YOGYAKARTA TO SURABAYA: A CONCISE GUIDE

Yogyakarta to Surabaya is sometimes a starting point before traveling to another city or region in Indonesia. Surabaya is the second largest metropolitan area in Java after Jakarta. 

Surabaya is the capital city of East Java. Surabaya is also a city in East Java with a unique blend of history, modernity, and natural attractions. 

This guide will provide detailed insights on how to get to Surabaya from Yogyakarta, the best travel methods, what to do in Surabaya, and tips for making the most of your journey.

YOU MIGHT ALSO NEED THE INFORMATION ABOUT YOGYAKARTA TOUR PACKAGES IN THE FOLLOWING LINK

 

How to Get to Surabaya

There are several ways to travel from Yogyakarta to Surabaya. You can choose according to your travel budget.

By Train

You can travel to Surabaya by train, with a variety of options available. Most train routes from Jakarta to Surabaya pass through Yogyakarta, making it a convenient stop. The journey by train from Yogyakarta to Surabaya takes approximately 6 to 7 hours.

By Car

A private car or a rental car is one of the transportation options for traveling to Surabaya. The journey from Yogyakarta to Surabaya takes about 4 hours via the Salatiga – Kertosono Toll Road.

By Bus

Many buses operate daily from Yogyakarta to Surabaya, offering a variety of classes, including economy and executive options. Buses depart from Giwangan Terminal in Yogyakarta and arrive at Bungurasih Terminal in Surabaya. The main bus companies on this route include Eka, Mira, and Akas, with departures scheduled throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 6 to 7 hours.

By Travel 

Apart from buses, you can also go to Surabaya by using travel. There are various choices of travel operators that you can choose from, ranging from Duta Kartika to Day Trans. The trip with this travel is more or less the same as the bus for about 6-7 hours.

By Plane 

Air travel can be a viable option if you have sufficient financial resources. Numerous flights operate daily from Yogyakarta to Surabaya. However, be mindful of the long transit times.

READ ALSO: Itinerary Borobudur Prambanan to Mount Bromo and Ijen Volcano Tour for 5 Days 4 Nights

 

Best Destinations and What to Do in Surabaya 

Surabaya, the capital of East Java Province, is a city rich in history, culture, and modern tourism. Known as the City of Heroes, Surabaya offers not only historical tourism but also entertainment venues, culinary delights, and stunning city panoramas.

Heroes Monument and Ten November Museum

The Heroes Monument is an iconic structure located in Surabaya, built to commemorate the struggle of the city’s people during the battle on November 10, 1945. 

Surrounded by lush green gardens, the monument provides a respectful and serene atmosphere. Beneath the Heroes Monument, the Sepuluh Nopember Museum features a collection of historical artifacts, photographs, and documentation related to this significant battle.

What to do: 

Visitors can walk through the park, visit the museum to learn about the history of the Surabaya people’s struggle, and take photos with the impressive Tugu Pahlawan in the background.

House of Sampoerna

The House of Sampoerna is a museum that was formerly a traditional kretek cigarette factory. The building features Dutch colonial architecture and contains a vast collection showcasing the history of kretek cigarettes in Indonesia. Additionally, the museum includes an interactive section where visitors can observe the cigarette-making process up close.

What to do: 

Visitors can see a collection of antique cigarette printing machines, historical photographs, and artwork related to Sampoerna. There is also a cafe with classic interiors where visitors can relax while enjoying a cup of coffee.

Suramadu Bridge

Suramadu Bridge is the longest bridge in Indonesia, connecting Surabaya with Madura Island. The bridge is about 5.4 kilometers long and has become a modern icon of Surabaya. At night, the bridge looks especially beautiful with lights shining along the way.

What to do: 

 Visitors can capture the view of the bridge from the seaside or take photos with the bridge in the background. If they want to be more adventurous, they can also cross over to Madura Island to continue their exploration.

Kenjeran Beach

Kenjeran Beach is a well-known natural tourist destination in Surabaya, celebrated for its stunning sunset views. The beach is divided into two sections: Old Kenjeran Beach, which features a traditional atmosphere, and New Kenjeran Beach, which offers modern facilities, including playgrounds and various culinary options.

What to do: 

Visitors can take a stroll by the beach, rent a boat to explore the sea or enjoy beach culinary specialties such as grilled fish and clam satay.

At Kenjeran Baru Beach, there is the iconic Sanggar Agung temple with the statue of Dewi Kwan Im facing the sea.

Surabaya North Quay

Surabaya North Quay, located at the Gapura Surya Nusantara Terminal, is a new tourist destination that offers a picturesque harbor view with a modern flair. Visitors can enjoy watching large ships and immerse themselves in the calming atmosphere of the sea.

