Which place is cheaper, Manila or Koh Tarutao?
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 Koh Tarutao or Manila?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Koh Tarutao and Manila. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Koh Tarutao or Manila?
Koh Tarutao
While much of Thailand has been built up into a tourist destination of hotels and resorts, there are spots that are still untouched and covered in the beauty of this part of the world. The unspoiled regions of the Ko Tarutao Marine National Park is 51 islands of rainforest ready for visitors. Established in 1974, the park is the second oldest in the country, and was the setting for the 2002 season of the reality television show Survivor. The park includes stunning coral reefs, pristine white beaches and wildlife of all shapes and sizes. Trek through and keep your eyes out for mouse deer, wild pigs, sea otters, tree pythons, sea eagles, hornbills, reef egrets and so much more.
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Thailand, The Best Cultural Tours in Thailand, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.
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Koh Tarutao Prices
Thailand PricesManila Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKoh Tarutao $137Manila $106
The average daily cost (per person) in Koh Tarutao is $137, while the average daily cost in Manila is $106. 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 Tarutao and Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKoh Tarutao $57Manila $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKoh Tarutao $114Manila $108
Compare Hotels in Koh Tarutao and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Koh Tarutao or Manila? 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: Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Koh Tarutao $39Manila $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila HTL-APT (MNL): $30
- Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50
- Tagaytay-Pagsanjan Falls combo tour with transfers** updated 2024: $180
- Safe and secure Airport Transfer Best in Manila: $216
- Quality Safe and Reliable Manila Airport Transfers: $49
- Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila Airport (MNL): $29
- Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $29
- Private One-way Transfer From Manila To Manila Airport: $24
- Private Departure Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $98
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13
Is it cheaper to fly into Koh Tarutao or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila and Koh Tarutao 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 Tarutao $56Manila $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $64
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
- Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $68
- Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $73
- Authentic Manila Chinatown Food Tour Exploration : $75
- Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Day Tour in Manilas History and Savor a Cultural Dinner: $175
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Koh Tarutao $17Manila $19
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- (Excursion) Day tour in Manila: $265
- A Day in Paradise at Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation Adventure: $150
- A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $24
- Active Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour (2in1): $135
- Amazing Taal Volcano Tour (Boat Included): $125
- Antipolo Day Tour with Cloud 9 and Pinto Art Museum: $82
- BAGUIO CITY DAY TOUR (FROM MANILA): $365
- BANAUE:BATAD Rice Terraces with Sagada 4D3N PRIVATE TOUR: $7,305
- Bataan Death March Memorial Historical Tour : $208
- Club Crawl and Party Experience at BGC: $73
- Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : $85
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKoh Tarutao $8.08Manila $9.90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Koh Tarutao and Manila, we can see that Koh Tarutao is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Manila would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manila 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 Koh Tarutao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koh Tarutao than you might in Manila.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Koh Tarutao Expensive? and Is Manila Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Koh Tarutao or Manila?
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 Koh Tarutao or Manila in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Koh Tarutao as well as Manila. Koh Tarutao attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Manila. Koh Tarutao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Koh Tarutao usually gets less rain in July than Manila. Koh Tarutao gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Manila in the summer. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Manila fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKoh Tarutao 27°C (81°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Manila in the Autumn?
Both Manila and Koh Tarutao are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Tarutao throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Koh Tarutao is November to April. The rainy season in Koh Tarutao is May and October. It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. It's quite rainy in Koh Tarutao. In October, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Manila. Koh Tarutao gets 281 mm (11.1 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In the autumn, Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Koh Tarutao in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Manila averages at about 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKoh Tarutao 27°C (81°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Manila in the Winter?
Both Manila and Koh Tarutao during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Tarutao because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
Koh Tarutao usually gets more rain in January than Manila. Koh Tarutao gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
In January, Koh Tarutao is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Koh Tarutao average around 27°C (80°F), and Manila fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKoh Tarutao 27°C (80°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Koh Tarutao or Manila in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Koh Tarutao and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Tarutao year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
November to April in Koh Tarutao is the dry season. Also, May and October is the rainy season in Koh Tarutao. Koh Tarutao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Koh Tarutao usually receives more rain than Manila. Koh Tarutao gets 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Koh Tarutao is around the same temperature as Manila in the spring. The daily temperature in Koh Tarutao averages around 29°C (85°F) in April, and Manila fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKoh Tarutao 29°C (85°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Koh Tarutao
| Koh Tarutao | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (84°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (85°F) | 124 mm (4.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 244 mm (9.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 269 mm (10.6 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 355 mm (14 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 281 mm (11.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (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.