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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

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.

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.

4.9 (99 reviews)

From $129 USD

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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.

Experiences

English Teaching in Bali, Indonesia
teaching

English Teaching in Bali, Indonesia

Minimum 1 week

Indonesia

$370/week

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Kindergarten Teaching in Bali, Indonesia
teaching

Kindergarten Teaching in Bali, Indonesia

Minimum 1 week

Indonesia

$370/week

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Environmental Education in Bali, Indonesia
teaching

Environmental Education in Bali, Indonesia

Minimum 1 week

Indonesia

$370/week

Learn More
Healthcare Education in Bali, Indonesia
learning

Healthcare Education in Bali, Indonesia

Minimum 1 week

Indonesia

$370/week

Learn More
Yoga & Meditation in Bali, Indonesia
yoga

Yoga & Meditation in Bali, Indonesia

Minimum 1 week

Indonesia

$615/week

Learn More
Turtle Conservation in Bali, Indonesia
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Turtle Conservation in Bali, Indonesia

Minimum 2 weeks

Indonesia

$615/week

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Attractions

4.7 (14 reviews)
Mount Bromo Sunrise Shared Guided Tour from Surabaya

Mount Bromo Sunrise Shared Guided Tour from Surabaya

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover the beauty of Mount Bromo with ease as our English-speaking guide leads you through breathtaking viewpoints and the volcanic terrain, making this an unforgettable journey from Surabaya city. The adventure starts in the midnight at 00:05 Am from your hotel, airport or train station in Surabaya city. The guide will assist you with convenient pickup and then a thrilling ride on 4WD to the hill, witnessing the spectacular sunrise of Mount Bromo. At 6:00 Am the adventure continues to Mount Batok where the jeep will park and you will hike up to the top of Mount Bromo. Enjoy the ambience of Tengger Mountains with sand sea and Widodaren walls. After everything has been explored, you will return to the jeep, and return to our hub. Afterward, heading back to your hotel in Surabaya or Malang city around 02:00 Pm.

From $63 USD

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4.7 (124 reviews)
Mount Bromo Private Sunrise Day Tour - From Surabaya or Malang

Mount Bromo Private Sunrise Day Tour - From Surabaya or Malang

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 $160 USD

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5.0 (1799 reviews)
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.

From $153 USD

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4.9 (83 reviews)
Mt Bromo Sunrise & Madakaripura Waterfall from Surabaya & Malang

Mt Bromo Sunrise & Madakaripura Waterfall from Surabaya & Malang

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This tour will start at midnight from Surabaya or Malang to experience the magic hour of sunrise in the Bromo area, then trek up to the volcano's summit. After that, you will explore Madakaripura Waterfall, which will be your wonderful calming moment after pacing in the Bromo area.

From $119 USD

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4.7 (95 reviews)
Private Day Tour Surabaya Historiculture

Private Day Tour Surabaya Historiculture

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Visit the Heritage town of Surabaya with this Private day tour. we will pick you up from your hotel or cruise port and take you all around the town, stopping in traditional neighborhoods, historical places and cultural society of interests, with plenty of time to try out local food or shop in a local market. We will be strolling down to historical and cultural destinations in Surabaya and we are going to figure out from Europe Quarter, Arabian Quarter, and Chinese Quarter. The duration of the tour is 4-5 hours.

From $71 USD

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4.9 (40 reviews)
Half-Day Private Majapahit Historical Tour from Surabaya

Half-Day Private Majapahit Historical Tour from Surabaya

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Majapahit Empire as one of the biggest empire in the history of Indonesia offers plenty of heritages that shape the culture in Indonesia especially in Java an Bali. Throughout the history of Indonesia, Majapahit was mentioned several times as the evidence of how big the influence was. Several kingdoms even use their name as they way to legitimate their power toward people in Java. Many scripts and relics were discovered and now served as the only things left from Majapahit that can be explored as a memento of how influental and big Majapahit empire was. And through this trip, we will bring you to take a trip down memory lane. Learn some history about Majapahit and immersing the culture left by this Empire by visiting several ruins and museums.

From $69 USD

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5.0 (27 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 $95 USD

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4.9 (52 reviews)
Jakarta Indonesian Culture in half Day

Jakarta Indonesian Culture in half Day

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Experience the best of Indonesia's rich culture and history without leaving the city! This comprehensive tour offers a "Fun-tastic" day packed with unique experiences. It's the perfect way to get a taste of the entire Indonesian archipelago in one go. Highlights of Your Day: A Journey Through the Archipelago: Step into the Miniature Park of Indonesia (Taman Mini Indonesia Indah), a vast 100-hectare park that showcases the unique architecture and culture of all 34-38 provinces of Indonesia. It’s an educational and fascinating way to see the diversity of the country in a single location. Explore Jakarta's Historic Heart: Your private guide will take you on an in-depth city tour of Jakarta, including a visit to significant landmarks: Old Town (Kota Tua): Wander through the charming streets of Jakarta's colonial center. Discover China Town, photostop at Istiqlal Mosque & Jakarta Cathedral pass by the Presidential Palace & Monas (National Monument) Old Harbor (Sunda Kelapa)

From $68 USD

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4.8 (62 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 $105 USD

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