Which place is cheaper, Sandakan or Bali?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Bali or Sandakan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Bali and Sandakan can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Bali or Sandakan?
Bali
Known as the "Island of the Gods," it's not difficult to see why the Gods would want to set up shop in Bali. With a beautifully diverse landscape of hills, mountains, coastlines, beaches, vibrant rice fields and volcanic hillsides, you'll easily go into sensory overload.
Bali is home to 4 million people who all hold true to a deeply spiritual and unique culture. With champion surfing, world class resorts and challenging hiking trails, this Indonesian island accommodates travelers from every walk of life. It's often called, "paradise on earth, " and no one disagrees.
Sandakan
Located on the Northeast side of the state of Sabah in Borneo is the city of Sandakan, which is the 2nd largest city in the country. Sandakan was a prosperous port town in the 1800s because of its exports of tobacco, timber, pearls, and ivory. However, this booming town that was formerly the administrative capital in North Borneo was bombed practically out of existence at the end of World War II.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBali $76Sandakan $64
The average daily cost (per person) in Bali is $76, while the average daily cost in Sandakan is $64. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Bali and Sandakan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBali $43Sandakan $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBali $86Sandakan $44
Compare Hotels in Bali and Sandakan
Looking for a hotel in Bali or Sandakan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Bali Hotel Prices and Sandakan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bali $9.42Sandakan $36
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Bali
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Bali:
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Motorbike Rental$3.23
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bali
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bali:
- Nusa Dua Departure transfer to Bali Airport International (DPS): $13
- Private Arrival Transfer: Denpasar International Airport to Nusa Dua Area: $15
- Private transfer: Uluwatu to Bali Airport (DPS): $15
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport Jimbaran and Uluwatu: $16
- Private Arrival Transfer: Bali Airport to Jimbaran and Uluwatu Hotel: $16
- Sanur Bali to/from Lembongan: Speedboat Transfer: $16
- Ngurah Rai Bali Airport Private Transfer: $17
- Private transfer: Nusa Dua to Bali Airport (DPS): $17
- Private Transfer Ubud-Seminyak-Kuta-Uluwatu-Jimbaran: $20
- Bali Tours 4U Airport and Seaport transfers. 24 hours a day.: $21
- Bali DPS Airport Private Transfer from-to Nusa Dua: $23
- Denpasar Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Bali or Sandakan?
Prices for flights to both Sandakan and Bali change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayBali $21Sandakan $20
Typical Food Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of dining costs in Bali are as follows:
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Coffee$1.29
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Lunch for Two$14
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Bali Cafe for Two$28
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Lunch for Two$8.41
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Lunch for 2$9.32
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Dinner for 2$10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bali
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bali.
- Best Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran Beach Sunset : $29
- Romantic Seafood Dinner under sunset jimbaran Beach: $30
- Private Tour Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Dance and Dinner at Jimbaran: $31
- Ubud: Balinese Cooking Class at an Organic Farm: $35
- From Ubud: Authentic Cooking Class in a Local Village: $35
- Romantic Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran: $38
- Spice Garden, Jamu & Cooking Class in Bali Village: $45
- Seminyak: Balinese Cooking Class & Market Tour: $45
- Padang-Padang Beach+ Uluwatu Sunset and Kecak Dance + Dinner: $45
- Bali Street Food Tour: $45
- Bali's Best Sunset: Uluwatu Kecak Dance & Dinner Jimbaran Beach: $50
- South Bali Beach Tour, Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Fire Dance & Seafood Barbeque Dinner: $50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sandakan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sandakan.
- Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan: $64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bali $11Sandakan $7.92
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bali
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bali are as follows:
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Spa for Two$56
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Snorkelling Trip$13
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Cooking School$29
Tours and Activities in Bali
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bali are as follows:
- Bali Water Sports Adventure: $7.89
- Bali Tanjung Benoa Water Sport Adventure: $8.34
- Bali Bird Park 1-Day Admission Ticket: $9.45
- Bali Bird Park: 1-Day Admission Ticket: $9.72
- Best of Ubud Full Day Private Guided Tour: $11
- Tanah Lot Bali Temple Sunset Small Group Tour – Half Day: $13
- Private Tour to New Indonesia Urban Destination: $13
- Kecak and Fire Dance Ticket at Uluwatu Temple: $14
- Uluwatu Temple Tour with Optional Kecak Dance Ticket: $16
- Uluwatu Temple Kecak Fire Dance Private Guided Tour: $17
- Watersport activity Ocean walker, Parasailing Adventure & Banana Boat: $18
- Tanah Lot Temple Guided Tour: $18
Tours and Activities in Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch: $51
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $78
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $112
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour: $125
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $147
- Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise with Lunch: $189
- Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre with Sandakan City Tour with Lunch: $191
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $200
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 3 Days 2 Nights At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $250
- Sepilok Orang Utan, Sun Bear & Sandakan Nature City Tour + Lunch: $272
- 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise: $290
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayBali $3.33Sandakan $7.26
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bali and Sandakan, we can see that Bali is more expensive. And not only is Sandakan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sandakan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sandakan and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Bali would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bali than you might in Sandakan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bali Expensive? and Is Sandakan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bali or Sandakan?
Bali has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Sandakan. When comparing the sizes of Bali and Sandakan, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Bali or Sandakan?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Bali or Sandakan in the Summer?
Both Sandakan and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Bali is April to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. In July, Bali usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Sandakan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bali. Bali usually receives more sunshine than Sandakan during summer. Bali gets 253 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 221 hours of full sun in the summer.
Bali is around the same temperature as Sandakan in the summer. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Sandakan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyBali 27°C (81°F)Sandakan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Bali or Sandakan in the Autumn?
Both Sandakan and Bali during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round.
October to March is the rainy season in Bali. Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bali usually gets less rain in October than Sandakan. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 253 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
It's quite sunny in Bali. In the autumn, Bali often gets more sunshine than Sandakan. Bali gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 191 hours of full sun.
In the autumn, Bali is around the same temperature as Sandakan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bali in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Sandakan averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBali 27°C (81°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Bali or Sandakan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Sandakan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali. Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Bali usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Bali usually receives more sunshine than Sandakan during winter. Bali gets 170 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 156 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Bali is generally around the same temperature as Sandakan. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 26°C (79°F), and Sandakan fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBali 26°C (79°F)Sandakan 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Bali or Sandakan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Bali as well as Sandakan. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year.
Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season. It's quite rainy in Sandakan. Bali usually gets less rain in April than Sandakan. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bali this time of the year. In the spring, Bali often gets less sunshine than Sandakan. Bali gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 247 hours of full sun.
Bali is around the same temperature as Sandakan in the spring. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Sandakan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilBali 27°C (81°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Sandakan and Bali
| Bali | Sandakan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (79°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Apr | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.