Which place is cheaper, Tanah Rata or Penang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Penang or Tanah Rata?
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 Tanah Rata. 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 Tanah Rata?
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.
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $119Tanah Rata $158
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $119, while the average daily cost in Tanah Rata is $158. 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 Tanah Rata in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $56Tanah Rata $77
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $112Tanah Rata $154
Compare Hotels in Penang and Tanah Rata
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Tanah Rata? 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 and Tanah Rata Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Tanah Rata $34
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$1.45
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Island Ferry$0.58
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.65
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.27
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $144
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $215
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private Transfer : $39
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Penang Island - Arrival Private transfer: $43
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $40
- Penang Airport (PEN): Transfer to Swettenham Cruise Port: $118
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $33
- Penang Airport Transfer to Georgetown/City Hotel or Resort/Beach Hotel: $14
- Penang Airport Transfer to Penang Beach Hotel/Resort or vice versa: $23
- Penang Airport(PEN) to Penang Island -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $78
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Cameron Highland to Kuala Besut Jetty One Way SIC Transfer: $152
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $123
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
- Shared Transfer : Cameron Highland to Taman Negara via Kuala Tembeling Jetty: $152
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Tanah Rata?
Prices for flights to both Tanah Rata 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 $38Tanah Rata $51
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$1.94
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$83
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$70
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Lassy Juice$1.70
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Dinner for 2$3.64
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Street Stall Food$0.68
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.61
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$12
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
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $70
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $97
- Dinner at Penang Hill: $102
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
- Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$6.55
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Dessert$0.73
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Lunch$4.61
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Afternoon tea$4.48
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $56Tanah Rata $39
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$7.52
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.27
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.48
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.42
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Malaysia: The Blue Mansion - Daily Tour: $5.94
- Straits and Oriental Museum Ticket: $5.99
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.99
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.79
- Glass Museum Standard Admission Ticket: $7.27
- Penang : DE'8000 Mini Golf Café Ticket: $7.27
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
- Wonderfood Museum in Penang Admission Ticket: $8.64
- TeddyVille Museum Penang Malaysia Entry Ticket: $8.64
- Penang Street Food in Georgetown and History Walking Audio Tour: $11
- The Vanilla Village Farm Tour by Kairos: $11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Tea Factory Visit$6.55
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Tour of Orang Asli Village$24
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $33
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Delight Tour: $61
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Tanah Rata $22
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$1.94
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Tanah Rata, we can see that Tanah Rata is more expensive. And not only is Penang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Tanah Rata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Tanah Rata?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Tanah Rata, 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 Tanah Rata?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate with nice weather most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season.
Should I visit Penang or Tanah Rata in the Summer?
Both Tanah Rata and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Penang. In July, Penang usually receives more rain than Tanah Rata. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
Penang is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata in the summer. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Penang or Tanah Rata in the Autumn?
Both Tanah Rata 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. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round.
Tanah Rata 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 October than Tanah Rata. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the autumn, Penang is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Penang in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Tanah Rata averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Penang or Tanah Rata in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Tanah Rata. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Penang usually receives less rain than Tanah Rata. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
In January, Penang is generally around the same temperature as Tanah Rata. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Penang or Tanah Rata in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Penang as well as Tanah Rata. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year.
It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Tanah Rata. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Tanah Rata receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
Penang is around the same temperature as Tanah Rata in the spring. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Tanah Rata fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Tanah Rata and Penang
| Penang | Tanah Rata | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 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.