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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Sapporo?

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 Sapporo. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a snowy, vibrant, and laid-back city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Kuala Lumpur and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Sapporo?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Sapporo. While Sapporo is larger than Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Kuala Lumpur is better known for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Sapporo is more popular for its skiing. 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. Also, Kuala Lumpur is famous for The Petronas Twin Towers. Sapporo is well known for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kuala Lumpur or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a skiing destination.

Sapporo offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Kuala Lumpur is not a skiing destination.

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

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Sapporo. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

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

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sapporo makes for a great culinary experience. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Sapporo is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Sapporo?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Sapporo is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Sapporo Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Sapporo are very good family-friendly destinations.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Sapporo is a very kid-friendly city. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Sapporo Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur and Sapporo 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 Sapporo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

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

Kuala Lumpur and Sapporo 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.

Sapporo is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Sapporo Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for 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.

Many students visit Sapporo. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

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

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Kuala Lumpur can get you around easily. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Sapporo. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Sapporo a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Sapporo are very good when it comes to 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.

Sapporo is a very walkable city. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

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

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Sapporo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kuala Lumpur and Sapporo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than in Sapporo. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sapporo.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Sapporo. 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 Sapporo 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 Sapporo?

Because Kuala Lumpur is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Sapporo, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this laid-back city offers. 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 Sapporo?

Because Kuala Lumpur is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer.

Sapporo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Sapporo?

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the laid-back big city of Sapporo. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Sapporo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kuala Lumpur. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Sapporo is a popular place to visit. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo 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 Sapporo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Sapporo?

Sapporo has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?

Sapporo 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 Sapporo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Sapporo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Sapporo because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally a little warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Kuala Lumpur, it's very sunny this time of the year. Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Sapporo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Sapporo. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Sapporo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Sapporo fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sapporo. Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Sapporo. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Sapporo in the Winter?

Both Sapporo and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Sapporo for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Sapporo. In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Sapporo averages at about -5°C (24°F).

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sapporo. It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Sapporo. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Sapporo in the Spring?

Both Sapporo and Kuala Lumpur during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Sapporo in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Sapporo. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Kuala Lumpur