Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Penang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Penang or Cheju (Jeju)?
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 Penang and Cheju (Jeju). 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: Penang or Cheju (Jeju)?
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
Cheju (Jeju)
Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesCheju (Jeju) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Cheju (Jeju) $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $84. 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 Penang and Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Cheju (Jeju) $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Cheju (Jeju) $90
Compare Hotels in Penang and Cheju (Jeju)
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Cheju (Jeju)? 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: Penang Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Cheju (Jeju) $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.43
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Island Ferry$0.57
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.64
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.13
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $146
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $275
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
- Penang Airport Transfer - Arrival or Departure: $36
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
- Penang to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237
- Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
- ATV Ride in Balik Pulau with Snacks and Transfers: $66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- Jeju Airport (CJU) Private Transfer to Jeju City Centre/Seogwipo: $27
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
- Private Jeju Airport Transfer : Jeju Airport to/from Jeju(~7 pax): $89
- Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City to Jeju Airport(one way ): $90
- Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju city (One way ) : $45
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport To Seogwipo City: $150
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $75
- Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $75
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $70
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Cheju (Jeju)?
Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) and Penang 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 dayPenang $64Cheju (Jeju) $29
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.90
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$81
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$69
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Lassy Juice$1.66
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Dinner for 2$3.57
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Street Stall Food$0.67
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.52
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
- Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $92
- Authentic Indian Penang Cooking Class: $92
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $99
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):
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Burger$4.44
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Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)$7.16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).
- JEJU Cooking Class _Class & Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $139
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Cheju (Jeju) $5.43
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$7.37
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.13
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.48
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.38
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.92
- Straits and Oriental Museum Ticket: $7.31
- Tropical Spice Garden Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours: $8.15
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
- The Vanilla Village Farm Tour by Kairos: $9.39
- Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket: $15
- Malaysia: Discover Nature's Wonders with Entopia Entry Ticket: $17
- Penang Rainbow Skywalk at The Top Komtar Observation Deck Tickets: $22
- Entopia Butterfly and Nature Discovery Park Entry Ticket Penang : $28
- Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour: $32
- Georgetown Half Day City Tour: $42
Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Jeju Customized Private Car Tour : $15
- [Jeju] Hanbok Rental Experience/Korean Traditional Clothes Rental Shop: $25
- Jeju Eastern UNESCO Sites Day Tour with Haenyeo Show: $59
- Jeju Eastern Cultural Exploration Day Tour: $59
- Jeju Southern UNESCO Full Day Tour with Mt.Halla: $59
- Jeju WEST&SOUTH One Day Tour with MT.halla & Aewol: $59
- Jeju Western and Southern Routes Sightseeing Day Tour: $59
- Jeju island Eastern UNESCO site Full Day Guided Tour: $59
- Jeju island Southern Unesco Mt.halla ONE day Bus Tour: $59
- Jeju island Southern UNESCO Day Tour With Hallasan MT: $59
- Jeju Island East UNESCO Day Tour: $59
- Jeju Eastern Must visit Unesco Spots Join In Tour: $59
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Cheju (Jeju) $7.04
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Cheju (Jeju) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cheju (Jeju) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang than you might in Cheju (Jeju).
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Cheju (Jeju)?
Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Cheju (Jeju), 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 Penang or Cheju (Jeju)?
Cheju (Jeju) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Penang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Penang or Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?
Both Cheju (Jeju) and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
In the summer, Penang is around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the summer temperatures in Penang in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 26°C (79°F).
It's quite sunny in Cheju (Jeju). The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cheju (Jeju) during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Cheju (Jeju). It's quite rainy in Penang. In July, Penang usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Penang or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?
Both Cheju (Jeju) and Penang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In October, Penang is generally much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Cheju (Jeju). Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Penang or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Cheju (Jeju). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
Penang is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the winter. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
In January, Penang usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Penang or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Penang as well as Cheju (Jeju). Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Penang is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the spring temperatures in Penang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 13°C (56°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In the spring, Penang often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 190 hours of full sun.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Cheju (Jeju). Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Penang
| Penang | Cheju (Jeju) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (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.