A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sandakan vs. Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sandakan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Sandakan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park? 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

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.

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Spanning the Japanese prefectures of Yamanashi, Shizuoka, Kanagawa and Tokyo, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a natural area with beautiful scenery as well as a number of popular tourist spots. Some of its highlights include Mount Fuji, Fuji Five Lakes, Hakone, the Izu Peninsula, and the Izu Islands, offering a geographic range of natural hot springs, coastlines, mountainous areas, lakes, and more than 1,000 volcanic islands.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park or Sandakan?

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

  • Sandakan Prices
    Malaysia Prices
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Sandakan $81
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $104

The average daily cost (per person) in Sandakan is $81, while the average daily cost in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is $104. 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sandakan $23
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sandakan $46
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $106
Compare Hotels in Sandakan and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Looking for a hotel in Sandakan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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 Sandakan


Hotels in Fuji-Hakone-Izu 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: Sandakan Hotel Prices and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sandakan $37
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $27

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Sandakan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Prices for flights to both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Sandakan $36
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $35

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sandakan $8.15
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $12

Tours and Activities in Sandakan

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

  • 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise: $290
  • Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $112
  • Borneo : Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey, and Sun Bear Tour: $338
  • Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $88
  • Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $230
  • Borneo Wildlife Tour 3 Days 2 Nights At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $260
  • Day Trip Sepilok Orang-utan And City Tour (Flight Excluded): $119
  • From Sandakan to Kinabatangan River Safari Boat Cruise Day Tour: $163
  • From 7 Unmissable Local Stops Private Tour: $75
  • Full Day At Sepilok Orangutan, Sun Bear & Sandakan City Tour: $164
  • Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
  • Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $147

Tours and Activities in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

  • Easygoing Nature Walk in Hakone Tour: $41
  • Kimono, Tea Experience and Handcraft Bonsai in Hakone Gora: $75
  • Yosegi Zaiku Craft Experience in Hakone: $93
  • Mount Fuji Scenic EBike Tour for Cruise Travelers: $110
  • Mount Fuji E-Bike Tour: Explore Nature and History: $110
  • Mount Fuji Scenic E-Bike Tour: $110
  • Hakone Private Custom Tour: Hot Springs, Nature & Mt. Fuji Views: $115
  • Supreme Sencha: Tea Ceremony & Making Experience in Hakone: $137
  • Walk the Ancient Pilgrim Paths of Mt. Fuji – Private Tour: $138
  • Customizable Private Full Day Hakone Tour by car: $150
  • Traverse Outer Rim of Hakone Caldera and Enjoy Onsen Hiking Tour: $164
  • Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $171

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sandakan $7.47
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park $8.69


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sandakan and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, we can see that Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is more expensive. And not only is Sandakan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sandakan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sandakan 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park than you might in Sandakan.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sandakan Expensive? and Is Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Sandakan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park?

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 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 Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sandakan as well as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park this time of year.

In the summer, Sandakan is around the same temperature as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sandakan in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sandakan usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Sandakan gets 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sandakan 27°C (81°F) 
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Sandakan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Autumn?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Sandakan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Sandakan is generally much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Daily temperatures in Sandakan average around 28°C (82°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It's quite rainy in Sandakan. In October, Sandakan usually receives more rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Sandakan gets 253 mm (10 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sandakan 28°C (82°F) 
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Sandakan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Winter?

Both Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Sandakan during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Sandakan is much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Sandakan averages around 26°C (80°F) in January, and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. Sandakan usually gets more rain in January than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Sandakan gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sandakan 26°C (80°F) 
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Sandakan or Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sandakan and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Sandakan is much warmer than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sandakan in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives a lot of rain in the spring. Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sandakan usually receives less rain than Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Sandakan gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sandakan 28°C (82°F) 
    Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Sandakan

Sandakan Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (80°F) 437 mm (17.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 268 mm (10.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 164 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 195 mm (7.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 213 mm (8.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 222 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 23°C (74°F) 209 mm (8.2 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 253 mm (10 in) 18°C (64°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 344 mm (13.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 462 mm (18.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)