A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tanah Rata vs. Cheju (Jeju) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Tanah Rata or Cheju (Jeju)?

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

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Cheju (Jeju)? 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 Cheju (Jeju)?

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.

Cheju (Jeju)

Cheju is an island located just off the southern coast of South Korea in the Korean Strait. It is known for its volcanic landscape full of craters and cave-like lava tubes, which many visitors venture to hike and explore. With the main industry invested in tourism, it is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners alike, and remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Cultural Tours in South Korea, and The Best Luxury Tours to South Korea.


Which place is cheaper, Cheju (Jeju) or Tanah Rata?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tanah Rata is $137, while the average daily cost in Cheju (Jeju) is $72. 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 Cheju (Jeju) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tanah Rata $67
    Cheju (Jeju) $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tanah Rata $134
    Cheju (Jeju) $92
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Cheju (Jeju)

Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata or Cheju (Jeju)? 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 Cheju (Jeju)


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tanah Rata $29
    Cheju (Jeju) $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:

  • Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
  • Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
  • Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
  • Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
  • CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
  • Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $118
  • Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cheju (Jeju)

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cheju (Jeju):

  • Jeju Airport Transfer: $20
  • Private Sightseeing Tour to Jeju Island with Transfer Included: $190
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Jeju City Downtown to Jeju Airport: $50
  • Private Transfer From Jeju Airport to in Seogwipo Jeju Island : $30
  • Private Transfer From Seogwipo to Jeju Airport in jeju island: $25
  • jeju island Private Taxi Hallasan Hiking Trail Transfer - One way: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Cheju (Jeju)?

Prices for flights to both Cheju (Jeju) 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 $44
    Cheju (Jeju) $17
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
    $5.66
  • Dessert
    $0.63
  • Lunch
    $3.98
  • Afternoon tea
    $3.88

Typical Food Prices in Cheju (Jeju)

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Cheju (Jeju):


  • Burger
    $4.49
  • Donkatsu (Charles Restaurant)
    $7.24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cheju (Jeju)

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cheju (Jeju).

  • Cooking Korean Cuisine and Dinner at Jeju Seaside Sunset Terrace: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tanah Rata $34
    Cheju (Jeju) $5.49
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
    $5.66
  • Tour of Orang Asli Village
    $21

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: $33
  • Cameron Highlands: Agro Delight 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
  • Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292

Tours and Activities in Cheju (Jeju)

Here are a few actual costs in Cheju (Jeju) for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Visitors to Jeju Glass Museum and Experience: $25
  • [Jeju] Hanbok Rental Experience/Korean Traditional Clothes Rental Shop: $30
  • [Jeju] Woman Diver Haenyeo Traditional Clothes Rental Experience: $32
  • Full-Day Private Jumbo taxi Tour - East of Jeju Island (UNESCO): $55
  • Seogwipo(the southern city of Jeju) Art Museum Walking Tour: $55
  • Seogwipo (The Southern City of Jeju) Jungmun Area Walking Tour: $55
  • jeju Private Day Taxi tour - West of Jeju Island: $60
  • Seogwipo(The southern city of Jeju)City Walking Tours with Sunset: $60
  • Jeju island Southern Unesco Mt.halla ONE day Bus Tour: $63
  • Private Tour Cheonjeyeon Falls & Osulloc Museum in Jeju Island : $65
  • Jeju island Eastern UNESCO site Full Day Guided Tour: $66
  • Jeju Eastern Must visit Unesco Bus Tour: $66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tanah Rata $19
    Cheju (Jeju) $7.12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tanah Rata and Cheju (Jeju), we can see that Tanah Rata is more expensive. And not only is Cheju (Jeju) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cheju (Jeju) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju).

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 Cheju (Jeju) Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Cheju (Jeju)?

Cheju (Jeju) has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata and Cheju (Jeju), 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 Cheju (Jeju)?

Cheju (Jeju) 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 Cheju (Jeju) in the Summer?

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Tanah Rata are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year.

In the summer, Tanah Rata is around the same temperature as Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the summer temperatures in Tanah Rata in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 26°C (79°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cheju (Jeju). In July, Tanah Rata usually receives less rain than Cheju (Jeju). Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 230 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Cheju (Jeju) in the Autumn?

Both Cheju (Jeju) and Tanah Rata during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Tanah Rata is generally much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (81°F), and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in October than Cheju (Jeju). Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Cheju (Jeju) in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Cheju (Jeju). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round.

Tanah Rata is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju) in the winter. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Cheju (Jeju) fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Cheju (Jeju). Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Cheju (Jeju) in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Cheju (Jeju). Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Tanah Rata is much warmer than Cheju (Jeju). Typically, the spring temperatures in Tanah Rata in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Cheju (Jeju) averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in April than Cheju (Jeju). Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Cheju (Jeju) receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F) 
    Cheju (Jeju) 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Cheju (Jeju) and Tanah Rata

Tanah Rata Cheju (Jeju)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 21°C (70°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 126 mm (5 in) 27°C (80°F) 241 mm (9.5 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 270 mm (10.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)