Which place is cheaper, Tanah Rata or Manila?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Manila or Tanah Rata?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Manila and Tanah Rata can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Manila or Tanah Rata?
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Philippines, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayManila $94Tanah Rata $137
The average daily cost (per person) in Manila is $94, while the average daily cost in Tanah Rata is $137. 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 Manila and Tanah Rata in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personManila $55Tanah Rata $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomManila $110Tanah Rata $134
Compare Hotels in Manila and Tanah Rata
Looking for a hotel in Manila or Tanah Rata? 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.
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: Manila Hotel Prices and Tanah Rata Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Manila $14Tanah Rata $29
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Full On 5-7 hours ATV Adventure Rivers-Mountains-Jungle with Transfers Manila: $280
- Active Taal Volcano experience 2024 (with transfers): $140
- Adventure Awaits: Spelunking at Cavinti Cave Complex w/ Transfers: $160
- Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*: $139
- Day Hike Mt. Batulao 811 meters with transfers from Manila** 2024: $130
- Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***: $170
- Half Day Historical Manila City tour and much more with transfers: $70
- Manila Airport (MNL): One-way Private Transfers: $57
- Manila Airport Transfer: $37
- Manila International Airport Private Transfer To & From City: $35
- Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Private Transfer: $9.80
- Nagpatong Rock Day hike + Tungtong Falls(with transfers**) 2023: $130
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $118
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or Tanah Rata?
Prices for flights to both Tanah Rata and Manila 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
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Food Meals for one dayManila $18Tanah Rata $44
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Manila Night Market and food tour Experience: $58
- Makati Street Food Tour Experience: $63
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $63
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Food Tour at the World's Oldest Chinatown: $75
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience with Mari: $81
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila: $145
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$5.66
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Dessert$0.63
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Lunch$3.98
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Afternoon tea$3.88
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Manila $20Tanah Rata $34
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- Guided Tour of the Historic San Sebastian Basilica (Manila): $6.42
- Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $18
- Skip the Line: Hike Eat Swim at Mount Purro Nature Reserve Ticket: $22
- ⭐ Makati Bar Hopping Tour with Venus ⭐: $27
- Intramuros Historical Walk Tour: $27
- Old Manila Intramuros Area Walking Tour: $32
- Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros: $34
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours: $37
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $43
- ⭐ Intramuros The Walled City Walking Tour ⭐: $45
- ⭐ Authentic Manila Chinatown Experience ⭐: $46
- Manila One-on-One Walking Tour with Mobile Photography: $50
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tea Factory Visit$5.66
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Tour of Orang Asli Village$21
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $33
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Delight Tour: $61
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayManila $9.97Tanah Rata $19
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manila and Tanah Rata, we can see that Tanah Rata is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Manila would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manila 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 Tanah Rata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tanah Rata than you might in Manila.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manila Expensive? and Is Tanah Rata Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Manila or Tanah Rata?
Manila has a larger population, and is about 1490 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Manila and Tanah Rata, 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 Manila or Tanah Rata?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Manila or Tanah Rata in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manila and Tanah Rata. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Manila gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Manila usually receives more rain than Tanah Rata. Manila gets 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Manila is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata in the summer. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyManila 27°C (80°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Manila or Tanah Rata in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Manila as well as Tanah Rata. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. Manila receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Manila usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Tanah Rata. Manila gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Manila is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Manila in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Tanah Rata averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberManila 26°C (79°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Manila or Tanah Rata in the Winter?
Both Tanah Rata and Manila are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. In January, Manila usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Manila gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Manila is generally around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Manila average around 24°C (76°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryManila 24°C (76°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Manila or Tanah Rata in the Spring?
Both Tanah Rata and Manila during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round.
Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Manila usually gets less rain in April than Tanah Rata. Manila gets 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Manila is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata in the spring. The daily temperature in Manila averages around 29°C (84°F) in April, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilManila 29°C (84°F)Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Tanah Rata and Manila
| Manila | Tanah Rata | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Nov | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Dec | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.