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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 (1640 reviews)

From $153 USD

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Experiences

English Teaching in Bali, Indonesia
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English Teaching in Bali, Indonesia

Minimum 1 week

Indonesia

$370/week

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Kindergarten Teaching in Bali, Indonesia
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Kindergarten Teaching in Bali, Indonesia

Minimum 1 week

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$370/week

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Environmental Education in Bali, Indonesia
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Environmental Education in Bali, Indonesia

Minimum 1 week

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$370/week

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Healthcare Education in Bali, Indonesia
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Healthcare Education in Bali, Indonesia

Minimum 1 week

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$370/week

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Yoga & Meditation in Bali, Indonesia
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Yoga & Meditation in Bali, Indonesia

Minimum 1 week

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$615/week

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Turtle Conservation in Bali, Indonesia
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Turtle Conservation in Bali, Indonesia

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Attractions

4.9 (279 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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5.0 (318 reviews)
Surabaya - Mount Bromo – Tumpak Sewu Waterfall – Ijen Bluefire Tour - Bali 4d3n

Surabaya - Mount Bromo – Tumpak Sewu Waterfall – Ijen Bluefire Tour - Bali 4d3n

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This tour is very good for travelers who have a short time of holiday in Indonesia. So, they have made everything a little bit rush but it’s worth it. Mount Bromo, Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, ​and Ijen Crater are the 3 most amazing places that you will visit for 4 days 3 nights.

From $500 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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5.0 (3 reviews)
Amazing Bromo Sunrise and Tumpak Sewu Waterfall Tour

Amazing Bromo Sunrise and Tumpak Sewu Waterfall Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enjoy one day tour to the iconic tourist destination in East Java: Mount Bromo and Tumpak Sewu waterfall with a private tour starting from Surabaya to Bromo at the midnight, where you can witness a breathtaking sunrise and enjoy stunning panoramic views from the viewpoint, and then climb 250 steps to explore the crater. The next steps, to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, that well known as largest in waterfall East Java that well-known as a mini Niagara Falls, to explore its hidden spots, before making your way back to Surabaya.

From $199 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
2Days - Bromo Madakaripura Adventure via Surabaya or Malang

2Days - Bromo Madakaripura Adventure via Surabaya or Malang

MANUAL

Day 1 Our driving team will start to pick up guests in Surabaya or Malang city by morning and drive toward cemorolawang village for 3 hours. We will bring you to visit Madakaripura waterfall on the way as optional tour. By afternoon continue further to hotel and check in. Total rest and enjoy sunset scene (if weather allowed). Day 2 Pick up with adventurous ride with 4x4wd toyota jeep and deliver you to to one of the most spectacular sights in the world – sun rise over Mount Bromo. After sunrise and making your way to the temple, crater , and climbing to the rim of smoking Mount Bromo; you will continue back to cemorolawang village for breakfast in hotel. Check out and journey back to Surabaya. End of tour.

From $155 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
2Days - Bromo Sunrise Ijen Tour via Surabaya

2Days - Bromo Sunrise Ijen Tour via Surabaya

INSTANT

This trip will be your East Java’s volcanoes experience – Mount Bromo and Ijen crater in shorter days. Guests will cover a lot of vocanoes and adventure trail on each spots. This is best-selling trip for guests who wants to do both Bromo and Ijen on low-budget and directly continue to Bali.

From $199 USD

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4.5 (2 reviews)
Bromo Midhnight tour & ijen creater Via SURABAYA

Bromo Midhnight tour & ijen creater 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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4.9 (17 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 $215 USD

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4.7 (11 reviews)
4D3N Ijen Crater,Papuma Beach, Tumpak Sewu Waterfal & Mount Bromo

4D3N Ijen Crater,Papuma Beach, Tumpak Sewu Waterfal & Mount Bromo

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Explore volcanoes calderas and turquoise crater lakes, travel by Car through the countryside and visit Hidden Waterfall and also highland coffee plantations. In addition, get a taste of Javanese culture with insightful tours and experiences. This retreat will bring you up close to two of the most majestic volcanic landscapes in the Indonesian Ring of Fires Ijen craterand Mount Bromo. Be mesmerised by the electric blue flames of Ijen which can only be seen in the wee hours. Savour the beauty of the turquoise coloured acidic lake and witness the indomitable spirit of the miners as they battle the treacherous terrain to haul heavy loads of mined sulphur to make a living. Hop on a 4WD to catch the rising sun casting its first rays over the surreal landscape of Tigger Caldera.

