Which place is cheaper, Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Shiretoko National Park? 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 Shiretoko National Park?
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.
Shiretoko National Park
Shiretoko National Park, Japan is comprises the entire Shiretoko Penninusla in the northeast island of Hokkaido. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered to be one of the most remote areas in Japan with very few and very small settlements. This makes Shiretoko the perfect place for a fun hiking and camping adventure.
While the park is open year round, the weather in the area tends to greatly affect the enjoyment of your trip due to harsh winters and heavy rain at the end of summer. There is a short period from May to early July that is considered the best time to visit due to slightly less rain and comfortable temperatures around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesShiretoko National Park Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Shiretoko National Park $96
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Shiretoko National Park is $96. 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 Shiretoko National Park in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Shiretoko National Park $34
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Shiretoko National Park $68
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Shiretoko National Park
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Shiretoko National Park? 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 Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $25Shiretoko National Park $27
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 Shiretoko National Park?
Prices for flights to both Shiretoko National Park 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 $30Shiretoko National Park $45
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 $6.43Shiretoko National Park $15
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Shiretoko National Park $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Shiretoko National Park, we can see that Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu or Shiretoko National Park?
Shiretoko National Park 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 Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?
Both Shiretoko National Park 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. Also, many visitors come to Shiretoko National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during summer. Kota Kinabalu gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In July, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?
Both Shiretoko National Park 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. Also, most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 10°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Kota Kinabalu often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Kota Kinabalu gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 158 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in October than Shiretoko National Park. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Shiretoko National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
The weather in Shiretoko National Park can be very cold. In January, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 26°C (79°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around -6°C (20°F).
Kota Kinabalu usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during winter. Kota Kinabalu gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 108 hours of full sun in the winter.
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Shiretoko National Park. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Shiretoko National Park this time of year.
It's quite cold in Shiretoko National Park in the spring. Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kota Kinabalu this time of the year. In the spring, Kota Kinabalu often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Kota Kinabalu gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun.
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in April than Shiretoko National Park. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F)
Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Shiretoko National Park | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | -6°C (20°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | -7°C (19°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | -3°C (28°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 51 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.