A monument to the 1945 battle, a cigarette factory in a Dutch-era compound, an old Arab quarter, a Chinese-style mosque and a long bridge to Madura - plan Surabaya with a map and a free trip planner on WhatsApp.
Tap a number to see the place. Distances are rough driving times from the city centre.
Chosen for first-time and returning visitors. Add the ones you like to your trip - we turn them into a plan.
#01LandmarkGentengThe tall, ribbed monument honours the battle of 10 November 1945 that gave Surabaya its nickname. An underground museum next to it tells the story with dioramas and photographs.
#02MuseumKrembanganA Dutch-era complex that once housed an orphanage and later became a famous cigarette maker's first factory. Today it is a museum, with a viewing gallery above the hand-rolling workers.
#03Old townAmpel, SemampirOne of the oldest mosques in Java, tied to the early spread of Islam, stands in the lanes of the Arab quarter, with stalls of dates, spices and perfume. Old Dutch trading buildings are nearby.
#04LandmarkKenjeranIndonesia's longest bridge, about 5.4 km, links Surabaya with Madura island over the Madura Strait. Many visitors come for sunset views and a first taste of Madura.
#05SeasideKenjeranSurabaya's seaside strip: Kenjeran Park, a colourful bridge over the water and the Sanggar Agung temple, with a large sea-facing statue. Locals come for snacks, sea air and family outings.
A real retired navy submarine, KRI Pasopati, now open to walk through on the bank of the Kalimas River - a fun stop for families and anyone curious about life on board.
#07Old streetsGentengSurabaya's grand old shopping street, lined with restored colonial-era buildings, murals, cafes and the historic Majapahit Hotel - the site of the 1945 flag incident.
A mosque with a Chinese-style pagoda roof in red, green and gold, named after the Muslim admiral Zheng He - a lovely sign of Indonesia's mix of cultures.
#09Day tripMojokertoCool mountain air in the Trawas hills, with Jolotundo, an ancient bathing place on the slope of Mount Penanggungan, and many small ruins of old Javanese temples in the area.
Starting points we adjust to your dates, budget and hotel choice. Prices depend on the hotel and season, so we quote them for you.
👥 First visit, history lovers, stopovers
🏨 4-star hotel in the city centre
👥 Couples, friends, food and culture lovers
🏨 4-star hotel, city centre or near Tunjungan
👥 Couples, special occasions
🏨 5-star city hotel or resort in Trawas
Pick the places, your dates and the kind of hotel you like. We reply on WhatsApp with a suggested plan and today's prices - no obligation.
Juanda International Airport (SUB) is south of the city - allow about 30-60 minutes by road depending on traffic. Trains from Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Malang arrive at Gubeng, Pasar Turi or Surabaya Kota stations.
The dry season (roughly April to October) is easiest for sightseeing. Surabaya is hot all year, so plan outdoor visits for early morning or late afternoon and carry water.
Surabaya is mostly Muslim and halal food is easy to find; mosques and prayer rooms are widespread. Cover shoulders and knees at mosques and temples, remove shoes, and ask before photographing people.
Ride-hailing apps and metered taxis are the simplest way around town; traffic is heavy in rush hours. For Trawas or a full-day trip, a car with driver is easiest. Agree the price first for any unmetered ride.
Opening hours, tickets, access and rules change (for example visitor quotas, volcano or sea conditions and closures) - we check them for your dates. Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each picture; map: OpenStreetMap. Last checked 10 October 2026.