to the top of mount Bromo, you learn to understand the mighty powers of mother earth and the ancient roots of the Tengger people. 

From $145 USD

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4.9 (15 reviews)
Bromo Ijen Tour From Surabaya

Bromo Ijen Tour From Surabaya

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Bromo Ijen Tour From Surabaya is the best option if you wanna see Bromo Sunrise and enjoy the Blue Flame of Ijen tour. Over three beautiful days, you'll visit, explore and get to know four iconic Volcano in Indonesia as you travel from Surabaya to Bromo Ijen Tour Start the tour in Surabaya to admire the Gothic architecture in its streets and continue to the floating National Parka of Bromo, Ijen Blue Flame. Here, you'll explore this wonderful East Java Highland and learn about its Adventure on a walking tour with a knowledgable guide. Cheap Price and best service with Comfortable transport support by English speaking driver. Cover ground you couldn’t hope to cover independently on this private tour that checks off two of East Java’s greatest volcanoes, Bromo Ijen Tour in just 3 day. Exploring with a guide for groups larger than four—watch the sun rise over mighty Mount Bromo, descend into the Sand Sea, and see the blue fire flickering over the sulfurous waters of Ijen Crater.

From $180 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
1Day - Bromo Sunrise Madakaripura via Surabaya

1Day - Bromo Sunrise Madakaripura via Surabaya

INSTANT

This trip is perfect for a short trip to Mount Bromo for the famous sunrise view in Bromo. Starting in Surabaya and heading east by standarized vehicle then ccontinued by 4X4WD Toyota Jeep Hardtop. Guests will cover a lot of mountain road and adventure trail. This is best-selling trip for guests who have conecting flight from Surabaya the next morning.

From $112 USD

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4.5 (2 reviews)
bromo sunrise and ijen fun budget via surabaya

bromo sunrise and ijen fun budget via surabaya

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The destinations that we offer are super priority destinations in Indonesia. Beautiful natural beauty.

From $165 USD

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