Which place is cheaper, Guilin 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 Guilin?
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 Guilin. 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 Guilin?
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.
Guilin
Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
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Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesGuilin Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Guilin $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Guilin 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 Guilin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Guilin $35
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Guilin $70
Compare Hotels in Penang and Guilin
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Guilin? 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 $14Guilin $5.85
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: $147
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $277
- 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 Balik Pulau Countryside Morning Cycling with Transfers: $33
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels 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 hotels to Swettenham Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $58
- Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:
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Taxi$2.80
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:
- 2-hours Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat Tour with the Round-way Private Transfers: $83
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dongguan Transfer: $71
- Guilin Airport to Yangshuo: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $190
- Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Airport to Hotel Roundtrip: $99
- Guilin Railway stations Transfer Service: $37
- Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $18
- Guilin liangjiang Airport Chauffeur Service,Guilin Airport Transfer: $57
- Four Lakes Night Cruise with Round-trip Transfer: $58
- Haikou Meilan Airport Chauffeur Service, Haikou Airport Transfer, Pick up: $54
- Haikou Meilan International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Haikou Airport Transfer: $50
- Haikou Meilan International Airport Chauffeur Service, Haikou Airport Transfer: $50
- One Way Transfer Service between Guilin city and airport: $17
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Guilin?
Prices for flights to both Guilin 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 $64Guilin $39
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.
- 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
Typical Food Prices in Guilin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:
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Fresh Coconut Drink$1.40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.
- Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
- Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Luxury Boat VIP Room and Yangshuo Cooking Tour: $286
- Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Guilin $28
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:
- 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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin
Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entrance to the Caves$17
Tours and Activities in Guilin
Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel: $47
- Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide(beginner friendly): $51
- Half-Day Self-Guided Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour: $52
- 1-Day tour of Guilin-LiRiver cruise-Yangshuo Xianggong hill : $55
- GUILIN:kayaking adventure with local guide: $60
- Private Full-Day City Tour with Fubo Hill: $61
- Guilin English tour guide service : $62
- Private Day Tour: Longji Terraces Cultural Villages and Hike : $69
- Full-Day Guilin Essence and Lifestyle Walking Tour: $69
- Private day tour :Guilin-LiRiver bamboo boat-Yangshuo Highlights : $70
- 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $70
- City Tour with Elephant Hill & Ming Tea Tasting: $71
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Guilin $5.81
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 Guilin, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Guilin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guilin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guilin 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 Guilin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Guilin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Guilin?
Guilin has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Penang. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Guilin, 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 Guilin?
Guilin 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 Guilin in the Summer?
Both Guilin 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 cooler than Guilin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Penang in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Guilin averages at about 30°C (86°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. It's quite rainy in Penang. In July, Penang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Guilin. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Guilin 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Penang or Guilin in the Autumn?
Both Guilin 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 a little warmer than Guilin. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Guilin. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Guilin 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Penang or Guilin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Guilin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round.
Penang is much warmer than Guilin in the winter. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Guilin fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
In January, Penang usually receives more rain than Guilin. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Guilin 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Penang or Guilin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Penang as well as Guilin. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In the spring, Penang is a little warmer than Guilin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Penang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Guilin averages at about 20°C (68°F).
It's quite rainy in Guilin. Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Penang usually gets less rain in April than Guilin. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Guilin 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Guilin and Penang
| Penang | Guilin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.