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

Should you visit Tanah Rata or Kamakura?

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

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Kamakura? 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 Kamakura?

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.

Kamakura

An old city center of medieval Japan, Kamakura sits today on the seaside just south of Tokyo. Due to its early beginnings, the city is dotted with Buddhist Zen temples and Shinto shrines. It has become a prominent resort town drawing visitors with its many historic landmarks as well as nearby beaches.

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


Which place is cheaper, Kamakura 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 Kamakura 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 Kamakura in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tanah Rata $67
    Kamakura $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tanah Rata $134
    Kamakura $150
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Kamakura

Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata or Kamakura? 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 Kamakura


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 Kamakura Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tanah Rata $29
    Kamakura $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Kamakura?

Prices for flights to both Kamakura 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
    Kamakura $20
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
    Kamakura $5.59
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 Kamakura

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kamakura are as follows:

  • Audio Guide Tour of Historic Sites around Kamakura Station: $6.32
  • Kita-Kamakura Audio Guide Tour: Discovering Zen Serenity: $6.32
  • Traditional Kimono Rental Experience at WARGO: $25
  • Tour on the Works of Ninshô in French: $28
  • Traditional Kimono Rental Experience at WARGO: $37
  • Kamakura; First Samurai Capital walking tour: $38
  • Half-Day Tour to Seven Gods of Fortune in Kamakura and Enoshima: $39
  • Kamakura Rickshaw Tour: $39
  • Private Tour from North Kamakura Temples & Shrine: $40
  • Half day Walking tour & Japanese sweets: $44
  • Private History and Heritage Tour by Rickshaw: $51
  • From Tokyo: Kamakura and Enoshima 1-Day Bus Tour: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tanah Rata $19
    Kamakura $13


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

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 Kamakura Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Kamakura?

Kamakura has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata and Kamakura, 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 Kamakura?

Kamakura 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 Kamakura in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Kamakura. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kamakura this time of year.

In the summer, Tanah Rata is around the same temperature as Kamakura. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tanah Rata in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Kamakura averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Kamakura receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Tanah Rata usually receives less rain than Kamakura. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F) 
    Kamakura 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Kamakura in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Kamakura. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many travelers come to Kamakura for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

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

It's quite rainy in Kamakura. Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in October than Kamakura. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 177 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Kamakura in the Winter?

Both Kamakura 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, many visitors come to Kamakura in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Tanah Rata is much warmer than Kamakura in the winter. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Kamakura fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. In January, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Kamakura. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F) 
    Kamakura 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Kamakura in the Spring?

Both Kamakura 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, most visitors come to Kamakura for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Tanah Rata is much warmer than Kamakura. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tanah Rata in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Kamakura averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Kamakura 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 more rain in April than Kamakura. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Kamakura receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F) 
    Kamakura 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Kamakura and Tanah Rata

Tanah Rata Kamakura
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 162 mm (6.4 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (71°F) 218 mm (8.6 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 126 mm (5 in) 27°C (81°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 177 mm (7 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 270 mm (10.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)


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