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

Should you visit Surabaya or Nelson?

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

Should I visit Surabaya or Nelson? 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 authentic, local, and undiscovered city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Surabaya travel costs.

Nelson

Nelson is a outdoorsy, adventure-filled, and natural city. With stunning beauty, Nelson attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Nelson travel costs.

Surabaya and Nelson: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Surabaya or Nelson?

You'll generally find more things to do in Surabaya than Nelson. Surabaya is bigger than Nelson, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Surabaya is better known for its shopping and big city activities, while Nelson is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Nelson is more touristy than Surabaya and is known for its stunning national parks, beautiful coastline, and outdoor adventures. Surabaya is well known for its role in Indonesia's independence revolution. Also, Surabaya is famous for the Submarine Monument.

How is Surabaya different from Nelson?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nelson 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 Nelson. While most people spend their time enjoying the nature-oriented activities, there are several museums in the area as well. Founder's Heritage Park Museum is a village-like setting that you can explore. There's also the Nelson Classic Car Museum and local art and craft galleries that are fun to walk through.

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 Nelson? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nelson 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 Nelson is an experience not to be missed. Local ingredients, vineyards, and craft breweries all make the foodie scene around town interesting. There are many great restaurants that offer seasonal menus that change with the season. Eating is an experience in town, and locals take pride in the food they produce.

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 Nelson Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Surabaya or Nelson has a better nightlife scene.

Surabaya has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Nelson has a few options to choose from. The city attracts a good tourist crowd, and there are bars and clubs that keep things interesting late into the evening.

Is Surabaya or Nelson Better for Beaches?

Nelson 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 Nelson. Beaches in the area are sandy and most are great for swimming. There are many water sports available as well such as kayaking, kite surfing, and paddleboarding. You'll find locals and tourists alike hanging out at the beach and enjoying a barbecue.

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 Nelson Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Nelson specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The area is filled with walking and hiking trails that wander along the coast and soak up the spectacular views. There are also three national parks in the area that are filled with trails. Abel Tasman National Park, Kahurangi National Park, and Nelson Lakes National Park each have their own environments and scenery to explore.

Surabaya is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Surabaya or Nelson?

Surabaya is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Nelson is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Surabaya is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nelson. There are weekly markets in the area and a variety of retail shops where you can pick up anything you might need.

Is Surabaya or Nelson More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Nelson attracts visitors from all around. The city is surrounded by beautiful scenery and wonderful outdoor environments.

Surabaya is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Surabaya or Nelson Better for Families?

Nelson is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Nelson is a very family-friendly destination. Surrounded by family-friendly national parks, this city has a number of things for kids to do. In particularly, Abel Tasman National Park is a highlight for kids, with canoeing, sailing and other activities. Kids will also enjoy a visit to Cable Bay Adventure Park or seeing the historically themed Founders Park.

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 Nelson Better for Couples?

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

Nelson makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Wilderness, national parks, beaches, and mountain scenery make this a wonderful couples destination. The area also has beautiful vineyards and gardens as well hiking and outdoor adventures.

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 Nelson Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nelson is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Surabaya is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Nelson is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. There are many hostels in the area as well as outdoor activities and adventure sports that backpackers will love.

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 Nelson 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 Nelson.

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 Nelson. The city has a local bus network, but to efficiently explore everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

Is Surabaya or Nelson a more walkable city?

Surabaya and Nelson both are excellent 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.

Nelson is very walkable. There are many great walks in the area and its a wonderful way to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Nelson or Surabaya?

How long in Surabaya or Nelson?

In either Surabaya or Nelson, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nelson 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 Nelson.

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

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

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

One day in Surabaya or Nelson?

Surabaya is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The beautiful city of Nelson offers food and shopping. 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 Nelson?

Surabaya is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Nelson 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 Nelson?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Surabaya. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nelson is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nelson, 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 Nelson?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the local big city of Surabaya. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Nelson 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 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 Family-Friendly Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Wildlife Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Surabaya or Nelson?

Surabaya has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Nelson. When comparing the sizes of Surabaya and Nelson, 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.