Al-Akbar National Mosque
A majestic national mosque with a striking turquoise dome and a towering minaret offering panoramic city views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning views
Al-Akbar National Mosque
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A majestic national mosque with a striking turquoise dome and a towering minaret offering panoramic city views.
"One of the most magnificent mosques I’ve ever visited in Indonesia, a true landmark."
🧦 Wear Socks!
The outdoor concrete gets scorching hot. Bring socks or be prepared to go barefoot outside.
⏰ Avoid Prayer Times
Visit outside prayer times for a more peaceful experience and better access.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Dome
Iconic turquoise dome, a stunning architectural marvel visible from afar.
99-Meter Minaret
Ascend for panoramic views of Surabaya, especially breathtaking at sunset.
Spacious Prayer Halls
Experience tranquility in the vast, clean, and comfortable halls for prayer.
Herbal Gardens & Open Spaces
Relax and unwind in the well-maintained gardens and open areas surrounding the mosque.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress Code & Respect
Getting There & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧦 Wear Socks!
The outdoor concrete gets scorching hot. Bring socks or be prepared to go barefoot outside.
⏰ Avoid Prayer Times
Visit outside prayer times for a more peaceful experience and better access.
⬆️ Minaret Views
Take the elevator up the 99m minaret for incredible city views, especially at sunset.
👗 Modest Attire
Cover shoulders and legs. Staff are friendly and helpful with dress code questions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧦 Wear Socks!
The outdoor concrete gets scorching hot. Bring socks or be prepared to go barefoot outside.
⏰ Avoid Prayer Times
Visit outside prayer times for a more peaceful experience and better access.
⬆️ Minaret Views
Take the elevator up the 99m minaret for incredible city views, especially at sunset.
👗 Modest Attire
Cover shoulders and legs. Staff are friendly and helpful with dress code questions.
🚗 Plan Your Transport
It's a bit out of the city center, so factor in travel time.
🍜 Weekend Food Stalls
Enjoy local snacks and treats from vendors, especially on weekends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Al-Akbar National Mosque as a magnificent and architecturally stunning landmark. Its grandeur, cleanliness, and the panoramic views from the minaret are frequently highlighted as major draws. While located a bit outside the city center, the welcoming atmosphere and well-maintained facilities make it a highly recommended destination for both religious and cultural tourism.
"Masjid Al Akbar Surabaya is one of the most magnificent mosques I’ve ever visited in Indonesia. It’s not only a place of worship but also a landmark of Islamic architecture and culture. The mosque is massive, clean, and beautifully designed with its striking turquoise dome and towering minaret that can be seen from far away.
The prayer halls are very spacious and comfortable, making it a peaceful place for both locals and visitors. The surrounding area is also well-maintained, with gardens, walkways, and lots of open space to relax. One of the highlights is the 99-meter minaret, which you can go up via an elevator to enjoy a panoramic view of Surabaya. The view is absolutely worth it, especially during sunset!
Facilities like restrooms and ablution areas are available, although they can get busy during peak times. There are also small food vendors around the mosque area, especially during weekends and Ramadan.
The mosque is located a bit far from the city center, but it's easily accessible by car or ride-hailing apps. Whether you're a tourist, a photographer, or someone looking for spiritual calm, this mosque is highly recommended. I truly enjoyed my visit and would love to return again someday."
Yo’lovchi!
"We timed our visit so it wasn't during prayer times, so I am not sure what that experience would be like or if we would have been permitted. Beautiful mosque with friendly staff and very welcoming to tourists and non-Muslims. Just make sure you have socks (the concrete outside is SCORCHING HOT and you must remove your shoes) and the proper covering for legs and shoulders. The staff there approached us to answer questions and tell us about the mosque and were very friendly and spoke excellent English. It is out of the way from the other attractions in the city, so make sure you allocate time for driving."
Jason Z
"One of the mosques that is the pride of the people of East Java, the location is easy to reach, located next to the toll road, there is a large paid parking area, making it easy for visitors to access the mosque and other facilities in the Al Akbar mosque complex."
Nuruul Poerwadi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The mosque is located a bit outside the city center. It's best accessed by car or ride-hailing apps like Gojek or Grab. While public transport options exist, they might be less direct.
Yes, there is a large paid parking area available, making it easy for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, the mosque's location is convenient and situated next to the toll road, enhancing accessibility for visitors.
For tourists, ride-hailing services offer a convenient and direct way to reach the mosque from your accommodation.
