Which place is cheaper, Fraser Island or Penang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Penang or Fraser Island?
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 Fraser Island. 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 Fraser Island?
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.
Fraser Island
Fraser Island, located off Australia's eastern Queensland coast, is the world's largest sand island. It is best known as a camping and ecotourism destination, with a number of panoramic viewpoints, beaches, lakes, and freshwater pools. Hervey Bay, a beachside city on the nearby mainland, is a primary gateway to the island.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia.
-
Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesFraser Island Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Fraser Island $243
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Fraser Island is $243. 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 Fraser Island in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Fraser Island $102
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Fraser Island $204
Compare Hotels in Penang and Fraser Island
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Fraser Island? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Fraser Island $93
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
-
Local Bus$1.43
-
Island Ferry$0.57
-
Bus From Airport to George Town$0.64
-
Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
-
Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.13
-
Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $13
- Private Transfer : Penang International Airport Departure: $13
- Private Departure Transfer : Penang International Airport: $19
- Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $19
- Private Departure Transfer - Penang International Airport: $19
- Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
- Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $22
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $22
- Private Transfer - Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port: $22
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $22
- Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $23
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Fraser Island?
Prices for flights to both Fraser Island 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
-
Food Meals for one dayPenang $64Fraser Island $83
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
-
Snack$1.90
-
Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$81
-
Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$69
-
Lassy Juice$1.66
-
Dinner for 2$3.57
-
Street Stall Food$0.67
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.52
-
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.
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Fraser Island $45
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Butterfly Gardens$7.37
-
Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.13
-
Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.48
-
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:
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $6.10
- 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: $7.32
- Tropical Spice Garden Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours: $8.16
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
- The Vanilla Village Farm Tour by Kairos: $9.39
- Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket: $15
- Explore Remarkable Self-Guided Audio Tour: $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
Tours and Activities in Fraser Island
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Fraser Island are as follows:
- 2 Hours Hervey Bay Funset Cruise: $53
- Hervey Bay: Best Value Half Day Whale Watching Cruise: $80
- Hervey Bay Ultimate Whale Watching Cruise: $80
- Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise: $104
- Hervey Bay: Half Day Whale watching & Island Stop Tour: $111
- Remote K'gari (Fraser Island) & Whale Experience: $173
- Remote Fraser Island Experience: $173
- K'gari (Fraser Island) All Inclusive Day Tour: $174
- K'gari (Fraser Island) Small Group Day Tour - From Rainbow Beach: $186
- K'gari (Fraser Island) Small Group 4WD Adventure - From Noosa: $201
- Fraser Experience Shared Full Day Guided Tour: $208
- Hervey Bay to K'gari/Fraser Island 2-Day Tour (Beach House): $369
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Fraser Island $21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
-
Beer$1.90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Fraser Island, we can see that Fraser Island is more expensive. And not only is Penang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Penang is in Asia and Fraser Island 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 Penang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Penang 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 Fraser Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fraser Island than you might in Penang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Fraser Island Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Penang or Fraser Island?
Fraser Island 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 Fraser Island in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Fraser Island. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fraser Island this time of year.
In July, Penang is generally around the same temperature as Fraser Islandin January. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Fraser Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
Fraser Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Penang usually receives more rain than Fraser Islandin January. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryPenang 27°C (81°F)Fraser Island 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Penang or Fraser Island in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Penang as well as Fraser Island. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Fraser Island for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.
Penang is a little warmer than Fraser Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Fraser Island fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.
Penang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Fraser Islandin April. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilPenang 27°C (81°F)Fraser Island 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Penang or Fraser Island in the Winter?
Both Fraser Island and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Fraser Island in the winter for the cuisine.
In the winter, Penang is much warmer than Fraser Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Fraser Island averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.
In January, Penang usually receives more rain than Fraser Islandin July. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyPenang 28°C (82°F)Fraser Island 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Penang or Fraser Island in the Spring?
Both Fraser Island and Penang during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Fraser Island for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Penang is generally a little warmer than Fraser Islandin October. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Fraser Island fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Fraser Islandin October. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberPenang 28°C (82°F)Fraser Island 21°C (71°F)
Typical Weather for Fraser Island and Penang
| Penang | Fraser Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.