Port of Surabaya cruise port guide

Port of Surabaya — Surabaya, Indonesia.

Surabaya is Indonesia's second-largest city and the capital of East Java — a busy port with a proud history as the 'City of Heroes' for its role in the 1945 battle for independence. It has colonial architecture, a vibrant Chinatown and Arab Quarter, and excellent East Javanese food.

Getting ashore

Where do cruise ships dock in Surabaya?

Cruise ships berth at Tanjung Perak, Surabaya's main harbour, whose three-storey Gapura Surya Nusantara passenger terminal (opened in 2014) also handles international cruise ships.

How do I get from the cruise port to town?

The port sits in an industrial area several kilometres north of the centre (guides put the old town about 4–5 km away), so plan on riding in rather than walking. Your ship may offer transport into town. Blue Bird metered taxis are a reliable option (make sure the meter is switched on; the minimum fare is about Rp 25,000), and Grab and Gojek also operate. The city's Suroboyo Bus serves Tanjung Perak for Rp 5,000 but takes no cash, only QRIS or an e-money card.

Getting around

Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Grab, Gojek) are the easiest way around. Traffic can be heavy.

Don't miss

• Kota Lama (Old Town) — the restored colonial quarter around Jembatan Merah (Red Bridge), reopened as a heritage area in 2024.
• Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan) — commemorating the 1945 Battle of Surabaya.
• Ampel Mosque and Arab Quarter — one of the oldest mosques in East Java and a lively market area.
• Suramadu Bridge — Indonesia's longest bridge, linking Java and Madura.

Planning your day

Visit the Heroes Monument and the Kota Lama old town, then explore the Arab Quarter and enjoy a local lunch of rawon.

Food & drink

East Javanese food is rich and flavourful.

Where to eat

• Local warungs — Small eateries serve East Javanese dishes.

Must try

• Rawon — A black beef soup coloured with keluak nuts.
• Lontong balap — Rice cakes with bean sprouts and fried tofu.
• Sate — Grilled skewers with peanut sauce.

Know before you go

• 🗣️Language — Indonesian and Javanese; English is limited.
• 📋Documents — Many nationalities need a visa on arrival or e-VOA; check with your cruise line.
• 🛍️Shopping & hours — Currency is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Carry cash for small purchases.
• 🌤️Weather — Hot and humid; rainy season roughly November to April.
• 📶Connectivity — Good coverage in the city.
• ♿Accessibility — Sidewalks can be uneven.
• ⏱️Getting back — Allow for heavy traffic.

Sources: indonesia.travel; wikivoyage.org/wiki/Surabaya