Things To Do
in Surinam
Suriname is a small country located on the northeastern coast of South America with a diverse population of different ethnicities, including descendants of African slaves, Indian indentured laborers, and indigenous peoples. It is known for its lush rainforests, impressive biodiversity, and the Suriname River. Mauritius is a beautiful island nation in the Indian Ocean famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and multicultural society influenced by Indian, African, Chinese, and European traditions.
It boasts a thriving tourism industry, a strong economy driven by textiles, sugar, and tourism, and a reputation for political stability and good governance.
- "Salut" - Hello
- "Mersi" - Thank you
- "Bondie beni" - God bless you
- "Pa probleme" - No problem
- "Ki manyer?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day early with a visit to the beautiful Brownsberg Nature Park. Enjoy hiking through lush jungles and admire the stunning waterfalls.
Have lunch in the park before heading to the nearby resort for some relaxation by the pool. Take a leisurely walk around the resort to appreciate the surrounding landscapes.
Return to Paramaribo and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try traditional Surinamese dishes while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Begin with a guided tour of the historical inner city of Paramaribo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit sites like the Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral and the Presidential Palace.
Visit the Fort Zeelandia for a glimpse into Surinamese history. Spend some time in the local markets and browse for unique artisanal crafts.
Dine at a riverside restaurant, enjoying local seafood while watching the sun set over the Suriname River. Experience the lively nightlife in the city afterward.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural diversity and heritage
- Beautiful natural landscapes and biodiversity
- Favorable climate for outdoor activities year-round
- Growing economy with opportunities in tourism and agriculture
- Stable political environment
- Unique blend of different ethnic groups and traditions
- Limited infrastructure in some regions
- Challenges with healthcare accessibility in rural areas
- High levels of crime in certain urban areas
- Economic dependency on a few sectors like tourism and agriculture
- Vulnerable to climate change and environmental issues
- Limited job opportunities for expatriates
Best Activities in Surinam
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the diverse flora and fauna while enjoying stunning views of the lush landscapes and waterfalls in this expansive national park.
Relax on the beautiful white sandy beaches, swim in the clear turquoise waters, and enjoy water sports like snorkeling and diving.
Witness the unique geological phenomenon of multi-colored sand dunes and visit the nearby Chamarel Waterfall for breathtaking scenery.
Take a boat trip to the stunning Île aux Cerfs, known for its beautiful beaches, lagoons, and the opportunity for various water activities.
Hike up this UNESCO World Heritage site for panoramic views and the chance to see endemic wildlife, including birds and unique plant species.
Enjoy thrilling mountain biking trails through the rugged terrain and scenic routes of southern Mauritius, suitable for all adventure levels.
Discover the vibrant capital city, experiencing local markets, historical sites, and cultural hotspots, including the Aapravasi Ghat.
Dive into the vibrant and diverse marine life in the protected waters of the Blue Lagoon, ideal for beginners and experienced divers alike.
Tours
Uncover the best of Surinam with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Surinam
Visit one of these nice places.
Located in the central region of Surinam, Brownsberg Nature Park offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest and the Brokopondo Reservoir, providing excellent opportunities for photography of both landscapes and wildlife.
In Mauritius, Les Trois Mammelles offers breathtaking views of the island's lush greenery and coastline. The hike to the summit rewards photographers with beautiful vistas of the surrounding landscape.
The Raleigh Falls in Surinam is a spectacular sight where the Suriname River cascades down rocky cliffs, making it a perfect spot for capturing dramatic landscape photos and the rich biodiversity of the area.
This unique geological formation in Mauritius features stunningly vibrant colored sands. It's a highly popular spot for photographers looking to capture the striking contrasts of the earths, especially during sunrise or sunset.
The expansive Brokopondo Reservoir in Surinam is surrounded by lush forest and offers various viewpoints that are ideal for capturing reflections and serene landscapes, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon light.
Le Morne Brabant is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Mauritius that offers dramatic cliffs and stunning coastal views. The hike to the top provides exhilarating photo opportunities of the Indian Ocean and the surrounding islands.
The waterfront area in Paramaribo, Surinam, offers picturesque views of the Suriname River with the city skyline in the backdrop. It's an excellent place for sunset photography and capturing the unique architecture of the capital.
This national park in Mauritius features rugged gorges and waterfalls, making it a great location for capturing the natural beauty of the island, with numerous trails that offer varied viewpoints for stunning photographs.
This historic fort in Paramaribo, Surinam, provides a great vantage point over the city and the river, perfect for those interested in both history and scenic views for photography.
Food in Surinam
Surinam Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular Surinamese dish made of Indian-style flatbread filled with various curries, vegetables, and meats, usually found in local Surinamese roti shops or food stalls.
Must-Try!
A flavorful Javanese chicken soup with bean sprouts, rice, and fried onions, often enjoyed in family-run restaurants and warungs (small eateries) in Surinam.
A Mauritian staple featuring a thin flatbread filled with spiced yellow split peas, served with curry and chutney, best savored at street food vendors and market stalls across the island.
