Which place is cheaper, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)? 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
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.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
In the heart of the Anhui Province of China is the stunning Mount Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws in visitors from around the world to take in the stunning views and conquer a new challenge.
Mount Huangshan is one of the most popular destinations in China. Because of this, most of the towns and regions around it also use the name Huangshan. Even the closest town, Tunxi, has begun going by Huangshan City. Keep this in mind as it could potentially cause some confusion in transit.
The whole of Huangshan has 36 separate peaks rising approximately 1,800 meters into the air. It is often covered in a spiritual-feeling mist that makes the peaks appear to live in the clouds. It has inspired artists for centuries, and is often thought to be the model for the typical mountain ranges seen in ancient Chinese paintings.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $72. 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)? 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 $25Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $10
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
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Transfer from 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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain):
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Shuttle Bus to Tangkou for Two$3.64
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Prices for flights to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 $30Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.43Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27
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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are as follows:
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Two Entrance Tickets$64
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Two Cable Car Passes$22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $16
When comparing the travel costs between Kota Kinabalu and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), we can see that Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Summer?
Both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the summer. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In July, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Autumn?
Both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). In January, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 26°C (79°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the spring. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
It's quite rainy in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kota Kinabalu usually gets less rain in April than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F)
Typical Weather for Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.