Which place is cheaper, Penang or Similan Islands?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Similan Islands or Penang?
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 Penang 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 Penang?
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.
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
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 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySimilan Islands $164Penang $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Similan Islands is $164, while the average daily cost in Penang is $103. 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 Penang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSimilan Islands $68Penang $49
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSimilan Islands $136Penang $98
Compare Hotels in Similan Islands and Penang
Looking for a hotel in Similan Islands or Penang? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Similan Islands $98Penang $12
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
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Local Bus$1.26
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Island Ferry$0.50
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Bus From Airport to George Town$0.57
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Taxi From Airport to George Town$9.64
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Motorbike Rental (One Day)$6.29
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Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Swettenham Pier to Penang Airport(PEN)-Departure Private Transfer: $38
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal: Transfer to Penang Island: $115
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Penang to Kuala Lumpur Hotel (Door to Door) Transfer: $120
- Swettenham Pier Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Island hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
- Private Transfer: Penang International Airport to or from Hotel: $49
- Private Transfer from Swettenham Cruise Terminal to Penang Island: $38
- Private Transfer from Penang Island to Swettenham Cruise Terminal: $38
- Private Transfer : Penang Hotel to Kuala Lumpur Hotel: $165
- Private Transfer - Swettenham Cruise Port to Penang Airport (PEN): $38
- Private Penang Arrival transfer to Hotel: $12
- Private Economy Penang Airport Transfer-Departure: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Similan Islands or Penang?
Prices for flights to both Penang 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 $36Penang $33
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
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Snack$1.68
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Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$72
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Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$61
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Lassy Juice$1.47
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Dinner for 2$3.14
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Street Stall Food$0.59
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$3.98
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Italian Lunch (for Two)$10
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $87
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Cooking Classes In Penang By Penang Chiak: $93
- Dinner at Penang Hill: $102
- Private Dinner at THE TOP with Skywalk Experience from Penang: $103
- Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour: $116
- Food Tour at Penang - Eat Like a Local, Feel Like a Local: $120
- Dinner at Penang Hill Including Train Ride: $141
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Similan Islands $44Penang $49
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Butterfly Gardens$6.50
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Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$6.29
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Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.42
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Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.10
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Penang City Temple Tour with Penang Hill(Fast Lane) & Kek Lok Si: $100
- 4 Hour Food and Heritage Walking Tour in Penang George Town: $75
- 4-Hour Heritage Walking Tour of Georgetown: $58
- 4-Hour Private Heritage Tour in George Town: $60
- 6-Hours Penang Private Tour: $150
- Admission Ticket for Dark Mansion Glow-in-the-Dark Museum in Penang: $8.80
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $5.35
- Discover Georgetown Heritage Private Tour in Penang: $50
- Discover Penang City Tour: $47
- Discover Penang City in Amazing Tour: $82
- Enjoy Hill & Temple Sightseeing Tour - Penang City: $68
- Entopia Butterfly Farm & Tropical Spice Garden Tour: $81
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySimilan Islands $9.35Penang $15
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
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Beer$1.68
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Similan Islands and Penang, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. And not only is Penang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Penang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Penang 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 Penang.
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 Penang Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Similan Islands or Penang?
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 Penang in the Summer?
Both Penang and Similan Islands during the summer 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 Penang year-round.
June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands. Penang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually gets more rain in July than Penang. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Penang receives 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In Penang, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Similan Islands. In the summer, Similan Islands often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Penang. Similan Islands gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Penang receives 211 hours of full sun.
In the summer, Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Penang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Similan Islands in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Penang averages at about 27°C (81°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySimilan Islands 28°C (82°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Penang in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Penang. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. Penang receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Similan Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Penang. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Penang receives 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Similan Islands is generally around the same temperature as Penang. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 27°C (81°F), and Penang fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSimilan Islands 27°C (81°F)Penang 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Penang in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Penang. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year.
Similan Islands usually gets less rain in January than Penang. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Penang receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Penang in the winter. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Penang fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySimilan Islands 27°C (80°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Penang in the Spring?
Both Penang and Similan Islands are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Similan Islands throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Similan Islands is October to May. The rainy season in Similan Islands is June to September. It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In April, Similan Islands usually receives less rain than Penang. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Penang receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
It's quite sunny in Penang. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Similan Islands. Similan Islands usually receives more sunshine than Penang during spring. Similan Islands gets 249 hours of sunny skies, while Penang receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.
In the spring, Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Penang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Similan Islands in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Penang averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSimilan Islands 29°C (83°F)Penang 28°C (82°F)
Typical Weather for Penang and Similan Islands
| Similan Islands | Penang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 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.