A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kuala Lumpur vs. Cheju (Jeju) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Cheju (Jeju)?

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 Cheju (Jeju). 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.

Where Should I go: Kuala Lumpur or Cheju (Jeju)?

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, often referred to as KL, is the cosmopolitan capital of Malaysia. It is also the largest city in the country, having grown out of a small Chinese mining village. Today Kuala Lumpur is a microcosm of the country of Malaysia. The population is split between the Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures which you can see reflected in the city's neighborhoods, cuisine, and entertainment. It's also an incredibly affordable city, even if you're looking for the comforts of a five star hotel or a luxury restaurant. Prices are almost always a fraction of what you would pay in Europe or the United States.

Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.

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


Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Kuala Lumpur?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $83, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $84. 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 Kuala Lumpur and Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kuala Lumpur $41
    Cheju (Jeju) $45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kuala Lumpur $82
    Cheju (Jeju) $90
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Cheju (Jeju)

Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Cheju (Jeju)? 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.

Hotels in Kuala Lumpur


Hotels in Cheju (Jeju)


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: Kuala Lumpur Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kuala Lumpur $7.21
    Cheju (Jeju) $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kuala Lumpur

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.57
  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    $0.76
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $3.57
  • Taxi From Airport
    $21
  • Bus from Airport
    $1.90
  • Train & Boat to Pulau Ketam
    $2.85

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kuala Lumpur

Also for Kuala Lumpur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • 2 Way Transfer to or from Kuala Lumpur International Airport : $25
  • AVANI Sepang Goldcoast Resort Hotel TO Kuala Lumpur Hotel Door to Door Transfer: $59
  • Airport Transfer Private From/To KLIA, KLIA2 : $20
  • Airport Transfer: Kuala Lumpur to Airport KUL by Business Car: $105
  • Airport to Hotel Private Transfer - Welcome to Malaysia: $50
  • Airport transfer : $100
  • Aquaria KLCC Admission Ticket with One-Way or Round-Trip Transfer: $38
  • Aquaria KLCC Admission Ticket with return Transfer: $49
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport KUL to Kuala Lumpur in Business Car: $93
  • Arrival Private Transfers from Airport KUL to Kuala Lumpur in Business Van: $125
  • Arrival Transfer : Kuala Lumpur Airport: $43
  • Arrival Transfer from KLIA/KLIA2 to IPOH: $169

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):

  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $70
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $75
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $75
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport To Seogwipo City: $150
  • Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju city (One way ) : $45
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City to Jeju Airport(one way ): $90
  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
  • Private Jeju Airport Transfer : Jeju Airport to/from Jeju(~7 pax): $89
  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
  • Jeju Airport (CJU) Private Transfer to Jeju City Centre/Seogwipo: $27

Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Cheju (Jeju)?

Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) and Kuala Lumpur 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
    Kuala Lumpur $29
    Cheju (Jeju) $29
Typical Food Prices in Kuala Lumpur

For Kuala Lumpur, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Dinner at Ding Tai Fung
    $9.51
  • Roti Bread
    $0.24
  • Food Court Lunch
    $3.42
  • Dinner at Indian Restaurant (for Two)
    $5.11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kuala Lumpur

For Kuala Lumpur, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Night Tour Batu Caves and South Indian Dinner: $20
  • From Batu Caves Night Tour + Indian Set Dinner: $28
  • Nightlife Street Food Tour with 6 Tastings: $41
  • Laksa Lanes Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 14+ Tastings: $49
  • Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $49
  • Sambal Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $52
  • Best Local Food Tour by Night at Kuala Lumpur : $55
  • Glowing Firefly Private Tour With Dinner: $59
  • Malaysia Cooking Classes With Local: $60
  • Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: $60
  • Kuala Selangor Fireflies and Blue Tears Tour with Dinner (SIC): $62
  • Malaysian Hands-On Cooking Class : Masala Medley : $63

Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):


  • Burger
    $4.44
  • Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)
    $7.16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).

  • JEJU Cooking Class _Class & Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kuala Lumpur $15
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.43
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kuala Lumpur

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Kuala Lumpur's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • KL Tower Admission (for Two)
    $11
  • Canopy Walk at FRIM Forest Reserve
    $1.19

Tours and Activities in Kuala Lumpur

For Kuala Lumpur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Self Guided Tropical Adventure at Kuala Lumpur Hidden Treasures: $3.59
  • Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park Ticket with Unlimited Rides: $5.39
  • Urban Museum at Toffee Raja Chulan Admission Ticket: $6.35
  • Genting Highlands: Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park Entry Ticket: $6.39
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Pass: $7.41
  • KL Tower Admission E-Ticket with Options: $8.65
  • REXPERIENCE: Immersive Art Gallery at REXKL: $9.77
  • Museum Of Illusions Standard Admission Ticket: $9.88
  • Kuala Lumpur Suburbs Batu Caves Half-Day Tour (SIC/Shared Tour): $10
  • Kuala Lumpur Half Day Guided City Tour (SIC/Shared Tour): $10
  • Malaysia Cruise Tasik Putrajaya: $10
  • Aquaria KLCC Entry Ticket: $11

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private Day Tour World Natural Heritage in jeju island : $125
  • 1-Day Jeju Island Tour For Cruise Passenger: $64
  • 2 Days Private Tour with a Very Experienced Driver in Jeju Island: $290
  • 2025 Cherry Blossom East Day Tour in Jeju with UNESCO: $81
  • 2025 JEJU Cherry Blossom West&South Full Day Tour with UNESCO: $80
  • 2Days Private Tour Free schedule with A lot of Experience driver : $300
  • 2Days World Natural Heritage & South & west tour in jeju island : $225
  • All-Inclusive Jeju East Tour with Lunch and Tangerine Picking: $105
  • Customized private tour in Jeju island: $175
  • East of Jeju island Bus Tour from Seogwipo city, Jeju island: $99
  • East of jeju tour for Seogwipo Gangjeong Cruise Customers: $160
  • Eastern Jeju: All Inclusive Private Tour w/ Tangerine picking: $200

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kuala Lumpur $6.58
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.04
Typical Alcohol Prices in Kuala Lumpur

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Kuala Lumpur are as follows:


  • Bottle of Wine
    $11


When comparing the travel costs between Kuala Lumpur and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Cheju (Jeju) 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 Kuala Lumpur Expensive? and Is Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Cheju (Jeju)?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cheju (Jeju). When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Cheju (Jeju), 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 Cheju (Jeju)?

Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Kuala Lumpur during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Kuala Lumpur is around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju) in the summer. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In Cheju (Jeju), it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kuala Lumpur. In the summer, Kuala Lumpur often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cheju (Jeju). Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 209 hours of full sun.

Cheju (Jeju) 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 less rain in July than Cheju (Jeju). Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Cheju (Jeju). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round.

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cheju (Jeju) during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 179 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Cheju (Jeju). Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 75 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Cheju (Jeju). Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the spring. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cheju (Jeju) during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur Cheju (Jeju)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 239 mm (9.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 280 mm (11 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 290 mm (11.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 250 mm (9.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)