Which place is cheaper, Yaeyama Islands or Penang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Penang or Yaeyama Islands?
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 Yaeyama Islands. 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 Yaeyama Islands?
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.
Yaeyama Islands
The Yaeyama Islands is a cluster of islands located in the southwestern part of Japan, close to Taiwan. There are nine different islands, varying from small islets to large holiday resort islands. The Yaeyama Islands are one of the most popular destination in Japan due to their beautiful beaches and underwater ruins. Yaeyama is also known for having their own language and writing system. For the most part, everyone on the Islands speak Japanese, but you'll often find the Yaeyama writing on T-shirts in souvenir shops or scattered around Yaeyama.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $103Yaeyama Islands $93
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $103, while the average daily cost in Yaeyama Islands is $93. 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 Yaeyama Islands in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $49Yaeyama Islands $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $98Yaeyama Islands $108
Compare Hotels in Penang and Yaeyama Islands
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Yaeyama Islands? 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: Yaeyama Islands Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $12Yaeyama Islands $19
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$1.26
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Island Ferry$0.50
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.57
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$9.64
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$6.29
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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-Arrival: $25
- Private Transfer From Penang Airport to Town Area: $26
- 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
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Yaeyama Islands?
Prices for flights to both Yaeyama Islands 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 $33Yaeyama Islands $28
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$1.68
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$72
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$61
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Lassy Juice$1.47
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Dinner for 2$3.14
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Street Stall Food$0.59
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.98
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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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $49Yaeyama Islands $8.62
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$6.50
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$6.29
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.42
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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: $5.67
- 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
- TeddyVille Museum Penang Malaysia Entry Ticket: $8.27
- 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
- Penang Street Food in Georgetown and History Walking Audio Tour: $10
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $15Yaeyama Islands $6.28
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$1.68
When comparing the travel costs between Penang and Yaeyama Islands, we can see that Penang is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Yaeyama Islands Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Penang or Yaeyama Islands?
Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Yaeyama Islands. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Yaeyama Islands this time of year.
In the summer, Penang is around the same temperature as Yaeyama Islands. Typically, the summer temperatures in Penang in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Yaeyama Islands averages at about 29°C (85°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Yaeyama Islands this time of the year. In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Penang usually receives less sunshine than Yaeyama Islands during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Yaeyama Islands receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.
Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Yaeyama Islands 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Penang or Yaeyama Islands in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Penang as well as Yaeyama Islands. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Yaeyama Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Penang is generally around the same temperature as Yaeyama Islands. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. Penang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Yaeyama Islands. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Yaeyama Islands 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Penang or Yaeyama Islands in the Winter?
Both Yaeyama Islands 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, many visitors come to Yaeyama Islands in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.
Penang is much warmer than Yaeyama Islands in the winter. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. In January, Penang usually receives less rain than Yaeyama Islands. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Yaeyama Islands 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Penang or Yaeyama Islands in the Spring?
Both Yaeyama Islands 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, most visitors come to Yaeyama Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Penang is a little warmer than Yaeyama Islands. Typically, the spring temperatures in Penang in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Yaeyama Islands averages at about 23°C (74°F).
It's quite sunny in Penang. In the spring, Penang often gets more sunshine than Yaeyama Islands. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yaeyama Islands receives 154 hours of full sun.
Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year. May to June is the rainy season in Yaeyama Islands.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Yaeyama Islands 23°C (74°F)
Typical Weather for Yaeyama Islands and Penang
| Penang | Yaeyama Islands | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 231 mm (9.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 229 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.