Suriname, the land of extremes. With an impressive palm-tree garden in the city, ancient coffee plantations, the delicious smell of roti and lots of jungle makes Suriname a fantastic travel destination. It is the place where I lived, worked and had cool adventures for more than 6 months. In this blog, I share everything for your Suriname holiday like do's and dont's, the places you should not miss and several tips for this beautiful country.
General information on Suriname
Are you planning a trip to Suriname? Then check out our tips for the up-to-date travel advice, best travel time, and the daily budget. You can find all information about Suriname here.
Practical information for your Suriname holiday
Good preparation is half the battle, and that goes for a trip to Suriname too! In this section, I therefore give you useful information on where to stay, what to expect from daily life in Suriname, and how best to get around. Whether you are going for a short holiday, planning a longer internship or just want to make a cool trip, these practical tips will help you!
Stay in Suriname
When travelling to Suriname from the Netherlands, you will land at Paramaribo International Airport. This is right away the ideal starting point for your adventure! I recommend taking about two weeks out for your holiday. This will give you ample time to discover all the highlights, get out into nature and enjoy all that Suriname has to offer.
As I briefly mentioned above, Paramaribo, the country's bustling capital, is the perfect base for your trip. From here you can easily explore the city, take day trips to the surrounding areas or head into the jungle. Some hotels I recommend are the Ramada Hotel, Torarica Resort, Zus & Zo, Eco Resort Inn, whether it Krasnapolsky Hotel. These accommodations are centrally located and offer a comfortable stay for travellers.
Spending the night in the jungle is usually only possible if you book an organised multi-day tour. During such a tour, everything is arranged: from transport to meals and accommodation. A special experience is spending the night on one of the historical plantations. Plantation Resort Frederiksdorp Is such a cool place!
Tip: For anyone doing an internship or long-term stay in Suriname, student accommodation is a great option. Not only are these relatively affordable, but they also allow you to quickly connect with others going through a similar experience. This immediately makes your trip a lot more social and easier.
Shopping in Suriname
Shopping in Suriname is slightly different from shopping in the Netherlands. Namely, you do this at the Chinese on the corner of the street! Although some shops are bigger than others, most have everything you need. However, do not expect luxury or extensive choices; the range is often limited to basic products.
Are you a true Dutchman and want to shop for groceries for a week and get those tasty biscuits from home? Then take a taxi to Tullip Supermarket. Furthermore, I would eat out many evenings because the Surinamese food is delicious ánd affordable.
Tip: Visit the website SUforYou for even more practical tips and facts.
Transport to and in Suriname
How to get to Suriname?
Travelling to Suriname is thankfully easy! From the Netherlands, you fly directly to Paramaribo. There are several airlines to choose from, such as KLM and SLM (Surinam Airways). The difference between these airlines is mainly in price, service and the conditions surrounding your flight.
From the airport to the city, the easiest option is to catch a taxi. Do agree on a price with the driver in advance so there are no surprises.
Tip: In Suriname, there are two types of taxis, namely the ‘street taxi” and those driving for a company. I recommend the latter option as prices are fixed here.
Transport in Suriname
Once in Suriname, there are several ways to get around. Here are the options:
1. Rent a car
Renting a car is ideal if you want maximum freedom during your stay. You can easily make trips to beaches or remote places that are otherwise difficult to reach. However, always choose reliable rental companies such as SunnyCars, so you won't face unexpected costs. Would you rather not drive yourself? Then opt for a taxi at your disposal for the whole day. You pay a fixed amount for the day, and the driver will wait for you while you explore!
2. By bus
The most fun and challenging option is the bus. Finding the right bus at all is already a task and knowing when it leaves is impossible. In fact, buses only leave when they are full. So if you are in a hurry, this is not the best choice. But if you want to take it easy, a bus ride is a unique experience. As they say in Suriname: No spang - Don't worry!
3. Taxi
The taxi is the easiest and safest way to get around within the city. You can call one, and within 10 minutes it will be at your door. For a ride within Paramaribo, you usually pay a maximum of 5 euros. If you stay in Suriname for a longer time, you are likely to get to know regular drivers, which makes transport even easier (and sometimes cheaper).
