A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surabaya vs. Fraser Island for Beaches, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Surabaya or Fraser Island?

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

Should I visit Surabaya or Fraser Island? 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. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Surabaya travel costs.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a serene, breathtaking, and idyllic island. The famous beauty of Fraser Island is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches and hiking. See Fraser Island travel costs.

Surabaya and Fraser Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surabaya or Fraser Island?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Surabaya. Although Surabaya and Fraser Island are both popular with visitors, Surabaya has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Surabaya is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Fraser Island is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Fraser Island is more touristy than Surabaya and is known for its beautiful sand dunes, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. Surabaya is popular for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution. It is also home to the Submarine Monument.

How is Surabaya different from Fraser Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Surabaya is a moderate city for its sights and museums. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its museums and history.

Surabaya offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Fraser Island. The stunning natural beauty is the appeal of this island. It is worth visiting the Maheno Shipwreck which was once a trans-Tasman liner.

Is the Food Better in Surabaya or Fraser Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Surabaya is a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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.

Fraser Island may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are settlements on the island where you can pick up food and essentials, but don't expect much more than the basics. There are also several restaurants.

Is Surabaya or Fraser Island Better for Nightlife?

Surabaya is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Fraser Island doesn't offer many options. There are a handful of bars on the island where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.

Is Surabaya or Fraser Island Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fraser Island is a island with a few options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Surabaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fraser Island has a few snorkeling spots. The waters around the island are not designed for snorkeling, as the currents are strong and there are often large sharks. There are several dive spots including a ship wreck as well as a beautiful reef that is filled with hard and soft corals.

Surabaya is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Surabaya or Fraser Island Better for Beaches?

Fraser Island 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 Fraser Island. The idyllic beaches really are paradise. The water is blue, the sand white, and the rainforest feels undiscovered. The most famous beach is Seventy-Five Mile Beach, but other beautiful spots include Eli Creek, Lake Wabby, and the Champagne Pools (the only oceanfront spot where you can swim).

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 Fraser Island Better for Hiking?

Fraser Island 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 Fraser Island. There are many stunning hikes on the island and many visitors choose to camp during their visit. It's possible to organize a group hike with a guide as well, which is recommended as it is the safer option.

Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Surabaya or Fraser Island?

Surabaya is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. However, Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Surabaya is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Surabaya or Fraser Island More Beautiful?

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

The famous beauty of Fraser Island is one of the main draws. With its strikingly blue water and white sand, this is truly a bucket list destination for many travelers. You'll be immersed in one of the world's most beautiful environments.

Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Surabaya or Fraser Island Better for Families?

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

Fraser Island is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The kids will love the peaceful beaches and stunning landscapes as much as the adults. There are walking trails, beautiful water, and between the months of July and November you can go whale watching.

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 Fraser Island Better for Couples?

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

Fraser Island makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's stunning beaches and serene setting make for a truly romantic destination. You can picnic on the white sand or float down Eli Creek. Kayaking or stand up paddle boarding are also fun.

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 Fraser Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fraser Island is a great destination for backpackers. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Fraser Island is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. It's truly a bucket list destination, so even though it may be challenging to reach, it's well worth the effort. There are ferries that leave from either Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay, or you can visit as part of an organized tour.

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

Surabaya is a moderate city for its public transit. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for times when you don't have a car.

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 quite limited in Fraser Island. The roads are sand and you'll need a vehicle of your own to get around. Because of the conditions, it requires four wheel drive.

Is Surabaya or Fraser Island a more walkable city?

Surabaya is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Fraser Island is not a good island 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.

Fraser Island is generally not a very walkable city. The island is large enough that you'll likely want a vehicle (four wheel drive) to get around and fully experience it.

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

Should I spend more time in Fraser Island or Surabaya?

How long in Surabaya or Fraser Island?

In either Surabaya or Fraser Island, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Fraser Island than Surabaya because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Surabaya, and 3-5 days is enough time in Fraser Island.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fraser Island 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 Fraser Island.

One day in Surabaya or Fraser Island?

Surabaya is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The beautiful island of Fraser Island 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.

A weekend in Surabaya or Fraser Island?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surabaya. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Fraser Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Fraser Island?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the authentic big city of Surabaya. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Fraser Island is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fraser Island, 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 Fraser Island?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the city of Surabaya. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Fraser Island 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Indonesia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Indonesia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia.

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