Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Sandakan?
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 Sandakan or Cheju (Jeju)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sandakan or Cheju (Jeju)? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Sandakan or Cheju (Jeju)?
Sandakan
Located on the Northeast side of the state of Sabah in Borneo is the city of Sandakan, which is the 2nd largest city in the country. Sandakan was a prosperous port town in the 1800s because of its exports of tobacco, timber, pearls, and ivory. However, this booming town that was formerly the administrative capital in North Borneo was bombed practically out of existence at the end of World War II.
Cheju (Jeju)
Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.
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Sandakan Prices
Malaysia PricesCheju (Jeju) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySandakan $81Cheju (Jeju) $84
The average daily cost (per person) in Sandakan is $81, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Sandakan and Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSandakan $23Cheju (Jeju) $45
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSandakan $46Cheju (Jeju) $90
Compare Hotels in Sandakan and Cheju (Jeju)
Looking for a hotel in Sandakan or Cheju (Jeju)? 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: Sandakan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sandakan $37Cheju (Jeju) $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sandakan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sandakan:
- Private 1Way Transfer to/from Sandakan Airport, City or Sepilok: $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):
- Jeju Airport Transfer: $22
- Jeju Airport (CJU) Private Transfer to Jeju City Centre/Seogwipo: $27
- Private Transfer From Airport to Downtown jeju city (One way ) : $45
- jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $70
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $75
- Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $75
- Private Jeju Airport Transfer : Jeju Airport to/from Jeju(~7 pax): $89
- Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City to Jeju Airport(one way ): $90
- Private Transfer From Jeju Airport To Seogwipo City: $150
- Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
Is it cheaper to fly into Sandakan or Cheju (Jeju)?
Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) and Sandakan 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 daySandakan $36Cheju (Jeju) $29
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sandakan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sandakan.
- Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan: $64
- Sandakan : Fireflies and Mangrove Cruise with Dinner: $193
Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):
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Burger$4.44
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Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)$7.16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).
- JEJU Cooking Class _Class & Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $139
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sandakan $8.15Cheju (Jeju) $5.43
Tours and Activities in Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch: $60
- Private Sandakan City Must See 6 Highlights Tour with Guide & Car: $63
- From 7 Unmissable Local Stops Private Tour: $75
- Sukau Rainforest Wildlife and Dawn Cruises Tour in Sandakan: $83
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $88
- Sandakan Private City Tour Orangutan Sun Bears and Rainforest: $89
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Sukau Rainforest Wildlife Journey & Dawn Cruises: $90
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $112
- Day Trip Sepilok Orang-utan And City Tour (Flight Excluded): $119
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour: $125
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $147
Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)
Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Jeju Customized Private Car Tour : $15
- [Jeju] Hanbok Rental Experience/Korean Traditional Clothes Rental Shop: $25
- Jeju Eastern UNESCO Sites Day Tour with Haenyeo Show: $59
- Jeju Eastern Cultural Exploration Day Tour: $59
- Jeju Southern UNESCO Full Day Tour with Mt.Halla: $59
- Jeju WEST&SOUTH One Day Tour with MT.halla & Aewol: $59
- Jeju Western and Southern Routes Sightseeing Day Tour: $59
- Jeju island Eastern UNESCO site Full Day Guided Tour: $59
- Jeju island Southern Unesco Mt.halla ONE day Bus Tour: $59
- Jeju island Southern UNESCO Day Tour With Hallasan MT: $59
- Jeju Island East UNESCO Day Tour: $59
- Jeju Eastern Must visit Unesco Spots Join In Tour: $59
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySandakan $7.47Cheju (Jeju) $7.04
When comparing the travel costs between Sandakan and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Cheju (Jeju) 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 Sandakan Expensive? and Is Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sandakan or Cheju (Jeju)?
Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Sandakan. When comparing the sizes of Sandakan and Cheju (Jeju), 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 Sandakan or Cheju (Jeju)?
Cheju (Jeju) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Sandakan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Sandakan or Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Sandakan and Cheju (Jeju). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round.
In July, Sandakan is generally around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Sandakan average around 27°C (81°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cheju (Jeju) this time of the year. In Sandakan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sandakan usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cheju (Jeju) during summer. Sandakan gets 221 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.
Cheju (Jeju) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Sandakan usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Sandakan gets 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySandakan 27°C (81°F)Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Sandakan as well as Cheju (Jeju). Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Sandakan is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Sandakan averages around 28°C (82°F) in October, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In the autumn, Sandakan often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cheju (Jeju). Sandakan gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 179 hours of full sun.
Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Sandakan usually gets more rain in October than Cheju (Jeju). Sandakan gets 253 mm (10 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSandakan 28°C (82°F)Cheju (Jeju) 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?
Both Cheju (Jeju) and Sandakan are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year.
In the winter, Sandakan is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the winter temperatures in Sandakan in January average around 26°C (80°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 5°C (41°F).
Sandakan usually receives more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju) during winter. Sandakan gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 75 hours of full sun in the winter.
It's quite rainy in Sandakan. In January, Sandakan usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Sandakan gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySandakan 26°C (80°F)Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?
Both Cheju (Jeju) and Sandakan during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Sandakan is generally much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Sandakan average around 28°C (82°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
It's quite sunny in Sandakan. In the spring, Sandakan often gets more sunshine than Cheju (Jeju). Sandakan gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 190 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. Sandakan usually gets more rain in April than Cheju (Jeju). Sandakan gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSandakan 28°C (82°F)Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Sandakan
| Sandakan | Cheju (Jeju) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 241 mm (9.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (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.