A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kuala Lumpur vs. Cairns for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Cairns?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kuala Lumpur and Cairns. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a modern, welcoming, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cairns

Cairns is a idyllic, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Kuala Lumpur and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Cairns?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cairns than Kuala Lumpur. While Kuala Lumpur is larger than Cairns, Cairns has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cairns is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Cairns is more touristy than Kuala Lumpur and is known for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. Also, Cairns is famous for the Great Barrier Reef. Kuala Lumpur is well known for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants.

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cairns and Kuala Lumpur. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kuala Lumpur or Cairns?

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Kuala Lumpur has many famous sights for visitors. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

Is the Food Better in Kuala Lumpur or Cairns? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Cairns is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Kuala Lumpur is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cairns makes for a great culinary experience. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Cairns Better for Nightlife?

Cairns is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Cairns just to party. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

Kuala Lumpur is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Cairns Better for Resorts?

Cairns is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Cairns to choose from. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

Kuala Lumpur is not a resort destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Cairns Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cairns is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Cairns. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Kuala Lumpur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Cairns is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Cairns offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Cairns Better for Hiking?

Cairns is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Cairns is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Cairns?

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Cairns is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Kuala Lumpur specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

Cairns is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cairns is very family-friendly. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

Kuala Lumpur is a very kid-friendly city. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Cairns Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur and Cairns both superb destinations for a couple.

Kuala Lumpur makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

Couples visit Cairns frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Cairns Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cairns is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Cairns. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

Kuala Lumpur is a great city to visit for backpackers. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Cairns Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Cairns is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Kuala Lumpur. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Cairns is not popular with students.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Cairns Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cairns is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Kuala Lumpur can take you anywhere. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

You'll find some public transit in Cairns, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Cairns a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its walkability.

Kuala Lumpur is a very walkable destination. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting? and Is Cairns Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Cairns?

In either Kuala Lumpur or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Cairns has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Cairns than Kuala Lumpur. In general, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

Families should spend more time in Cairns than Kuala Lumpur. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cairns, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cairns than Kuala Lumpur if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Cairns.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Cairns?

Kuala Lumpur is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Cairns, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this outdoorsy city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Kuala Lumpur or Cairns?

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cairns is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Cairns?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Cairns, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this adventure-filled destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Cairns?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful big city of Kuala Lumpur. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Cairns is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Cairns, we can see that Cairns is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kuala Lumpur is in Asia and Cairns is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kuala Lumpur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kuala Lumpur 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 Cairns would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cairns than you might in Kuala Lumpur.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kuala Lumpur Expensive? and Is Cairns Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Cairns?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Cairns. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Cairns, 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 Kuala Lumpur or Cairns?

Cairns has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Cairns in the Summer?

Both Cairns and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Cairns for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally around the same temperature as Cairnsin January. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cairns. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives less rain than Cairnsin January. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Cairns is November to March.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Cairns in the Autumn?

Both Cairns and Kuala Lumpur during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cairns in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Cairns in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F)in April.

Cairns gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cairnsin April. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 in) of rain this time of the year. April to October is the dry season in Cairns.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Cairns in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Cairns. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cairns for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Cairns. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Cairns averages at about 23°C (73°F)in July.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Cairnsin July. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Cairns in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Cairns. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Cairns because of the beaches.

In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally around the same temperature as Cairnsin October. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Cairnsin October. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to October in Cairns is the dry season. November to March in Cairns is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Kuala Lumpur