10 Reasons to visit Suriname

 Anani strand (Anani Beach) in  Brokopondo

On the coast of South America, nestled between French Guiana and Guyana, you will find a hidden jewel in the Amazon rainforest. This country is called Suriname, or as I call it, home! In the local language, Sranan Tongo, Suriname is simply "Sranang." If you're thinking about visiting a piece of paradise, here are 10 reasons why you should visit this tropical South American/Caribbean nation.

                         

                 1. A Multicultural Society

It doesn't matter where you're from, what language you speak, or what your religion is—in Suriname, you will certainly feel right at home. This former French, English, and Dutch colony is incredibly diverse. The independent Republic of Suriname is home to people of Chinese, Javanese, Indian, Indigenous, Brazilian, and Maroon descent, among many others. You will also see a lot of Latin Americans in Suriname.

Take me, for example: I am what we call a "dogla," meaning I am a mix. I have Chinese, Scottish, Jewish, Creole, Javanese, Indian, Dutch, and Venezuelan ancestors, and that's just the short list! Surinamese people are also very tolerant of each other's religions. We are the only country in the world with a Synagogue located right next to a Mosque.

                             2. The food

Chinese food In Suriname

Whenever you ask someone what the best thing Suriname has to offer is, they will most likely answer, "the food!" And no, those Chinese restaurants you see in the Netherlands are not what we Surinamese people would call local Surinamese food. Most of them don't even speak Sranan Tongo, the local language that every citizen knows, which means most have never even been to my country.

When you visit Suriname, you will never get bored because there are so many food options. From plates of pasta to Javanese cuisines (which are similar to Indonesian cuisine but with a unique Surinamese twist), your tongue is in for a delightful treat. Just be sure you can handle some spice (sambel)! We also have Chinese, Indian, Brazilian, Mexican, and many more cuisines.

Surinamese people love food, which is also why we party differently than people in Europe. Have you ever been to a Surinamese birthday party? Biscuits and tea are not really our thing. There is always a lot of food. Sometimes you will find what we call "The Surinamese Buffet" at these parties, which is a mix of Creole, Chinese, Javanese, Indian food, and more. I will write more about Surinamese food in future articles, because there's a lot to get into. The point is, no matter where you're from, you can't get bored in Suriname. Because of our diverse background, our cuisine has a story to tell from every part of the world.

Javanese food in Suriname

When you visit Suriname, you will never get bored because there are so many food options. From plates of pasta to Javanese cuisines (which are similar to Indonesian cuisine but with a unique Surinamese twist), your tongue is in for a delightful treat. Just be sure you can handle some spice (sambel)! We also have Chinese, Indian, Brazilian, Mexican, and many more cuisines.

Surinamese people love food, which is also why we party differently than people in Europe. Have you ever been to a Surinamese birthday party? Biscuits and tea are not really our thing. There is always a lot of food. Sometimes you will find what we call "The Surinamese Buffet" at these parties, which is a mix of Creole, Chinese, Javanese, Indian food, and more. I will write more about Surinamese food in future articles, because there's a lot to get into. The point is, no matter where you're from, you can't get bored in Suriname. Because of our diverse background, our cuisine has a story to tell from every part of the 

               3. The people will understand you.

My friends who all speak more than 3 languages

Even though the national language is Dutch, because of the country's diverse culture and history, you will quickly find that almost every Surinamese person is bilingual. To date, I have not met a single Surinamese person who doesn't speak more than one language. In fact, most Surinamese people speak a minimum of three languages.

Some of the languages spoken in Suriname include:

• Dutch

• English

• Spanish

• Portuguese

• Sranan Tongo

• Javanese (a dialect created by Javanese immigrants who settled in Suriname)

• Sarnami (a Surinamese version of Hindi spoken by descendants of Indian immigrants)

• French (there is a lot of local interaction between Suriname and French Guiana)

• Mandarin, Hakka, and Cantonese

This list could go on for quite a while. Subscribe to my blog for in-depth articles about Suriname

               4.   Nature

Bronsberg Nature reserve in Brokopondo

We are called the heart of the Amazon for a reason—the country is mostly green. I have to admit, it is heartbreaking to see gold miners and Chinese loggers tear up the forest. Because of our natural resources, a lot of local and foreign companies have damaged our environment. 

On the way to your vacation destination, you might notice a lot of gold mines just along the road.

The deeper you go into the interior, the more of the rainforest you will see, and it is breathtaking. If you are looking to relax and enjoy nature, this is the place to be. We have diverse flora and fauna. Be sure to go swimming in our rivers and enjoy our waterfalls.

Suriname is also rich in natural resources. We have gold, diamonds, bauxite, wood, oil, minerals, and lots of healthy fruits. But I wish that our natural resources wouldn't be the reason for people to tear up places with such beautiful views. The animals in the Surinamese forest deserve a safe place. After all, this is a country where biologists from all over the world come to find extinct animals and plants. We have a lot of plants in our interior that can be used as natural medicines for different ailments. I guess I would have done it differently. But don't let that stop you from hiking in our backyards. If you can, try to see it while it lasts.

                               5.  The currency

A few drinks and an SRD 100,- bill.

For you, as a tourist, the currency will certainly work in your favor. Back when this was written, 1 Euro equaled S.R.D (Surinamese Dollars) 8.21, which means a little pocket money went a long way.

• Update: The government updated its policies to try to control a spiraling currency. The newly introduced unified currency rate as of November 2020 was $1 USD = SRD 14 and €1 = SRD 16.62.

• 2022 Update: Due to massive inflation, the currency of $1 USD now equals SRD 22. To keep track of the recent currency, you can visit the website of the Surinamese Central Bank or any other local bank.

     6. The hospitality of the Surinamese people

The sun setting in Suriname

Suriname is home to many beautiful women and men, and since the country is so diverse, the people here come in all sizes and shapes. But most importantly, they are friendly and helpful. You will feel at ease having a friendly chat, and they will welcome you and even show you around. When it comes to hospitality, Surinamese people do not hold back

                                          8. Nightlife 

A night of unexpected clubbing and pool.

The nightlife in Suriname, especially during December, is something worth experiencing. The New York Times called us "South America's hidden treasure." Owru Yari (the end of the year) is heavily celebrated in the capital city of Paramaribo. Surinamese people love to party, and they know how to get down! You will see them dancing and drinking while watching the Pagara Festival. There is no shortage of nightclubs, especially near Waterkant (the riverside).

                                           9. Holidays

Since we are so diverse, we have a lot of national holidays. Surinamese people enjoy sharing each other's holidays. When it is Eid al-Fitr, everyone visits their Muslim friends for food. During Phagwa, you will see Onafhankelijkheid Square full of people from different backgrounds celebrating the powder festival. So feel free to join the party and blend in.

                       10. The music and Beer

A view of the Commewijne river.

In Suriname, you will hear all kinds of music, from reggae to rock and roll and even Kaseko. Our clubs play Latin and house music, too. It doesn't matter what your preference is; in Suriname, you will surely find something for yourself. When clubbing or even on the streets, you will see most people drinking Parbo beer, a locally made beer that you have to taste to make your visit to Suriname complete.

Have you been to Suriname before?