A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surabaya vs. Melbourne for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Surabaya or Melbourne?

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

Should I visit Surabaya or Melbourne? 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.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a cultural, progressive, and livable city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Melbourne travel costs.

Surabaya and Melbourne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surabaya or Melbourne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Melbourne than Surabaya, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Melbourne is more touristy than Surabaya and is popular for its art and cultural scene, its sports history, and its friendly and welcoming population. It is also home to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Surabaya is popular for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution.

How is Surabaya different from Melbourne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Melbourne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the city's sights center around the art and cultural scene. There's the the National Gallery of Victoria and the Performing Arts Centre Melbourne. There's also Federation Square. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the National Sports Museum and for great views, check out Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower.

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 Melbourne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Melbourne 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 Melbourne is an experience not to be missed. There's an eclectic mix of international restaurants that offer everything from Szechuan dishes to Spanish tapas. You'll find bistros and bars that have a fun and relaxed vibe and locals and tourists alike enjoy dining out.

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 Melbourne Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Melbourne know how to have a good time. There are bars and clubs that have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere as well as more party focused nightclubs that stay open late into the night. Whether you're interested in dancing and listening to live music, or chatting with friends at a local brewery, there really is something for everyone.

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 Melbourne Better for Beaches?

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

Melbourne is considered a top beach destination. There are laid back beaches near town that attract locals and tourists alike. You can enjoy coastal trails and great natural beauty. St Kilda Beach and Elwood Beach are among the most popular beaches near the city. Brighton Beach is known for its colorful bathing boxes and Williamstown Beach is very family-friendly.

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 the Shopping Better in Surabaya or Melbourne?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Melbourne 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 Melbourne. The city has tons of retail options that range from trendy fashion boutiques to outdoor markets. There are local venders that highlight the city's art and cultural scene, but there are also suburban malls with all of the major brands.

Is Surabaya or Melbourne Better for Families?

Melbourne is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Melbourne is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has kids museums like the Museum of Play and Art or the Polly Woodside Tall Ship and Museum. There's also the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and the Scienceworks Museums. If you like quirky, check out the ArtVo 3D Immersive Art Gallery. There's also Legoland, which has a lot for younger children.

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 Melbourne Better for Couples?

Melbourne is a popular place for couples. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for romance.

Melbourne is a good city for couples to visit. It's a very livable city with romantic viewpoints like SkyHigh Mount Dandenong. There are also nice gardens to explore such as the Carlton Gardens and the Rippon Lea House and Gardens. Or you could go for a ride on the Melbourne Star or dine at one of the many great restaurants.

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 Melbourne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Melbourne. Many backpackers breeze through the city, but there is a great music and art scene as well as a number of good restaurants. You'll also find a couple of good hostels in town.

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 Melbourne Better for Students?

Melbourne is an unbeatable place for students. However, Surabaya is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Melbourne. Many students think this is among the best student cities in Australia. There's a great creative culture with a good music and art scene. The population is diverse and the restaurants a great.

Surabaya is not popular with students.

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

Melbourne is a great destination for its public transit. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Melbourne can get you to most places easily. The public transit system is among the best in Australia. There are public buses, trains, and trams (also called trolleys or streetcars).

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 Melbourne a more walkable city?

Surabaya and Melbourne both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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.

Melbourne is very walkable. The city center is very walkable with a compact and grid-like layout.

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

Should I spend more time in Melbourne or Surabaya?

How long in Surabaya or Melbourne?

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

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

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

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

One day in Surabaya or Melbourne?

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 city of Melbourne offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Surabaya or Melbourne?

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.

Melbourne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Melbourne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Surabaya or Melbourne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic 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.

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

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.

Melbourne is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, 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 Scuba Diving Tours in Australia, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Surabaya or Melbourne?

Melbourne has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Surabaya. When comparing the sizes of Surabaya and Melbourne, 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.