From $356 USD

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5.0 (7 reviews)
East Java Tours with Bromo Photography, Ijen Blue Fire and Waterfall

East Java Tours with Bromo Photography, Ijen Blue Fire and Waterfall

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Daily activity : Day 1 : From Surabaya / Malang - then drive to Madakaripura Waterfall - Hotel check in (on Cemara Lawang area) Day 2 : Bromo Sunrise at early morning - Sunrise time - Love Hills - Sea of sand - Bromo Trekking - then back for breakfast - check out and leave hotel to our next destination on Banyuwangi (Hotel check in) Day 3 : at Midnight, Ijen Bluefire trekking programs - back to hotel and finish programs (drop at Surabaya / Malang / Banyuwangi / Ketapang port / Blimbingsari airport / Bus Station / Train Station)  NOTES : If you have flight schedue from day 1 and day 3, please let us know. So we will custom the tour based on your flight schedule. Example, at Day 1 = early flight (for pick up) Day 3 = late afternoon flight / night lfight (for drop off) So we will not in rush hour. 

From $311 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 (5 reviews)
Wonderful Bromo Sunrise Tour Depart from Surabaya

Wonderful Bromo Sunrise Tour Depart from Surabaya

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enjoy the exciting tour to Mt Bromo, beginning your adventure straight from Surabaya at midnight, skipping the overnight stay at Bromo, include exciting activities such as witnessing the breathtaking sunrise and panoramic views from the viewpoint, strolling across the sandy volcanic landscape of Mt. Bromo, and ascending 250 steps to reach the edge of the Bromo crater, with fully private tour experience with exclusive transport, a dedicated tour guide, and a private jeep rental at your service. and a delicious breakfast will be served at a clean and hygienic local restaurant.

From $170 USD

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5.0 (4 reviews)
Start From Surabaya: Mount Bromo Sunrise Shared Guided Tour

Start From Surabaya: Mount Bromo Sunrise Shared Guided Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The tour from/finish in Surabaya or Malang as capital city in East Java. For sunrise trip, we will start from midnight toward to Cemoro Lawang village Bromo through Java highway, from this village we going up to Mount Pananjakan by jeep.

From $79 USD

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4.8 (23 reviews)
Mount Bromo Private Sunrise Tour (1 Day) - From Surabaya

Mount Bromo Private Sunrise Tour (1 Day) - From Surabaya

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Experience East Java’s most iconic sunrise in the most unforgettable way!This overnight adventure begins just before midnight, taking you on a scenic journey to Mount Penanjakan,one of the best spots to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Mount Bromo. After soaking in the sunrise, enjoy a short hike to the crater rim to see the steaming caldera and dramatic volcanic landscape. The tour concludes with a comfortable drive back to Surabaya . This is a private tour so you don't need to wait for any other travellers in the journey. And we are able to customize the tour for you with NO additional charge!

From $159 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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5.0 (2 reviews)
From Java : Tumpak Sewu, Bromo & Kawah Ijen – 3-Day

From Java : Tumpak Sewu, Bromo & Kawah Ijen – 3-Day

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This 3-day immersive adventure through Java combines three of Indonesia’s most spectacular natural wonders—Tumpak Sewu waterfalls, Mount Bromo, and Kawah Ijen—into one seamless, all-inclusive experience. Unlike standard tours, it offers deep cultural immersion with meals from local families, encounters with sulfur miners, and insights from experienced guides with rich local knowledge. Travelers will hike through jungle to Tumpak Sewu, explore volcanic landscapes at sunrise, and descend into Kawah Ijen’s crater to witness the rare blue flames—an unforgettable moment. Whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or as a family, this tour is designed to be both social and safe, offering genuine connections while keeping the experience personal and enriching. With multiple departure points, handpicked accommodations, and everything included (transport, meals, fees, gear), this is more than a tour—it’s a transformational journey through Java’s most iconic landscapes.

From $292 USD

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