Which place is cheaper, Cebu or Similan Islands?
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 Similan Islands or Cebu?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Similan Islands and Cebu can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Similan Islands or Cebu?
Similan Islands
There are places divers like, and there are places divers love. One of the most popular spots to visit the underwater world is at the national park of the Similan Islands in southern Thailand. With 140 square kilometers of land and nine islands, this area is a paradise for those ready to get their feet wet.
The park is made up of nine islands: Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang, Ko Payan, Ko Paying and Ko Huyong. If these names are a bit too similar for you to easily differentiate, don't worry. Most refer to each island with a number from 1 to 9. Two more islands were added to the park – Koh Bon and Koh Tachai – in 1998.
Even though the park was only established in 1982, the islands have been around for approximately 65 million years. They are the product of swells of hot magma during the Cretaceous period and smoothed over by glacial ice and water erosion. The reefs beneath the surface are approximately 5,000 years and therefor the oldest in Thailand. Luckily, because of its deep waters, the islands' underwater landscapes were essentially unharmed during the 2004 tsunami.
Each island is covered in lush, tropical jungle and white, sandy coastlines. There is fish of every shape, color and size – including the famous "Nemo" clownfish, batfish, barracudas, whale sharks and manta rays.
You'll want to plan your visit around monsoon season. So book a trip sometime between December and April. March is a particularly good time to visit as the winds have died down and the water is crystal clear. The park is closed from May to November.
There are a few tents and bungalows on some of the islands. They are government run, and you'll need to reserve them in advance. Many divers will simply take day trips, or sleep on board boats. There are several organized tour and boat options available out of Phuket, Khao Lak and Ranong. Both areas will likely offer day trips and live-aboard cruises. These cruises typically start at four days and 4 nights, but shorter trips are available. There is an entry fee to the park, along with a daily usage fee for those spending multiple days in the park. This fee is paid to your driver before the trip.
Cebu
Cebu Island is an important island in the Visayas region of the Philippines, characterized by its main port at Cebu City as well as many natural features. The most-visited areas include islands of Mactan, Bantayan, Badian, Malapascua and Camotes, all which have resorts and hotels. Scuba diving and snorkeling are common activities along the shoreline, while hiking the mountainous spine of the island is popular inland.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Philippines, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Philippines.
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Similan Islands Prices
Thailand PricesCebu Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySimilan Islands $219Cebu $80
The average daily cost (per person) in Similan Islands is $219, while the average daily cost in Cebu is $80. 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 Similan Islands and Cebu in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSimilan Islands $79Cebu $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSimilan Islands $158Cebu $50
Compare Hotels in Similan Islands and Cebu
Looking for a hotel in Similan Islands or Cebu? 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: Cebu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Similan Islands $113Cebu $26
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cebu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cebu:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cebu HTL-APT (CEB): $31
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Cebu APT-HTL (CEB): $18
- Private Airport to Hotel Transfer in Cebu City: $35
- Oslob Private Van Transfer between Cebu, Mactan or Mandaue City: $175
- Mactan-Cebu Island Hopping Cruise with Lunch & Roundtrip Transfer: $196
- Kawasan Falls Canyoneering w/ Lunch & Transfers from Cebu City: $122
- Danasan Eco Adventure Park Including Round-Trip Hotel Transfer: $161
- Cordova Private Transfer from Cordova city to Mactan Cebu Airport (CEB): $28
- Private One-Way Airport Transfer: $26
- Private Car Transfer with Driver (Flexible Routes): $29
- Oslob Whale Shark Encounter & SUMILON with Transfers: $201
- One-way Airport Transfer to Cebu City Hotels: $91
Is it cheaper to fly into Similan Islands or Cebu?
Prices for flights to both Cebu and Similan Islands 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 daySimilan Islands $72Cebu $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cebu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cebu.
- Carbon Market Food Tour & Bars with Jeepney Ride: $16
- Highlands Guided Tour with STREET FOOD TOUR OPTION: $46
- The Ultimate Cebu Food Tour: Local Tastes & Cultural Journey: $70
- Cebu City: Historical Street and Food Tour: $91
- Private Panoramic Tour with Dinner: $100
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $100
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking Class: $110
- Cebu Traditional Bamboo Cooking: $110
- Cebu Vegetarian Cooking Class: $110
- Cebu Traditional Cuisine Cooking Class: $110
- 5-Hour Evening Tour from Cebu with Dinner: $110
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Similan Islands $50Cebu $17
Tours and Activities in Cebu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cebu are as follows:
- BEST OF Cebu City Heritage with Uphill Tour | Joiners: $64
- Cebu Steet food, historical and mountain tour: $110
- 3-Hour Small Group Cebu City Tour: $38
- Aqua Sports Adventure Package with 3 Water Activities: $129
- BEST OF Cebu City Heritage with Uphill Tour: $62
- BEST OF Guided Heritage City Joiners Tour: $45
- Badian Canyoneering Adventure and Kawasan Waterfalls Private Tour: $149
- Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $103
- Badian Cebu Canyoneering Experience: $146
- Balamban Uphill Adventure Tour in Cebu: $100
- Best Seller Cebu City Group Tour: $54
- Bohol Countryside Day Tour From Cebu City | Lunch at Loboc River Cruise: $145
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySimilan Islands $11Cebu $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Cebu
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cebu:
- Makati Pub Crawl with Optional City Tour: $18
- Cebu City Light's Pub Crawl: $110
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Similan Islands and Cebu, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. And not only is Cebu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cebu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cebu 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 Similan Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Similan Islands than you might in Cebu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Similan Islands Expensive? and Is Cebu Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Similan Islands or Cebu?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Similan Islands or Cebu in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Cebu. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Cebu throughout the year.
June to September in Similan Islands is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Cebu. Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the summer. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in July than Cebu. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 160 mm (6.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Similan Islands is generally around the same temperature as Cebu. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 28°C (82°F), and Cebu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySimilan Islands 28°C (82°F)Cebu 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Cebu in the Autumn?
Both Cebu and Similan Islands are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Similan Islands throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Cebu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Similan Islands is October to May. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cebu. It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In October, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Cebu. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Cebu in the autumn. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Cebu fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSimilan Islands 27°C (81°F)Cebu 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Cebu in the Winter?
Both Cebu and Similan Islands during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Similan Islands because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Cebu year-round.
Similan Islands usually gets less rain in January than Cebu. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Cebu. Typically, the winter temperatures in Similan Islands in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Cebu averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySimilan Islands 27°C (80°F)Cebu 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Cebu in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Cebu. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round. Cebu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands. Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Cebu. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Cebu receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Similan Islands is generally around the same temperature as Cebu. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 29°C (83°F), and Cebu fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSimilan Islands 29°C (83°F)Cebu 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Cebu and Similan Islands
| Similan Islands | Cebu | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 130 mm (5.1 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.