A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surabaya vs. Dewa Sanzan for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Surabaya or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Should I visit Surabaya or Dewa Sanzan? 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. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping. See Surabaya travel costs.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan is a remote, traditional, and religious religious site. Other popular activities here include hiking and museums. See Dewa Sanzan travel costs.

Surabaya and Dewa Sanzan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surabaya or Dewa Sanzan?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Surabaya. Although Surabaya and Dewa Sanzan are both popular with visitors, Surabaya has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Surabaya is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Dewa Sanzan is known for its museums and attractions and hiking. Dewa Sanzan is more touristy than Surabaya and is popular for its traditional religion, three sacred mountains, and the Shukubo Pilgrim Lodges. Surabaya is popular for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution. It is also home to the Submarine Monument.

How is Surabaya different from Dewa Sanzan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dewa Sanzan is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its historical sights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dewa Sanzan. This is a sacred religious site that is at the heart of the Shugendo folk religion. The religion combines Buddhist and Shinto traditions and there are several temples in the area including the most sacred sights at Yudono-san, Haguro-san, and Gas-san, as well as the Churenji and Dainichibo Temples.

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 Dewa Sanzan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Surabaya is very good for its restaurants. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Surabaya has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Dewa Sanzan may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. In your guesthouse you'll be given "Shojin cuisine", which is the traditional cuisine that has been handed down through the generations. It is strictly vegetarian and is heavily influenced by whatever vegetable is currently in season in the area. Traditionally, the cuisine focused on sustenance and not taste, but for the purposes of hospitality, the dishes are more flavorful than is typical in the traditional cuisine.

Is Surabaya or Dewa Sanzan Better for Nightlife?

Surabaya is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

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 Dewa Sanzan. This is a religious site that is remote and focused on mountain worship and devotion. Nightlife is non-existent in the area.

Is Surabaya or Dewa Sanzan Better for Beaches?

Surabaya is very good for the beach. However, Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

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.

Dewa Sanzan is not a beach destination.

Is Surabaya or Dewa Sanzan Better for Hiking?

Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan. Experienced hikers can climb Mt. Gassan and Mt. Yudono in one day and do Mt. Haguro separately. For Mt. Gassan, you'll want to take the bus to the 8th station and climb from there.

Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Surabaya or Dewa Sanzan?

Surabaya is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its shopping areas.

Surabaya is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Dewa Sanzan has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. This is a sacred sight that is devoted to worship and a simple life. As such, shopping in not available in the area with the exception of a couple of convenience stores.

Is Surabaya or Dewa Sanzan Better for Families?

Surabaya is a decent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Surabaya is not always a place people visit with their families. 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.

Dewa Sanzan is not such a family-friendly city. The remote location make this a challenging place to access. It's a religious destination and its sacred and historic past is often lost to children. Out of respect for the strict religion, this site is best visited as an adult.

Is Surabaya or Dewa Sanzan Better for Couples?

Dewa Sanzan is a popular place for couples. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for romance.

Dewa Sanzan is a good religious site for couples to visit. Couples who want to do something that's a bit different from mainstream Japan will appreciate a visit to this religious site.

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 Dewa Sanzan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dewa Sanzan. This is an off-the-beaten-path destination for backpackers, and it can be difficult to reach by public transit. Once you're there, if you want a traditional experience, you can stay at a Shukubo Pilgrim Lodge.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Surabaya and Dewa Sanzan.

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 Dewa Sanzan. There is public transit from Tsuruoka Station to Mt. Haguro and the accommodation in the area. There are also buses to the top of Mt. Haguro, Mt. Yudono, and Mt. Gassan 8th Station.

Is Surabaya or Dewa Sanzan a more walkable city?

Surabaya is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Dewa Sanzan is lacking in options 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.

Dewa Sanzan is generally not very walkable. Everything is very spread out so walking can be challenging. Experienced hikers will enjoy hiking to each of the three shrines.

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

Should I spend more time in Dewa Sanzan or Surabaya?

How long in Surabaya or Dewa Sanzan?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Surabaya and Dewa Sanzan. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dewa Sanzan than in Surabaya. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Surabaya, and 2-3 days is enough time in Dewa Sanzan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan.

One day in Surabaya or Dewa Sanzan?

Surabaya is a undiscovered 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.

The religious site of Dewa Sanzan offers museums. 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 Dewa Sanzan?

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.

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

Five days in Surabaya or Dewa Sanzan?

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.

Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan?

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.

Dewa Sanzan is a great place to explore. 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 religious site 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 Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

When comparing the travel costs between Surabaya and Dewa Sanzan, we can see that Dewa Sanzan is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Surabaya Expensive? and Is Dewa Sanzan Expensive?.