Travel time from Juanda International Airport (SUB) to Al-Akbar National Mosque can vary depending on traffic, typically ranging from 30-60 minutes by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the mosque itself is generally free. However, there might be a small fee for accessing certain areas like the minaret observation deck.
The mosque is generally open for visitors throughout the day, but it's advisable to check specific timings for prayer services and the minaret access, which may vary.
Yes, Al-Akbar National Mosque is welcoming to tourists and non-Muslims. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and be respectful of prayer times.
Yes, you can visit the 99-meter minaret via an elevator to enjoy panoramic views of Surabaya. There might be a small fee for this.
Visitors must adhere to a modest dress code, covering shoulders and legs. Shoes must be removed before entering prayer areas.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the stunning architecture, ascend the minaret for city views, explore the prayer halls, and relax in the surrounding gardens. 
Absolutely! The mosque's grand architecture, the blue dome, and the city views from the minaret make it a photographer's paradise.
Facilities include restrooms, ablution areas, and prayer halls. There are also gardens and open spaces for relaxation.
Crowds can be high during peak prayer times, weekends, and special events. Visiting on weekday mornings can offer a more peaceful experience.
Photography inside the main prayer halls might be restricted during prayer times. It's best to be discreet and respectful.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, small food vendors are often present around the mosque area, especially during weekends and special occasions like Ramadan.
You can find various local snacks and dishes. One TikTok highlighted affordable durian montong (durian) being sold nearby.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's generally expected to consume food in designated areas and maintain the cleanliness of the mosque premises.
The mosque complex primarily focuses on religious activities, but the surrounding areas and nearby streets offer numerous dining options.
During Ramadan, eating is only permitted during non-fasting hours (before dawn and after sunset) and in designated areas, respecting those who are fasting.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand blue dome, the minaret's panoramic views, the intricate architectural details, and the spacious prayer halls are excellent photo opportunities.
Drone photography regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with mosque authorities beforehand to ensure compliance and avoid any issues.
Late afternoons, especially during the golden hour before sunset, offer beautiful lighting for capturing the mosque's grandeur and city views from the minaret.
While generally permitted, be mindful of prayer times and avoid intrusive photography that might disturb worshippers.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the mosque's scale, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details and distant cityscapes from the minaret.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to dress modestly and ensure children are also appropriately covered. Bringing socks is a good idea for everyone, as the outdoor surfaces can get very hot. The presence of food vendors on weekends can also be a fun element for families looking for a snack.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Don't miss the chance to capture panoramic cityscapes from the minaret's observation deck. Wide-angle lenses are perfect for the mosque's scale, while telephoto lenses can capture details and distant views. Be mindful of prayer times and respectful when photographing inside prayer areas.
🙏 Spiritual Seekers
Experiencing the call to prayer or participating in congregational prayers can be a profound part of the visit. The mosque's grandeur and the sense of community among worshippers contribute to a deeply spiritual experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvels
The 99-meter-tall minaret is another significant element, offering visitors a unique perspective of the city. Ascending this tower provides breathtaking panoramic views of Surabaya, particularly captivating during sunset. The mosque also features spacious prayer halls adorned with intricate details, contributing to its serene and majestic atmosphere.
Beyond its primary function, the mosque complex includes well-maintained herbal gardens and open spaces, providing a tranquil environment for visitors to relax and reflect. The thoughtful design ensures that the mosque is not just a place of worship but also a cultural and architectural destination.
Visitor Experience & Etiquette
It's crucial for visitors to adhere to the modest dress code, which requires covering shoulders and legs. While non-Muslims are welcome, they are expected to be respectful of prayer times and customs. Removing shoes before entering prayer areas is mandatory, and the outdoor concrete can become extremely hot, making wearing socks a practical recommendation.
While the mosque is a place of worship, it also serves as a community hub. During weekends and special occasions, small food vendors set up around the premises, offering local snacks and treats, adding a vibrant dimension to the visitor experience.
Exploring Surabaya from Above
The panoramic views from the minaret are particularly spectacular during the late afternoon and leading up to sunset. The golden hour light bathes the city in a warm glow, creating a memorable visual experience. From this height, you can appreciate the urban landscape, identify landmarks, and gain a true sense of Surabaya's scale.
This experience is highly recommended for photographers and anyone wanting to see Surabaya from a different perspective. It provides a fantastic opportunity to capture stunning cityscape photos and appreciate the city's layout.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit