Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Surabaya
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $18-55 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Surabaya
Accommodation
$8-20 per night
Dorm beds in backpacker hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared facilities
Food & Dining
$5-12 per day
Street food stalls, local warungs, traditional markets, occasional simple restaurants
Transportation
$2-8 per day
Public buses, angkot (shared minivans), walking, occasional motorcycle taxi
Activities
$3-15 per day
Free walking tours, public parks, temples, local markets, occasional museum entry
Currency: IDR Indonesian Rupiah (prices shown in USD for reference)
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Surabaya
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local warungs and street food stalls instead of tourist restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)
Use public buses and angkot instead of taxis for transportation (saves 70-85% on transport costs)
Stay in neighborhoods away from main tourist areas for accommodation (generally 30-50% lower rates)
Visit temples and cultural sites during free hours or on local holidays
Shop at traditional markets rather than modern malls for souvenirs (typically 50-70% less expensive)
Book accommodation directly with properties to avoid booking platform fees (usually 10-15% savings)
Travel during weekdays when possible as weekend rates are typically 20-40% higher
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Taking taxis or ride-shares for all transportation instead of using efficient public transport (increases daily costs by 200-400%)
Eating only in shopping malls and tourist areas rather than exploring local food scenes (typically doubles food expenses)
Booking accommodation at the last minute, especially during peak periods (can increase costs by 50-100%)
Not researching free cultural activities and temple visits that don't require entrance fees