A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Surabaya vs. Milford Sound for Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Surabaya or Milford Sound?

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

Should I visit Surabaya or Milford Sound? 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 food, beaches, and shopping. See Surabaya travel costs.

Milford Sound

Milford Sound is a remote, iconic, and breathtaking fiord. The famous beauty of Milford Sound is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include skiing and hiking. See Milford Sound travel costs.

Surabaya and Milford Sound: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surabaya or Milford Sound?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Surabaya. Although Surabaya and Milford Sound are popular destinations, Surabaya has more sights and attractions for tourists. Surabaya is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Milford Sound attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Milford Sound is more touristy than Surabaya and is popular for its iconic hiking trails, stunning boat tours, and dramatic mountains. Surabaya is famous for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution. It is also well known for the Submarine Monument.

How is Surabaya different from Milford Sound?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Surabaya or Milford Sound Better for Skiing?

Milford Sound is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Surabaya is not a skiing destination.

Milford Sound is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. Many locals head to the snow-capped peaks to enjoy skiing, but if you're unfamiliar with the area, a ski tour is your best option.

Surabaya is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Surabaya or Milford Sound?

Surabaya is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Milford Sound does not have 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.

Milford Sound does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Surabaya or Milford Sound? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Surabaya is a good destination for its restaurants. However, Milford Sound is lacking in 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.

While Milford Sound is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. You'll find a restaurant or two in the small town of Milford Sound. Your best option is the Milford Sound Lodge. In the park you'll want to come prepared with your own food. Many organized tours include a picnic lunch.

Is Surabaya or Milford Sound Better for Nightlife?

Surabaya is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Milford Sound is lacking in 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 Milford Sound. Things get quiet at night and there's little in the form of nightlife.

Is Surabaya or Milford Sound Better for Beaches?

Surabaya is a good destination for the beach. However, Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Surabaya offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Milford Sound is not a beach destination.

Is Surabaya or Milford Sound Better for Hiking?

Milford Sound is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

People visit Milford Sound specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The Milford Track has long been considered one of the world's best hikes. It's also, arguably, the most famous hike in New Zealand. The 53 kilometer trek takes you from Lake Te Anau through stunning scenery, alpine settings, and across spectacular suspension bridges.

Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Surabaya or Milford Sound?

Surabaya is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Milford Sound is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Surabaya or Milford Sound More Beautiful?

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

The famous beauty of Milford Sound is one of the main draws. This is one of the most spectacular natural settings in New Zealand. The remoteness, combined with the mountains, waterfalls, and stunning views make this a true bucket list destination.

Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Surabaya or Milford Sound Better for Families?

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

Milford Sound is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The outdoor wonders will impress the kids as much as the adults. There are shorter walks that are family-friendly and the boat rides are also fun for the whole family. You can take a scenic flight or visit the stunning Mirror Lakes. This really is a playground for both kids and adults.

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 Milford Sound Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Milford Sound frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This is one of the most stunning natural areas in the world, and the romance comes from the spectacular beauty, world class hikes, and breathtaking surroundings that will leave you awed and inspired.

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 Milford Sound Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Milford Sound. The area's remoteness and high price tag make it a bit challenging for backpackers and budget travelers. If you have plenty of time and enough money, it is truly a not to be missed destination.

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 Milford Sound 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 Milford Sound.

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 Milford Sound. There are buses in the area, but private vehicles or organized tours are your best option for getting around.

Is Surabaya or Milford Sound a more walkable city?

Surabaya is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Milford Sound is lacking in 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.

Milford Sound is not a walkable city. This is one of the most remote places in New Zealand so you really must have a car or organized transportation to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Milford Sound or Surabaya?

How long in Surabaya or Milford Sound?

Surabaya and Milford Sound both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milford Sound than Surabaya because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Surabaya, and 2-6 days is enough time in Milford Sound.

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

One day in Surabaya or Milford Sound?

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 fiord of Milford Sound offers skiing. 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 Milford Sound?

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.

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

Five days in Surabaya or Milford Sound?

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.

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

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.

Milford Sound is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking 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 fiord 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 New Zealand, and The Best Luxury Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Surabaya or Milford Sound?

Surabaya has a larger population, and is about 5460 times larger than the population of Milford Sound. When comparing the sizes of Surabaya and Milford Sound, 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.