A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surabaya vs. Mount Aspiring National Park for Backpackers, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Surabaya or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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

Should I visit Surabaya or Mount Aspiring National Park? 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Surabaya travel costs.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a undeveloped, remote, and rugged national park. The famous beauty of Mount Aspiring National Park is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking. See Mount Aspiring National Park travel costs.

Surabaya and Mount Aspiring National Park : Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Surabaya or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Surabaya. Although Surabaya and Mount Aspiring National Park are both popular with visitors, Surabaya has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Surabaya is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Mount Aspiring National Park is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Mount Aspiring National Park is more touristy than Surabaya and is known for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes. Surabaya is popular for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution. It is also home to the Submarine Monument.

How is Surabaya different from Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park?

Surabaya
Mount Aspiring National Park

Surabaya is a moderate city for its sights and museums. However, Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Surabaya or Mount Aspiring National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Surabaya
Mount Aspiring National Park

Surabaya is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park has a small number of restaurants to choose from. Bring plenty of food supplies, because amenities are in short supply in many parts of the park.

Is Surabaya or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Nightlife?

Surabaya
Mount Aspiring National Park

Surabaya is a nice place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing is the best nightlife in the area.

Is Surabaya or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Beaches?

Surabaya
Mount Aspiring National Park

Surabaya is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.

Surabaya has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a beach destination.


Is Surabaya or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Hiking?

Surabaya
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

People visit Mount Aspiring National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are many different types of trails in the park that range from shorter day hikes to multi-day hikes. The difficulty level doesn't always correspond to the length of the hike, so do your research before you set out. Some of the most known hikes in the area are the Blue Pools Track, the Rob Roy Track, the Routeburn Track, and the challenging Cascade Saddle Route.

Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Surabaya or Mount Aspiring National Park?

Surabaya
Mount Aspiring National Park

Surabaya is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Surabaya is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Surabaya or Mount Aspiring National Park More Beautiful?

Surabaya
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

The famous beauty of Mount Aspiring National Park is one of the main draws. The stunning mountain scenery and pristine, rugged hikes make this a truly spectacular alpine setting.

Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Surabaya or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Families?

Surabaya
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Mount Aspiring National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The park offers a stunning natural setting that will inspire a child's love of nature. There are a number of kid-friendly hikes in the park with some of the most popular being the Blue Pools Track, Routeburn Nature Walk, the Roaring Billy Falls Walk, and the Thunder Creek Falls Walk.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Couples?

Surabaya
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a great destination for couples. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for romance.

Couples visit Mount Aspiring National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with inspiring scenery and a breathtaking mountain setting, this park is perfect for couples who appreciate nature's beauty. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and striking views that will spark the romance in any relationship.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Surabaya
Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a very popular national park to visit for backpackers. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

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 Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Surabaya
Mount Aspiring National Park

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Surabaya and Mount Aspiring National Park.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Mount Aspiring National Park. It's possible to arrange transportation to the trailheads from Te Anau or Wanaka.

Is Surabaya or Mount Aspiring National Park a more walkable city?

Surabaya
Mount Aspiring National Park

Surabaya is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Mount Aspiring National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a somewhat walkable city. There are day hikes as well as mult-day back country hikes through the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Surabaya Worth Visiting? and Is Mount Aspiring National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park or Surabaya?

How long in Surabaya or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

In either Surabaya or Mount Aspiring National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park .

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Surabaya than Mount Aspiring National Park 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.


  • How many days in Surabaya or Mount Aspiring National Park ? Ideal Length of Stay
    Surabaya 1-2 
    Mount Aspiring National Park  2-5

One day in Surabaya or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Surabaya is a big city with plenty to do. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

The beautiful national park of Mount Aspiring National Park offers . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surabaya. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Surabaya has to offer.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mount Aspiring National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Surabaya or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Surabaya is a fun place to experience. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mount Aspiring National Park, 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

You'll find nightlife and food around the authentic city of Surabaya. It offers something for everyone. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 national park 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in New Zealand, and The Best 2-Week Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Mount Aspiring National Park or Surabaya?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Surabaya Prices
    Indonesia Prices
    Mount Aspiring National Park Prices
    New Zealand Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Surabaya $76
    Mount Aspiring National Park $122

The average daily cost (per person) in Surabaya is $76, while the average daily cost in Mount Aspiring National Park is $122. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Surabaya and Mount Aspiring National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Surabaya $36
    Mount Aspiring National Park $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Surabaya $72
    Mount Aspiring National Park $116
Compare Hotels in Surabaya and Mount Aspiring National Park

Looking for a hotel in Surabaya or Mount Aspiring National Park ? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Surabaya


Hotels in Mount Aspiring National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Surabaya Hotel Prices and Mount Aspiring National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Surabaya $2.66
    Mount Aspiring National Park $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Surabaya

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Surabaya:

  • Private Transfer International Jendaral Ahmad (SRG) to City centre Seamarang: $13
  • Private Transfer International Jendaral Ahmad (SRG) to City Semarang: $13
  • Private Airport Transfer Surabaya: $21
  • Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Bungurasih: $33
  • Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Kota Surabaya: $33
  • Private Transfer from Kota Surabaya to Surabaya Airport (SUB): $33
  • Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Pabean: $33
  • Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Sedati: $33
  • Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Surabaya City : $33
  • Private Transfer from Surabaya City to Surabaya Airport (SUB): $33
  • Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Delta sari: $33
  • Private Transfer from Surabaya Airport (SUB) to Semampir: $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Surabaya or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Prices for flights to both Mount Aspiring National Park and Surabaya change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Surabaya $37
    Mount Aspiring National Park $32

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Surabaya $4.56
    Mount Aspiring National Park $29

Tours and Activities in Surabaya

Here are a few actual costs in Surabaya for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • From Mount Bromo Sunrise Guided Group Tour: $46
  • Epic Mount Bromo Sunrise Tour from Surabaya & Malang: $52
  • From Malang: Tumpak Sewu Waterfall Private Tour: $68
  • Private Day Tour Surabaya Historiculture : $70
  • Mount Bromo Sunrise Shared Guided Tour from Surabaya : $71
  • Day Tour - Surabaya Heritage Colonial Tour: $73
  • Bromo Sunrise Tour: $76
  • Surabaya Private Tour: $78
  • Probolinggo City Tour For Cruise Passengers: $78
  • Bromo Tour Package: Midnight Bromo Open Trip from Batu: $79
  • Start From Mount Bromo Sunrise Shared Guided Tour : $79
  • Half-Day Private Majapahit Historical Tour from Surabaya: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Surabaya -
    Mount Aspiring National Park $5.07


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