Surabaya, Indonesia 7 Day Itinerary

Surabaya, Indonesia 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

  • Arrive at Juanda International Airport. You can easily get a Grab or Gojek ride to your hotel (recommended: Grand Aston Hotel or Novotel Surabaya).
  • After settling in, start with the Heroes Monument (Monumen Pahlawan) to learn about Surabaya’s role in Indonesia’s struggle for independence.
  • Visit Trowulan, the ancient capital of the Majapahit Empire, and explore Candi Tunjungan, Candi Tikus, and Candi Wringin Lawang.
  • For dinner, try traditional Indonesian cuisine at Warung Bumbu or Warung Manuk Semanggi.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

  • Begin with the Surabaya Zoo, home to over 150 different species of animals.
  • Visit the House of Sampoerna to learn about the history of clove cigarettes and enjoy a free sample at the end.
  • Explore the China Town (Glodok Batik) for shopping, food, and cultural experiences. Don’t miss the beautiful batik textiles.
  • Dine at Bob’s Chicken, a famous Surabaya street food restaurant, or try local Chinese cuisine at Kopak Gangsa.

Day 3: Nature and Leisure

  • Spend the day at Sukomoro Recreational Forest for hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching.
  • Head to Juanda Beach in the afternoon for a relaxing sunset view and local seafood dinner.

Day 4: Art and History

  • Visit the Surabaya Art Gallery and Museum Satya Wacana.
  • Explore the Suroboyo Carnival Street with its vibrant street art, food stalls, and live music performances.

Day 5: Islands and Beaches

  • Take a day trip to the Madura Island using a fast boat from the Tunjungan Ferry Port. Enjoy local activities like swimming, snorkeling, and visiting traditional villages.
  • Return to Surabaya in the evening and rest at your hotel.

Day 6: Shopping and Food

  • Spend the day shopping at Premier Mall, Mal Ciputra, or Surya Agung Mall.
  • Visit the iconic Sampoerna Straw House for a unique dining experience and enjoy a wide selection of teas.
  • For your last dinner in Surabaya, try Dapur Bima for seafood, or Warung Murah-Murah for budget-friendly local dishes.

Day 7: Departure

  • Spend your final hours shopping for souvenirs or visiting any missed attractions.
  • Head to Juanda International Airport for your departure.

Things to Know:

  • English is not widely spoken, so learning basic Bahasa Indonesia or using translation apps will be helpful.
  • Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas and always keep your belongings secure.
  • Grab and Gojek are the most popular ride-hailing services.
  • The weather can be hot and humid; remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and carry an umbrella for occasional rain showers.

Tips:

  • Try local delicacies like Lumpia (spring rolls), Sate Madura (Madura satay), and Nasi Gudeg (a specialty from Yogyakarta but also available in Surabaya).
  • Take a traditional angkringan breakfast at a street cart, offering rice cakes, coffee, and tea.
  • Don’t forget to haggle when shopping at markets!
  • Consider taking a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Indonesian dishes.