A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kuala Lumpur vs. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?

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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?

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.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

In the heart of the Anhui Province of China is the stunning Mount Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws in visitors from around the world to take in the stunning views and conquer a new challenge.

Mount Huangshan is one of the most popular destinations in China. Because of this, most of the towns and regions around it also use the name Huangshan. Even the closest town, Tunxi, has begun going by Huangshan City. Keep this in mind as it could potentially cause some confusion in transit.

The whole of Huangshan has 36 separate peaks rising approximately 1,800 meters into the air. It is often covered in a spiritual-feeling mist that makes the peaks appear to live in the clouds. It has inspired artists for centuries, and is often thought to be the model for the typical mountain ranges seen in ancient Chinese paintings.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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.

  • Kuala Lumpur Prices
    Malaysia Prices
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Prices
    China Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Kuala Lumpur $83
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $72

The average daily cost (per person) in Kuala Lumpur is $83, while the average daily cost in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $72. 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kuala Lumpur $41
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kuala Lumpur $82
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50
Compare Hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Looking for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)? 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)


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
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $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:

  • Private Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $17
  • Private Kuala Lumpur Airport Arrival Transfer: $17
  • Sunway Lagoon Theme Park to Kuala Lumpur Hotels Transfer: $17
  • Private: Kuala Lumpur Departure Transfer: $17
  • PVT Departure Transfer <> Kuala Lumpur to KLIA 1/2: $17
  • PVT Arrival Transfer<>KLIA 1/2 to Kuala Lumpur: $17
  • Kuala Lumpur Airport Arrival Transfer: $17
  • Sunway Lagoon Theme Park to Kuala Lumpur Hotels Transfer (1-way): $17
  • Kuala Lumpur Hotels to Sunway Lagoon Theme Park Transfer (1-way): $17
  • Kuala Lumpur City to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Transfer: $18
  • Kuala Lumpur Hotel to Airport Transfer: $18
  • Kuala Lumpur Airport Arrival Transfer: $18

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain):


  • Shuttle Bus to Tangkou for Two
    $3.64

Is it cheaper to fly into Kuala Lumpur or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?

Prices for flights to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $33
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
  • 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: $53
  • 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
  • Firefly Park Kuala Selangor Seafood Dinner and Free Boat Ride: $64

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kuala Lumpur $15
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27
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: $7.42
  • KL Tower Admission E-Ticket with Options: $8.65
  • REXPERIENCE: Immersive Art Gallery at REXKL: $9.77
  • Museum Of Illusions Standard Admission Ticket: $9.89
  • 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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are as follows:


  • Two Entrance Tickets
    $64
  • Two Cable Car Passes
    $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kuala Lumpur $6.58
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $16
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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), we can see that Kuala Lumpur 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally around the same temperature as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

It's quite rainy in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kuala Lumpur usually gets less rain in July than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F) 
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Autumn?

Both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year.

Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F) 
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Winter?

Both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Kuala Lumpur during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages at about 4°C (40°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kuala Lumpur 27°C (81°F) 
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round.

In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kuala Lumpur 28°C (82°F) 
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (81°F) 239 mm (9.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 260 mm (10.2 in) 10°C (51°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 189 mm (7.4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 235 mm (9.2 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 29°C (85°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 160 mm (6.3 in) 29°C (84°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 280 mm (11 in) 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 290 mm (11.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 250 mm (9.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)