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

Should you visit Surabaya or Koh Phi Phi?

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

Should I visit Surabaya or Koh Phi Phi? 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 shopping, nightlife, and food. See Surabaya travel costs.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is a beautiful, rustic, and remote island. The famous beauty of Koh Phi Phi is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Koh Phi Phi travel costs.

Surabaya and Koh Phi Phi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surabaya or Koh Phi Phi?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Koh Phi Phi. Although Surabaya and Koh Phi Phi are both popular with visitors, Koh Phi Phi has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Koh Phi Phi is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Surabaya is known for its museums and attractions, shopping, and big city activities. Koh Phi Phi is more touristy than Surabaya and is popular for its stunningly beautiful beaches, world-class snorkeling and diving, and wild booze cruises. It is also home to Koh Phi Phi Leh and Maya Bay. Surabaya is popular for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution.

How is Surabaya different from Koh Phi Phi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi?

Surabaya is adequate for its historical sights. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Koh Phi Phi offers a few options for museum-goers. It's an island paradise with world class beaches and stunning natural beauty, but if you're looking for museums, temples, and culture, then you'll likely want to head farther north to Northern Thailand.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Surabaya and Koh Phi Phi can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Koh Phi Phi. Most dishes feature seafood, and you'll find the highest concentration of restaurants around Tonsai Village. There are also restaurants dotting the way to Long Beach. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, or a combination of an indoor/outdoor setting. Tropical fruit is also abundant on the island and adds to that tropical paradise atmosphere.

Is Surabaya or Koh Phi Phi Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Koh Phi Phi know how to have a good time. Despite its smaller size, there is still a party vibe and tons of nightlife on the island. Backpackers have long flocked to this island, building on the reputation it earned from movies like "The Beach." Booze cruises and all night beach parties are the norm here, so it won't be hard to find a party that lasts until sunrise.

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 Koh Phi Phi Better for Resorts?

Koh Phi Phi is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Surabaya is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Koh Phi Phi is a great choice. Despite it's popularity with backpackers and small size, this island also has some of Thailand's most luxurious resorts. Head to Long Beach or Laem Tong to appreciate the quieter side of the island.

Surabaya is not a resort destination.

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

Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The dramatic limestone cliffs and colorful coral make this a top scuba diving and snorkeling destination in Thailand. There are countless vendors who offer scuba diving or snorkeling trips from the island. You might even see sharks, sea turtles, or seahorses during your trip. Head to the reef at dusk for the best chance of seeing black tip reef sharks.

Surabaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Surabaya or Koh Phi Phi Better for Beaches?

Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi. This island has some of the most dramatic beauty in Thailand and the beaches will not disappoint. Although it's usually referred to as an island, Koh Phi Phi is actually a small archipelago with Koh Phi Phi Don being the only inhabited island. Nearby Koh Phi Phi Leh is famous as the filming place of the movie "The Beach" (which you'll hear playing at hotels around the island every night). The beaches are beautiful with white sand and clear water. It truly is a tropical paradise.

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 Koh Phi Phi Better for Hiking?

Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi. With its dramatic cliffs, this area has beautiful, but challenging hikes that take you to stunning viewpoints. The dramatic photos that you see of the islands often require a hike, but the reward at the end is well worth it.

Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Surabaya or Koh Phi Phi?

Surabaya is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Koh Phi Phi is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

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.

Koh Phi Phi has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. Shopping is limited on the island but you'll find a few souvenir shops with trinkets that you can purchase. Because it's an island, you can expect prices to be high.

Is Surabaya or Koh Phi Phi More Beautiful?

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

The famous beauty of Koh Phi Phi is one of the main draws. While most people visit this island as a day trip, those who do spend a few days here will enjoy dramatic beauty, stunning landscapes, and excellent beaches. The island feels a bit more rustic and remote than some of the more developed islands, but the north side of the island offers a truly tropical paradise. During the day, crowds can be high as tourists flock to the area from nearby islands.

Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Surabaya or Koh Phi Phi Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Surabaya or Koh Phi Phi as a family destination.

Surabaya doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. 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.

For families, Koh Phi Phi is not always the best place to visit. This island is on the smaller side and it has a remote tropical island atmosphere. The best side of the island for families is the north end where you'll find the quietest and most beautiful beaches. It's best to avoid the area around Tonsai which has the highest concentration of backpackers and day trippers.

Is Surabaya or Koh Phi Phi Better for Couples?

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

Koh Phi Phi makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Stunning beaches, dramatic landscapes, excellent snorkeling and scuba diving, and a remote tropical atmosphere make this is a great place for couples and honeymooners. Head to the quieter north side of the island where you'll find the better resorts and less backpackers, as well as the best beaches.

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 Koh Phi Phi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Koh Phi Phi is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. Most people visit this island as a day trip, but for those who linger, they'll be rewarded with dramatic landscapes and beautiful beaches. Most backpackers hang out around Tonsai where things are the cheapest, but the quality can also be very poor.

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 Koh Phi Phi Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are water taxis and private boats 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 Surabaya or Koh Phi Phi a more walkable city?

Surabaya is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Koh Phi Phi is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Koh Phi Phi is a somewhat walkable city. You can't walk all of the way around the island because of the cliffs, but you can walk from Tonsai to Long Beach.

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

Should I spend more time in Koh Phi Phi or Surabaya?

How long in Surabaya or Koh Phi Phi?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Surabaya and Koh Phi Phi. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Koh Phi Phi than in Surabaya. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Surabaya, and 2-3 days is enough time in Koh Phi Phi.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi.

One day in Surabaya or Koh Phi Phi?

Surabaya is a local city where you can fill many days. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The beautiful island of Koh Phi Phi offers nightlife 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.

A weekend in Surabaya or Koh Phi Phi?

Surabaya is a local big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Five days in Surabaya or Koh Phi Phi?

The local city of Surabaya offers shopping and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Koh Phi Phi 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 Surabaya or Koh Phi Phi?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Surabaya. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Koh Phi Phi 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 island 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Surabaya and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Koh Phi Phi 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 Phi Phi would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Surabaya or Koh Phi Phi?

Surabaya has a larger population, and is about 2370 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Surabaya and Koh Phi Phi, 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.