What Can You Expect from Suriname? | My Experience After 5 Months

“Huh, Suriname?”

This was the reaction I got almost every time I told people I was moving to Suriname. And honestly? I understood it. Before I came here, I had no idea what to expect either. Suriname is still not a well-known holiday destination.

I could find information online, but it was difficult to get a real sense of the atmosphere or picture what daily life would actually be like. Most people around me mainly told me that it was dangerous and poorly organized.

As it turned out, that image could not have been further from the truth.

Suriname Feels Surprisingly Normal

What surprised me most was how normal and accessible everyday life actually is. In Paramaribo, you’ll find supermarkets, restaurants, and cafés just like anywhere else. There are also Chinese convenience stores on almost every corner where you can buy essentials such as cheese, bread, drinks, rice, eggs, deodorant, and more. When eating out, you can enjoy local dishes, but you can just as easily order pizza, pasta, or a steak. There is plenty of choice.

Taxis are easy to arrange through apps such as Hertog Taxi and Ulstrel, or online through Tourtonne, and people are generally friendly and helpful. Of course, just like in many other countries, it is not advisable to walk around alone at night. But during the day, I never once felt unsafe.

In fact, almost everyone seemed relaxed, which quickly made me feel relaxed too.

No Mass Tourism

Another thing that makes Suriname different from many other destinations is that it has not yet been overrun by mass tourism.

There are no endless lines of tourists or overcrowded excursions. Instead, you find peace, space, and small groups. That made the experience feel much more personal.

During my tours with Orange Travel, the groups were small and relaxed. You genuinely get to know the guides and gain a much deeper understanding of the country and its culture.

The Jungle Is Not What You Think

When people hear the word jungle, they often imagine something extremely wild, a Tarzan-like world where you have to cut your way through the forest with a machete.

But that image is not accurate either.

Yes, about 90% of Suriname is covered by rainforest, but the jungle is far more accessible than many people expect. There are walking trails, lodges, and many different types of tours, ranging from adventurous to comfortable.

You can sleep in a hammock surrounded by nature, but you can also stay in a lodge with a private bathroom. There are far more options than most people realize.

And what you see there is simply unforgettable.

I still remember sitting in a boat when the guide suddenly shouted, “Look, a manatee!” I had no idea those animals even lived here. I also saw plenty of sloths, monkeys swinging through the trees above me, and dolphins jumping alongside the boat. Suriname even has some amusing local nicknames for wildlife. I still laugh whenever I hear names like water chicken, tree chicken, and street ladies, local nicknames for caimans, iguanas, and small lizards.

What continues to amaze me is how guides manage to spot animals that I would have completely walked past. Even when they pointed one out, I sometimes had to look five times before I could actually see it.

A Destination You Have to Experience for Yourself

I genuinely believe Suriname is one of the most underrated countries I have ever visited.

Many people arrive with a certain image in mind, only to discover that reality is completely different once they experience the country themselves. I have heard this from many visitors. Liesbet (51) and Ronald (58) told me after their trip:

“I never thought I would recommend Suriname to other people, but now that I’ve been here, I think everyone should visit at least once.”

Suriname is not just a destination for adventurers or backpackers. The combination of nature, culture, and tranquility makes it appealing to a wide variety of travelers.

It is a place where you can truly disconnect from daily life and reconnect with nature.

And perhaps that is exactly why so many people end up falling in love with the country.