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

Should you visit Sandakan or Nanchang?

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

Should I visit Sandakan or Nanchang? 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 Nanchang?

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.

Nanchang

Capital of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang is a city of southern China with a significant history. Landmarks like the Tengwang Pavilion represent the city's distant past, while its nickname - "the city of Heroes" - comes from the 1927 Nanchang Uprising when the Communist Party began. Today the city serves as a center for politics, economy, culture, science, education, commerce, and transportation.

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 Beijing, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Nanchang or Sandakan?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Sandakan is $58, while the average daily cost in Nanchang is $58. 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 Nanchang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sandakan $20
    Nanchang $20
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sandakan $40
    Nanchang $40
Compare Hotels in Sandakan and Nanchang

Looking for a hotel in Sandakan or Nanchang? 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 Nanchang


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 $33
    Nanchang $11

Is it cheaper to fly into Sandakan or Nanchang?

Prices for flights to both Nanchang 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 $19
    Nanchang $32

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sandakan $7.19
    Nanchang $4.56

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: $105
  • Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $78
  • Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $197
  • Borneo Wildlife Tour 3 Days 2 Nights At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $241
  • Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
  • Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $138
  • Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour: $125
  • Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch: $51
  • Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre with Sandakan City Tour with Lunch: $191

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Sandakan $6.59
    Nanchang $6.31


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


Which is Bigger, Sandakan or Nanchang?

Nanchang has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Sandakan. When comparing the sizes of Sandakan and Nanchang, 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 Nanchang?

Nanchang 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 Nanchang in the Summer?

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

Sandakan is cooler than Nanchang in the summer. The daily temperature in Sandakan averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Nanchang fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nanchang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sandakan this time of the year. In the summer, Sandakan often gets less sunshine than Nanchang. Sandakan gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nanchang receives 262 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Nanchang. Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sandakan usually gets more rain in July than Nanchang. Sandakan gets 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sandakan 27°C (81°F) 
    Nanchang 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Sandakan or Nanchang in the Autumn?

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

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

Sandakan usually receives more sunshine than Nanchang during autumn. Sandakan gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Nanchang receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Sandakan. In October, Sandakan usually receives more rain than Nanchang. Sandakan gets 253 mm (10 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Sandakan or Nanchang in the Winter?

Both Nanchang 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.

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

In the winter, Sandakan often gets more sunshine than Nanchang. Sandakan gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nanchang receives 103 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. Sandakan usually gets more rain in January than Nanchang. Sandakan gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Sandakan or Nanchang in the Spring?

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

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

In Sandakan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sandakan usually receives more sunshine than Nanchang during spring. Sandakan gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Nanchang receives 116 hours of full sun in the spring.

Nanchang 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 Nanchang. Sandakan gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Nanchang receives 229 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Nanchang and Sandakan

Sandakan Nanchang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 26°C (80°F) 437 mm (17.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 27°C (80°F) 268 mm (10.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 27°C (81°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 158 mm (6.2 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 229 mm (9 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 138 mm (5.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 200 mm (7.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 266 mm (10.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 195 mm (7.7 in) 30°C (86°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 213 mm (8.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 28°C (82°F) 253 mm (10 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 344 mm (13.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 462 mm (18.2 in) 8°C (47°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)