
Pabean Market Surabaya
Surabaya's oldest market, offering fresh seafood, spices, and wholesale goods at unbeatable prices. A vibrant hub of local life.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest goods, best prices

Pabean Market Surabaya
Best Time
Freshest goods, best prices

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Surabaya's oldest market, offering fresh seafood, spices, and wholesale goods at unbeatable prices. A vibrant hub of local life.
"Pasar Pabean is a great place for affordable, high-quality ingredients, whether you're shopping for personal use or in bulk."

Bring Your Own Bag! :shopping_bags:
Help reduce waste and carry your haul easily. Many vendors offer wholesale, so you might buy a lot!
Cash is King :money_with_wings:
While some vendors might accept digital payments, cash is still the preferred method here. Come prepared!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seafood Galore
Fish Market Section
A vibrant display of fresh fish, shrimp, squid, and various shellfish. Perfect for culinary adventurers!
Spice Bazaar
Spice Stalls
Aromatic treasures await, from chilies to exotic spices. Bring home the flavors of Indonesia.
Wholesale Goods
Various Stalls
Find great deals on everything from textiles to snacks when buying in bulk. Ideal for savvy shoppers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Early Bird
Wholesale Wonders & Haggling
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Bag! :shopping_bags:
Help reduce waste and carry your haul easily. Many vendors offer wholesale, so you might buy a lot!
Cash is King :money_with_wings:
While some vendors might accept digital payments, cash is still the preferred method here. Come prepared!
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking on potentially wet and uneven surfaces. Comfort is key!
Embrace the Chaos :sparkles:
It's a bustling traditional market! Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and friendly vendors.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Bag! :shopping_bags:
Help reduce waste and carry your haul easily. Many vendors offer wholesale, so you might buy a lot!
Cash is King :money_with_wings:
While some vendors might accept digital payments, cash is still the preferred method here. Come prepared!
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a lot of walking on potentially wet and uneven surfaces. Comfort is key!
Embrace the Chaos :sparkles:
It's a bustling traditional market! Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and friendly vendors.
Taste the Street Food :street_food:
Don't miss out on authentic local snacks and dishes available from various food stalls.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pasar Pabean is a highly-rated traditional market in Surabaya, celebrated for its incredibly affordable wholesale prices and vast selection of fresh goods, especially seafood and spices. Visitors appreciate the lively atmosphere and the opportunity to buy in bulk, though some note the market can be crowded and wet, particularly in certain sections.
"Pasar Pabean Surabaya: A Traditional Market with Affordable Wholesale Prices.
I visited Pasar Pabean with my mom to buy cashew nuts, emping blinjo, salted fish, and shallots, and I was impressed by the variety and affordability! This market is one of the oldest in Surabaya, known for its fresh seafood, spices, and traditional ingredients.
The atmosphere is lively, with vendors offering everything from fresh fish and dried seafood to aromatic spices and snacks. Since it's located between Kampung Arab and Kya-Kya Chinatown, it has a unique cultural mix, making shopping here even more interesting.
One of the best things about this market is that you can buy in bulk/wholesale (grosir) for even better prices! Whether you need a small amount or a large quantity, the vendors are flexible and offer great deals.
The prices are really cheap, and the selection is excellent. However, since it’s a traditional market, expect a bit of crowd and some wet areas, especially in the seafood section. It’s best to come in the morning for the freshest selection.
Overall, Pasar Pabean is a great place for affordable, high-quality ingredients, whether you're shopping for personal use or in bulk. If you love cooking or looking for local specialties, this market is definitely worth a visit!"
Dina
"Looking for the fresh fish or Vegetables. You just in the right place. There also has chicken and other needs for cook."
ヴァムレオ
"Good place to get seasonings in bulk. Also famous for the fish market. Really cheap and we can find all kind of fish here"
yohanes bimo antoro
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pasar Pabean is accessible by various modes of transport in Surabaya. You can take a local bus, taxi, or ride-sharing service. It's located centrally, making it relatively easy to find. Many visitors mention the area can get jammed, so factor that into your travel time.
Parking can be challenging due to the market's busy nature and central location. It's advisable to use ride-sharing services or public transport if possible, or be prepared to find parking a short walk away.
The market is situated between the Arab quarter and Chinatown, offering a multicultural experience.
Walking is the best way to explore its various sections, from seafood to spices.Like any busy market, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure. The general consensus is that it's a safe place to visit, with friendly vendors.
Yes, Google Maps is a reliable tool for navigating to Pasar Pabean. Search for 'Pasar Pabean Surabaya' and follow the directions provided. It's a well-known landmark.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Pasar Pabean is a public traditional market, and there is no admission fee to enter. You can freely wander through its bustling aisles.
Pasar Pabean is known for being a market that 'never sleeps',
