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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Sydney?

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 Sydney. 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 diverse, colorful, and historic 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sydney

Sydney is a energetic, outdoorsy, and adventurous 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, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Kuala Lumpur and Sydney: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Sydney?

You'll generally find more things to do in Sydney than Kuala Lumpur. Sydney is bigger than Kuala Lumpur, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Sydney is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Kuala Lumpur is more popular for its food. 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. Sydney is well known for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. Also, Sydney is famous for the Sydney Opera House.

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Sydney?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the world-class sights and museums in either Kuala Lumpur or Sydney.

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.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Sydney are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

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

Kuala Lumpur is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kuala Lumpur is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Sydney. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Sydney Better for Nightlife?

Sydney 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 Sydney just to party. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sydney is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Sydney. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

Kuala Lumpur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Sydney Better for Beaches?

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

Sydney offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Sydney Better for Hiking?

Sydney 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 Sydney. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Sydney?

Shoppers can find a variety of world-class stores in both Kuala Lumpur and Sydney.

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.

The abundance of shops in Sydney make it a world-class shopping destination. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Sydney Better for Families?

Sydney 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, Sydney is very family-friendly. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney Better for Couples?

Sydney is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Kuala Lumpur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Sydney is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

Couples visit Kuala Lumpur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

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

Sydney 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 Sydney. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Sydney Better for Students?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Sydney are world-class destinations for students.

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

Many students frequent Sydney. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

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

Visitors will find world-class public transit in both Kuala Lumpur and Sydney.

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.

Visitors in Sydney can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Sydney a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Sydney are great 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.

Sydney is a very walkable city. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Sydney or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Sydney?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Sydney have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sydney 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 Sydney.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sydney 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 Sydney.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Sydney?

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

In Sydney, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this diverse 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 Sydney?

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.

Sydney is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Sydney?

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 Sydney, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this energetic big city 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 Sydney?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly 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.

Sydney 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Sydney?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Kuala Lumpur. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Sydney, 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 Sydney?

Sydney 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 Sydney in the Summer?

Both Sydney 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. Also, most visitors come to Sydney for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Kuala Lumpur is generally a little warmer than Sydneyin January. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Kuala Lumpur. In the summer, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Sydneyin January. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 236 hours of full sun.

Sydney 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 July than Sydneyin January. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Sydney in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Sydney. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sydney because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Sydney during autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sydney receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Sydneyin April. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Sydney in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Sydney. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sydney this time of year.

In the winter, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Sydney. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Sydney averages at about 12°C (53°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sydney. In the winter, Kuala Lumpur often gets less sunshine than Sydneyin July. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sydney receives 208 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in January than Sydneyin July. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Sydney in the Spring?

Both Sydney 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. Also, many travelers come to Sydney for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Sydneyin October. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 28°C (82°F), and Sydney fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Sydney. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Sydney during spring. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Sydney receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In April, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Sydneyin October. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Sydney receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sydney and Kuala Lumpur