A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surabaya vs. Singapore for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Surabaya or Singapore?

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

Should I visit Surabaya or Singapore? 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.

Singapore

Singapore is a colorful, glitzy, and modern city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Singapore attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping. See Singapore travel costs.

Surabaya and Singapore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surabaya or Singapore?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Singapore than Surabaya. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Singapore is more touristy than Surabaya and is known for its blend of cultures, its lush gardens, and its clean streets. It is also well known for Merlion Park Waterfront. Surabaya is famous for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution.

How is Surabaya different from Singapore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Singapore offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The mix of cultures and unique history have led to museums and landmarks that mix historic and modern. The Merlion statue in Merlion Park has become a symbol of the city. For an educational experience, head to the Asian Civilizations Museum, and to see colonial architecture check out Fort Canning Park.

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 Singapore? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Singapore 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, Singapore is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. From local dives to five star restaurants, the city's food scene is all about diversity. Make sure you try Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, and Hokkien prawn mee.

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 Singapore Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Surabaya or Singapore has a better nightlife scene.

Surabaya has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Singapore has a few options to choose from. It's all about the glitzy nightclubs and exclusive cocktail bars. Head to Clarke Quay, Marina Bay Sands, or one of the many rooftop bars to experience the best of Singapore's nightlife. Do keep in mind that the city has a high alcohol tax, and strict rules around drinking in public places during certain hours.

Is Surabaya or Singapore Better for Music?

Singapore is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Surabaya is not a live music destination.

In Singapore you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. As a globalized city, you'll find almost any type of music here. Popular music venues include Timbre, Zouk, and the Crazy Elephant.

Surabaya is not a live music destination.

Is Surabaya or Singapore Better for Resorts?

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

For the ultimate resort vacation, Singapore is a great choice. From sleek high rises with rooftop pools to family-friendly resorts with kid oriented activities, this city has it all. Popular resorts include Oasia Resort Sentosa, Dusit Thani Laguna, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Surabaya is not a resort destination.

Is Surabaya or Singapore Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Singapore is not so good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Surabaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Singapore isn't the best spot for snorkeling. The best place to snorkel in the area is Pulau Hantu.

Surabaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Surabaya or Singapore Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Surabaya and Singapore are nice choices.

Surabaya is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people head to Singapore to enjoy the beach. You'll find most of the area's best beaches on Sentosa Island. There's a 2 kilometer long artificial beach that is split into Palawan Beach, Siloso Beach, and Tanjong Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Surabaya or Singapore?

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

Singapore is a world class destination for shoppers. You'll find tons of malls along Orchard Road, but for a more eclectic shopping experience head to the Chinatown Street Market.

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 Singapore More Beautiful?

Singapore is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Singapore attracts visitors from all around. It is a beautiful city with many lights and colorful neighborhoods.

Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Surabaya or Singapore Better for Families?

Singapore 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, Singapore is a very family-friendly destination. With places like Sentosa and Universal Studios, there really is no shortage of activities for kids. There's also a zoo, an aquarium, and bird park, and many kid-friendly museums.

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 Singapore Better for Couples?

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

Singapore makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The city has stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, and plenty of fun activities that are perfect for couples.

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 Singapore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Singapore is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers use this city as a starting or ending point for their Southeast Asian backpacking trip. It's modern and glamourous, but still has plenty of backpacker-friendly and budget-friendly options.

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 Singapore Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Singapore. As such a diverse city, you'll find plenty of international students as well as expats to hang out with.

Surabaya is not popular with students.

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

Singapore 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 Singapore can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There is the MRT subway system as well as buses that travel all over 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 Singapore a more walkable city?

Singapore 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 Singapore on foot is easy. It's possible to walk in most areas in the city center. There are also park connectors that are nice for taking a stroll or going for a run.

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 Singapore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Singapore or Surabaya?

How long in Surabaya or Singapore?

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

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

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

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

One day in Surabaya or Singapore?

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 Singapore offers museums and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Singapore?

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.

Singapore 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. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Singapore, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Surabaya or Singapore?

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.

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

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.

Singapore is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Singapore has to offer. 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 Budget Tours to Singapore, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Singapore.

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

Which is Bigger, Surabaya or Singapore?

Singapore has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Surabaya. When comparing the sizes of Surabaya and Singapore, 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.