The House of Sampoerna is a cigarette museum and factory located in the Old Surabaya area. The museum showcases the history of tobacco in Indonesia, and visitors can see the production process firsthand. The factory also produces hand-rolled kretek cigarettes that are unique to Indonesia.
Tunjungan Plaza is the largest shopping mall in Surabaya, with over 500 stores and multiple restaurants. It's a popular place for locals and tourists to shop and dine. In the evening, head to the Surabaya Carnival Night Market, located outside the mall. There are various food vendors, carnival games, and live music.
Cool off at the Ciputra Waterpark, a family-friendly destination with multiple pools and water slides. In the evening, head to the Suroboyo Carnival Night Market. This market is like a theme park, with rides and carnival games, and a wide variety of food to try.
The Cheng Hoo Mosque is a Chinese-style mosque featuring intricate details, located near the Surabaya River. Next, head to the Surabaya Zoo, which features over 3,000 animals from around the world. Visitors can see big cats, primates, and various birds.
The Ampel Mosque is a historic mosque located in the Arab Quarter of Surabaya. This area is known for its traditional Middle Eastern architecture and food. After visiting the mosque, head to Pasar Atom, a multi-story market with various goods at affordable prices.
Relax at Taman Bungkul, a park located in the heart of Surabaya. There are plenty of seating areas and walking paths to enjoy. In the evening, head to the Suramadu National Bridge, the longest bridge in Indonesia, connecting Surabaya to the nearby island of Madura. Visitors can walk along the pedestrian path and take in the breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Heroes Monument is a monument in downtown Surabaya, commemorating the heroes of the Battle of Surabaya in 1945. It’s also a popular spot for locals to gather and relax. In the afternoon, head back to Tunjungan Plaza to do any last-minute shopping or dining before departing Surabaya.
Surabaya has various transportation options, including taxis, ride-hailing services, buses, and trains. Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available, but negotiate the price before starting the trip. For budget travelers, public buses and trains are a more cost-effective option. Be aware of rush hour traffic, which can cause delays. Expect to spend approximately IDR 50,000 - IDR 100,000 per day on transportation.
If you have more time, consider visiting the nearby city of Malang, which is known for its cool climate and natural attractions. For foodies, try the local dishes like rawon (beef soup) and sate klopo (coconut-flavored satay). If you have less time, skip Pasar Atom or Suroboyo Carnival Night Market. Both Tunjungan Plaza and Suroboyo Carnival Night Market offer a similar shopping and dining experience.
Surabaya is served by Juanda International Airport (SUB), which is located approximately 20 minutes (13.6 km) from the city center. Airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia, and Lion Air operate domestic and international flights to and from Juanda International Airport.