Which place is cheaper, Byron Bay 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.
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Should you visit Tanah Rata or Byron Bay?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Byron Bay? 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 Byron Bay?
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.
Byron Bay
South of Brisbane, off the Pacific Highway, is the coastal town of Byron Bay. It is close to Cape Byron, which is the easternmost point in mainland Australia. Byron Bay makes its way onto most traveler's itineraries because of its wonderful beach activities. The area is world famous for its waves, making it popular with surfers, but it also has incredible scuba diving, whale watching, and a generally relaxed atmosphere. The area continues to rise in popularity with travelers and as such, amenities and facilities are popping up everywhere.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Walking Tours in Australia, and The Best Eco Tours in Australia.
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Tanah Rata Prices
Malaysia PricesByron Bay Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTanah Rata $192Byron Bay $175
The average daily cost (per person) in Tanah Rata is $192, while the average daily cost in Byron Bay is $175. 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 Byron Bay in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTanah Rata $76Byron Bay $67
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTanah Rata $152Byron Bay $134
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Byron Bay
Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata or Byron Bay? 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: Tanah Rata Hotel Prices and Byron Bay Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tanah Rata $33Byron Bay $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Cameron Highlands to Ipoh Hotel Transfer: $65
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $125
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Cameron Highland to Kuala Besut Jetty One Way SIC Transfer: $154
- Shared Transfer : Cameron Highland to Taman Negara via Kuala Tembeling Jetty: $154
Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Byron Bay?
Prices for flights to both Byron Bay 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
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Food Meals for one dayTanah Rata $87Byron Bay $83
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$6.42
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Dessert$0.71
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Lunch$4.52
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Afternoon tea$4.40
Typical Food Prices in Byron Bay
Some typical examples of dining costs in Byron Bay are as follows:
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Dinner at Olivo (for 2)$59
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Byron Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Byron Bay.
- Bangalow Native Bush Food Tour: $50
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tanah Rata $39Byron Bay $36
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:
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Tea Factory Visit$6.42
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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: Mossy Forest Tour: $30
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $35
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Join in Tour: $49
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Tour: $61
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands Private Sightseeing Tour : $211
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Typical Entertainment Prices in Byron Bay
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Byron Bay are as follows:
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Buddha Gardens Spa (for 2)$124
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Surf Lesson$43
Tours and Activities in Byron Bay
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Byron Bay are as follows:
- Crystal Castle & Shambhala Gardens Entry Ticket: $33
- Skip the Line: Crystal Castle and Shambhala Gardens Admission Ticket: $33
- Brunswick River Scenic Kayak Tour: $40
- WANDER BYRON Guided Sunrise Tours to Cape Byron Lighthouse: $46
- Sunset River Cruise near Byron Bay: $47
- Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $50
- Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $50
- Cape Byron Aboriginal Tour: $50
- Broken Head Aboriginal Tour: $50
- Byron Bay Private Bike Tour : $50
- Group 2.5 Hour Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour: $56
- Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour in Byron Bay: $57
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTanah Rata $21Byron Bay $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Byron Bay
Also in Byron Bay, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Arvo Session Brewery and Distillery Tour: $99
- Afternoon Brewery and Distillery session : $104
- Full-Day Brewery and Distillery Tour with Lunch: $136
- Full Barrel Brewery and Distillery tour: $138
When comparing the travel costs between Tanah Rata and Byron Bay, we can see that Tanah Rata 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. Even though Tanah Rata is in Asia and Byron Bay is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.
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 Byron Bay Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Byron Bay?
Tanah Rata has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Byron Bay. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata and Byron Bay, 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 Byron Bay?
Byron Bay 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 Byron Bay in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Byron Bay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round. Also, most visitors come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In July, Tanah Rata is generally a little warmer than Byron Bayin January. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (81°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
Byron Bay receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Tanah Rata usually receives less rain than Byron Bayin January. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Byron Bay 23°C (74°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Byron Bay in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Byron Bay. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Byron Bay because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
Tanah Rata is a little warmer than Byron Bay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Byron Bay fluctuates around 20°C (69°F)in April.
It's quite rainy in Byron Bay. Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in October than Byron Bayin April. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Byron Bay 20°C (69°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Byron Bay in the Winter?
Both Byron Bay and Tanah Rata are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Byron Bay this time of year.
In the winter, Tanah Rata is much warmer than Byron Bay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tanah Rata in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Byron Bay averages at about 14°C (58°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. In January, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Byron Bayin July. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyTanah Rata 27°C (80°F)Byron Bay 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Byron Bay in the Spring?
Both Byron Bay and Tanah Rata during the spring 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, many travelers come to Byron Bay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In April, Tanah Rata is generally a little warmer than Byron Bayin October. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 28°C (82°F), and Byron Bay fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in April than Byron Bayin October. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Byron Bay receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberTanah Rata 28°C (82°F)Byron Bay 19°C (67°F)
Typical Weather for Byron Bay and Tanah Rata
| Tanah Rata | Byron Bay | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 32 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 118 mm (4.6 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.