A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tanah Rata vs. Atami for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tanah Rata or Atami?

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

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Atami? 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: Tanah Rata or Atami?

Tanah Rata

Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.

Atami

Sharing a home with the famous Mount Fuji inside the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Atami is a Japanese city set on the seaside of the Izu Peninsula. With volcanic hills and natural hot springs, visitors are very much drawn to the unique landscape of the place. There are many hot springs resorts that take advantage of the area's natural features, which have been attracting visitors since the 8th century.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Atami or Tanah Rata?

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 Tanah Rata is $192, while the average daily cost in Atami is $108. 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 Tanah Rata and Atami in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tanah Rata $76
    Atami $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tanah Rata $152
    Atami $88
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Atami

Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata or Atami? 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 Tanah Rata


Hotels in Atami


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: Tanah Rata Hotel Prices and Atami Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tanah Rata $33
    Atami $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:

  • Shared Transfer : Cameron Highland to Taman Negara via Kuala Tembeling Jetty: $154
  • Private Transfer Service Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur: $229
  • Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
  • Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $125
  • CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
  • Cameron Highlands to Ipoh Hotel Transfer: $65
  • Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
  • Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
  • Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94

Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Atami?

Prices for flights to both Atami and Tanah Rata 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
    Tanah Rata $87
    Atami $43
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:


  • Dinner for Two
    $6.42
  • Dessert
    $0.71
  • Lunch
    $4.52
  • Afternoon tea
    $4.40

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tanah Rata $39
    Atami $7.96
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata

Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Tea Factory Visit
    $6.42
  • Tour of Orang Asli Village
    $24

Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata

Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $35
  • Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
  • Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
  • Cameron Highlands Full Day Join in Tour: $49
  • Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
  • Cameron Highlands Private Sightseeing Tour : $211
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
  • Cameron Highlands: Agro Tour: $61
  • Cameron Highlands: Mossy Forest Tour: $30
  • Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292

Tours and Activities in Atami

For Atami, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Experience Tea Ceremony at a Traditional Japanese Inn : $46
  • Japanese Traditional Music Experience: $48
  • Odawara Ramen Crawl Experience: Visit 2 Iconic Shops: $52
  • 2025 1 Day Winter Sumo Official Provincial Tour at Odawara: $104
  • Ninja, Samurai, Odawara Castle Experience: $138
  • Odawara Castle and Town Guided Discovery Tour: $138
  • Odawara to Hakone Scenic Adventure: $172
  • Hakone customized private one day tour: $173

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tanah Rata $21
    Atami $5.65


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tanah Rata Expensive? and Is Atami Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Atami?

Atami has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata and Atami, 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 Tanah Rata or Atami?

Atami has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tanah Rata experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Atami in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Atami. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, most visitors come to Atami for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Tanah Rata is generally around the same temperature as Atami. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (81°F), and Atami fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Atami. Tanah Rata usually gets less rain in July than Atami. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Atami receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F) 
    Atami 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Atami in the Autumn?

Both Atami and Tanah Rata are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Atami because of the shopping scene.

Tanah Rata is much warmer than Atami in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Atami fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atami. It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. In October, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Atami. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Atami receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F) 
    Atami 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Atami in the Winter?

Both Atami and Tanah Rata during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Atami this time of year.

In the winter, Tanah Rata is much warmer than Atami. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tanah Rata in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Atami averages at about 5°C (42°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in January than Atami. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Atami receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F) 
    Atami 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Atami in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Atami. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Atami for the beaches.

In April, Tanah Rata is generally much warmer than Atami. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 28°C (82°F), and Atami fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Atami receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tanah Rata usually receives around the same amount of rain as Atami. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Atami receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F) 
    Atami 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Atami and Tanah Rata

Tanah Rata Atami
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 164 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 254 mm (10 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 26°C (78°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 126 mm (5 in) 27°C (80°F) 222 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 209 mm (8.2 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 270 mm (10.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 108 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)


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