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

Should you visit Tanah Rata or Guangzhou?

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

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Guangzhou? 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 Guangzhou?

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.

Guangzhou

With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou 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.

  • Tanah Rata Prices
    Malaysia Prices
    Guangzhou Prices
    China Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Tanah Rata $192
    Guangzhou $104

The average daily cost (per person) in Tanah Rata is $192, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $104. 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 Guangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tanah Rata $76
    Guangzhou $58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tanah Rata $152
    Guangzhou $116
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Guangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata or Guangzhou? 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 Guangzhou


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 $33
    Guangzhou $14

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 Highland to Kuala Besut Jetty One Way SIC Transfer: $154
  • 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 Ipoh Hotel Transfer: $65
  • 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: $125
  • Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:

  • Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
  • Chimelong International Circus Ticket with Transfer: $80
  • Guangzhou : Private One-Way Transfers to/from Baiyun Airport(CAN): $30
  • Guangzhou Airport & Train Station Private Transfer English Driver: $32
  • Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $74
  • Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $170
  • Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $120
  • Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $24
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $37
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $74
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , To Guangzhou Transfer,Pickup: $59
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $135

Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Guangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Guangzhou 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
    Guangzhou $34
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.

  • Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
  • Shenzhen Cantonese Dim Sum Cooking Class with Lunch: $86
  • Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
  • Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $160
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
  • Pearl River Night Cruise and Karaoke Tour with Buffet Dinner in Guangzhou: $179
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
  • Morning Tea, Cantonese Opera, and Food Tour: $183
  • Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Din Tai Feng Dinner: $199
  • Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tanah Rata $39
    Guangzhou $18
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: 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

Tours and Activities in Guangzhou

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

  • Guangzhou:New Cultural Landmark Ticket -Explore Tang Style: $2.56
  • 2,000-Year-Old Wonder-Nanyue King’s Tomb Ticket: $3.19
  • Reputable Private Guangzhou Tour Guide Service by Xaq: $5.00
  • Cantonese Heritage Tour with Key Cultural Stops: $6.74
  • Discover Private Tour of Culture, Food & Pearl River: $6.99
  • Pearl River 1-hour Night Cruise (Optional Piers): $13
  • Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
  • Private Guangzhou Tour with Comfortable Transportation: $16
  • Lychee Bay River Cruise: $24
  • Grandview Museum of Nature Science Ticket: $25
  • Pick Up Service and Tour for Canton Culture and Food: $26
  • Roundtrip Cruise Night View from Canton Tower: $30

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tanah Rata $21
    Guangzhou $14


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

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 Guangzhou Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Guangzhou?

Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 450 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata and Guangzhou, 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 Guangzhou?

Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou in the Summer?

Both Guangzhou 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 Guangzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tanah Rata in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 29°C (84°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. In July, Tanah Rata usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F) 
    Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Guangzhou in the Autumn?

Both Guangzhou 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 a little warmer than Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (81°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in October than Guangzhou. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F) 
    Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Guangzhou in the Winter?

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

Tanah Rata is much warmer than Guangzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Guangzhou. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F) 
    Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Guangzhou in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Tanah Rata is a little warmer than Guangzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tanah Rata in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 22°C (72°F).

It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tanah Rata usually gets less rain in April than Guangzhou. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F) 
    Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)

Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Tanah Rata

Tanah Rata Guangzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 182 mm (7.2 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 284 mm (11.2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 29°C (84°F) 228 mm (9 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 126 mm (5 in) 29°C (84°F) 221 mm (8.7 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 25°C (76°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 270 mm (10.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)