Things to Do in Surabaya Indonesia & What to See; Heritage & Adventures

Things to do in Surabaya Indonesia range from exploring colonial-era architecture to experiencing vibrant traditional markets and modern shopping districts. As East Java’s capital and Indonesia’s second-largest city, Surabaya blends historical significance with contemporary urban energy. Securing an Indonesia eSIM before arrival ensures seamless navigation through this sprawling metropolis and access to ride-hailing apps essential for efficient city exploration.

Surabaya serves as the gateway to East Java’s natural wonders, with over 3 million residents creating Indonesia’s most important commercial hub outside Jakarta, where colonial Dutch architecture coexists with gleaming modern skyscrapers.

Quick Facts:

• Surabaya’s name combines “sura” (shark) and “baya” (crocodile), commemorating the legendary battle depicted in the city’s official emblem
• The city maintains year-round temperatures of 26-32°C with drier months from April to October ideal for outdoor sightseeing
• Surabaya connects directly to Mount Bromo (3 hours) and Ijen Crater (6 hours), making it the perfect base for volcanic adventures

Is an Indonesia eSIM Better Than a Physical SIM for Tourists?

Digital eSIM technology surpasses traditional physical SIM cards through convenience, instant activation, and elimination of procurement hassles. International travellers arriving in Surabaya benefit from immediate connectivity without airport queues or language barriers. TravelKon’s eSIM solutions provide superior flexibility compared to conventional mobile options.

The best eSIM for Indonesia offers distinct advantages:

• Pre-Departure Installation: QR code scanning activates service before leaving home, ensuring connectivity upon landing at Juanda International Airport
• No Physical Swapping: Retain home SIM card accessibility whilst using Indonesian data, eliminating risk of losing tiny cards
• Instant Activation: Service begins automatically when detecting Indonesian networks, bypassing manual configuration
• Transparent Pricing: Fixed-rate unlimited data packages eliminate surprise roaming charges

Physical SIM cards require finding airport kiosks and completing paperwork. eSIM technology streamlines the entire process whilst maintaining superior network coverage across Surabaya’s metropolitan area.

Exploring House of Sampoerna Museum

The House of Sampoerna showcases Surabaya’s tobacco industry heritage through preserved Dutch colonial architecture. This functioning cigarette factory and museum offers insights into Indonesia’s kretek (clove cigarette) production history. The 1862 Dutch-style compound features elegant courtyards and period furnishings creating atmospheric historical environments.

Museum highlights include:

• Factory Tours: Observe traditional hand-rolling techniques where workers produce approximately 4,000 cigarettes daily using century-old methods
• Historical Exhibits: Vintage advertisements, production equipment, and family photographs document the Sampoerna dynasty’s evolution
• Architecture: Colonial-era buildings with distinctive yellow facades exemplify Dutch East Indies architectural styles
• Best Timing: Visit weekday mornings (9:00 AM-12:00 PM) when production lines operate at full capacity

The attached café serves complimentary coffee whilst overlooking the central courtyard. The museum closes Sundays and major holidays, requiring weekday planning.

Visiting Suramadu National Bridge

The Suramadu Bridge connects Surabaya to Madura Island across the Madura Strait as Indonesia’s longest bridge. This 5.4-kilometre engineering marvel opened in 2009, transforming regional connectivity and becoming an iconic landmark. Evening visits reveal spectacular illuminated views whilst daytime crossings showcase panoramic seascapes.

Bridge experience details:

• Viewpoint Access: Kenjeran Beach area provides optimal photography angles capturing the bridge’s full span
• Crossing Options: Drive across via car rental or ride-hailing apps; toll fees approximately IDR 30,000 round trip
• Madura Exploration: Continue to Madura Island for traditional bull racing during August-October season
• Best Photography: Sunset hours (5:00-6:30 PM) offer dramatic lighting with bridge illuminations after dark

The bridge’s cable-stayed construction remains visible from multiple city viewpoints. Kenjeran Beach boardwalk provides pedestrian-friendly access for bridge appreciation.

Discovering Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan)

Tugu Pahlawan commemorates Surabaya’s pivotal role in Indonesia’s independence struggle through a 41-metre memorial tower. The monument honours the Battle of Surabaya fought on November 10, 1945, against returning Dutch colonial forces. Underground museum exhibits document this defining moment through photographs and artifacts.

Monument visit information:

• Museum Access: Underground galleries display weapons, uniforms, and personal effects from independence fighters
• Historical Significance: The battle inspired nationwide resistance making Surabaya’s sacrifice central to Indonesian independence narratives
• Visiting Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM; arrive early morning to avoid heat and school groups
• Entrance Fees: Nominal IDR 5,000 admission supports monument maintenance

The surrounding park provides shaded seating and street food vendors. Central location makes the monument easily accessible via ride-hailing apps.

