Which place is cheaper, Penang or Bandung?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Bandung or Penang?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Bandung or Penang? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Bandung or Penang?
Bandung
Bandung is the capital city of West Java, and the third largest city in Indonesia after Jakarta and Surabaya. Nicknamed Parijs van Java (Paris of Java) by the Dutch for its resemblance to Paris and European atmosphere back in colonial times, Bandung also earned another nickname as Kota Kembang, literally meaning the Flower City since Bandung used to have a lot of flowers. Nowadays, Bandung has become a very popular weekend escape for Jakartans, who crowd the city on weekends and national holidays. It's known for colonial and art deco architecture, a lively, university-town feel and relatively cool tropical weather. Bandung is also a shopping destination, with fashion outlets clustered along Jalan Setiabudi and Jalan Riau in the Dago district. The city also make a good base for day trips to the surrounding countryside - high volcanic peaks, hot springs, and tea plantations are all within reach.
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Indonesia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, The Best Budget Tours to Malaysia, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBandung $41Penang $114
The average daily cost (per person) in Bandung is $41, while the average daily cost in Penang is $114. 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 Bandung and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBandung $22Penang $53
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBandung $44Penang $106
Compare Hotels in Bandung and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Bandung or Penang? 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: Bandung Hotel Prices and Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Bandung $6.01Penang $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bandung
Also for Bandung, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Private Transfer From Bandung - Jakarta (all area ): $100
- Bandung or Lembang to Jakarta Airport CGK Departure Transfer: $66
- Private Cipanas Thermal to Jakarta Airport CGK Departure Transfer: $28
- Private Kertajati International Airport Transfers (KJT) for Bandung: $120
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Braga: $36
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Ciater: $36
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Ciburial: $36
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Cikole: $36
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Dago: $36
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Hegarmanah: $36
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Kebon Jeruk: $36
- Private Transfer Bandung Airport (BDO) to Kebon Pisang: $36
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
-
Local Bus$1.39
-
Island Ferry$0.55
-
Bus From Airport to George Town$0.62
-
Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
-
Motorbike Rental (One Day)$6.93
-
Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $39
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal: Transfer to Penang Island: $120
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
- Private Transfer: Penang Island to or from Perak: $131
- Private Transfer: Penang International Airport to or from Hotel: $49
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $39
- Private Transfer From Penang Airport to Town Area: $26
- Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $200
- Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
- Private Half Day Tour to Penang Island with Transfer Included: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Bandung or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Bandung 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
-
Food Meals for one dayBandung $15Penang $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bandung
For Bandung, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Bandung Food Tour: $67
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
-
Snack$1.85
-
Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$79
-
Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$67
-
Lassy Juice$1.62
-
Dinner for 2$3.46
-
Street Stall Food$0.65
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.39
-
Italian Lunch (for Two)$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $70
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $92
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $96
- Dinner at Penang Hill: $102
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
- Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Bandung $5.91Penang $54
Tours and Activities in Bandung
For Bandung, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Ali's Batukaras Surf & Countryside Eco Tours : $27
- Stone Garden Western Tour From Bandung: $39
- Kawah Rengganis Private Hiking and Glamping Lakeside Tour from Bandung: $41
- Private Guided Sightseeing Day Tour of Bandung: $43
- Daytrip Costum White Crater Volcano Mount Tour Guide Bandung: $50
- Kawah Putih tour - Day trip Ticket etc all including : $50
- Private Guided Sightseeing Day Tour of Bandung: $50
- Bandung:Kawah Putih,Volcano,HotSpring,Mud Bathing,Lake Tour: $53
- Kawah Putih Tour From Bandung City: $58
- Tangkuban Parahu Volcano North Bandung Private Tour : $65
- White Crater Day Trip Private Tour Bandung Kawah Putih All In: $66
- Private Rafting Adventure in Pangalengan with Lunch: $67
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Butterfly Gardens$7.16
-
Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$6.93
-
Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.46
-
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.31
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $100
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $165
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.89
- Bukit Merah Orang Utan and Penang City Private Tour: $126
- Colors of George Town Walking Tour: $127
- Countryside Cycling Tour by Matahari: $92
- Day Tour in Penang 8hours flexible Spot: $228
- Discover Penang City in Amazing Tour: $85
- Enjoy Hill & Temple Sightseeing Private Tour - Penang City: $93
- Enjoy Hill & Temple Sightseeing Tour - Penang City: $71
- Entopia Butterfly Farm & Tropical Spice Garden Tour: $80
- Entopia Butterfly Farm And Tropical Spice Garden Tour: $83
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBandung $3.60Penang $17
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
-
Beer$1.85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bandung and Penang, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Bandung much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bandung would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bandung 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 Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang than you might in Bandung.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bandung Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Bandung or Penang?
Bandung has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Bandung and Penang, 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.
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.