Flight to Surabaya (SUB)

Surabaya is Indonesia's second-largest city and the capital of East Java, a busy port with a proud history as the City of Heroes for its role in the country's fight for independence. It is a working city rather than a resort, but it rewards visitors with colonial-era streets, a lively Arab quarter and some of Java's best-loved food. It is also the natural jumping-off point for Mount Bromo, the cool highlands of Malang and Batu, and the island of Madura. Flights to Surabaya land at Juanda International Airport (SUB), and the route between Kuala Lumpur and Surabaya is popular with holidaymakers, students and families visiting relatives.

About Juanda International Airport, Surabaya

Location

Juanda International Airport lies in Sidoarjo Regency, just south of Surabaya's city limits. It is East Java's main airport and one of the busiest in Indonesia, sharing its runway with a naval air base. Because it sits on the southern edge of the city, it is also convenient for travellers heading straight on to Sidoarjo, Malang or the Bromo area without passing through central Surabaya.

Terminals

Juanda has two terminals. Terminal 1 mainly handles domestic flights, while Terminal 2 handles international flights along with some domestic services. The two buildings are a short drive apart and linked by a free shuttle bus, so check your e-ticket carefully, particularly if you are connecting from an international arrival to a domestic flight within Indonesia.

Getting to and from the airport

Official airport taxis have counters in the arrivals halls and charge by meter or by zone, while ride-hailing apps are widely used and have designated pick-up points. DAMRI airport buses run to the Purabaya bus terminal at Bungurasih and to points in the city, which is a budget-friendly option if you are travelling light. Traffic on the toll road into central Surabaya can be heavy at rush hour, so allow extra time for your return trip to the airport.

Direct and connecting flights to Surabaya

Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Surabaya are usually available, and there are also international links to Juanda from other regional hubs such as Singapore. On Traveloka, use the Direct filter to see only non-stop options, then compare them with connecting itineraries if you want a different departure time.

From Penang, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu or Kuching, most journeys involve a change in Kuala Lumpur or Jakarta. Travellers coming from further away, for example Hong Kong, Sydney or Dubai, can often connect through Jakarta, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. When you land on an international flight, allow time for immigration and customs at Terminal 2 before any domestic connection.

When to fly to Surabaya

Surabaya is hot all year, with a tropical climate split into a dry season and a wet season. The drier months generally run from around May to October, which is the best time for trips up to Mount Bromo, when sunrise views are more likely to be clear. From roughly November to April, afternoon downpours are common, although mornings are often bright and the city carries on as usual.

Demand from Malaysia rises during school holidays, Chinese New Year and the year-end break. Hari Raya is a particularly busy time in both countries, because Indonesians also travel home in huge numbers for Lebaran, so flights and ground transport fill up early. Check the fare chart on this page to see which months tend to be quieter for Kuala Lumpur to Surabaya flights.

Popular places in Surabaya

Tugu Pahlawan and the Heroes Museum

The tall Heroes Monument commemorates the Battle of Surabaya, and the underground museum beneath it tells the story of the city's resistance with photographs, dioramas and personal belongings. It is the best place to start understanding Surabaya's identity.

Ampel Arab Quarter

The narrow lanes around the historic Sunan Ampel Mosque are lined with stalls selling dates, prayer mats, perfume and snacks. It is one of the oldest Muslim quarters in Java and a meaningful stop for Malaysian visitors.

Suramadu Bridge and Madura

The long cable-stayed Suramadu Bridge crosses the strait to Madura island, known for its bull races, batik and spicy satay. Crossing at dusk offers good views back towards the city skyline.

Kota Lama and Kembang Jepun

Surabaya's old town clusters around Jembatan Merah, the Red Bridge, where Dutch-era offices and warehouses line the Kalimas river. A few streets away, the Chinatown lanes of Kembang Jepun keep their old shophouses, temples and evening food stalls.

Submarine Monument

A real Soviet-built submarine from the Indonesian navy has been placed on the riverbank near Gubeng and turned into a walk-through museum, a quirky favourite with families.

Where to stay in Surabaya

The Tunjungan area in the city centre puts you close to shopping malls, heritage buildings and evening food streets, and is an easy base for first-timers. Gubeng, near the main railway station, suits travellers taking the train to Malang or Banyuwangi. Darmo and the leafy streets to the south offer a calmer residential feel with plenty of cafés. West Surabaya has newer malls and residential estates, while the area around Juanda in Sidoarjo is practical for a late arrival or early flight out.

Food to try in Surabaya

Rawon

A deep black beef soup coloured and flavoured with keluak nuts, served with rice, bean sprouts, salted egg and sambal. It is East Java's signature dish and tastes richer than it looks.

Lontong balap

Rice cakes with bean sprouts, fried tofu and lentho fritters in a savoury broth, finished with sweet soy sauce and fried shallots. It is usually eaten with satay made from clams.

Rujak cingur

A bold salad of vegetables, fruit, rice cake and tofu tossed in a thick black shrimp-paste and peanut sauce. The traditional version includes cow's snout, so ask if you prefer it without.

Soto ayam

East Java's golden chicken soup with turmeric broth, glass noodles and a sprinkle of crunchy prawn-cracker powder called koya. Street stalls serve it from breakfast onwards.

Planning a trip to East Java? Compare flights to Surabaya on Traveloka, set a Price Alert for your preferred dates and enjoy Easy Reschedule if your plans change before you fly to Juanda.