A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surabaya vs. Hong Kong for Food, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Surabaya or Hong Kong?

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

Should I visit Surabaya or Hong Kong? 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 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.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan, glamorous, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of Hong Kong is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Hong Kong travel costs.

Surabaya and Hong Kong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surabaya or Hong Kong?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hong Kong than Surabaya, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Hong Kong is more touristy than Surabaya and is popular for its modern skyscrapers, colorful waterfront, lush parks, and amazing dim sum. It is also home to Victoria Peak. Surabaya is popular for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution.

How is Surabaya different from Hong Kong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

Hong Kong offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's skyline is one of the most famous "landmarks", but you'll also want to visit Victoria Peak, the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, Wong Tai Sin Temple, and Avenue of Stars.

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.

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

Hong Kong is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Hong Kong is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's population is famous for its frequency of dining out, and the prolific diversity of restaurants is obvious from the moment you arrive. There are street food stalls and night markets, as well as luxury award winning restaurants. The city holds tight to its culinary traditions, but fusion restaurants are creeping in as well. Some of the most famous Hong Kong foods include dim sum, sweet and sour pork, and roast goose.

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 Hong Kong Better for Nightlife?

Hong Kong is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Hong Kong know how to have a good time. The city lights up after the sun sets. You'll find a diverse range of activities in the evening with everything from night markets to concerts and parties. There's a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary activities, particularly around Lan Kwai Fong. Many of the most popular venues are found around Central and, like everything else in Hong Kong, the venues are full of energy.

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 Hong Kong Better for Beaches?

Hong Kong is a great destination for the beach. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Hong Kong is considered a top beach destination. You actually don't have to travel far from the city center to find a relatively quiet, sandy beach. The different beaches on Hong Kong Island are relatively close to each other, and each has its own atmosphere. If you need a break from the heat and the crowds, then a beach day is a fun option. Hong Kong's natural coastline give way to popular beaches including Repulse Bay Beach and Shek O Beach. Each offers a number of amenities and dining options.

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 Hong Kong Better for Hiking?

Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong. The city is surrounded by dramatic mountains and beautiful viewpoints, making it easy to enjoy a day in nature. The hikes will offer impressive views and dramatic rock formations. Popular hikes in the area include The Peak, Dragon's Back, and the Violet Hill and Twin Peak hike.

Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Surabaya or Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Hong Kong is a world class destination for shoppers. There is a high concentration of shopping malls in the city, and you'll likely find yourself cutting through malls to access different parts of town. The city is arguably one of the best shopping cities in the world. Popular items to purchase in the city include designer clothes, handbags, electronics, jewelry, watches, and tailor-made suits.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Is Surabaya or Hong Kong More Beautiful?

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

The famous beauty of Hong Kong is one of the main draws. The city is home to the nightly Symphony of Lights, which illuminates the waterfront area with a light show.

Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Surabaya or Hong Kong Better for Families?

Hong Kong 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, Hong Kong is a very family-friendly destination. In addition to its many fascinating cultural experiences like visiting the markets and historical landmarks, this city also has a diversity of kid-friendly entertainment options. The most obvious is Disneyland, but there are also other amusement parks and aquariums like Ocean Park. Make sure you check out the Symphony of Lights in the evening and head to The Peak Tower during the day.

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 Hong Kong Better for Couples?

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

Hong Kong makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This city is filled with luxury hotels, beautiful parks, and impressive restaurants. For a romantic evening, check out the Symphony of Lights over Victoria Harbour after the sun sets.

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 Hong Kong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Hong Kong. The city is more expensive than many places, but cheap eateries and free activities are abundant. Many backpackers stay in the Tsim Sha Shui area of Kowloon. This is where you'll find the frequently talked about Chungking Mansions. Times are changing though, and you'll find more hostels on Hong Kong Island these days as well.

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 Hong Kong Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hong Kong is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Hong Kong can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Land transportation includes the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), buses, minibuses, and tramways. There are also ferries that connect the different parts of the city.

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 Hong Kong a more walkable city?

Hong Kong is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Surabaya is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Hong Kong on foot is easy. The city has many parks and walking paths that connect different areas.

Surabaya is very walkable. 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 Surabaya Worth Visiting? and Is Hong Kong Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hong Kong or Surabaya?

How long in Surabaya or Hong Kong?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong.

One day in Surabaya or Hong Kong?

People visit Surabaya because there is so much to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Surabaya has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful city of Hong Kong offers food and shopping. 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 Hong Kong?

People visit Surabaya because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Hong Kong 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.

Five days in Surabaya or Hong Kong?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the local city of Surabaya. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hong Kong is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hong Kong, 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 Hong Kong?

Surabaya is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see 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 Surabaya and Hong Kong, we can see that Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Surabaya or Hong Kong?

Hong Kong has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Surabaya. When comparing the sizes of Surabaya and Hong Kong, 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.