A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Similan Islands vs. Surabaya for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Similan Islands or Surabaya?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Similan Islands and Surabaya can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Similan Islands

Similan Islands is a idyllic, remote, and spectacular island chain. The famous beauty of Similan Islands is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and food. See Similan Islands travel costs.

Surabaya

Surabaya is a local, undiscovered, and authentic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping. See Surabaya travel costs.

Similan Islands and Surabaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Similan Islands or Surabaya?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Surabaya. Although Similan Islands and Surabaya are both popular with visitors, Surabaya has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Surabaya is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Similan Islands is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Similan Islands is popular for its world class diving and remote setting. Surabaya is popular for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution. It is also home to the Submarine Monument.

How is Similan Islands different from Surabaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Similan Islands or Surabaya?

Surabaya is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Surabaya specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. 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.

Similan Islands does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Similan Islands or Surabaya? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Similan Islands and Surabaya can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Similan Islands has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Most people visit the islands as part of an organized tour, which usually provides meals as part of the package.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Surabaya area. 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 Similan Islands or Surabaya Better for Nightlife?

Surabaya is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Similan Islands is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Surabaya. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Similan Islands. Peace and tranquility is what makes these islands special, and you'll find very limited amenities and no nightlife on the islands.

Is Similan Islands or Surabaya Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Similan Islands 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 Similan Islands a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. These islands offer one of the world's most famous and impressive diving spots. World class divers travel great distances to experience the undersea world here. There are liveaboard boat trips that range in length from 4 to 6 nights and leave from either Khao Lak or Phuket. These trips will take you to the many great dive spots in the area. Do take note that the islands close every year from May until October.

Surabaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Similan Islands or Surabaya Better for Beaches?

Similan Islands 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 Similan Islands. The world class beaches have white sand and stunningly blue waters. The setting is challenging enough to reach that you'll likely have few people to share the beaches with. The undersea world is also among the best and most vibrant around.

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 Similan Islands or Surabaya Better for Hiking?

Similan Islands is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Similan Islands is a good destination for hiking. There are hikes through the jungle and to various viewpoints on several of the islands.

Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Similan Islands or Surabaya?

Surabaya is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Surabaya is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Similan Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Similan Islands or Surabaya More Beautiful?

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

The famous beauty of Similan Islands is one of the main draws. The remote setting makes this one of the few truly pristine places left to explore. In addition to the white sand and blue water, the undersea world here is spectacular.

Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Similan Islands or Surabaya Better for Families?

Similan Islands is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Similan Islands. It's a remote setting, but it's spectacularly beautiful with great snorkeling and sandy beaches that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

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 Similan Islands or Surabaya Better for Couples?

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

Similan Islands makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples who want to escape the tourist crowds will appreciate this remote and beautiful beach setting. The blue water and sandy beaches make for a true paradise.

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

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Similan Islands and Surabaya.

Public transit is mostly limited in Similan Islands. The national park operates boats between the islands. You can also charter private longtail boats, however these must be secured in advance and availability is not guaranteed.

Public transit is generally 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 Similan Islands or Surabaya a more walkable city?

Surabaya is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Similan Islands is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Similan Islands is a somewhat walkable island chain. There are footpaths that connect the points of interest on some of the islands.

For even more information, also check out Is Similan Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Surabaya Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Surabaya or Similan Islands?

How long in Similan Islands or Surabaya?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Similan Islands or Surabaya to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Similan Islands than Surabaya because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Similan Islands, and 1-2 days is enough time in Surabaya.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surabaya than Similan Islands 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 Surabaya.

One day in Similan Islands or Surabaya?

The beautiful island chain of Similan Islands offers scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Similan Islands or Surabaya?

Similan Islands is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 big city with plenty to do. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Similan Islands or Surabaya?

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

Surabaya is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Similan Islands or Surabaya?

Similan Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Similan Islands has to offer. This island chain offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Surabaya. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, 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 Similan Islands and Surabaya, we can see that Similan Islands 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 Similan Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Similan Islands 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 Similan Islands Expensive? and Is Surabaya Expensive?.