What to Do: 

At Surabaya North Quay, you will find a variety of attractive photo spots featuring cruise ships in the background. There is also a culinary area that offers a wide selection of both local and international dishes. This destination is perfect for enjoying a stunning sunset or simply relaxing with friends and family.

Bungkul Park 

Bungkul Park is a green open space located in the center of Surabaya. The park is equipped with complete facilities, ranging from a jogging track and children’s playground to a skateboarding area. In addition, the park has a bustling culinary area in the afternoon and evening.

What to do: 

At Bungkul Park, visitors can exercise, relax, or try a variety of Surabaya specialties from street vendors. Every weekend, the park is often used as a venue for art activities or community events.

Culinary Tour on Tunjungan Street

Jalan Tunjungan is a legendary neighborhood in Surabaya filled with colonial buildings and a vintage ambiance. The area is also known as a culinary center and a popular hangout spot for Surabaya’s youth..

What to do: 

 Visitors can enjoy Surabaya specialties such as rawon, rujak cingur and lontong balap at stalls along the street. In addition, at night, this area has decorative lights that make the atmosphere more romantic and attractive for taking selfies.

Al-Akbar Mosque Surabaya

Al-Akbar Mosque or the Great Mosque of Surabaya is the second largest mosque in Indonesia with magnificent architecture and a large green dome. This mosque is a spiritual symbol for the people of Surabaya and is visited by many tourists from various regions.

What to do: 

Travelers can take a tour of the mosque to see its architectural beauty and worship, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the mosque area. From the top of the mosque tower, visitors can also see the city of Surabaya from a height.

Bromo

READ ALSO: Mount Bromo Sunrise Tour from Surabaya

 

Bromo is not located close to Surabaya. Bromo is in the region of Malang, Lumajang, and Probolinggo. However, if you already get to Surabaya, it would be a shame if you don’t take the time to go to Bromo.

Bromo is about 2.5 – 3 hours away from Surabaya. It’s not too long, so why not go there at once?

Mount Bromo, an iconic volcano in East Java, Indonesia, is part of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park and stands at 2,329 meters. Known for its ash-covered caldera and breathtaking sunrises, it attracts both adventurers and pilgrims, particularly during the annual festival held by the Tenggerese people in honor of their ancestors.

With its unique terrain and cultural significance, Mount Bromo offers unforgettable experiences, including jeep tours, hiking, and photography. Visiting at sunrise is particularly popular, making it a must-see for travelers in Malang.               

What to do: 

In Bromo, you can do a lot of things, from watching the sunrise at Penanjakan Viewpoint, exploring the Bromo Crater, visiting the Sea of Sand, hiking to Mount Batok, hunting the Milky Way, and also photography and landscape exploration. 

READ ALSO: Penanjakan Bromo, Witnessing The Magic Of Sunrise

 

Madakaripura Waterfall

Madakaripura Waterfall, near Mount Bromo in East Java’s Lombang district, is a hidden gem just three hours from Surabaya. Adventurers enjoy a 20-minute trek through rocky paths and rivers to reach the waterfall. The visit, including luggage drop-off and lunch, takes about an hour.

What to do: 

Here are some things you can do at Madakaripura Waterfall from trekking to waterfall, exploring the waterfall, taking photos in this beautiful waterfall, and meditating. 

READ ALSO: Here Is Everything You Need To Know About Madakaripura Waterfall

 

Tumpak Sewu Waterfall 

The Tumpak Sewu waterfall, which stands at 120 meters, boasts stunning streams and is located in Lumajang, on the slopes of Mount Semeru. It is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Java.

To reach the base of the waterfall, visitors must trek for about an hour along a steep path. The effort is well worth it upon witnessing the breathtaking sight of the waterfall. It is advisable to hire a guide for a safe descent, especially after the recent cold lava floods from Mount Semeru.

What to do: 

Here are some things you can do at Tumpak Sewu Waterfall from hiking down to the bottom of the waterfall, exploring the waterfall, taking photos in this beautiful waterfall, and enjoying the scenery. 

READ ALSO: Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, Mount Bromo Sunrise and Ijen Volcano Blue Fire Tour from Surabaya

 

Conclusion 

Traveling from Yogyakarta to Surabaya is an exciting journey filled with scenic routes and rich cultural experiences. Whether you choose to travel by train, bus, or plane, your trip will be enriched with historical landmarks, culinary adventures, and natural beauty. 

Surabaya has a variety of tourist destinations that are not only entertaining but also provide education and valuable experiences. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s plan your trip and explore the City of Heroes!

If you need our help to arrange your trip to Surabaya, feel free to contact us or just visit us on our website.