Which place is cheaper, Wuyuan 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 Wuyuan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Wuyuan? 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 Wuyuan?
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.
Wuyuan
Wuyuan, China is a small city in the Jiangxi Province in the south central area of the country. The city acts as a transport hub for the province, with many main bus routes running through it. Wuyuan also acts as the main thoroughfare when traveling to local remote villages in the area. It is best to know some Mandarin as this region does not see many non-Mandarin speaking tourists, which also means you should expect some very friendly attention!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesWuyuan Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Wuyuan $73
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Wuyuan is $73. 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 Wuyuan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Wuyuan $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Wuyuan $52
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Wuyuan
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Wuyuan? 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 $25Wuyuan $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Borneo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $77
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $53
- Kota Kinab Airport to Kota Kinabalu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to Borneo - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $30
- 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
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Wuyuan?
Prices for flights to both Wuyuan 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 $30Wuyuan $35
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: $29
- Beringgis Mangove Fireflies, Sunset Tour & Dinner: $33
- 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 Wuyuan
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Wuyuan:
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Gummy Candy$0.28
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Cookies$0.70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.43Wuyuan $19
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
- Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies : $49
- Bongawan: River Safari Cruise, Private or Optional Ticket: $143
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Cowboy Town & Fireflies River Cruise: $62
- Day Trip to Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring Guided Tour: $70
- From Kota Kinabalu : Kiulu White Water Rafting Tour + meal: $66
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $55
- Indigenous Weaving Experience: $236
- Island Hopping Tour (2 Island) From Kota Kinabalu: $100
- Island Hopping Tour From Kota Kinabalu (2 island): $90
- Kinabalu National Park Tour: $135
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Wuyuan $14
When comparing the travel costs between Kota Kinabalu and Wuyuan, we can see that Wuyuan 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 Wuyuan Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu or Wuyuan?
Wuyuan 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 Wuyuan in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Wuyuan. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Kota Kinabalu is generally around the same temperature as Wuyuan. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Wuyuan fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).
It's quite rainy in Wuyuan. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in July than Wuyuan. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Wuyuan receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Wuyuan 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Wuyuan in the Autumn?
Both Wuyuan 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 Wuyuan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Wuyuan fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In October, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Wuyuan. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Wuyuan receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Wuyuan 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Wuyuan in the Winter?
Both Wuyuan 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 Wuyuan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Wuyuan averages at about 6°C (43°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in January than Wuyuan. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Wuyuan receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Wuyuan 6°C (43°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Wuyuan in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Wuyuan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
In April, Kota Kinabalu is generally much warmer than Wuyuan. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 28°C (82°F), and Wuyuan fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
Wuyuan 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 Wuyuan. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Wuyuan receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Wuyuan 18°C (64°F)
Typical Weather for Wuyuan and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Wuyuan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 123 mm (4.9 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 174 mm (6.8 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 192 mm (7.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 48 mm (1.9 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.