If you visit Surabaya as part of your Indonesian holiday, you’re probably wondering how you will spend your days in this second biggest city in the country.
Surabaya is more than a bustling metropolis for business. The city is famous for its unique culinary delights, historical and cultural attractions, and shopping centers. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, food or shopping, we’ve got it all covered! Check out these must-see attractions for your trip to Surabaya.
Using Wyndham Surabaya City Centre as an inner-city base for exploring, you can wander between historic attractions and nature without missing a beat.
Now, let’s start exploring!
Heroes Monument (10 November Museum)
The tall, white-washed spire of the Heroes Monument is an unmissable city attraction. This historical landmark was erected to honour the pro-revolution soldiers who died in the Battle of Surabaya during the Indonesian National Revolution. Learn about the events of 10 November 1945 by visiting the 10 November Museum, located directly beneath the Monument.
Location: Pahlawan St, Alun-alun Contong, Bubutan
Surabaya Submarine Monument
One of the city’s most bizarre attractions, the monument is a decommissioned Russian submarine (KRI Pasopati 410) and the largest submarine monument in Asia. It has supporting facilities such as videorama (plays cinematic movies about the submarine when it was on duty) and water tourism in Kalimas River, a lovely and romantic place for couples, or an educational landmark for families.
Location: Pemuda No.39, Embong Kaliasin, Kec. Genteng
House of Sampoerna
Situated in “old Surabaya,” this stately Dutch colonial style compound was built in 1858 and is now a preserved historical site. Currently the headquarters of Sampoerna, Indonesia’s largest tobacco company, the House is also a museum that details the history of the business. Learn about the Sampoerna family and how tobacco was manufactured, and visit a shop dedicated to Surabayan souvenirs and Sampoernan cigarettes. The House also has a restaurant that serves a large selection of Asian and Western dishes.
If staying indoors isn’t really your style, the House also runs the Surabaya Heritage Track to help you explore the city. Guided tours with different themes are available throughout the week and are one of the best ways to get a sense of Surabaya’s fascinating history.
Location: Taman Sampoerna No.6, Krembangan Utara, Kec. Pabean Cantikan
Sunan Ampel’s Tomb
Sunan Ampel’s Tomb, also known as Ampel Mosque, is the oldest mosque in East Java. Built in 1421, the mosque complex features different courtyards. It also includes the tomb of Sunan Ampel, an Islamic saint credited with spreading Islam through the region.
Although the tomb is open to tourists, it’s also a religious site that attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims yearly, so remember to be respectful. The area around Ampel Mosque is known as the ‘Arab Village’ and functions like a Middle Eastern Chinatown where you can check out Muslim clothing stores and Arab restaurants.
Location: Ampel Masjid No.53, Ampel, Kec. Semampir
Mangrove Tour Wonorejo
Designed as a sustainability project, the mangrove tour lets visitors wander among Surabaya’s mangroves via a wooden boardwalk or a boat ride. The eco-tourism site offers a relaxing experience bringing you closer to the city’s natural wonders.
Location: Wonorejo Timur No.1, Wonorejo, Kec. Rungkut
Ria Beach Kenjeran
As Surabaya’s own strip of beach, Ria Kenjeran is primed for tourism and features a diversity of rides, entertainment, and amenities designed to accommodate visitors’ needs. The beach has stunning sunrise views. You can get some great photos from the beach’s brightly-painted wooden piers, roll out a mat under a shady tree and feel the cool coastal air. Here you can also enjoy traditional food such as rice cake kupang Surabaya, sate shellfish and others.
Location: Jalan Sukolilo No.100, Sukolilo Baru, Kec. Bulak
Shopping Centers
If the weather is not friendly, going to shopping malls is a top choice for those avoiding the pouring rain or heat of the sun. Whether you want to buy presents for your loved ones, watch movies, or have dinner with family, Surabaya’s malls surely have what you’re looking for. Some of these malls even have indoor playgrounds for kids. Check out Pakuwon Mall, the largest in town, and Tunjungan Plaza, the second largest. Also, there is Galaxy Mall, ranked as the top mall in Surabaya and a favourite hangout place of locals.
Accommodation
Wyndham Surabaya City Centre is strategically situated in the heart of the city. The hotel is on Surabaya’s main road, connected with Raya Darmo and Walikota Mustajab streets. The hotel guests have easy access to shopping, dining, and public transportation.
The hotel offers superior rooms to presidential suites that comfortably sleep three to six guests. Enjoy your stay with the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool on a higher floor, gym, spa, all-day dining restaurant, two lounges, and business meeting facilities.
Explore Surabaya. Book your stay now!