4. Rent a bike
For the truly Dutch, there is always the option of renting a bike. However, don't expect well-maintained bikes or cycle paths. You will be cycling on the highway, and that can take some getting used to. Fortunately, Surinamese people are considerate of cyclists, as they are mostly Bakras (Dutch) doing this.
The best things to do in Suriname
There is plenty to do in Suriname and you certainly won't be bored! Discover the bustling streets of Paramaribo or seek peace and quiet in the jungle. Whether you stay two weeks, three weeks or longer, these tips will help you make the most of your trip to this special country!
1. Explore the capital Paramaribo
Paramaribo, the capital and beating heart of Suriname, is a vibrant mix of culture and history. You will find colonial buildings and wooden churches, such as the impressive St Peter and Paul Cathedral. A visit to Fort Zeelandia, located on the Suriname River, is also not to be missed. This historic Dutch fort has a rich but also fraught history, including the infamous December killings.
Within walking distance of Fort Zeelandia is the Palm Garden, a quiet oasis in the middle of the city. During the day, it is a wonderful place to stroll and escape the hustle and bustle for a while.
For a real Surinamese experience, you can take a djogo, buy a litre bottle of Parbobier, and relax with a group on the waterfront. Prefer luxury? Then spend a day at hotel Torarica, where you can enjoy delicious food, cold drinks and sunshine by the pool.
Nightlife in Paramaribo certainly does not disappoint either. Go dancing on Thursday nights at the Havana Lounge and look for weekend parties at places like The Weigh-house or D-bar. In December it goes all out during Owru Yari, or New Year's Eve. The whole month of December is all about celebration, culminating in 24 hours of fun and fireworks on the streets to celebrate the new year.
Paramaribo is also an ideal base for trips into the interior. If you have a guide, ask to join you on a special animal-spotting tour. You'll see unique animals you wouldn't otherwise encounter. Note: do this only with an experienced guide!
2. Journey through the interior of Suriname
The interior of Suriname is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers. So what really should not be missed during your Suriname holiday are trips to the interior. I have listed all my trips at SUforYou booked. This is a company founded by a Surinamese who now lives in the Netherlands. So it is actually a Dutch company, which is very nice when it comes to clear agreements and good insurance. You can book private trips as well as group tours here. The best thing about these tours is that you are accompanied by a guide who often comes from the area itself or has family living there.
Another option is to explore the interior with a hired car. This gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and discover places that are otherwise difficult to reach. A reliable option for this is Sunny Cars, where you can easily book a car. Keep in mind that travelling to certain destinations will take some time, but you will be rewarded with breathtaking views along the way.
3. Choose from one of the many tours!
Atjoni & the jungle
I spent almost every weekend in the jungle, for the tranquillity, the beauty and the activities you can do there. Visiting Atjoni is an adventure in itself! Many trips into the interior start here, and it is a unique experience. Colourful wooden boats are waiting to take you to your destination, and as soon as the schools go out, children also run to the boats to take them back home.
Apiapaati
Apiapaati is definitely one of the most beautiful places I have visited in Suriname. I was even lucky enough to go there twice. On this island, deep inland, lives the family of head guide Fred. You get the chance to literally become part of their world and see how time seems to have stood still here. If you can only take one trip in Suriname, let it be this one!
Fredberg
I really recommend this trip too! Fredberg is a unique destination that owes its name to Fred, the discoverer of this special mountain. Fred saw the mountain from a plane and decided to explore the area. He has since built a camp on the summit. Respect for this man, because just walking up the mountain is a chore alone let alone using all kinds of materials to build a camp. The trek up is tough, but the experience and the views are more than worth it.
Blanche Marie
Blanche Marie has the most beautiful waterfalls I have seen in Suriname. The area is made extra magical by the sounds of howler monkeys waking you up in the morning. Bear in mind that you spend the night in a hammock here. Of course, you do need a mosquito net, otherwise the mosquitoes will sting you to death. Besides the beautiful waterfalls, you can spot dolphins here, look for turtles (in the right season) and enjoy adventurous activities such as quad biking. It's a perfect mix of nature and action!
