Which place is cheaper, Hongcun or Kota Kinabalu?
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 Kota Kinabalu or Hongcun?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Hongcun? 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: Kota Kinabalu or Hongcun?
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu, originally Jesselton, is the capital of Sabah, which is on the northern part of the island of Borneo. Kota Kinabalu is located just between the western side of the island and Tambunan Rafflesia Forest Reserve. Most of Kota Kinabalu's historic buildings were destroyed by bombing during World War II, so the city had to be rebuilt. KK, as it's commonly called, is a compact, but booming town today, with its new shopping centers, seaside condominiums, and bustling marketplaces.
Hongcun
When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.
The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, and The Best Adventure Tours to China.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesHongcun Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Hongcun $67
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Hongcun is $67. 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 Kota Kinabalu and Hongcun in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Hongcun $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Hongcun $46
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Hongcun
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Hongcun? 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: Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $25Hongcun $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) Private Transfer to Kota Kinabalu: $13
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $25
- Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $30
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to Borneo - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Hongcun?
Prices for flights to both Hongcun and Kota Kinabalu 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 dayKota Kinabalu $30Hongcun $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kota Kinabalu.
- Beringgis Mangove Fireflies, Sunset Tour & Dinner: $33
- Sabah Traditional Authentic Cuisine Cooking Class 3 Hours: $45
- Klias River Cruise with Dinner and Fireflies: $55
- Kawa Mangrove Cruise & Fireflies with Dinner: $67
- Ethnic Cooking Class & Upside Down House & 3D Wonders Museum: $92
- Taste Of Borneo Cooking Class: $95
- North Borneo Sunset Dinner Cruise: $121
- Kota Kinabalu Night Tour with Dinner & Cultural Dance Show: $138
- Kota Kinabalu Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $187
Typical Food Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.91
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Breakfast of Dumplings$2.10
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.43Hongcun $17
Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- Bongawan Proboscis and Fireflies Cruise Tour: $32
- Sail and Catch Boat fishing Tour of the Coast of Kota Kinabalu: $41
- Night Glow Stand Up Paddle Experience in Kota Kinabalu: $44
- Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise: $46
- Mangrove Kayaking Experience in Borneo: $47
- Bongawan: River Safari Cruise, Private or Shared Ticket: $48
- Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies : $49
- Sabah: Manukan and Sapi Islands Excursion Ticket: $50
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Private Guided E-Foil Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach: $54
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $55
- Pulau Sapi & Manukan Sabah Shared Activity Adventure: $57
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:
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Two Entrance Tickets$29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Hongcun $14
When comparing the travel costs between Kota Kinabalu and Hongcun, we can see that Kota Kinabalu 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. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive? and Is Hongcun Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu or Hongcun?
Hongcun has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kota Kinabalu experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Hongcun in the Summer?
Both Hongcun and Kota Kinabalu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
Kota Kinabalu is around the same temperature as Hongcun in the summer. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Hongcun fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Hongcun. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In July, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Hongcun. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Hongcun 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Hongcun in the Autumn?
Both Hongcun and Kota Kinabalu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu is a little warmer than Hongcun. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Hongcun averages at about 19°C (65°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in October than Hongcun. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Hongcun 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Hongcun in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Hongcun. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
It's quite cold in Hongcun in the winter. In January, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Hongcun. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 26°C (79°F), and Hongcun fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Hongcun. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Hongcun 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Hongcun in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Hongcun. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Hongcun in the spring. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Hongcun fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It's quite rainy in Hongcun. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kota Kinabalu usually gets less rain in April than Hongcun. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Hongcun 17°C (62°F)
Typical Weather for Hongcun and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Hongcun | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.