Which place is cheaper, Tanah Rata or Cebu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Cebu or Tanah Rata?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Cebu or Tanah Rata? 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: Cebu or Tanah Rata?
Cebu
Cebu Island is an important island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, characterized by its main port at Cebu City as well as many natural features. The most-visited areas include islands of Mactan, Bantayan, Badian, Malapascua and Camotes, all which have resorts and hotels. Scuba diving and snorkeling are common activities along the shoreline, while hiking the mountainous spine of the island is popular inland.
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Cebu Prices
Philippines PricesTanah Rata Prices
Malaysia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayCebu $80Tanah Rata $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Cebu is $80, while the average daily cost in Tanah Rata is $192. 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 Cebu and Tanah Rata in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personCebu $25Tanah Rata $76
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomCebu $50Tanah Rata $152
Compare Hotels in Cebu and Tanah Rata
Looking for a hotel in Cebu or Tanah Rata? 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: Cebu Hotel Prices and Tanah Rata Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Cebu $26Tanah Rata $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Bohol Day Tour from Cebu (Shared) w/ RT Transfers & Ferry: $185
- Bohol Day Tour with Round-Trip Transfers from Cebu: $208
- Canyoneering Cebu in Kawasan falls + meals + Cebu transfer option: $53
- Cebu Airport Private Transfer to Cebu City Hotel: $18
- Cebu Airport Transfer to / from Anywhere in Cebu: $37
- Cebu Safari & Adventure Park: Wildlife Tour with Transfers: $104
- CEB Airport to City Centre|Hotels Private Transfer: $7.00
- One-way Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotels: $91
- Oslob Whale Shark Encounter & SUMILON with Transfers: $201
- Private Car Transfer with Driver (Flexible Routes): $29
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $26
- Cordova Private Transfer from Cordova city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Cameron Highlands to Ipoh Hotel Transfer: $65
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $125
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Cameron Highland to Kuala Besut Jetty One Way SIC Transfer: $154
- Shared Transfer : Cameron Highland to Taman Negara via Kuala Tembeling Jetty: $155
Is it cheaper to fly into Cebu or Tanah Rata?
Prices for flights to both Tanah Rata and Cebu 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 dayCebu $36Tanah Rata $87
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.
- Carbon Market Food Tour & Bars with Jeepney Ride: $16
- Highlands Guided Tour with STREET FOOD TOUR OPTION: $46
- The Ultimate Cebu Food Tour: Local Tastes & Cultural Journey: $70
- Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $91
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $100
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $100
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking Class: $110
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking: $110
- Cebu Vegetarian Cooking Class: $110
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $110
- 5-Hour Evening Tour from Cebu with Dinner: $110
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$6.42
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Dessert$0.71
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Lunch$4.52
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Afternoon tea$4.40
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Cebu $17Tanah Rata $39
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- Cebu City: Walking Tour: $22
- Cebu City: Guided Trekking Experience: $33
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- City Sightseeing Group Tour: $40
- BEST OF Guided Heritage City Joiners Tour: $45
- Scuba Diving Experience beach entry in Mactan: $45
- Heritage Tour and Uphill Tour: $46
- Cebu Highlands Tour (Taoist temple, Leah and sirao garden)PICK UP: $46
- Cebu City: Best of Cebu Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour: $49
- Thrill Seekers Paradise Kawasan Canyoning Adventure: $50
- Cebu Half Day City Tour (Private Tour): $52
- Best Seller Cebu City Group Tour: $54
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tea Factory Visit$6.42
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Tour of Orang Asli Village$24
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands: Mossy Forest Tour: $30
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $35
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Join in Tour: $49
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Tour: $61
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands Private Sightseeing Tour : $211
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayCebu $14Tanah Rata $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Makati Pub Crawl with Optional City Tour: $18
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cebu and Tanah Rata, we can see that Tanah Rata is more expensive. And not only is Cebu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cebu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cebu 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 Tanah Rata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tanah Rata than you might in Cebu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cebu Expensive? and Is Tanah Rata Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Cebu or Tanah Rata?
Cebu has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Cebu and Tanah Rata, 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 Cebu or Tanah Rata?
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 Cebu or Tanah Rata in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cebu and Tanah Rata. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Cebu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cebu usually receives more rain than Tanah Rata. Cebu gets 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Cebu is generally around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 28°C (82°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyCebu 28°C (82°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Tanah Rata in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Cebu as well as Tanah Rata. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. Cebu receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cebu usually gets less rain in October than Tanah Rata. Cebu gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Cebu is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cebu averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberCebu 28°C (82°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Tanah Rata in the Winter?
Both Tanah Rata and Cebu are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. In January, Cebu usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Cebu gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Cebu is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cebu in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Tanah Rata averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryCebu 27°C (81°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Cebu or Tanah Rata in the Spring?
Both Tanah Rata and Cebu during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round.
Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cebu usually gets less rain in April than Tanah Rata. Cebu gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Cebu is generally around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Cebu average around 29°C (84°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilCebu 29°C (84°F)Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Tanah Rata and Cebu
| Cebu | Tanah Rata | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Nov | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 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.