A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Koh Tarutao vs. Surabaya for Beaches, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Koh Tarutao or Surabaya?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Koh Tarutao and Surabaya. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Koh Tarutao

Koh Tarutao is a beautiful, undiscovered, and secluded island. With stunning beauty, Koh Tarutao attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking. See Koh Tarutao travel costs.

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 food, beaches, and shopping. See Surabaya travel costs.

Koh Tarutao and Surabaya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Koh Tarutao or Surabaya?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Surabaya. Although Koh Tarutao and Surabaya are popular destinations, Surabaya has more sights and attractions for tourists. Surabaya is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Koh Tarutao attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Koh Tarutao is famous for its secluded beauty and undiscovered paradise setting. Surabaya is famous for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution. It is also well known for the Submarine Monument.

How is Koh Tarutao different from Surabaya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Surabaya and Koh Tarutao. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Koh Tarutao or Surabaya?

Surabaya is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Koh Tarutao offers a few options for museum-goers. This island is all about remote natural settings that will take your breath away, but you won't find anything in the form of temples or museums.

Is the Food Better in Koh Tarutao or Surabaya? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Surabaya is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Surabaya is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Koh Tarutao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are three restaurants on the island that have limited hours so, if possible, it's best to arrive with some snacks. The food is simple and can get repetitive if you eat the same meals several days in a row.

Is Koh Tarutao or Surabaya Better for Nightlife?

Surabaya is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Koh Tarutao. There's a good chance you'll have this island almost completely to yourself. The few restaurants on the island close early and you'll likely head to bed early after taking in the stunning night sky.

Is Koh Tarutao or Surabaya Better for Resorts?

Koh Tarutao is not so good for its resorts. However, Surabaya is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Koh Tarutao offers a few options. You won't find luxury resorts (or any resorts) on the island. What you will find is simple bungalows, or tents available for rent at the ranger stations.

Surabaya is not a resort destination.

Is Koh Tarutao or Surabaya Better for Beaches?

Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao. A true island paradise, you'll find isolated beaches here that are so remote that you'll likely have them to yourself for large parts of the day.

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 Koh Tarutao or Surabaya Better for Hiking?

Koh Tarutao is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Koh Tarutao. There are hiking trails through mangrove coves, inland through the dramatic vegetation, and up cliffs to impressive viewpoints.

Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Koh Tarutao or Surabaya?

Surabaya is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options 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.

Koh Tarutao has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a small shop at the visitor center where you can pick up simple drinks and snacks.

Is Koh Tarutao or Surabaya More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Koh Tarutao attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful undeveloped beaches and stunning natural environments make this a truly unique destination.

Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Koh Tarutao or Surabaya Better for Families?

Koh Tarutao is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koh Tarutao. For families who want seclusion, this beautiful island is the place to spend a night or two. There are great beaches, interesting hikes, and kayaks available to visitors.

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 Koh Tarutao or Surabaya Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Koh Tarutao frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For a truly remote experience, couples will enjoy this often overlooked island. There are hikes and isolated beaches that offer romance in its most simple form.

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 Koh Tarutao or Surabaya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koh Tarutao. Most backpackers overlook this beautiful island for the more party-oriented destinations of Thailand, but those who spend a night or two here will be rewarded with a truly unique and authentic experience.

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

Visitors will find reasonable public transit in both Koh Tarutao and Surabaya.

Public transit is mostly limited in Koh Tarutao. There are shuttle taxis that travel around the island at fixed times. You can also rent a mountain bike at the ranger stations.

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.

Is Koh Tarutao or Surabaya a more walkable city?

Surabaya is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Koh Tarutao is lacking in good options 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.

Koh Tarutao is generally not very walkable. The island is quite large and difficult to explore on foot alone.

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

Should I spend more time in Surabaya or Koh Tarutao?

How long in Koh Tarutao or Surabaya?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Koh Tarutao or Surabaya to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Koh Tarutao than Surabaya because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Koh Tarutao, and 1-2 days is enough time in Surabaya.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Koh Tarutao 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 Koh Tarutao.

One day in Koh Tarutao or Surabaya?

The beautiful island of Koh Tarutao 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.

Surabaya is a local city where you can fill many days. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Koh Tarutao or Surabaya?

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

Surabaya is a local big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Koh Tarutao or Surabaya?

Koh Tarutao is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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.

The authentic city of Surabaya offers shopping and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Koh Tarutao or Surabaya?

Koh Tarutao is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches 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 island offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Surabaya. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Indonesia.

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