Suriname

Overview

Suriname (pronounced " surinam ", or something like "SOOR-ee-nahm" for English speakers) is a small republic on the northeast coast of South America . It prides itself on its thoroughly multi-ethnic culture, a colourful blend of indigenous ("Amerindian") traditions, those of its former Dutch colonisers , and especially those of the African, Javanese, and South Asian ("Hindustani") workers they once invited or trafficked in. It's a country with a fabulous and largely untouched Amazon Rainforest inland, slowly discovering its chances as an ecotourism destination. International visitors are steadily following Dutch travellers who have long been drawn to this friendly, tropical country to explore its spectacular nature, captivating cultural heritage and meet its ever smiling people.

In 1863 slavery came to an end and contract workers were recruited from British India (until 1916) and Java (until 1936). Many stayed after their contract had ended.

Sights and landscapes

Maroon and Amerindian villages are found deep in the forests, but many of them also lie on the riverbanks. A boat trip down the Marowijne river, with French Guyana just on the other side, is a great way to see the best of the forest, visit some villages and do some border hopping on the go. For a less adventurous day, try swimming in Cola Creek , a black water (Blaka Watra) recreational park some 50 km from Paramaribo and popular with Suriname families. On the way back, make sure to stop at the Jodensavanne (Jews savanna), where the Jews were allowed to settle in the 17th century. Now, only the ruins at this important historic place remind of those days.

Paramaribo itself is a pleasant place and its historic inner centre is a Unesco World Heritage Site. The capital has many characteristics of a large village community and although there are few real landmarks and sights, is a nice place to spend some time. Linger on the Waterkant , the water side street with its old wooden, colonial houses and grab a bite from one of the food stands there. Go shopping at the Central Market and gaze at the Jules Wijdenboschbrug. Stroll to Fort Zeelandia , through the Palm tree garden and the Independence square. Make sure to include the Roman Catholic Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral in your walk, since it is the largest wooden building in South America.

Former plantations will take you back to colonial times, when coffee and sugar where produced here. Some of the plantation houses have been renovated, and a few are even in use to make coffee and dry shrimp. Bike through the quiet and green area, between the banana plants, to visit former plantations with names like Einde Rust ( End of Rest ), Worsteling Jacobs ( Struggle Jacobs ), Zorgvliet and Zeldenrust ( Rarely Rest ).

Experiences

Although most if not all visitors will probably visit Paramaribo it is well worth getting out to explore other regions that are all in great contrast with the capital.

For the more adventurous, Suriname is challenging to travel around independently, but certainly not with impossible. In many cases there are lesser-known public or shared transportation options if you're willing to ask around and rough it a bit.

Culture and food

Although Indonesian food might seem the appropriate name, the Indonesian people in Suriname are mostly if not all from the island of Java. And Java has its own cuisine, distinct from other styles of Indonesian food. Furthermore, the food has evolved to a more Surinamese culture and is thus very different from food you'd find in Java. Nevertheless it tastes great and you should try it. The most popular places where you would find such food is in ' warungs' in Lelydorp on your way from the airport to Paramaribo , or Blauwgrond in Paramaribo, and near the bridge in Commewijne . Bami (noodles) and nasi (fried rice) can be ordered in every warung. It is accompanied with spicy chicken or satay with peanut sauce. Vegetarian dishes are baka bana (fried banana) and petjil (vegetables with peanut sauce). Telo is fried cassava with salt fish. Popular among Javanese people is soato , a stock with strips of chicken, bean sprouts, egg and sliced ​​peppers.

Chinese food tastes great in Suriname. Good restaurants can be found in Paramaribo . Also, try visiting the Chinese market on Sunday and many of the dim sum restaurants.

Planning your route

Since not many tourists visit Suriname yet and the inner-land is not within easy reach, the expenses of travel are higher than you might expect. Tourist attractions can be more expensive than in Europe or the United States. It is expected that this will change in the near future since there is an annual increase visible in foreign tourists, creating the necessity of working on better roads as well as other ways of cheaper transportation.

These companies mainly operate on routes connecting the capital city of Paramaribo with other towns and cities in the country, as well as to neighboring countries such as Guyana and French Guiana. However, it's important to note that in Suriname, minibuses and taxis are the most commonly used forms of transportation for both short and long distances.

Travel guide text compiled and adapted from Wikivoyage article (contributors). Sections were selected and reordered for this guide. Text is shared under CC BY-SA 4.0. Check current arrangements with your travel consultant.