A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surabaya vs. Cairns for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Surabaya or Cairns?

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

Should I visit Surabaya or Cairns? 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.

Surabaya

Surabaya is a undiscovered, authentic, and local city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Surabaya travel costs.

Cairns

Cairns is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and tropical city. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Cairns travel costs.

Surabaya and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surabaya or Cairns?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cairns than Surabaya. While Surabaya is larger than Cairns, Cairns has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cairns is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Surabaya attracts visitors for its big city activities. Cairns is more touristy than Surabaya and is popular for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. It is also well known for the Great Barrier Reef. Surabaya is famous for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution.

How is Surabaya different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Surabaya or Cairns?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Surabaya or Cairns.

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.

While most people don't head to Cairns specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

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

Cairns is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Cairns is an experience not to be missed. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Surabaya. 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 Surabaya or Cairns Better for Nightlife?

Cairns is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Cairns is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

If you're looking for night time activities Surabaya has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Surabaya or Cairns Better for Resorts?

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

Cairns is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

Surabaya is not a resort destination.

Is Surabaya or Cairns Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cairns 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 Cairns a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Surabaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Surabaya or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Cairns 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 Cairns. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

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 Surabaya or Cairns Better for Hiking?

Cairns is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

People visit Cairns specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Surabaya or Cairns?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cairns and Surabaya.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Surabaya. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cairns. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

Is Surabaya or Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Cairns is a very family-friendly destination. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

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 Surabaya or Cairns Better for Couples?

Cairns is a great destination for couples. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for romance.

Couples visit Cairns frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

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 Surabaya or Cairns Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cairns is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Cairns is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

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

Cairns is a popular place for its public transit. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Cairns, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

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 Surabaya or Cairns a more walkable city?

Surabaya is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its walkability.

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

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Surabaya?

How long in Surabaya or Cairns?

In either Surabaya or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairns than Surabaya because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Surabaya, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cairns 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 Cairns.

One day in Surabaya or Cairns?

Surabaya is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The city of Cairns offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

A weekend in Surabaya or Cairns?

Surabaya is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cairns 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.

Five days in Surabaya or Cairns?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surabaya. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Surabaya or Cairns?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the authentic big city of Surabaya. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Cairns is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Indonesia, The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Australia, and The Best Budget Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surabaya and Cairns, we can see that Cairns is more expensive. And not only is Surabaya much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Surabaya is in Asia and Cairns 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 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 Cairns would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cairns 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 Surabaya Expensive? and Is Cairns Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Surabaya or Cairns?

Surabaya has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cairns. When comparing the sizes of Surabaya and Cairns, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.