A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surabaya vs. Okinawa for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Surabaya or Okinawa?

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

Should I visit Surabaya or Okinawa? 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Surabaya travel costs.

Okinawa

Okinawa is a serene, idyllic, and tropical archipelago. The famous beauty of Okinawa is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Okinawa travel costs.

Surabaya and Okinawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surabaya or Okinawa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Okinawa than Surabaya. While Surabaya is larger than Okinawa, Okinawa has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Okinawa is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Surabaya attracts visitors for its shopping and big city activities. Okinawa is more touristy than Surabaya and is known for its pristine tropical environment, stunning blue water, and impressive marine life. It is also well known for the Kerama Islands. Surabaya is famous for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution.

How is Surabaya different from Okinawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Okinawa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Although most visitors come for the natural beauty and beach setting, there are some nice historic sights and museums in the region. Favorites include Shurijo Castle, Futenma Shrine, and Churaumi Aquarium.

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 Okinawa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Okinawa 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 Okinawa is an experience not to be missed. Food in the region is truly unique, and sometimes a bit bizarre. There's a surprising amount of international influence on the cuisine because the islands are close to China and Taiwan, and there's a large American presence due to the US military. Despite this, the cuisine has its roots in the area's long history. Local dishes include rafute (pork belly in a stew), goya chanpuru (stir fry with melon, pork, and tofu), and umibudo (sea grapes).

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 Okinawa Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Okinawa know how to have a good time. The diverse population has impacted the nightlife scene, and you'll see international influences at the bars and clubs in the area. Many locals begin their night out at a izakaya, which is part bar, part restaurant. The cities are also known for their jazz clubs and karaoke scene.

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 Okinawa Better for Resorts?

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

Okinawa is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are large resorts as well as smaller, elegant hotels. If you want to be near the water, check out the coastal areas of Onna, Miyakojima, and Ishigaki.

Surabaya is not a resort destination.

Is Surabaya or Okinawa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Okinawa 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 Okinawa a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The waters around Okinawa are filled with a rich biodiversity of corals and tropical fish. You'll also find sea turtles and other larger marine animals. There are also mangrove forests that form the breeding ground for many types of marine life. The snorkeling and diving in the area is world class, and attracts both beginners and experienced divers.

Surabaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Surabaya or Okinawa Better for Beaches?

Okinawa 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 Okinawa. The region is filled with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Some of the beaches are accessible and lively while others are more remote and peaceful. Furuzamami Beach is both easy to access but also has a relaxed atmosphere. Nishihama Beach is more remote but well worth the effort and Aharen Beach is a popular day trip by ferry.

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 Okinawa Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Okinawa specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The island's tropical setting provides hikers with lush jungles and unique geology to explore. One of the most popular areas for hiking is Yambaru National Park. In this park you can walk through the mangroves and spot local wildlife. The region also has many off-the-beaten-path hiking opportunities for those looking for an adventure.

Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Surabaya or Okinawa?

Surabaya is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Okinawa is not as famous, but is still a good archipelago to visit for shopping.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Okinawa. There are a number of shopping streets in the urban areas. You'll also find large outlet malls near the US military base. A favorite shopping street in Naha is Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which has local shops and souvenir vendors.

Is Surabaya or Okinawa More Beautiful?

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

The famous beauty of Okinawa is one of the main draws. The islands are filled with beautiful natural environments that range from white sand beaches to mangrove forests. The water is turquoise and the setting is idyllic for vacationers.

Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Surabaya or Okinawa Better for Families?

Okinawa 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, Okinawa is a very family-friendly destination. There are so many kid-friendly activities in the area, that this has long been a favorite family vacation destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the snorkeling, beaches, mangroves, boat rides, and adventure activities like ziplining. Kayaking in Yambaru Mangrove Forest is a favorite activity, but also check out the sea turtles at Ikei Island.

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 Okinawa Better for Couples?

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

Okinawa makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its stunning beaches, world class snorkeling, and relaxing resorts, couples and honeymooners will love a trip to these beautiful islands. There's a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural activities that will keep any couple entertained.

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 Okinawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Okinawa. Despite being one of the most fascinating places in Japan to visit, it can be challenging as a backpacker. There aren't many hostels in the area and transportation can be a bit tricky.

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

Okinawa 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 Okinawa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit through the area is decent in urban areas but gets more limited outside of the cities. On the main island there are buses, shuttles, and a monorail, but off the main island you'll want your own vehicle.

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 Okinawa a more walkable city?

Surabaya is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Okinawa is not a good archipelago 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.

Okinawa is generally not a very walkable city. The islands range from developed to remote, so if you want to efficiently explore, it's helpful to have a car or at least a bicycle.

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

Should I spend more time in Okinawa or Surabaya?

How long in Surabaya or Okinawa?

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

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

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

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

One day in Surabaya or Okinawa?

Because Surabaya is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 archipelago of Okinawa offers museums and nightlife. 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 Okinawa?

Because Surabaya is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Surabaya has to offer.

Okinawa 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 Okinawa?

Surabaya is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surabaya. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Surabaya. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Okinawa 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 Okinawa has to offer. This archipelago 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 G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.

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

Which is Bigger, Surabaya or Okinawa?

Surabaya has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Okinawa. When comparing the sizes of Surabaya and Okinawa, 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.