Which place is cheaper, Sandakan or Kota Kinabalu?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan? 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 Sandakan?
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.
Sandakan
Located on the Northeast side of the state of Sabah in Borneo is the city of Sandakan, which is the 2nd largest city in the country. Sandakan was a prosperous port town in the 1800s because of its exports of tobacco, timber, pearls, and ivory. However, this booming town that was formerly the administrative capital in North Borneo was bombed practically out of existence at the end of World War II.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Kota Kinabalu.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $49Sandakan $58
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $49, while the average daily cost in Sandakan is $58. 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 Sandakan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $18Sandakan $20
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $36Sandakan $40
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan? 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 and Sandakan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $22Sandakan $33
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinabalu Airport Private Transfer with 1 hour Charter: $12
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $23
- One Way Transfer from Kota Kinabal Airport to/from Kota Kinabali: $25
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI): $28
- Private Transfer from Kota Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kinabalu Port: $28
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $28
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $28
- Monsopiad Cultural Village Visit with Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu: $31
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $32
- Borneo to Kota Kinabalu Airport(BKI) - Departure Private Transfer: $46
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $52
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan?
Prices for flights to both Sandakan 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 $15Sandakan $19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kota Kinabalu.
- Private Kinabalu Night Tour with Cultural Show and Dinner: $62
- Kota Kinabalu K2 Fireflies Sunset River Cruise Tour with Dinner: $86
- Ethnic Cooking Class & Upside Down House & 3D Wonders Museum: $92
- Half Day Klias Mangrove Wildlife and Fireflies with dinner: $144
- Kota Kinabalu Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $187
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sandakan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sandakan.
- Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan: $64
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $5.67Sandakan $7.19
Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- Kota Kinabalu Historical Photo Walking Tour: $37
- Private Half Day Kota Kinabalu City Tour: $38
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $40
- Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise: $46
- Private Guided E-Foil Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach: $47
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Kota Kinabalu City Tour: $54
- Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour Including Lunch: $55
- Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu: $58
- Cowboy Town & Fireflies River Cruise: $62
- Cultural Night Tour From Kota Kinabalu : $64
- Sunset Charter Cruise Experience in Kota Kinabalu: $69
Tours and Activities in Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch: $51
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $78
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $105
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour: $125
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $138
- Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre with Sandakan City Tour with Lunch: $191
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $197
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 3 Days 2 Nights At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $241
- 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise: $290
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $6.34Sandakan $6.59
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan, we can see that Sandakan 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 Sandakan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sandakan 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 Sandakan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Sandakan. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan?
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 Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan in the Summer?
Both Sandakan 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. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In July, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Sandakan. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
It's quite sunny in Sandakan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually receives less sunshine than Sandakan during summer. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 221 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Kota Kinabalu is generally around the same temperature as Sandakan. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Sandakan fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Sandakan 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan in the Autumn?
Both Sandakan 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round.
Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in October than Sandakan. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 253 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sandakan. Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 191 hours of full sun.
Kota Kinabalu is around the same temperature as Sandakan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Sandakan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kota Kinabalu usually receives less rain than Sandakan. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Sandakan during winter. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Sandakan receives 156 hours of full sun in the winter.
In the winter, Kota Kinabalu is around the same temperature as Sandakan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Sandakan averages at about 26°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Sandakan 26°C (80°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Sandakan. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Sandakan. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kota Kinabalu usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Sandakan. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Sandakan receives 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kota Kinabalu this time of the year. In the spring, Kota Kinabalu often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sandakan. Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sandakan receives 247 hours of full sun.
In April, Kota Kinabalu is generally around the same temperature as Sandakan. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 28°C (82°F), and Sandakan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Sandakan 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Sandakan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 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.