Surabaya, East Java’s capital, is a bustling, industrial port city whose key sights are mainly of interest to locals and seasoned travelers to Indonesia. The Arab Quarter, the submarine monument, and the Chinese mosques are interesting, but the Sunan Ampel Great Mosque is hard for non-Muslims to visit, while museums have a firmly local focus. For that reason, most of the best things to do in Surabaya actually lie outside the city, with attractions such as Mount Bromo, Madakaripura Waterfall, and Tumpak Sewu Waterfall popular excursions from the city.
Surabaya is hot and humid all year round, but the weather mellows a little during the peak of the dry season (June through August). The city itself is rarely overrun with tourists, but May, June, and September are generally better times for exploring Java sights, including Mount Bromo, as opposed to the peak months of July and August. As Surabaya is a business city, hotels can be slightly cheaper on weekends.
Surabaya Gubeng Station is an important hub on Java’s railway network, but commuter trains are only really helpful for locals. However, the city boasts an efficient bus network that you can navigate using apps including Google Maps. Other options include tours, taxis, private drivers, pedicabs (known as becaks), and 2-wheel or 4-wheel rideshares with Grab or Gojek. If flagging a metered taxi, look for one from the reputable Bluebird Group.
The Hotel Majapahit—an art deco landmark with lush lawns and gorgeous, airy rooms—is a highlight of any visit to Surabaya, particularly for history buffs. A member of the Sarkies dynasty, which created not only Raffles Singapore but also Penang’s Eastern & Oriental Hotel, founded the hotel in 1910. It was here that freedom fighters transformed the Dutch flag into an Indonesian one in 1945: They ripped the blue stripe off, leaving only the red and white.
