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

Should you visit Surabaya or Wollongong?

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

Should I visit Surabaya or Wollongong? 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. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Surabaya travel costs.

Wollongong

Wollongong is a student-friendly, trendy, and vibrant coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Wollongong travel costs.

Surabaya and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surabaya or Wollongong?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Wollongong than Surabaya. While Surabaya is larger than Wollongong, Wollongong has more sights and attractions for tourists. Wollongong is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and hiking, while Surabaya attracts visitors for its shopping and big city activities. Wollongong is more touristy than Surabaya and is popular for its surrounding nature and urban beaches. It is also well known for Grand Pacific Drive. Surabaya is famous for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution.

How is Surabaya different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Wollongong offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are several museums like the Wollongong Science Centre and Wollongong Planetarium and the railway museum Trainworks. There's also the Illawarra Museum, which is housed in the former post and telegraph office.

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 Wollongong? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Wollongong 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 Wollongong is an experience not to be missed. In recent years a younger crowd of entrepreneurs and self-starters has moved into the city, and with them has come a growing food scene. You'll find local cafes, fine dining restaurants, and many great beachfront restaurants where you can dine.

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 Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Wollongong know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene has seen a revitalization in recent years, and in addition to the standard bars and pubs, you'll find local venues that range from quirky to lively.

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 Wollongong Better for Beaches?

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

Wollongong is considered a top beach destination. There are urban beaches, as well as more hidden coastal areas that attract locals and visitors alike. In the heart of the city you'll find North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong City Beach, both of which have picnic areas and are popular with locals.

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 Wollongong Better for Hiking?

Wollongong is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Wollongong is a good destination for hiking. The surrounding area has many great hikes that can be done as a day trip or even a half day trip. There are waterfalls, city views, and forest walks. Some of the most popular trails include Brokers Nose and Clover Hill Trail.

Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Surabaya or Wollongong?

Surabaya is great for its shopping areas. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Wollongong is a great destination for shopping. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Is Surabaya or Wollongong Better for Families?

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

Wollongong is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches, nearby nature, and ubiquitous bike trails make this a fun coastal city to explore with kids. There are also interactive museums such as Discovery Space and plenty of playgrounds. Kid-friendly surf lessons as well as the Nan Tien Temple make this a fun and fascinating family destination.

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 Wollongong Better for Couples?

Wollongong is a great destination for couples. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for romance.

Couples visit Wollongong frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The scenic natural areas, including the Grand Pacific Drive or the many bush walks, make this a wonderful couples retreat. There are water sports like surfing as well as horseback riding and even helicopter rides. In the evening, enjoy a nice meal and a sunset view.

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 Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Wollongong. There are a couple of hostels as well as many outdoor areas to explore, so backpackers who want to escape the traditional backpacker scene will appreciate some time here.

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 Wollongong Better for Students?

Wollongong is a popular place for students. However, Surabaya is not popular with students.

Wollongong is popular with students. It's not too far from Sydney and has a smaller, more laid back coastal vibe that appeals to many students.

Surabaya is not popular with students.

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

Wollongong 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 Wollongong can get you to most places easily. There's a free Gong shuttle bus that travels around the city center. It runs a loop from Wollongong Station to Wollongong University in both directions. There are also other bus services in town.

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 Wollongong a more walkable city?

Surabaya and Wollongong 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.

Wollongong is very walkable. There are walking paths in the city center so it's possible to walk to many tourist destinations.

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

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Surabaya?

How long in Surabaya or Wollongong?

It's fun to spend time in either Surabaya or Wollongong. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Wollongong due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Surabaya, and 2-4 days is enough time in Wollongong.

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

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

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

One day in Surabaya or Wollongong?

When visiting Surabaya, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Surabaya, one day is sufficent for most.

The coastal city of Wollongong 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 Wollongong?

When visiting Surabaya, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Wollongong is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal 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 Wollongong, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Surabaya or Wollongong?

Surabaya, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wollongong 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 Wollongong?

Surabaya is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Wollongong 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 coastal 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 Coach Bus Tours in Australia, and The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Surabaya or Wollongong?

Surabaya has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Wollongong. When comparing the sizes of Surabaya and Wollongong, 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.