Surabaya, Indonesia-7-day-itinerary

Surabaya 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

Morning

  • Arrive at Juanda International Airport (SUB)
  • Take a taxi or ride-hailing service to your hotel in the city center
  • Check-in to Hotel Ciputra World Surabaya or similar

Afternoon

  • Visit the Surabaya Heroes Monument (Monumen Pahlawan Surabaya) to learn about the city’s history and struggle for independence
  • Explore the nearby Surabaya City Hall (Balai Kota Surabaya) and take a stroll around the surrounding park

Evening

  • Head to Pasar Malam Tambak night market for a taste of local street food and souvenirs
  • Try some Gudeg, a traditional East Javanese dish made from young jackfruit, at one of the many food stalls

Day 2: Cultural Experiences

Morning

  • Visit the House of Sampoerna (Rumah Sampoerna), a museum showcasing Surabaya’s rich cultural heritage
  • Explore the nearby Al-Akbar Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia

Afternoon

  • Watch a traditional Javanese dance performance at the Surabaya Cultural Center (Taman Budaya Surabaya)
  • Visit the East Java Museum (Museum Jawa Timur) to learn about the region’s history and culture

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Rumah Makan Padang, serving traditional Minangkabau cuisine
  • Take a stroll along the Surabaya River (Kali Surabaya) and enjoy the city’s nightlife

Day 3: Nature Escapes

Morning

  • Visit the Surabaya Zoo (Kebun Binatang Surabaya), home to over 300 species of animals
  • Explore the nearby Taman Bungkul recreation park, featuring a lake, walking trails, and picnic areas

Afternoon

  • Head to Pantai Ria Kenjeran, a popular beach on the outskirts of the city
  • Enjoy water sports or simply relax on the beach

Evening

  • Return to the city center and enjoy dinner at The Garden Cafe, serving international cuisine in a cozy setting

Day 4: Historical Landmarks

Morning

  • Visit the Red Bridge (Jembatan Merah), a historic bridge and iconic landmark
  • Explore the nearby Old Town (Kota Lama) area, featuring colonial-era architecture and quaint shops

Afternoon

  • Stop by the Surabaya Grand Mosque (Masjid Agung Surabaya), one of the largest mosques in Indonesia
  • Visit the Sepuluh November Museum, dedicated to the history of the Indonesian independence movement

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Dapur Babah, serving traditional Javanese cuisine
  • Explore the Tunjungan Night Market (Pasar Malam Tunjungan) for more local street food and souvenirs

Day 5: Day Trip to Madura Island

Morning

  • Take a ferry from Surabaya’s Tanjung Perak Port to Madura Island (approximately 30 minutes)
  • Visit the Sumenep Palace, a historic royal palace featuring stunning architecture and beautiful gardens

Afternoon

  • Explore the island’s scenic coastal roads and enjoy the ocean views
  • Stop by a local salt farm or fish market for a glimpse into Madura’s traditional industries

Evening

  • Return to Surabaya in the evening and enjoy dinner at Bale Bale, serving modern Indonesian cuisine

Day 6: Shopping and Relaxation

Morning

  • Visit Pasar Atom, a bustling market selling everything from clothing to electronics
  • Explore the nearby Surabaya Mall (Tunjungan Plaza) for more shopping options

Afternoon

  • Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day at The Spa at Ciputra World
  • Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll around the Surabaya Submarine Monument (Monumen Kapal Selam) and surrounding park

Evening

Day 7: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning relaxing at your hotel or exploring nearby attractions
  • Check-out of your hotel and head to Juanda International Airport for your departure flight

Things to Know

  • Surabaya is a bustling city, be prepared for traffic and crowds
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting mosques and cultural attractions
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7-9 am and 4-6 pm) to minimize traffic congestion
  • Download ride-hailing apps like Grab or Go-Van to navigate the city

Transportation

  • Taxis are widely available, but be prepared for some drivers not speaking English
  • Ride-hailing services like Grab and Go-Van offer a convenient and affordable way to get around
  • Public transportation options include buses and angkot (minivans), but may require some Indonesian language skills

Tips

  • Learn basic Indonesian phrases like “hello” (halo), “thank you” (terima kasih), and “excuse me” (tolong)
  • Be prepared for hot and humid weather, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and light clothing
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting mosques and cultural attractions

Other Things of Interest

  • Visit the Surabaya Botanical Garden (Kebun Raya Surabaya) for a peaceful escape from the city
  • Explore the Tunjungan Food Court (Food Court Tunjungan) for a variety of local and international cuisine options
  • Take a day trip to the nearby Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (approximately 4 hours by car), featuring stunning natural landscapes and hiking opportunities