A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Penang vs. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Penang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Spanning the Japanese prefectures of Yamanashi, Shizuoka, Kanagawa and Tokyo, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a natural area with beautiful scenery as well as a number of popular tourist spots. Some of its highlights include Mount Fuji, Fuji Five Lakes, Hakone, the Izu Peninsula, and the Izu Islands, offering a geographic range of natural hot springs, coastlines, mountainous areas, lakes, and more than 1,000 volcanic islands.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Penang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Penang Prices
    Malaysia Prices
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Penang $144
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $104

The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is $104. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Penang $55
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Penang $110
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $106
Compare Hotels in Penang and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Looking for a hotel in Penang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park? 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.

Hotels in Penang


Hotels in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park


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 and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Penang $14
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $27
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:

  • Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $277
  • Penang to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $237
  • Private Transfer : Penang Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $207
  • Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $147
  • Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
  • Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
  • Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
  • Private Transfer: Penang Island to or from Perak: $131
  • Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $115
  • Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
  • Penang to Kuala Lumpur 1-way Transfer: $107
  • Private Half Day Tour to Penang Island with Transfer Included: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Prices for flights to both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 day
    Penang $64
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $35
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 $55
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $12
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:

  • George Town Highlights & Upside Down Museum tours (5 Hours): $67
  • Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $147
  • 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $93
  • 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $60
  • 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $68
  • 6 Hours Highlights of Penang Shared Tour : $75
  • 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $169
  • 8 Hours of Penang Tour: $60
  • All-Inclusive Penang George Town Private Tour: $154
  • Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $6.10
  • Back of the Bike Street Food Experience – Real Penang!: $88
  • Best of Historical George Town Half Day Tour: $80

Tours and Activities in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

  • Easygoing Nature Walk in Hakone Tour: $41
  • Kimono, Tea Experience and Handcraft Bonsai in Hakone Gora: $75
  • Yosegi Zaiku Craft Experience in Hakone: $93
  • Mount Fuji Scenic EBike Tour for Cruise Travelers: $111
  • Mount Fuji E-Bike Tour: Explore Nature and History: $111
  • Mount Fuji Scenic E-Bike Tour: $111
  • Hakone Private Custom Tour: Hot Springs, Nature & Mt. Fuji Views: $115
  • Walk the Ancient Pilgrim Paths of Mt. Fuji – Private Tour: $117
  • Supreme Sencha: Tea Ceremony & Making Experience in Hakone: $137
  • Customizable Private Full Day Hakone Tour by car: $150
  • Traverse Outer Rim of Hakone Caldera and Enjoy Onsen Hiking Tour: $164
  • Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $171

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Penang $18
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $8.69
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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Penang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Summer?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Penang during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Penang is around the same temperature as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Penang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Penang is much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Penang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Penang usually receives more rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Penang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Penang as well as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Penang is generally much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

Penang usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Penang or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Spring?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park because of the natural beauty.

Penang is much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It's quite rainy in Penang. In April, Penang usually receives more rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Penang

Penang Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 164 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 222 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 330 mm (13 in) 23°C (74°F) 209 mm (8.2 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 340 mm (13.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)