Shopping at Tunjungan Plaza and Traditional Markets

Surabaya’s shopping landscape spans modern malls to bustling traditional markets offering contrasting retail experiences. Tunjungan Plaza ranks among Southeast Asia’s largest shopping complexes with international brands and local boutiques. Traditional markets like Pasar Atom provide authentic Indonesian shopping atmospheres with negotiable prices.

Shopping destination features:

• Tunjungan Plaza: Six interconnected buildings house 500+ stores including international and Indonesian designers
• Pasar Atom: Electronics market offering competitive prices through bargaining; expect 30-40% discounts from initial quotes
• Pasar Turi: Traditional wet market selling fresh produce and street food operating early morning (5:00-11:00 AM)
• Ciputra World: Upscale mall featuring luxury brands and rooftop dining with city skyline views

Mall food courts offer diverse Indonesian cuisine at reasonable prices. Traditional markets require cash payments whilst modern centres accept major credit cards.

Relaxing at Surabaya’s Waterfront Parks

Coastal parks along Surabaya’s northern waterfront provide recreational spaces combining sea breezes with family-friendly attractions. Kenjeran Park and Ciputra Waterpark offer distinct experiences from peaceful promenades to water slides. These destinations provide respite from dense urban environments.

Waterfront attraction highlights:

• Kenjeran Beach: Public beach with seafood restaurants, floating mosque, and Suramadu Bridge viewpoints
• Ciputra Waterpark: Modern aquatic complex featuring wave pools, lazy rivers, and slides suitable for all ages
• Kenjeran Park: Recently renovated space with playground equipment, open lawns, and evening food stalls
• Best Visit Times: Late afternoon onwards (4:00 PM-sunset) brings cooler temperatures and vibrant sunset photography

Waterfront areas become particularly lively during weekends and holidays. Weekday visits provide quieter experiences whilst maintaining access to facilities.

Experiencing Surabaya’s Culinary Scene

Surabaya’s food culture reflects its position as Java’s eastern culinary capital with distinctive local dishes. Signature specialities include rawon (black beef soup), rujak cingur (fruit salad with beef snout), and lontong balap (rice cake soup). Street food stalls and restaurants offer diverse dining experiences across all budgets.

Culinary experience recommendations:

• Rawon Setan: Historic 24-hour eatery serving Surabaya’s signature black soup since 1955
• G-Walk Citraland: Modern dining complex featuring international chains and Indonesian restaurants
• Zangrandi Ice Cream: Colonial-era parlour operating since 1930 serving traditional flavours
• Street Food: Jalan Kranggan area offers evening markets with grilled seafood and traditional desserts

Most restaurants provide English menus or picture references. Spice levels vary significantly; request “tidak pedas” (not spicy) when preferring milder flavours.

Day-Tripping to Mount Bromo

Surabaya serves as the primary access point for Mount Bromo, East Java’s most iconic volcanic landscape. This active volcano creates otherworldly sunrise vistas with smoking crater and surrounding sea of sand. Well-organized tour operators facilitate overnight trips departing evening and returning following afternoon.

Mount Bromo excursion details:

• Tour Duration: Overnight trips depart Surabaya 10:00 PM-midnight, arriving Bromo area 3:00-4:00 AM for sunrise
• Optimal Season: April-October dry season provides clearest visibility; avoid July-August peak crowds
• What’s Included: Most packages cover transport, entrance fees, 4WD jeep access, and basic accommodation
• Physical Requirements: Moderate fitness sufficient; horse rentals available for assisted crater access

Temperatures at Bromo’s 2,329-metre elevation drop to 5-10°C at sunrise requiring warm layers. Reliable connectivity enables real-time tour coordination throughout mountain areas.

Navigating Surabaya’s Transportation Network

Surabaya’s sprawling metropolitan area spans over 350 square kilometres requiring strategic transportation planning. Modern ride-hailing apps have transformed city navigation whilst traditional options maintain local character. Understanding various transport modes maximizes exploration efficiency whilst managing tropical heat.

Transportation options include:

• Ride-Hailing Apps: Gojek and Grab operate extensively offering motorcycle taxis and cars with fixed, transparent pricing
• Angkot: Traditional minibuses follow set routes charging IDR 3,000-5,000; challenging for non-Indonesian speakers
• Airport Connection: Juanda International Airport located 20 kilometres south; ride-hailing costs IDR 80,000-120,000 to city centre
• Walking Limitations: High temperatures and limited pedestrian infrastructure make walking impractical beyond short distances

Pre-purchasing an eSIM for Indonesia through TravelKon ensures immediate access to navigation apps and ride-hailing services upon arrival. City information evolves with new attractions and changing operating hours. Verifying current details through recent reviews ensures accurate planning and prevents disappointment from outdated information.