Bigipan
Bigi Pan is a nature reserve in northwest Suriname and it is a beautiful place to travel to and stay overnight. You'll sleep in cottages here that stand on the water, and the tranquillity and views make this a special destination where you can completely unwind.
Brokopondo lake, Brownsberg and Berg en Dal
Go for a multi-day tour to see the Lake Brokopondo, the Brownsberg and Berg and Dal to explore. These three special locations are about an hour and a half's drive southeast of Paramaribo and offer a unique blend of adventure, nature and history.
Berg and Dal is the place for adventurers. Here you can glide through the jungle on Suriname's first cable car, kayak across the river or abseil down a cliff. Brownsberg is a nature reserve with cool viewpoints. The climb to the top is challenging, but on the way you are rewarded with beautiful waterfalls such as the Irene waterfall. Last is the Lake Brokopondo, a huge artificial reservoir built to provide Suriname with a stable power supply. The lake is comparable in size to the province of Flevoland and offers an impressive landscape of water.
4. Enjoy delicious Surinamese cuisine
Your Suriname holiday is not complete if you do not enjoy the Surinamese cuisine! The cuisine consist of a mix of Creole, Javanese and Hindustani dishes, each with a unique twist. So there should definitely be something in between for you!
- Roopram - Is a household name among locals and visitors alike, and for good reason. After all, many say you can eat the best roti here!
- Tori Osso - or “talk house” - is the place to catch up with your new Surinamese friends. Here they serve undoubtedly the best burgers in town. Combine the cosy atmosphere with the taste of perfectly grilled meat and you have a great evening.
- Blue soil & Sarinahs - For Javanese noodles, Blauwgrond comes highly recommended, but don't forget Sarinahs. These two places simply have the best noodles in all of Suriname. Once you are back in the Netherlands, you will definitely miss this!
- Personal favourite: Jomax - This idyllic spot not only has delicious cuisine, but also a darling owner. Be sure to order the homemade iced tea while enjoying this cool spot.
- Zus & Zo - And finally... if you've spent a morning in the Palm Garden, Zus & Zo is the ideal lunch spot. My absolute favourite is the Grilled Chicken Parmesan.
Our favourite travel games when we have to wait!
Whether you go out for dinner as a couple or with a group! A game is always a good idea, which is why a few games always go with you while travelling.
As you've probably already realised, we at Thousandtravelmiles love card games. It's by far the easiest to carry around & therefore perfect while travelling. Because let's face it, unfolding a whole board isn't ideal & searching for dice between seats isn't very conducive to the atmosphere either. Want more inspiration check out our blog 14x Great travel games for 2 people or 20x mini games | Perfect travel gifts.
What you really still need to know! Discover my Do's & Dont's
- Always take cash with you. Many shops and restaurants do not allow you to withdraw cash, so make sure you always have cash in your pocket. Withdrawing at ATMs often costs extra, so withdraw a larger amount in one go.
- Be careful when withdrawing money. Preferably do this during the day, go with a taxi or a group, and immediately store your money safely at home. Safety first!
- Be surprised by the culture. Whether you are in the bustling capital Paramaribo or deep inland, enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the locals. Be fully immersed in the unique blend of traditions and customs.
- Don't move sloths. You will undoubtedly encounter these unusual animals, but admire them from a distance. Do not touch them and certainly do not cuddle them; this can be harmful to their health. This applies to all animals, by the way!
- Don't rely too much on packets. If you are staying in Suriname for a longer period of time... expect shipments to and from Suriname to be considerably delayed. Sometimes you will be back home long before your package arrives - I speak from experience!
Extra tip: Want instant internet, no unexpected roaming charges, no waiting at the airport or unnecessary overpayments? Then the eSIM of Airalo something for you!
In conclusion, visit this beautiful country and make it an unforgettable trip. Get carried away by its nature, culture and history. Suriname is guaranteed to enchant you! Have fun!
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