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

Should you visit Penang or Shiretoko 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 Shiretoko 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 Shiretoko 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.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park, Japan is comprises the entire Shiretoko Penninusla in the northeast island of Hokkaido. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered to be one of the most remote areas in Japan with very few and very small settlements. This makes Shiretoko the perfect place for a fun hiking and camping adventure.

While the park is open year round, the weather in the area tends to greatly affect the enjoyment of your trip due to harsh winters and heavy rain at the end of summer. There is a short period from May to early July that is considered the best time to visit due to slightly less rain and comfortable temperatures around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

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


Which place is cheaper, Shiretoko National Park or Penang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $103, while the average daily cost in Shiretoko National Park is $74. 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 Shiretoko National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Penang $49
    Shiretoko National Park $33
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Penang $98
    Shiretoko National Park $66
Compare Hotels in Penang and Shiretoko National Park

Looking for a hotel in Penang or Shiretoko 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 Shiretoko 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: Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Penang $12
    Shiretoko National Park $26
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:


  • Local Bus
    $1.26
  • Island Ferry
    $0.50
  • Bus From Airport to George Town
    $0.57
  • Taxi From Airport to George Town
    $9.64
  • Motorbike Rental (One Day)
    $6.29
  • Bicycle Rental (One Day)
    $2.10

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: $15
  • Private Arrival Transfer : Penang International Airport: $15
  • Penang Airport Transfer to Georgetown/City Hotel or Resort/Beach Hotel: $18
  • Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29
  • Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $29
  • Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Swettenham Pier Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
  • Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $38
  • Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Shiretoko National Park?

Prices for flights to both Shiretoko 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 $33
    Shiretoko National Park $25
Typical Food Prices in Penang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:


  • Snack
    $1.68
  • Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)
    $72
  • Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)
    $61
  • Lassy Juice
    $1.47
  • Dinner for 2
    $3.14
  • Street Stall Food
    $0.59
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    $3.98
  • Italian Lunch (for Two)
    $10

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang

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

  • 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
  • Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $87
  • 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
  • Cooking Classes In Penang By Penang Chiak: $93
  • Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
  • Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
  • Food Tour at Penang - Eat Like a Local, Feel Like a Local: $120
  • Experience Malaysia: Authentic Malaysia Cooking Tour: $121
  • Dinner at Penang Hill Including Train Ride: $141
  • Penang's Night Eat-Venture Vespa Food Tour: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Penang $49
    Shiretoko National Park $15
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
    $6.50
  • Trishaw Tour (One Hour)
    $6.29
  • Fort Cornwallis Entrance
    $0.42
  • Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance
    $2.10

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: $5.38
  • Malaysia: The Blue Mansion - Daily Tour: $5.68
  • Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.11
  • Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
  • Tropical Spice Garden E-Ticket: $7.17
  • Skip the Line: Admission Ticket - General: $7.18
  • Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
  • Wonderfood Museum in Penang Admission Ticket: $8.54
  • Wonderfood Museum in Penang Admission Ticket: $8.71
  • Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
  • Entopia Penang Butterfly Farm Admission Ticket: $14
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Penang $15
    Shiretoko National Park $10
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:


  • Beer
    $1.68


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Shiretoko National Park, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Shiretoko National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shiretoko National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shiretoko 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 Shiretoko 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 Shiretoko National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Penang or Shiretoko National Park?

Shiretoko 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 Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Shiretoko National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Penang is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Penang usually receives more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Penang usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Penang or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Penang as well as Shiretoko National Park. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Shiretoko National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Penang is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Penang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Penang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Shiretoko National Park. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Penang 27°C (81°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Penang or Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.

It's quite cold in Shiretoko National Park in the winter. In January, Penang is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around -6°C (20°F).

In January, Penang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Shiretoko National Park. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F)

Should I visit Penang or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

Both Shiretoko National Park 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, many travelers come to Shiretoko National Park for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shiretoko National Park. Penang is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

It's quite sunny in Penang. In the spring, Penang often gets more sunshine than Shiretoko National Park. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shiretoko National Park receives 178 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Shiretoko National Park. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Penang 28°C (82°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Penang

Penang Shiretoko National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) -6°C (20°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) -7°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) -3°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 28°C (82°F) 240 mm (9.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 210 mm (8.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 190 mm (7.5 in) 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 330 mm (13 in) 16°C (61°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 340 mm (13.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 230 mm (9.1 in) 4°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 28°C (82°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in)