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

Should you visit Tanah Rata or Dewa Sanzan?

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

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Dewa Sanzan? 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 Dewa Sanzan?

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.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan, Japan is a picturesque city in the Tohoku region which consists solely of the three sacred mountains: Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono. The mountains are considered holy to the Japanese Shinto religion and are a popular pilgrimage site, especially since many ascetic pilgrims live in the mountains and are occasionally spotted throughout the various hiking trails.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan is $65. 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 Dewa Sanzan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tanah Rata $67
    Dewa Sanzan $28
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tanah Rata $134
    Dewa Sanzan $56
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Dewa Sanzan

Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata or Dewa Sanzan? 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 Dewa Sanzan


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 Dewa Sanzan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tanah Rata $29
    Dewa Sanzan $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:

  • Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
  • Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $118
  • 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 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
  • Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153

Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Dewa Sanzan?

Prices for flights to both Dewa Sanzan 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
    Dewa Sanzan $24
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tanah Rata $34
    Dewa Sanzan $9.23
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 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 Tour: $75
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
  • Cameron Highlands: Agro Delight Tour: $61
  • Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292

Tours and Activities in Dewa Sanzan

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

  • Tsuruoka & Dewa-Sanzan Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $228

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tanah Rata $19
    Dewa Sanzan $7.27


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

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 Dewa Sanzan Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Tanah Rata or Dewa Sanzan?

Dewa Sanzan 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 Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Dewa Sanzan. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking.

In July, Tanah Rata is generally a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (81°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Tanah Rata usually gets less rain in July than Dewa Sanzan. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

Both Dewa Sanzan 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, many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the autumn for the hiking trails.

Tanah Rata is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. In October, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Dewa Sanzan. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

Both Dewa Sanzan 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. Also, most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Dewa Sanzan can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Tanah Rata is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tanah Rata in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about -1°C (30°F).

Dewa Sanzan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. Tanah Rata usually gets less rain in January than Dewa Sanzan. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan -1°C (30°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Dewa Sanzan. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round.

In April, Tanah Rata is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 28°C (82°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Dewa Sanzan. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Tanah Rata

Tanah Rata Dewa Sanzan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) -1°C (30°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) -1°C (30°F) 151 mm (6 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 126 mm (5 in) 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 270 mm (10.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 207 mm (8.1 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 2°C (35°F) 231 mm (9.1 in)


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