operating almost 24/7. However, the peak hours for fresh produce and seafood are typically in the early morning.For the freshest seafood and produce, aim to visit in the early morning, shortly after dawn. This is when vendors are actively restocking their stalls.
While the market is always active, weekends and peak shopping hours can be more crowded. If you prefer a less intense experience, consider visiting on a weekday morning.
Pasar Pabean is a traditional market, and there's no system for pre-booking. You purchase items directly from vendors upon arrival.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Goods
You can find an incredible variety of goods, including fresh seafood,
meats, vegetables, fruits, spices, dried goods, snacks, and even wholesale textiles like hijabs. It's a one-stop shop for many household needs.Yes, haggling is common and expected, especially when buying in bulk or wholesale quantities.
Be polite and respectful when negotiating prices.Absolutely! Pasar Pabean is renowned for its wholesale prices, making it very economical to buy in bulk for ingredients like spices, shallots, or dried goods.
The spice stalls are a treasure trove. You'll find a wide array of aromatic spices, and buying in larger quantities often yields better prices.
While primarily a food and goods market, you might find unique local snacks, traditional spices, or textiles that make for interesting souvenirs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can find authentic Chinese food,
local snacks, and fresh ingredients to cook with. Many vendors offer ready-to-eat dishes and street food.While there aren't formal restaurants, numerous food stalls offer delicious meals and snacks. It's a fantastic place to experience authentic street food.
Look for fresh seafood preparations, local snacks, and dishes influenced by the market's multicultural heritage, such as Chinese-style foods.
As with any street food, use your judgment. Many vendors maintain good hygiene, and the popularity of stalls often indicates quality and freshness.
Definitely! Pasar Pabean is the perfect place to buy fresh fish, meat, vegetables, and spices to prepare your own Indonesian dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The market offers a vibrant tapestry of daily life, colorful produce, and interesting characters, making it a photographer's paradise.
Focus on the bustling activity, the fresh produce displays, the vendors' expressions, and the unique cultural blend of the market.
Early morning offers great light and activity. Evenings can provide a different, perhaps more atmospheric, mood.
Generally, photography is welcomed, but it's always polite to ask for permission before taking close-up portraits of individuals.
A versatile lens like a 35mm or 50mm is great for capturing the scene. Some photographers enjoy the challenge of prime lenses for street photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for Families: Bring a stroller or carrier for younger children, as navigating crowds can be tricky. Keep a close eye on little ones, and consider visiting during less crowded times if possible. The street food stalls offer a chance for kids to try new flavors, but always opt for freshly prepared items.
💰 Budget Travelers
Savvy Shopping: Don't be afraid to haggle politely for the best prices. Bring your own reusable bags to save on packaging and make carrying your purchases easier. You can also find affordable local eateries around the market.
🍳 Culinary Enthusiasts
Ingredient Hunt: Explore the spice stalls for unique blends, find the freshest catch of the day, and discover local produce. Many visitors rave about the quality and affordability of the ingredients available, making it ideal for creating delicious meals.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heartbeat of Surabaya: A Living Heritage
The atmosphere is a sensory explosion: the calls of vendors, the aroma of spices, the vibrant colors of fresh produce, and the sheer energy of people going about their daily lives. It's a place where time seems to slow down, yet life never ceases to move. This unique blend of tradition and dynamism is what draws both locals and curious travelers alike.
Cultural Crossroads: Situated between the historic Arab quarter and Chinatown, Pasar Pabean reflects Surabaya's rich multicultural tapestry. This historical context adds another layer of fascination to the market experience, offering a glimpse into the city's past as a vital trading hub.
Navigating the Bustling Aisles: Tips for Shoppers
Freshness is Key: For the best selection of seafood and produce, aim for an early morning visit. This is when the market is most vibrant, with vendors bringing in their freshest catches and harvests. Be prepared for a lively and sometimes wet environment, particularly in the seafood section. Wearing comfortable, closed-toe shoes is highly recommended.
Embrace the Experience: Beyond shopping, Pasar Pabean offers a fantastic opportunity to witness authentic daily life in Surabaya. Engage with the friendly vendors, soak in the sights and sounds, and perhaps even sample some of the delicious street food available. It's a place that truly engages all your senses.
A Photographer's Dream: Capturing the Essence
Storytelling Through the Lens: Photographers can capture the 'sweat, strength, and humanity' of the workers who are the backbone of the market. The candid moments of daily life, the expressions of vendors, and the sheer energy of the place tell powerful stories. Whether you're using a wide-angle lens to capture the bustling scene or a prime lens for intimate portraits, the market offers diverse photographic possibilities.
Best Light and Moments: Early mornings often provide the best natural light for photography, illuminating the fresh goods and the activity. However, the market's unique character can also be captured during other times, offering different moods and perspectives. Always remember to be respectful and ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit