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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Coffs Harbour?

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 Coffs Harbour. 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 colorful, historic, and modern city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a nature-filled, lively, and relaxing vacation town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Kuala Lumpur and Coffs Harbour: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Coffs Harbour?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Coffs Harbour, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Coffs Harbour is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Kuala Lumpur is popular for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. It is also home to The Petronas Twin Towers. Coffs Harbour is popular for its popularity as a holiday destination, diverse marine environment, and the iconic "Big Banana".

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Coffs Harbour?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour?

Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Kuala Lumpur from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Coffs Harbour offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town is home to the infamous Big Banana Fun Park. It's a large amusement park that's become recognized for the "Big Banana" at the entrance - which is the first of the "Big Things" found in Australia. The town also has several other landmarks to check out such as the Forest Sky Pier, the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, and the Butterfly House.

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

Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Kuala Lumpur have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Coffs Harbour. It's a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants that cater to families, couples, and all types of vacations. There are quaint cafes as well as fine dining restaurants and the cuisine ranges from local seafood to modern Australian favorites, or international treats.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Coffs Harbour Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kuala Lumpur and Coffs Harbour.

Kuala Lumpur has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Coffs Harbour is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a vacation spot that attracts visitors who want to enjoy the evening activities. The Jetty Strip is popular for its nightlife scene, but you'll find no shortage of bars and pubs in other areas as well.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Coffs Harbour Better for Resorts?

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

There are plenty of resorts in Coffs Harbour to choose from. There's a huge range of accommodation types in the area with everything from camping to luxury resorts. There are also budget-friendly hostels and family-friendly hotels.

Kuala Lumpur is not a resort destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Coffs Harbour Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Coffs Harbour is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Coffs Harbour. Scuba diving and snorkeling is popular in the area, as this is where the Solitary Islands Marine Park begins. The area sees a mix of the warm water from the Great Barrier Reef and the cooler waters from around Sydney, so the marine life is diverse. There are sheltered areas that offer snorkeling for all ages and you'll see a great mix of tropical and sub-tropical marine life, as well as both soft and hard corals.

Kuala Lumpur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Coffs Harbour Better for Beaches?

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

Coffs Harbour offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. People come for the beaches, and they won't disappoint. You can enjoy everything from surfing, swimming, fishing, or simply walking and taking in the beauty. Popular beaches in the area include Emerald Beach, Woolgoolga, and the family-friendly Jetty Beach.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Coffs Harbour Better for Hiking?

Coffs Harbour is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Coffs Harbour. There are many national parks and natural areas nearby with excellent hiking and bush walks. The Coffs Creek Walk is a walking and biking path that's in town and connects the city center to many of the top sights that are nearby. Out of town, there's the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk, the Gumgali Track, Sherwood Nature Reserve and Ulidarra National Park.

Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Coffs Harbour?

Kuala Lumpur is very popular for shopping. Also, Coffs Harbour is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Kuala Lumpur. 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.

Coffs Harbour is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has many shopping centers and markets where you can enjoy leisurely shopping or pick up any essentials that you may have forgotten.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Coffs Harbour Better for Families?

Coffs Harbour 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, Coffs Harbour is very family-friendly. There are great beaches where kids can swim or learn to surf. There are also water parks, including the famous Big Banana Fun Park, as well as amusement parks, nature reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Kids and adults alike will enjoy going dolphin or whale watching, or putting on a mask and going snorkeling.

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 Coffs Harbour Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur and Coffs Harbour both very good 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 Coffs Harbour frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful city and a popular honeymoon destination. Couples will enjoy the impressive beaches and fun activities. There are places to explore nature as well as restaurants and fun evening activities. There's also great scuba diving and snorkeling at the Solitary Islands Marine Park.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Coffs Harbour Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur and Coffs Harbour are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Kuala Lumpur is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Coffs Harbour is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town as well as great water activities and a lively atmosphere, making this a nice stop off for backpackers.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Coffs Harbour Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Coffs Harbour is not popular with students.

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

Coffs Harbour is not popular with students.

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

Kuala Lumpur is very popular for times when you don't have a car. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Coffs Harbour. This is a very car dependent area and public transit is very limit. While there are buses, the area is spread out and you need the freedom of having your own vehicle to explore.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Coffs Harbour a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. However, Coffs Harbour is lacking in options for its high level of walkability.

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. 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.

Coffs Harbour is not a walkable city. Most visitors arrive with a car and you'll struggle to fully experience the area if you don't have your own form of transportation.

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

Should I spend more time in Coffs Harbour or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Coffs Harbour?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Coffs Harbour have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Coffs Harbour than in Kuala Lumpur. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 3-7 days is enough time in Coffs Harbour.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Coffs Harbour. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kuala Lumpur that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Coffs Harbour 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 Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Coffs Harbour?

Kuala Lumpur is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Coffs Harbour, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxing vacation town 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 Coffs Harbour?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Coffs Harbour 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. Lots of people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Coffs Harbour?

Kuala Lumpur is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Coffs Harbour, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this relaxing 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. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Coffs Harbour?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Kuala Lumpur. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Coffs Harbour is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. 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 Adventure Tours to Australia, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Coffs Harbour, we can see that Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Coffs Harbour?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Coffs Harbour. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Coffs Harbour, 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 Coffs Harbour?

Coffs Harbour 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 Coffs Harbour in the Summer?

Both Coffs Harbour 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, the summer months attract visitors to Coffs Harbour because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour in the summer. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Coffs Harbour. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Coffs Harbour during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 237 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives less rain than Coffs Harbourin January. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 187 mm (7.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Coffs Harbour in the Autumn?

Both Coffs Harbour 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, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Coffs Harbour this time of year.

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Coffs Harbour averages at about 20°C (67°F)in April.

In Coffs Harbour, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Coffs Harbourin April. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 203 hours of full sun.

Coffs Harbour 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 more rain in October than Coffs Harbourin April. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 215 mm (8.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Coffs Harbour in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Coffs Harbour. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Coffs Harbour for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Coffs Harbourin July. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coffs Harbour this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Coffs Harbour during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Coffs Harbour receives 219 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Coffs Harbourin July. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Coffs Harbour in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Coffs Harbour. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Coffs Harbour in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Coffs Harbour in the spring. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Coffs Harbour fluctuates around 19°C (66°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coffs Harbour. In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Coffs Harbourin October. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Coffs Harbour receives 257 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Coffs Harbour. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Coffs Harbourin October. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Coffs Harbour receives 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Coffs Harbour and Kuala Lumpur