For Malaysians who’ve already explored Bali and Jakarta, Surabaya offers a refreshing change of pace. Known as Indonesia’s “City of Heroes,” it’s a place where history and modern life intertwine, with Dutch colonial architecture and monuments commemorating the 1945 Battle of Surabaya. Beyond its heritage, the city is also the easiest gateway to Mount Bromo, making it perfect for a mix of urban exploration and natural wonders.

Unlike Bali, Surabaya doesn’t draw overwhelming tourist crowds, which adds to its authentic charm. Here you can wander through colonial-era museums, step inside a decommissioned submarine, and savor East Java’s famous street food without long queues. If you’re planning your itinerary, these must-try experiences and hotel suggestions will help you make the most of your Surabaya adventure.

Explore Surabaya with this comprehensive guide, ranging from colonial-era landmarks to a genuine volcano day trip.

Housed in a beautifully preserved Dutch colonial building from the 1860s, this museum tells the story of Sampoerna's kretek (clove cigarette) empire, from its origins as an orphanage to becoming one of Indonesia's biggest brands. Watch skilled workers hand-roll cigarettes with astonishing speed and precision, a genuinely mesmerising thing to see up close, and browse the museum's collection of vintage equipment and historical artefacts.

Monumen Kapal Selam (Monkasel) is a decommissioned Soviet-era submarine, the KRI Pasopati, that once served in the Indonesian navy's 1962 Operation Trikora to liberate West Papua. Visitors can squeeze through the actual hatches and cramped corridors to see the crew quarters, control room, and torpedo bays, even peering through the periscope. Entry is inexpensive, around €1.30 (roughly RM6), and it's best visited in the morning when the interior is cooler.

This towering monument commemorates the Battle of Surabaya, a defining moment in Indonesia's independence struggle where local fighters resisted Allied forces in November 1945. The underground museum beneath it houses artefacts, photographs, and audio recordings from the battle, offering real context for why Surabaya is proudly known as the "City of Heroes."

One of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia, Masjid Al Akbar (Surabaya's Great Mosque) is instantly recognisable for its striking turquoise dome and towering 99-metre minaret, which visitors can climb for panoramic views over the city. The mosque's modern Islamic architecture and grand interior make it worth a visit regardless of faith, and it's genuinely one of the most photogenic landmarks in the city.

Centred around the historic Ampel Mosque, Surabaya's Arab Quarter is a maze of narrow streets filled with textile shops, spice stalls, and Middle Eastern food vendors. It's an easy, atmospheric walk that pairs naturally with a House of Sampoerna visit, since both sit close together in Surabaya's old town district.

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Built to honour the legendary Chinese Muslim admiral Zheng He, this mosque reflects Surabaya's multicultural heritage through distinctly Chinese architectural details, an unusual and beautiful contrast to the city's more typical mosque designs. It's a short stop, but a memorable one for anyone interested in how different cultures have shaped the city.

No trip to Surabaya feels complete without a Mount Bromo day or overnight trip. Tours typically depart in the early hours to catch the sunrise over the volcanic crater and its sweeping "sea of sand," often followed by a jeep ride and, for the more adventurous, a horse ride up to the crater rim itself. Most operators offer combined packages with Ijen Crater or Tumpak Sewu Waterfall for those with an extra day or two to spare.

A favourite local hangout, Bungkul Park offers a welcome green break from the city, with food stalls, fountains, a skateboarding area, and a playground for kids. It's a good spot to see everyday Surabaya life unfold, especially in the evenings when locals come out to relax after the day's heat.

Connecting Surabaya to Madura Island, this is Indonesia's longest bridge and an impressive feat of engineering in its own right. Crossing over to Madura opens up a different side of East Java entirely, known for its traditional bull races (Karapan Sapi), salt farms, and distinct Madurese cuisine, worth the detour if you have an extra half-day.

Surabaya has its own distinct culinary identity, and dishes like rawon (a rich black beef soup), rujak cingur (fruit and vegetable salad with a peanut-based sauce, notably including ox snout), and tahu tek (fried tofu with a savoury peanut dressing) are all worth seeking out. Local markets and street stalls around the city centre are the best places to try them properly, rather than sanitised mall versions.

*Admission fees and opening hours are subject to change without prior notice. Please check the official website or contact the attraction directly for the latest ticket prices before your visit.

Here are the top recommendations based on location and budget, tailored to your vacation style.

Hotel Majapahit Surabaya - MGallery is a genuine piece of history, built in 1910 and once witness to the dramatic flag-tearing incident during Indonesia's independence struggle. This 5-star heritage hotel on Jalan Tunjungan blends colonial architecture with modern luxury, and sits just steps from Tunjungan Plaza.

Shangri-La Surabaya offers a tranquil, refined stay in the Sawahan area, with a free-form outdoor pool, full spa, and multiple restaurants. It's a strong pick for travellers wanting a quieter base away from the busiest parts of the city centre, while still being close to Ciputra World Mall.

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Right in the city centre, Surabaya Suites Hotel Powered by Archipelago is a short walk from Surabaya Plaza Shopping Mall and the Submarine Monument, making it a convenient base for exploring the city's main sights on foot.

For a comfortable, affordable stay in the Gubeng area, Hotel Kita Surabaya offers solid facilities and a good-value option for travellers who don't need a five-star price tag.

*Please note that all prices mentioned are subject to change depending on the season, availability, and each hotel's policies.

Surabaya isn't just a stopover on the way to Mount Bromo, it's a city with its own compelling story, told through colonial-era buildings, a real submarine, and street food you won't find anywhere else. Book flight, hotel, car rental, airport transfer, and activity, all in one app. Take advantage of exclusive deals, hotel discounts up to 25%, free cancellations, and flexible flight rescheduling. Terms and conditions apply.

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