A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Lipe vs. Surabaya for Beaches, Couples, Families, and Food

Should you visit Koh Lipe or Surabaya?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Koh Lipe and Surabaya can help you decide which place is right for you.

Koh Lipe

Koh Lipe is a tranquil, idyllic, and small island. The famous beauty of Koh Lipe is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and food. See Koh Lipe travel costs.

Surabaya

Surabaya is a authentic, local, and undiscovered city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Surabaya travel costs.

Koh Lipe and Surabaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Lipe or Surabaya?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Surabaya than Koh Lipe, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Surabaya is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Lipe is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Lipe is more touristy than Surabaya and is known for its world class scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as its small and local atmosphere. Surabaya is well known for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution. Also, Surabaya is famous for the Submarine Monument.

How is Koh Lipe different from Surabaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Surabaya and Koh Lipe. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Lipe or Surabaya?

Surabaya is a city with a few options for its museums and landmarks. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

Surabaya offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. You'll likely pass through town on your way somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out Suramadu Bridge, the House of Sampoerna, Cheng Hoo Mosque, Sanggar Agung Temple, and Ampel Mosque. It's also worth a visit to the Submarine Museum and the Heroes Monument.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Koh Lipe. The island is small and all about beaches and the undersea world, so you won't find any temples or museums here.

Is the Food Better in Koh Lipe or Surabaya? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Koh Lipe and Surabaya offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

Koh Lipe offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's enough of a restaurant selection that you'll find good local food and freshly caught seafood. The options change frequently as the tourist crowds have varied dramatically over the years, making it difficult for businesses to stay open.

Surabaya has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. It's a port city, and the cuisine reflexs this. You'll find a mix of different flavors that combine Javanese, Chinese, Arabic, Dutch, and Indian cuisines. Dishes include a lot of vegetables as well as tofu and tempeh. Many dishes are also sweet in flavor or incredibly spicy.

Is Koh Lipe or Surabaya Better for Nightlife?

Surabaya is very good for nightlife. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Surabaya has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Like the rest of the city, the nightlife scene has a local vibe. There are night markets, fascinating neighborhoods, and some lively clubs and bars.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koh Lipe This is a small island that attracts tourists who want nature, beauty, and a serene and tranquil environment. You won't find much of a nightlife scene here.

Is Koh Lipe or Surabaya Better for Resorts?

Koh Lipe is a great destination for its resorts. However, Surabaya is not a resort destination.

Koh Lipe is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of locally owned hotels on the island. Many have snorkeling gear for rent.

Surabaya is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Surabaya Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Koh Lipe is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Surabaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Koh Lipe a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. Although it is no longer the undiscovered island paradise that it once was, the snorkeling and diving on Koh Lipe remains some of the best in the country.

Surabaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Koh Lipe or Surabaya Better for Beaches?

Koh Lipe is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Koh Lipe. Despite the island's small size, the beaches are truly spectacular. They have white sand and the undersea world is just steps away, so don't forget your mask and snorkel.

Many people head to Surabaya to enjoy the beach. You'll find a few beaches within a short drive of the city center. Some of the popular ones include Ria Kenjeran Beach, Bentar Beach, and Delegan Beach.

Is Koh Lipe or Surabaya Better for Hiking?

Koh Lipe is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Lipe. The island of Koh Lipe doesn't have any hiking, but nearby Adang Island has some impressive hikes that offer views and small waterfalls. You can take a longtail boat for just a short ride to the nearby island.

Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Lipe or Surabaya?

Surabaya is a great destination for shopping. However, Koh Lipe is a island with minimal options for its shopping opportunities.

Surabaya is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a great mix of air-conditioned mega-malls and colorful street markets. Bratang Market has become a favorite but it's also worth checking out Tugu Pahlawan Market and Ampel Market.

If you're looking to go shopping, Koh Lipe has some nice offerings. The Walking Street is the main street through the island. Its where you'll find the island's shops and restaurants. Most are closed during the morning hours, but people begin to gather in the afternoon.

Is Koh Lipe or Surabaya More Beautiful?

Koh Lipe is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Koh Lipe is one of the main draws. Many visitors consider this to be one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. It still holds on to that undiscovered quality and the nearby national park offers excellent nature to explore.

Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Lipe or Surabaya Better for Families?

Koh Lipe is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Koh Lipe is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This is a perfect island to explore with kids. There are beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, and plenty of opportunities to check out wildlife. Your kids will also enjoy seeing the Sea la vie fire show.

For families, Surabaya is not always the best place to visit. You'll like be passing through this city enroute to somewhere else, but if you have some time to kill, check out the Submarine Museum. You can also wander through the market area of Qubah or explore Chinatown.

Is Koh Lipe or Surabaya Better for Couples?

Koh Lipe is an unbeatable place for couples. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for romance.

Koh Lipe makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its stunning beaches and beautiful nature, this is a great couple's destination. The island has wonderful snorkeling and white sandy beaches that are perfect for exploring with a loved one.

Surabaya is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are some sights an museums that you can visit while you're in town.

Is Koh Lipe or Surabaya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Koh Lipe is a popular place for backpackers. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koh Lipe. The island has become more popular than it was in years past, but it still offers a tranquil setting for those who are a bit jaded by the backpacker scene in Thailand.

Surabaya is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town but most backpackers don't spend more than a night in town.

Is Koh Lipe or Surabaya Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Koh Lipe and Surabaya.

Public transit is generally limited in Koh Lipe. There are longtail boats, motorbike taxis, and golf cart taxis that you can hire.

Public transit is mostly limited in Surabaya. There's a bus system, but it's mostly used by locals. There are two types of buses - normal buses and patas buses, which are express.

Is Koh Lipe or Surabaya a more walkable city?

Koh Lipe and Surabaya both are great when exploring on foot.

Koh Lipe is very walkable. It's an easy island to explore on foot and you can walk from one end of the island to the other in about half an hour.

Surabaya is a very walkable island. It's one of the more walkable cities in Indonesia and it has the feel of a bunch of neighborhoods combined together.

For even more information, also check out Is Koh Lipe Worth Visiting? and Is Surabaya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Surabaya or Koh Lipe?

How long in Koh Lipe or Surabaya?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Lipe or Surabaya to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Lipe than Surabaya because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Koh Lipe, and 1-2 days is enough time in Surabaya.

Families should spend more time in Koh Lipe than Surabaya. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Koh Lipe, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Koh Lipe than Surabaya. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koh Lipe that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Lipe than Surabaya if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Koh Lipe.

One day in Koh Lipe or Surabaya?

The beautiful island of Koh Lipe offers scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Surabaya is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Koh Lipe or Surabaya?

Koh Lipe is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Surabaya is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Surabaya, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Koh Lipe or Surabaya?

Koh Lipe is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koh Lipe, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Surabaya is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Koh Lipe or Surabaya?

Koh Lipe is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Koh Lipe has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

Surabaya is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Indonesia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lipe and Surabaya, we can see that Koh Lipe is more expensive. And not only is Surabaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Surabaya would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Surabaya and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Koh Lipe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Lipe than you might in Surabaya.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Lipe Expensive? and Is Surabaya Expensive?.