Surabaya · Java, Indonesia
Surabaya Tours & Things to Do
Discover the best Surabaya tours and things to do in East Java’s bustling capital and its volcanic hinterland: watch a fiery sunrise over the smoking crater of Mount Bromo, hike to the surreal blue flames of the Ijen crater, chase the multi-tiered Tumpak Sewu and Madakaripura waterfalls, explore Surabaya’s colonial heritage, and discover the ruins of the Majapahit Empire. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
240 experiences Free cancellation Top-rated tours Instant booking
Good for families in Surabaya
Children can join from a young age and pay less than adults — taken from each operator’s price list.
Browse
Explore Surabaya by interest
Whatever brings you to Surabaya — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
What to see
Top attractions in Surabaya
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Mount Bromo
Sunrise volcano.
40 toursView tours
Ijen Crater
Blue fire.
30 toursView tours
Tumpak Sewu
Tiered falls.
20 toursView tours
Madakaripura
Canyon falls.
20 toursView tours
City Heritage
Colonial Surabaya.
15 toursView tours
Trowulan
Majapahit ruins.
15 toursView tours
Malang
Highland city.
15 toursView tours
Sea of Sand
Bromo caldera.
30 toursView tours
3 hr awayMount Bromo
Sunrise volcano.
from €40View trips
6 hr awayIjen Crater
Blue fire.
from €60View trips
4 hr awayTumpak Sewu
Tiered falls.
from €55View trips
1.5 hr awayTrowulan
Majapahit ruins.
from €45View trips
2.5 hr awayMalang
Highland city.
from €45View trips
City awayCity Heritage
Colonial Surabaya.
from €25View trips
Practical guide
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Surabaya visitor asks before booking.
Dry season (Apr–Oct)
Clear skies — the best time for the volcanoes.
Wet season (Nov–Mar)
Humid with afternoon rain; volcano views vary.
Peak (Jun–Sep)
Driest and clearest for Bromo and Ijen.
For the blue fire
The dry season gives the clearest Ijen views.
For waterfalls
They flow strongest late in the wet season.
Best overall
May to September is ideal.
One day
A Mount Bromo sunrise tour.
Two days
Add the Ijen blue-fire crater.
Three days
Add Tumpak Sewu and Malang.
For volcanoes
Bromo and Ijen combined.
For history
The city and Majapahit ruins.
With kids
The Bromo jeep tour and waterfalls.
Tours & jeeps
Tours and jeeps are essential for Bromo and Ijen.
By car
Private drivers are best for the long volcano transfers.
On foot
The city heritage areas are walkable.
City transport
Taxis and ride apps work well in the city.
Where to stay
Base in Surabaya, Malang or near Bromo.
Indonesian rupiah
Indonesia uses the rupiah; carry cash for rural areas.
Bromo sunrise
Start pre-dawn for the famous Bromo sunrise.
Ijen blue fire
Hike Ijen at night for the surreal blue flames.
Chase waterfalls
Add Tumpak Sewu or Madakaripura to a volcano trip.
Combine both
A 2–3 day Bromo–Ijen tour is the classic route.
City heritage
Tour the colonial quarters and House of Sampoerna.
Dry season
Visit May to September for the clearest views.
Bromo tours
Mount Bromo sunrise tours sell out — book ahead.
Ijen tours
Ijen blue-fire tours fill up — reserve early.
Combined tours
Bromo–Ijen packages book out — reserve ahead.
Waterfall trips
Tumpak Sewu tours have limited spots — book ahead.
Private drivers
Good drivers book out in peak season — reserve early.
Peak season
June to September is busiest — book everything ahead.
Bromo tour
Around €40–90 for a Mount Bromo sunrise tour.
Ijen tour
About €60–120 for an Ijen blue-fire tour.
Bromo–Ijen
Roughly €120–260 for a combined 2–3 day tour.
Waterfall trip
Around €50–100 for a Tumpak Sewu day trip.
City tour
About €25–50 for a Surabaya heritage tour.
How to save
Join group tours and combine volcanoes with waterfalls.
When to visit
Surabaya through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
Dry (Apr–Jun)
Apr–Jun
- Best for
- Clear volcanoes.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Great.
Peak dry (Jul–Sep)
Jul–Sep
- Best for
- Best views.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal.
Late dry (Oct)
Oct
- Best for
- Shoulder.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Good.
Wet (Nov–Mar)
Nov–Mar
- Best for
- Green & falls.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Rainy.
People also ask
Surabaya travel FAQ
What are the best tours in Surabaya?
The highest-rated experiences are a Mount Bromo sunrise tour, the Ijen blue-fire crater, the Tumpak Sewu waterfall, and a city heritage tour.
What should I book in advance in Surabaya?
Reserve Bromo, Ijen and combined volcano tours and private drivers ahead, especially in the dry season.
How many days do I need in Surabaya?
One day covers Mount Bromo, and two let you add the Ijen blue fire.
Is Surabaya worth visiting?
Yes — Surabaya is East Java’s gateway to Mount Bromo, the Ijen crater, spectacular waterfalls and rich colonial heritage.
When is the best time to visit Surabaya?
May to September, the dry season, offers the clearest volcano views.
What is the Ijen blue fire?
Electric-blue flames of burning sulphuric gas in the Ijen crater, seen at night.
Is Surabaya good for families?
Yes — the Bromo jeep sunrise, waterfalls and colourful Malang make it a great family base.
240 Surabaya experiencesfrom €20 · free cancellation
Explore tours