Which place is cheaper, Penang or Koh Lipe?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Koh Lipe or Penang?
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 Koh Lipe and Penang can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Koh Lipe or Penang?
Koh Lipe
Ko Lipe used to be one of Thailand's most gorgeous hidden treasures. While it's still breathtaking, it's certainly not hidden anymore. With a small community of approximately 700 chow lair, or sea gypsies, this region is doing its best to maintain the beauty of its culture and beaches despite the influx of tourism. The rapid development has seen additions of concrete cafes and travel agencies. There are still rich, cultural gems to find in Ko Lipe - you just have to be willing to wander.
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 Budget Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Thailand, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Lipe $85Penang $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Lipe is $85, while the average daily cost in Penang is $103. 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 Koh Lipe and Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Lipe $44Penang $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Lipe $88Penang $98
Compare Hotels in Koh Lipe and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Koh Lipe 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: Koh Lipe Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Lipe $18Penang $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Lipe
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Koh Lipe:
- Private Transfer Pak Bara Pier to Hatyai Airport by Van: $70
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.26
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Island Ferry$0.50
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.57
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$9.64
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$6.29
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $210
- Penang Airport (PEN): Transfer to Swettenham Cruise Port: $115
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $29
- Penang Airport Transfer to Georgetown/City Hotel or Resort/Beach Hotel: $18
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang Intl Airport (PEN): Transfer to Penang Island hotels: $115
- Penang Island to Penang Airport (PEN)- Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $42
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $13
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $15
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Lipe or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang and Koh Lipe 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 dayKoh Lipe $26Penang $33
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.68
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$72
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$61
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Lassy Juice$1.47
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Dinner for 2$3.14
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Street Stall Food$0.59
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.98
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $87
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Cooking Classes In Penang By Penang Chiak: $93
- 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
- Food Tour at Penang - Eat Like a Local, Feel Like a Local: $120
- Dinner at Penang Hill Including Train Ride: $141
- Penang's Night Eat-Venture Vespa Food Tour: $160
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Lipe $23Penang $49
Tours and Activities in Koh Lipe
Here are a few actual costs in Koh Lipe for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 2 Hours Tour Sunset Cruise Around Lipe: $15
- Experience the Koh Lipe Backyard including 5 Mysterious Islands: $22
- Full-Day Koh Lipe 7 Islands Snorkeling Experience with Lunch: $24
- Experience the Koh Lipe Frontier in the Eastern Adang Archipelago: $25
- Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) 1 day Experience: $112
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$6.50
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$6.29
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.42
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.10
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.37
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.11
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tropical Spice Garden E-Ticket: $7.17
- Skip the Line: Admission Ticket - General: $7.18
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
- Wonderfood Museum in Penang Admission Ticket: $8.54
- Wonderfood Museum in Penang Admission Ticket: $8.71
- Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
- Entopia Penang Butterfly Farm Admission Ticket: $14
- George Town: Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm Entry Ticket: $16
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Lipe $8.18Penang $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.68
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Lipe and Penang, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Koh Lipe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Lipe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Lipe 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 Koh Lipe.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Lipe Expensive? and Is Penang Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Koh Lipe or Penang?
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 Koh Lipe or Penang in the Summer?
Both Penang and Koh Lipe are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Lipe throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. It's quite rainy in Koh Lipe. In July, Koh Lipe usually receives more rain than Penang. Koh Lipe gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
In July, Koh Lipe is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Koh Lipe average around 27°C (81°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Lipe 27°C (81°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Koh Lipe or Penang in the Autumn?
Both Penang and Koh Lipe during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Lipe because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
December to April is the dry season in Koh Lipe. May to October is the rainy season in Koh Lipe. Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Lipe. Koh Lipe usually gets less rain in October than Penang. Koh Lipe gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
Koh Lipe is around the same temperature as Penang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Koh Lipe averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Lipe 27°C (81°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Koh Lipe or Penang in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Lipe and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Lipe year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In January, Koh Lipe usually receives less rain than Penang. Koh Lipe gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In the winter, Koh Lipe is around the same temperature as Penang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Koh Lipe in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Lipe 27°C (80°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Koh Lipe or Penang in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Koh Lipe as well as Penang. Koh Lipe attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
Also, December to April in Koh Lipe is the dry season. May to October in Koh Lipe is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Penang. Koh Lipe receives a lot of rain in the spring. Koh Lipe usually gets less rain in April than Penang. Koh Lipe gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
In April, Koh Lipe is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Koh Lipe average around 29°C (85°F), and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Lipe 29°C (85°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Koh Lipe
| Koh Lipe | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 355 mm (14 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.