Should I Visit Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng?

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

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng? 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 Longsheng?

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.

Longsheng

A county of the city, Guilin, Longsheng is a hub of several ethnic cultures that thrive on farming and tourism. It is located about 50 or so miles north of the Guilin city center. The region is perhaps most known for the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces located in Heping Township. These, along with many other natural features like hot springs, waterfalls, and meadows are a few of the main attractions that draw visitors to Longsheng.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.

Which place is cheaper, Longsheng 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.

Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia Prices

Longsheng Prices
China Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Kota Kinabalu $63

Longsheng $102

The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $63, while the average daily cost in Longsheng is $102. 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 Longsheng in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Kota Kinabalu $19

Longsheng $20
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Kota Kinabalu $38

Longsheng $40

Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Longsheng

Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng? 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

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Kota Kinabalu $24

Longsheng $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:

Borneo to Kota Kinabalu Airport(BKI) - Departure Private Transfer: $176
Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $113
Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $113
Private Transfer from Kota Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kinabalu Port: $103
Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $103
Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI): $103
Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $102
Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $73
Monsopiad Cultural Village Visit with Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu: $50
Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $30
Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14

Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng?

Prices for flights to both Longsheng 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

Food Meals for one day

Kota Kinabalu $28

Longsheng $60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kota Kinabalu.

Sabah Traditional Authentic Cuisine Cooking Class 3 Hours: $69
Taste Of Borneo Cooking Class: $89
Kota Kinabalu K2 Fireflies Sunset River Cruise Tour with Dinner: $91
Ethnic Cooking Class & Upside Down House & 3D Wonders Museum: $92
Kota Kinabalu Sunset Cruise with Dinner, Live Band & Hotel Pickup: $172
Kota Kinabalu Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $187

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Kota Kinabalu $6.02

Longsheng $8.29

Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:

Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise: $46
Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
Borneo Combo Adventure: $200
Cowboy Town & Fireflies River Cruise: $62
Day Trip to Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring Guided Tour: $80
Discover Sailing Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach: $80
From Kota Kinabalu : Kiulu White Water Rafting Tour + meal: $62
Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $42
Indigenous Weaving Experience: $236
Island Hopping Tour (2 Island) From Kota Kinabalu: $147
Island Hopping Tour From Kota Kinabalu (2 island): $263
Kinabalu National Park Tour: $105

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Kota Kinabalu $6.72

Longsheng $7.80

How are these travel costs calculated?

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Longsheng, we can see that Longsheng is more expensive. And not only is Kota Kinabalu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kota Kinabalu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kota Kinabalu 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 Longsheng would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Longsheng than you might in Kota Kinabalu.

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 Longsheng Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng?

Longsheng 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 Longsheng in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Longsheng. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Kota Kinabalu is generally around the same temperature as Longsheng. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Longsheng fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

It's quite rainy in Longsheng. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in July than Longsheng. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Summer Average Temperatures July

Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)

Longsheng 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng in the Autumn?

Both Longsheng and Kota Kinabalu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.

Kota Kinabalu is a little warmer than Longsheng in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Longsheng fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In October, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Longsheng. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Autumn Average Temperatures October

Kota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)

Longsheng 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng in the Winter?

Both Longsheng and Kota Kinabalu during the winter 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 winter, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Longsheng. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Longsheng averages at about 10°C (49°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in January than Longsheng. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Winter Average Temperatures January

Kota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)

Longsheng 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Longsheng. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.

In April, Kota Kinabalu is generally a little warmer than Longsheng. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 28°C (82°F), and Longsheng fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

Longsheng receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kota Kinabalu usually receives less rain than Longsheng. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Longsheng receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Spring Average Temperatures April

Kota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)

Longsheng 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Longsheng and Kota Kinabalu

	Kota Kinabalu		Longsheng
	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)
Jan	26°C (79°F)	129 mm (5.1 in)	10°C (49°F)	61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb	26°C (80°F)	64 mm (2.5 in)	11°C (51°F)	87 mm (3.4 in)
Mar	27°C (81°F)	61 mm (2.4 in)	15°C (59°F)	129 mm (5.1 in)
Apr	28°C (82°F)	112 mm (4.4 in)	20°C (68°F)	263 mm (10.3 in)
May	28°C (82°F)	226 mm (8.9 in)	25°C (77°F)	334 mm (13.2 in)
Jun	28°C (82°F)	291 mm (11.5 in)	28°C (82°F)	320 mm (12.6 in)
Jul	27°C (81°F)	255 mm (10 in)	30°C (86°F)	206 mm (8.1 in)
Aug	27°C (81°F)	260 mm (10.2 in)	30°C (86°F)	168 mm (6.6 in)
Sep	27°C (81°F)	285 mm (11.2 in)	27°C (81°F)	72 mm (2.8 in)
Oct	27°C (81°F)	336 mm (13.2 in)	23°C (73°F)	93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov	27°C (81°F)	298 mm (11.7 in)	17°C (63°F)	81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec	27°C (80°F)	230 mm (9.1 in)	12°C (53°F)	47 mm (1.9 in)

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kota Kinabalu vs. Longsheng for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng?

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

Where Should I go: Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng?

Kota Kinabalu

Longsheng

Which place is cheaper, Longsheng or Kota Kinabalu?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Longsheng

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu

Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu

Alcohol

When is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng?

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng in the Summer?

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng in the Autumn?

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng in the Winter?

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Longsheng and Kota Kinabalu

Related Articles for Kota Kinabalu

Related Articles for Longsheng

A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kota Kinabalu vs. Longsheng for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng?

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

Where Should I go: Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng?

Kota Kinabalu

Longsheng

Which place is cheaper, Longsheng or Kota Kinabalu?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Longsheng

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu

Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu

Alcohol

When is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng?

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng in the Summer?

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng in the Autumn?

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng in the Winter?

Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Longsheng in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Longsheng and Kota Kinabalu

Related Articles for Kota Kinabalu

Related Articles for Longsheng

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