Mauritian chili cakes made from yellow split peas and spring onions, deep-fried to perfection, available at local snack shacks and beachside stalls.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Surinam better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Experience a bustling market in Paramaribo, Surinam, filled with fresh produce, local spices, and street food vendors offering a variety of traditional Surinamese dishes like bara (savory fritters) and pom (baked cassava with chicken).
Discover a vibrant food market in Port Louis, Mauritius, where you can sample Mauritian street food staples such as samosas, alouda (milk-based drink with basil seeds), and tropical fruits.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Suriname and Mauritius are known for their multicultural societies. It is vital to respect and embrace the diverse cultural backgrounds and traditions of the people. Avoid making assumptions based on stereotypes and be open to learning about different customs and practices.
In both Suriname and Mauritius, greetings are important. A firm handshake is common, but in some communities, a kiss on the cheek may be more appropriate, especially among friends and family. Pay attention to personal space and avoid raising your voice in conversations, as this may be perceived as aggressive.
When invited to someone's home for a meal in either country, it is polite to bring a small gift, such as flowers or sweets. During the meal, wait for the host to begin before starting to eat, and be mindful of local dining practices, which may vary by cultural group. Additionally, it is courteous to finish everything on your plate as a sign of appreciation.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Surinam with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Surinam
Ensure a smooth experience
In Surinam, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated, especially in restaurants and for services such as taxi drivers and hotel staff. It is common to round up the bill or leave a small percentage as a tip. In Mauritius, tipping is also not obligatory, but it is customary to leave a tip for good service in restaurants, hotels, and for taxi drivers. A tip of about 10% is generally acceptable in Mauritius.
In Surinam, cash is widely used, but debit and credit cards are becoming more common in urban areas. Payments can be made in Surinamese dollars. In Mauritius, cash is commonly used, but credit and debit cards are accepted in most establishments, especially in tourist areas. The Mauritian rupee is the currency used for payments, and digital payment methods are also gaining popularity.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Surinam.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is the best time to visit Surinam. Expect less rainfall, lower humidity, and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the natural beauty of the country.
During this season, Surinam experiences heavy rainfall and higher humidity. While the landscapes are lush and vibrant, outdoor activities may be limited, and travelers should prepare for occasional flooding.
In Mauritius, this is a cooler period with mild temperatures and occasional rainfall. It's a good time for sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying the beaches without the oppressive heat.
This is the warm season in Mauritius, characterized by higher temperatures and humidity. The rainy season peaks, especially in January and February, but it’s also the best time for beach activities and experiencing marine life.
Surinam at Night
Hiking in Surinam
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Le Morne Brabant is a stunning mountain offering a challenging hike with breathtaking views of the lagoon and surrounding landscapes.
This national park features several hiking trails that take you through lush forests and gorges, showcasing the island's rich biodiversity and beautiful scenery.
A famous hiking spot on the island, Mourne aux Cerfs is a dormant volcano that offers panoramic views of the eastern coastline and a unique hiking experience.
Known for its distinctive shape, Pieter Both offers a challenging climb with rewarding views from the summit and is popular among experienced hikers.
Le Pouce is known for its unique thumb-shaped peak and provides a moderate hike with stunning views of the surrounding areas, including Port Louis.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Surinam through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Surinam by plane.
The main international airport serving Mauritius, located approximately 48 km southeast of the capital, Port Louis.
Located in Madagascar's capital, approximately 1000 km from Mauritius, it serves as a key hub for international flights in the region.
An international airport located on the nearby island of Réunion, approximately 150 km from Mauritius, it connects passengers to various international destinations.
Situated in South Africa, it is one of the busiest airports in Africa and approximately 5500 km from Mauritius, serving numerous international flights.
Located on the island of Mahé in the Seychelles, around 1200 km from Mauritius, it serves numerous international flights across Africa and beyond.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Descendants of Indian indentured laborers who came to Suriname in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
People of mixed African and European descent, primarily descendants of enslaved Africans.
Descendants of Javanese indentured laborers who migrated to Suriname from Indonesia.
Descendants of enslaved Africans who escaped and established free communities.
Immigrants and descendants from China, primarily involved in trade and commerce.
Includes various minority groups such as Europeans, Amerindians, and others.
The Soul of Surinam
Discover the essence of Surinam through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Surinam, with a passionate fan base and local leagues.
Basketball is also widely played in Surinam, especially among youth and in urban areas.
Cricket has a strong following in Mauritius, which has roots in British colonial history.
Rugby is a significant sport in Mauritius, with various clubs and competitions throughout the island.
Athletics enjoys popularity in both Surinam and Mauritius, with local and regional events attracting competitors.
Badminton is a widely played sport in Mauritius, with numerous tournaments and a dedicated following.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Surinam.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Both Surinam and Mauritius offer a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as vegetable curries, lentil stews, and fresh tropical fruit salads available at most restaurants and cafes. In Mauritius, look for 'végétarien' or 'végétalien' on menus.
While gluten-free options may be more limited, both countries offer naturally gluten-free dishes like grilled fish, coconut milk-based curries, and rice-based snacks. It's advisable to communicate your dietary needs clearly when dining out.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Surinam with these cultural adventures.
