At a glance: As East Java’s lively capital, Surabaya seamlessly blends rich historical landmarks, stunning coastal temples, lush urban nature, and world-class street food. From iconic sites like the House of Sampoerna and Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan) to scenic stops like Sanggar Agung Temple, Suramadu Bridge, and Keputih Bamboo Forest, all 10 major destinations can easily be explored using GrabCar for comfortable city travel or GrabBike to zip through downtown traffic.
Known proudly as the City of Heroes (Kota Pahlawan), Surabaya is Indonesia’s second-largest metropolis. It presents a fascinating contrast of preserved Dutch colonial heritage, lush urban parks, bustling markets, and picturesque coastal attractions.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend getaway or a business trip, here are the top 10 most popular tourist destinations in Surabaya and how to navigate them easily.
1. House of Sampoerna
Why visit: Housed in a grand Dutch colonial complex dating back to 1862, this historic museum offers an inside look at Indonesia’s clove cigarette industry, vintage art collections, and local craftsmanship.
Best for: History buffs, culture enthusiasts, and photography.
Getting there: Located in North Surabaya. Easily accessible via GrabCar with a dedicated drop-off zone at the entrance courtyard.
2. Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan)
Why visit: Tugu Pahlawan stands as an iconic 41-meter obelisk honoring the heroes of the 1945 Battle of Surabaya, featuring an underground museum packed with historical artifacts.
Best for: History enthusiasts and photo opportunities.
3. Submarine Monument (Monkasel)
Why visit: Situated along the Kalimas River in downtown Surabaya, Monkasel is an actual decommissioned Russian Kilo-class submarine converted into an interactive museum.
Best for: Families, kids, and war history fans.
Travel tip: You can quickly hop between Tugu Pahlawan and Monkasel using GrabBike during midday traffic hours.
4. Sanggar Agung Temple (Klenteng Sanggar Agung)
Why visit: Situated on the edge of Kenjeran Beach, Sanggar Agung Temple features a breathtaking 20-meter-tall statue of Guan Yin flanked by dragons overlooking the sea.
Best for: Sunset photography, scenic coastal walks, and cultural immersion.
5. Suramadu National Bridge
Why visit: Spanning 5.4 kilometers across the Madura Strait, Suramadu Bridge is the longest bridge in Indonesia, connecting Surabaya with Madura Island.
Best for: Scenic evening drives and night photography.
6. Surabaya Zoo (Kebun Binatang Surabaya – KBS)
Why visit: One of the oldest and largest zoos in Southeast Asia, housing diverse native Indonesian fauna including Komodo dragons.
Best for: Family outings and nature walks.
7. Kenjeran Park (Kenpark)
Why visit: A sprawling coastal recreation area featuring miniature replicas of the Temple of Heaven, Pagoda Tian Ti, and waterfront plazas.
Best for: Afternoon leisure and ocean breezes.
8. Keputih Bamboo Forest (Hutan Bambu Keputih)
Why visit: Once a city landfill, this transformed urban eco-park resembles Kyoto’s famous Arashiyama bamboo grove with towering green bamboo stalks.
Best for: Instagram photography and tranquil nature strolls.
9. Ciputra Waterpark
Why visit: Located in West Surabaya, this Sinbad-themed water park offers large wave pools, high-speed slides, and splash zones.
Best for: Families and thrill-seekers looking to beat the tropical heat.
10. Arab Quarter (Kampung Arab Ampel)
Why visit: Centered around the historic 15th-century Ampel Mosque, this bustling market street features traditional Middle Eastern textiles, perfumes, and authentic street food like goat curry and kebabs.
Best for: Culinary exploration and cultural shopping.
Savour Surabaya’s famous culinary scene
No trip to Surabaya is complete without sampling its rich culinary heritage. Be sure to try local specialties such as Rawon (rich black beef soup) and Rujak Cingur (savory local salad with beef muzzle).
If you prefer dining at your hotel after a long day of sightseeing, you can order from Surabaya’s top-rated food stalls directly via GrabFood.
For insights into how ride pricing works across different travel times and conditions in Southeast Asia, check out our guide on Grab dynamic pricing.
How to get around Surabaya smoothly
Navigating Surabaya’s expansive cityscape is simple with Grab’s reliable transportation services:
- GrabCar / GrabCar Plus: Perfect for groups, families, or traveling between distant locations in cool comfort.
- GrabBike: Ideal for solo travelers who want to beat rush-hour congestion in downtown Surabaya.
- GrabExpress: Useful if you need to send souvenirs or heavy shopping bags directly back to your hotel while continuing your tour.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How many days are needed to explore Surabaya’s top attractions?
A 2-day itinerary is ideal to cover major historical landmarks, sample local cuisine, and visit coastal sites like Sanggar Agung Temple and Suramadu Bridge.
What is the best way to travel around Surabaya as a tourist?
Booking rides through GrabCar or GrabBike is the most convenient option. It eliminates navigation stress and offers upfront transparent fares without needing to negotiate taxi prices.
Are popular attractions in Surabaya accessible by Grab?
Yes, all major tourist spots, including House of Sampoerna, Tugu Pahlawan, and Kenjeran Park, have designated or accessible Grab pickup and drop-off points.
What is the best time of year to visit Surabaya?
The dry season between May and October is ideal for outdoor sightseeing and coastal visits around Surabaya.