Surabaya Shore Excursion: Local Sightseeing Tour from the Cruise Port
Surabaya is Indonesia’s second-largest city, with numerous tourist destinations and activities to enjoy. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors who are only in Surabaya for a short time and want to see some of the city’s most interesting sights in just a few hours.
Authentic local encounters, cultural history, and efficient sightseeing
This Surabaya sightseeing tour is designed specifically for cruise ship passengers who want to experience the city beyond typical tourist landmarks. Timed to match your ship’s arrival and departure at Tanjung Perak Port, this tour focuses on Surabaya’s real local life, historic trading districts, and areas that once made the city one of the most important ports in Southeast Asia.
The journey begins near the port, where guests explore neighborhoods shaped by Surabaya’s maritime past. A visit to a local animal market offers a rare look into everyday trade, where birds, poultry, and small livestock are still bought and sold by local residents. This stop provides an authentic glimpse into traditional commerce that most visitors never see.
The tour then continues to Ampel, one of Surabaya’s oldest and most influential districts. Walking through narrow streets filled with spice shops, traditional textiles, and Middle Eastern influences, guests visit the historic Ampel Mosque and surrounding Arab Quarter — a key center of trade and religion since the 15th century.
The experience concludes with a drive through the old port area and colonial-era streets, highlighting Surabaya’s transformation from a powerful trading hub into a modern Indonesian city. This shore excursion is ideal for travelers seeking authentic local encounters, cultural history, and efficient sightseeing within limited port time.
Trip Info
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English Indonesia
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April - October
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Medium
Overview
At Surabaya City Tour – Make Your Own Surabaya!
we invite you to experience this incredible city your way. Whether you’re a history buff, a technology enthusiast, or just looking to soak in the urban atmosphere, Surabaya has something for everyone. And with our expert guides and flexible options, your exploration will be seamless and unforgettable.
Uncover Surabaya’s Rich History: Dive deep into the past at the Heroes Monument (Tugu Pahlawan) and the Submarine Monument (Monkasel), gaining insights into Indonesia’s fight for freedom.
Witness Surabaya’s Modern Progress: Marvel at engineering feats like the Suramadu Bridge, connecting Java and Madura, a testament to Indonesia’s forward-thinking vision.
Experience Urban Surabaya: Explore vibrant entertainment venues and public spaces that showcase the city’s dynamic urban pulse.
We’re dedicated to making your Surabaya experience exceptional. If you arrive without a detailed itinerary, don’t worry! We have a curated list of interesting places to ensure you make the most of your visit. Enjoy Surabaya just like your own!
Popular Visited Places
- House of Sampoerna: A museum dedicated to tobacco and cigarettes. Here, you can learn about the history of cigarettes on Java Island and watch workers hand-roll cigarettes. The museum belongs to the Sampoerna cigarette company. (closed for Visitor under maintenace)
- Heroes Monument & Museum: Surabaya is known as the “City of Heroes” because of the heroic war fought between local people and invaders on November 10, 1945. You can see dioramas of this historic battle in the museum.
- Submarine Monument: This is a real, decommissioned submarine that was used in 1963 during the war to reclaim West Irian (now Papua) for Indonesia.
- Ampel Arab Quarter: A vibrant street market located in the Sunan Ampel religious tourism area, where you can buy various souvenirs and local snacks typical of Surabaya.
Trip Highlights
- Guaranteed on-time return to your cruise ship
- Visit a local animal market for an authentic cultural experience
- Private vehicle with local guide
- Ideal for short port stays
- Explore Ampel Old Town & Arab Quarter
- See Surabaya’s historic port areas and former trading neighborhoods
