A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Mount Bromo vs. Surfers Paradise for Families, Backpackers, Food, and Hiking

Should you visit Mount Bromo or Surfers Paradise?

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

Should I visit Mount Bromo or Surfers Paradise? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Mount Bromo

Mount Bromo is a breathtaking, scenic, and spectacular volcano. Mount Bromo is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Mount Bromo travel costs.

Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a active, ritzy, and glamourous city. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Surfers Paradise travel costs.

Mount Bromo and Surfers Paradise: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mount Bromo or Surfers Paradise?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Surfers Paradise than Mount Bromo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Surfers Paradise is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Mount Bromo is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Surfers Paradise is more touristy than Mount Bromo and is known for its long sandy beaches, glamourous party scene, colorful amusement parks, and active water sports. Also, Surfers Paradise is famous for the SkyPoint Observation Deck. Mount Bromo is well known for its sunrise views and scenic setting.

How is Mount Bromo different from Surfers Paradise?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Surfers Paradise and Mount Bromo. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mount Bromo or Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise is a great city for its historical sights. However, Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

Surfers Paradise offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. For the best views of the coastline head to the SkyPoint Observation Deck at the Q1 Resort and Spa. It's in Australia's tallest residential tower. You can also visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Sea World Marine Park, as well as countless other amusement parks or entertainment centers.

Mount Bromo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Mount Bromo or Surfers Paradise? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Surfers Paradise is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Surfers Paradise. There's a trendy food scene with a number of award winning restaurants in the area. There are high end seafood restaurants, modern international eateries, and niche food bars that all cater to the tourist crowd.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Mount Bromo. You'll find cheap noodle and rice dishes at the warungs in Cemoro Lawang. Some hotels have breakfast and you should pick up some food and water for the hike at a grocery store in town. There are also some stalls along the route, some that are open even at 3am to accommodate early hikers.

Is Mount Bromo or Surfers Paradise Better for Nightlife?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Mount Bromo is not known for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Surfers Paradise is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. This high energy area is filled with glitzy nightclubs and trendy cocktail bars. There are parties that last until the early morning hours and you'll find the most active nightlife scene along the famous Surfers Paradise glitter strip.

People don't go to Mount Bromo for the nightlife. The stars and the early morning hike are the only nightlife you'll find here.

Is Mount Bromo or Surfers Paradise Better for Resorts?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Mount Bromo is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Surfers Paradise is a great choice. The high-rise skyline is filled with luxury resorts and trendy hotels. Fancy pools and rooftop views make this is a glitzy and lively place to stay.

Mount Bromo is not a resort destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Surfers Paradise Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Surfers Paradise is a great city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Mount Bromo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Surfers Paradise. There's no shortage of scuba diving and snorkeling excursions that leave from the area. You'll see a diversity of marine life and interesting undersea reefs.

Mount Bromo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Surfers Paradise Better for Beaches?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for its beaches. However, Mount Bromo is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Surfers Paradise. It's at the heart of the Gold Coast, and you'll enjoy two kilometers of golden sand and beautiful surf. The beaches are lined with high rise buildings and there's plenty of energy and amenities for visitors. This is a popular tourist destination and there is no shortage of water sports and other activities along the beaches.

Mount Bromo is not a beach destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Surfers Paradise Better for Hiking?

Mount Bromo is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Surfers Paradise is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Mount Bromo. The setting is beautiful, and best experienced at sunrise, which means most people hike through the night. Some people take horses and most people organized guided tours.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Surfers Paradise. Outside of town you'll find many coastal hikes and inland trails. You can see waterfalls or breathtaking views of the water.

Is the Shopping Better in Mount Bromo or Surfers Paradise?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for shopping. However, Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Surfers Paradise. Beachside markets sell local items. There are also large shopping malls that are filled with international fashion brands and boutique shops that sell unique items.

Mount Bromo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Mount Bromo or Surfers Paradise More Beautiful?

Mount Bromo is terrific for its scenery and beauty. However, Surfers Paradise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Mount Bromo is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The setting and landscapes are spectacular, particularly at sunrise when most visitors make the trip.

Surfers Paradise is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Mount Bromo or Surfers Paradise Better for Families?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Surfers Paradise is a very family-friendly destination. It's filled with activities that kids and adults will enjoy. There's everything from sandy beaches to amusement park rides and entertainment centers. Check out Infinity, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, or the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There's also countless minigolf places, kayaking, and other water sports.

Mount Bromo is a family-friendly place to visit. It really depends on the age of your kids and their personality and adaptability as to whether this is a good trip for them. Many of the tours start in the middle of the night so you can see the spectacular sunrise. The trip can be a bit uncomfortable, but everyone is guaranteed an adventure!

Is Mount Bromo or Surfers Paradise Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Mount Bromo and Surfers Paradise make for a very good place to visit.

Mount Bromo is a great volcano if you're traveling as a couple. Romantic sunrises and stunning views make this a wonderful destination for couples. The surroundings are surreal and you will long remember the experience.

Surfers Paradise is a very popular place to visit for couples. Walk along the beach or take in the view from Q1 SkyPoint. There are also many fun-filled adventure activities as well as restaurants and a lively party scene.

Is Mount Bromo or Surfers Paradise Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surfers Paradise is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mount Bromo is not as popular, but is still a nice volcano for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Surfers Paradise. Backpackers who want fun entertainment, a lively beach scene, and water sports will find their place here. There are also hostels with reasonable rates and plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Mount Bromo is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Some backpackers choose to go without a guided tour, and this will let you save money. Cemoro Lawang is the closest town to the volcano.

Is Mount Bromo or Surfers Paradise Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Surfers Paradise is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Mount Bromo is not known for its public transit.

While Surfers Paradise offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Without a car, you can use the shuttle buses, public buses, and light rail to get around.

Public transit is generally limited in Mount Bromo. Most people visit with a guided tour because this saves a lot of time and allows you to see the sunrise.

Is Mount Bromo or Surfers Paradise a more walkable city?

Mount Bromo and Surfers Paradise are notable when it comes to walkability.

Mount Bromo is somewhat walkable. The walk takes you across the sand and up some stairs. It's usually less than an hour.

Surfers Paradise is a somewhat walkable place. There are walking and bike paths around town.

For even more information, also check out Is Mount Bromo Worth Visiting? and Is Surfers Paradise Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Surfers Paradise or Mount Bromo?

How long in Mount Bromo or Surfers Paradise?

Both Mount Bromo and Surfers Paradise have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Surfers Paradise than in Mount Bromo. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Mount Bromo, and 3-7 days is enough time in Surfers Paradise.

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

Couples should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Mount Bromo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Surfers Paradise that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surfers Paradise than Mount Bromo 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 Surfers Paradise.

One day in Mount Bromo or Surfers Paradise?

You'll find around the scenic destination of Mount Bromo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This volcano offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the thrilling city of Surfers Paradise. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Mount Bromo or Surfers Paradise?

You'll find around the spectacular volcano of Mount Bromo. If you have a weekend, this volcano makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the high energy destination of Surfers Paradise. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Mount Bromo or Surfers Paradise?

Mount Bromo is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the ritzy city of Surfers Paradise. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Mount Bromo or Surfers Paradise?

Mount Bromo is a great place to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Surfers Paradise. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mount Bromo and Surfers Paradise, we can see that Surfers Paradise is more expensive. And not only is Mount Bromo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Mount Bromo is in Asia and Surfers Paradise is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Mount Bromo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mount Bromo 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 Surfers Paradise would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Surfers Paradise than you might in Mount Bromo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mount Bromo Expensive? and Is Surfers Paradise Expensive?.