A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Eilat vs. Tanah Rata for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Eilat or Tanah Rata?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Eilat 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: Eilat or Tanah Rata?

Eilat

Eilat serves as the gateway to Israel from Egypt. It's located at the southern tip of the country and sits on the Red Sea with views of the Gulf of Aqaba. It's location in the Negev Desert along the beautiful coast make it appealing to both domestic and international vacationers.

Eilat is a resort town with many dive shops and snorkeling opportunities. The population of about 50,000 can easily be overshadowed by vacationers. With no shortage of sun, entertainment, bars, and partying, you will find both Israeli and international tourists looking for an oasis of fun and relaxation.

Although the area's coral reefs were being damaged by overuse, the removal of contraversial fish cages in 2008 has led to a slow recovery and an improvement in the quality of diving and snorkeling in the area. There are also less crowds than you will find in Sharm el-Sheikh or Dahab, Egypt.

Eilat has a hot desert climate. The summers are hot and dry and the winters are warm and dry. Temperatures in the winter can range from 52 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit and summer temperatures are usually between 79 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

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 10-Day Tours in Israel, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Israel, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.


Which place is cheaper, Tanah Rata or Eilat?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Eilat is $140, while the average daily cost in Tanah Rata is $137. 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 Eilat and Tanah Rata in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Eilat $93
    Tanah Rata $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Eilat $186
    Tanah Rata $134
Compare Hotels in Eilat and Tanah Rata

Looking for a hotel in Eilat 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.

Hotels in Eilat


Hotels in Tanah Rata


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: Eilat Hotel Prices and Tanah Rata Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Eilat $13
    Tanah Rata $29
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Eilat

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Eilat:


  • Local Bus
    $3.71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Eilat

Also for Eilat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Jerusalem: One-Way Shuttle Transfer to Eilat: $90
  • Private Transfer From Ramon airport Eilat to Eilat Hotels or Arava Border : $70

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:

  • Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
  • Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $118
  • CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
  • Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
  • Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
  • Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
  • Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153

Is it cheaper to fly into Eilat or Tanah Rata?

Prices for flights to both Tanah Rata and Eilat 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 day
    Eilat $35
    Tanah Rata $44

Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:


  • Dinner for Two
    $5.66
  • Dessert
    $0.63
  • Lunch
    $3.98
  • Afternoon tea
    $3.88

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Eilat $16
    Tanah Rata $34

Tours and Activities in Eilat

For Eilat, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Glass Bottom Boat Cruise in Eilat: $30
  • Jeep tour adventure Eilat mountains: $55
  • From Timna Park Guided Jeep Tour: $63
  • Red canyon jeep tour in Eilat: $70
  • Timna park Jeep tour adventure: $70
  • Park Timna: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
  • Red Canyon: Small Group Photo Tour: $130
  • Timna Park Tour from Eilat: $150
  • Petra 1-Day Tour from Eilat + FREE Traditional Lunch: $199
  • Full-Day Tour of Petra from Eilat: $199
  • 1 Day Tour to Petra From Eilat: $217
  • Day Tour to Petra from Eilat: $219

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:


  • Tea Factory Visit
    $5.66
  • Tour of Orang Asli Village
    $21

Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata

Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $33
  • Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
  • Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
  • Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
  • Cameron Highlands: Agro Delight Tour: $61
  • Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Eilat $27
    Tanah Rata $19


When comparing the travel costs between Eilat and Tanah Rata, we can see that Eilat is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Eilat is in Middle East and Tanah Rata is in Asia, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Eilat Expensive? and Is Tanah Rata Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Eilat or Tanah Rata?

Eilat has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Eilat 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 Eilat or Tanah Rata?

Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.

Should I visit Eilat or Tanah Rata in the Summer?

Both Tanah Rata and Eilat during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Eilat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round.

Eilat usually gets less rain in July than Tanah Rata. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

It's very hot in Eilat this time of the year. Eilat is a little warmer than Tanah Rata in the summer. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 33°C (91°F) in July, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Eilat 33°C (91°F) 
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Tanah Rata in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Eilat and Tanah Rata. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Eilat year-round. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Eilat usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Eilat gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

In the autumn, Eilat is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Eilat in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Tanah Rata averages at about 27°C (81°F).


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Eilat 26°C (79°F) 
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Tanah Rata in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Eilat as well as Tanah Rata. Eilat 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. Eilat usually gets less rain in January than Tanah Rata. Eilat gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

In January, Eilat is generally much colder than Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Eilat average around 14°C (57°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Eilat 14°C (57°F) 
    Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Eilat or Tanah Rata in the Spring?

Both Tanah Rata and Eilat are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Eilat 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 April, Eilat usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Eilat gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Eilat is cooler than Tanah Rata in the spring. The daily temperature in Eilat averages around 24°C (75°F) in April, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Eilat 24°C (75°F) 
    Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F)

Typical Weather for Tanah Rata and Eilat

Eilat Tanah Rata
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (57°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 1 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 24°C (75°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
May 27°C (81°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (83°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Jun 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jul 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 33°C (91°F) 0 mm (0 in) 28°C (82°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Sep 31°C (88°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Oct 26°C (79°F) 1 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 237 mm (9.3 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 0 mm (0 in) 27°C (81°F) 270 mm (10.6 in)
Dec 15°C (59°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (80°F) 158 mm (6.2 in)