How to spend 5 days 4 nights in Surabaya, Indonesia: Explore, eat and go cashless
Planning a trip to Indonesia? Don’t sleep on Surabaya. From street food that hits all the right spots to volcano sunrises that look straight out of a storybook, this East Javanese city offers a blend of culture, nature, history and everyday local charm, all at a more relaxed pace than Jakarta or Bali. This 5D4N plan shows you how to explore Surabaya with ease zero fuss and pay your way around Indonesia easily with TNG eWallet.
Whether you're bargaining at a pasar (local market) or grabbing a cup of kopi (coffee) from a stall, going cashless here is easy. Thanks to QRIS (Indonesia’s national QR payment system), you can scan and pay at most places using your eWallet — just like a local.
Day 1: Arrival in Surabaya and city tour
Credit: KKDay
Book an airport transfer from Juanda International Airport in advance. It’ll make your arrival smoother, especially if you’re not familiar with Bahasa Indonesia.
Spend your first afternoon easing into the city and soaking up a bit of Surabaya’s history and local flavour:
Tunjungan Plaza: Centrally located and one of Surabaya’s most recognisable malls, it is perfect for a quick bite, some light shopping or just to cool off. It’s located near hotels and historical spots, making it an easy and convenient stop on your first day.
Jembatan Merah: This historic Red Bridge played a key role in Indonesia’s independence movement. Today, it’s surrounded by colonial-era buildings, street vendors and plenty of photo ops — perfect for the ’Gram.
Kya-kya (Chinatown): Come after sunset, when the lanterns are glowing, the food stalls are sizzling,and the atmosphere turns festive. It’s a lively intro to Surabaya’s multicultural charm and yes, most stalls let you pay via QR codes with TNG eWallet.
Day 2: Local eats, culture and a Soviet submarine
Credit: KKDay
Start your day with breakfast at Mie Mapan, a local favourite known for dry-style chicken noodles, wantons and bakso (meatball soup). Their Mie Ayam Komplit is a popular pick — savoury, satisfying, and very affordable..
Pabean traditional market: Go early to beat the heat and crowds. One of the city’s oldest markets, it’s a maze of fishmongers shouting out morning deals, and stalls stacked with fresh produce and spices. It’s noisy, gritty and full of life with colours your camera will love.
Submarine Monument (Monkasel): You can actually climb inside a retired Soviet-built submarine. It’s not every day you get to wander through torpedo rooms and control panels. This is a must for history lovers and curious minds alike.
Pro Tip: Book a Surabaya city private car tour to cover all the above and more with ease. Local drivers often double as unofficial guides and can even point you to hidden food gems along the way.
Day 3: Mount Bromo adventure
Credit: KKDay
This is the big one., It’s one of Indonesia’s most iconic volcanoes and you’ll need to start early (think 2–3am) to catch the legendary sunrise. While you can try and explore Mount Bromo yourself, it's highly advisable that you join a tour, so you don't have to worry about planning anything.
You can join the tour from either Surabaya or Malang. It includes private transport and a tour guide – everything in one package, with no detours or wasted time! Book your tour in advance here.
Penanjakan Viewpoint: Arrive before 5am to see the first light spill over Mount Bromo, Mount Batok and the distant Mount Semeru. It’s cold (around 5°C to 10°C), surreal and easily one of the most breathtaking views in Indonesia.
Sea of Sand + horse ride: After sunrise, hop into a Jeep across the vast volcanic plain known as the Sea of Sand or Lautan Pasir. From there, you can ride a horse or walk (roughly 30 to 45 minutes) to the base of Bromo’s crater.
Credit: KKDay
Pro tip: Wear proper trekking shoes if you choose to walk. If you prefer to ride, horse rentals are available from local villagers. Prices typically range between IDR 100,000 to 150,000 (around RM30 to RM45) for a round trip to and from the crater.
Crater rim: Climb 250 steps to the top of an active volcano. The view from the rim is unforgettable, with deep rumbles and a live crater below.
Credit:KKDay
You’ll be back in Surabaya around noon, so you can rest up before dinner. Local favourites include:
Domicile Kitchen Lounge: Indonesian and western fusion dining in a cosy, modern setting
Layar Seafood: Bustling, local-favourite spot for fresh seafood, cooked to order
Warung Bu Kris: Authentic, casual, wallet-friendly and beloved for its spicy sambal-laden dishes
Day 4: Waterfalls and scenic views
Credit: KKDay
After the early start and volcanic adventure yesterday, today moves at a slower pace. Your destination: Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, often dubbed the Niagara Falls of Indonesia.
Teras Semeru Viewpoint: En route, take in sweeping views of rice terraces with Mount Semeru looming in the background. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and snap a few photos.
Credit: KKDay
Tumpak Sewu Waterfall: A stunning curtain of water cascading in a near-perfect circle, Tumpak Sewu looks like something out of a fantasy film. You can admire it from a high viewpoint, or hike down for a misty, close-up encounter with one of Indonesia’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
The descent isn’t long, but it’s an adventure. Expect muddy slopes, rope-assisted sections, and stream crossings. Wear proper shoes and bring a change of clothes if you plan to go all the way to the bottom.
Day 5: Winding down and heading home
Ease into your final day with a leisurely brunch before catching your flight back to Malaysia. Here are a few crowd favourites to end your trip on a delicious note:
Historica Coffee & Pastry: Light bites and aromatic coffe in a calm, relaxed setting. Perfect for reflecting on your trip.
Domicile Kitchen Lounge: Enjoy a stylish and cosy meal to savour the flavours of Surabaya before you head home.
Depot Bu Ruby: Want to eat like a local one more time? This beloved spot is known for its nasi ayam penyet and signature sambal.
Go cashless in Indonesia with TNG eWallet
In Indonesia, digital payments have become second nature thanks to QRIS, the national QR code payment system accepted at almost everywhere.
While many locals rely on GoPay or OVO, Malaysian travellers can enjoy the same convenience with TNG eWallet. Just scan the QRIS code, enter the amount in rupiah, and you’re good to go; no cash needed.
Whether you’re grabbing a kopi at Kya-Kya (Chinatown), indulging at any of the earlier mentioned spots, paying is effortless and secure. Even if you crave fast-food, spots like KFC and McDonald’s also accept payment with your eWallet. Kopi Kenangan and Toko Kopi Tuku also support cashless payment, allowing you to enjoy your favourite drinks effortlessly while skipping the need to carry small change. You can even tip your guide as many now carry their own QRIS codes, so showing appreciation is as easy as a quick scan.
Going cashless means less fuss, more focus on the experience, and a safer way to explore. So, pack your sense of adventure and your phone and let TNG eWallet make your journey through East Java seamless. If you want to learn more about paying using your eWallet overseas, click here.