A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sandakan vs. Jingdezhen for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sandakan or Jingdezhen?

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

Should I visit Sandakan or Jingdezhen? 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 Jingdezhen?

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.

Jingdezhen

Jingdezhen, China is a city located in the Jianxi Province in the southwestern part of the country. It is famous for being the "Porcelain Capital" due to a history of producing pottery for over 1,700 years. This city itself ignites memories of a time when Chinese craftsmanship was at it's peak thanks to their weekly craft shows and art village.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Jingdezhen or Sandakan?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sandakan is $81, while the average daily cost in Jingdezhen 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 Sandakan and Jingdezhen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sandakan $23
    Jingdezhen $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sandakan $46
    Jingdezhen $60
Compare Hotels in Sandakan and Jingdezhen

Looking for a hotel in Sandakan or Jingdezhen? 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 Jingdezhen


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sandakan $37
    Jingdezhen $13

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 Jingdezhen?

Prices for flights to both Jingdezhen 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
    Jingdezhen $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
    Jingdezhen $8.11

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sandakan $7.47
    Jingdezhen $39


When comparing the travel costs between Sandakan and Jingdezhen, we can see that Sandakan 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 Jingdezhen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sandakan or Jingdezhen?

Sandakan has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Jingdezhen. When comparing the sizes of Sandakan and Jingdezhen, 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 Jingdezhen?

Jingdezhen 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 Jingdezhen in the Summer?

Both Jingdezhen and Sandakan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year.

Sandakan is around the same temperature as Jingdezhen in the summer. The daily temperature in Sandakan averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Jingdezhen fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Jingdezhen. It's quite rainy in Sandakan. In July, Sandakan usually receives around the same amount of rain as Jingdezhen. Sandakan gets 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain, while Jingdezhen receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sandakan 27°C (81°F) 
    Jingdezhen 30°C (85°F)

Should I visit Sandakan or Jingdezhen in the Autumn?

Both Jingdezhen and Sandakan during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the autumn, Sandakan is a little warmer than Jingdezhen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sandakan in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Jingdezhen averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. Sandakan usually gets more rain in October than Jingdezhen. Sandakan gets 253 mm (10 in) of rain, while Jingdezhen receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Sandakan 28°C (82°F) 
    Jingdezhen 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Sandakan or Jingdezhen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sandakan and Jingdezhen. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round.

In January, Sandakan is generally much warmer than Jingdezhen. Daily temperatures in Sandakan average around 26°C (80°F), and Jingdezhen fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sandakan usually receives more rain than Jingdezhen. Sandakan gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Jingdezhen receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sandakan 26°C (80°F) 
    Jingdezhen 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Sandakan or Jingdezhen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sandakan as well as Jingdezhen. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

Sandakan is much warmer than Jingdezhen in the spring. The daily temperature in Sandakan averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Jingdezhen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite rainy in Jingdezhen. Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the spring. Sandakan usually gets less rain in April than Jingdezhen. Sandakan gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Jingdezhen receives 238 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sandakan 28°C (82°F) 
    Jingdezhen 18°C (64°F)

Typical Weather for Jingdezhen and Sandakan

Sandakan Jingdezhen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (80°F) 437 mm (17.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 268 mm (10.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 123 mm (4.9 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 174 mm (6.8 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 238 mm (9.4 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 257 mm (10.1 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 270 mm (10.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 195 mm (7.7 in) 30°C (85°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 213 mm (8.4 in) 30°C (85°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 253 mm (10 in) 20°C (68°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 344 mm (13.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 462 mm (18.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)