A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Penang vs. Kamakura for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Penang or Kamakura?

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 Kamakura. 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 Kamakura?

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.

Kamakura

An old city center of medieval Japan, Kamakura sits today on the seaside just south of Tokyo. Due to its early beginnings, the city is dotted with Buddhist Zen temples and Shinto shrines. It has become a prominent resort town drawing visitors with its many historic landmarks as well as nearby beaches.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Kamakura or Penang?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Kamakura is $123. 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 Kamakura in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Penang $55
    Kamakura $78
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Penang $110
    Kamakura $156
Compare Hotels in Penang and Kamakura

Looking for a hotel in Penang or Kamakura? 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 Kamakura


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 Kamakura Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Penang $14
    Kamakura $15
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 Departure Transfer : Penang International Airport: $19
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $19
  • Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
  • Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $22
  • 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
  • Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Kamakura?

Prices for flights to both Kamakura 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
    Kamakura $36
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.

  • 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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kamakura

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kamakura.

  • Sushi Roll Bento Cooking Class: $59
  • Community Dinner with Locals: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Penang $55
    Kamakura $5.79
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: $8.15
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Kamakura

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kamakura are as follows:

  • Ofuna Kannon Temple and Japanese Sweets Tour: $27
  • Authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony Experience in Kamakura: $37
  • Walking Tour through the City of Samurai: $44
  • Kamakura; First Samurai Capital walking tour: $47
  • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu & Komachi Street Tour: $51
  • Kamakura (Ofuna) : Ramen Crawl Tour with a Local Guide: $51
  • Visit Daibutsu and shopping experience: $52
  • Private History and Heritage Tour by Rickshaw: $54
  • Night Izakaya Bar Hopping Tour: $57
  • Half day Walking tour & Japanese sweets: $57
  • Kamakura:Largest Wooden Buddha, Temples, Cultural Experience: $67
  • Kamakura and Historic Sites Guided Tour: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Penang $18
    Kamakura $14
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 Kamakura, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Kamakura much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kamakura would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kamakura 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 Kamakura.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Kamakura Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Penang or Kamakura?

Penang has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Kamakura. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Kamakura, 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 Kamakura?

Kamakura 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 Kamakura in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Kamakura. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kamakura for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Penang is around the same temperature as Kamakura. Typically, the summer temperatures in Penang in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Kamakura averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Penang usually receives more sunshine than Kamakura during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Kamakura receives 137 hours of full sun in the summer.

Kamakura 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 Kamakura. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    Kamakura 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Penang or Kamakura in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Penang as well as Kamakura. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Kamakura in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Penang is generally much warmer than Kamakura. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Kamakura fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Penang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Kamakura. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    Kamakura 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Penang or Kamakura in the Winter?

Both Kamakura 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, most visitors come to Kamakura for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Penang is much warmer than Kamakura in the winter. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Kamakura fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In January, Penang usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    Kamakura 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Penang or Kamakura in the Spring?

Both Kamakura 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, the spring months attract visitors to Kamakura because of the beaches.

In the spring, Penang is much warmer than Kamakura. Typically, the spring temperatures in Penang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Kamakura averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Penang. In the spring, Penang often gets more sunshine than Kamakura. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kamakura receives 161 hours of full sun.

Kamakura gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Kamakura. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    Kamakura 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Penang

Penang Kamakura
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (44°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 218 mm (8.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 27°C (81°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 330 mm (13 in) 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 340 mm (13.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 177 mm (7 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)