Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Tanah Rata?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Tanah Rata or Koh Phi Phi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Koh Phi Phi?
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.
Koh Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTanah Rata $137Koh Phi Phi $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Tanah Rata is $137, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTanah Rata $67Koh Phi Phi $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTanah Rata $134Koh Phi Phi $80
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata or Koh Phi Phi? 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 Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tanah Rata $29Koh Phi Phi $6.89
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
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $118
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- 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 One-way Transfer: $92
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
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Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$15
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Longboat Taxi$2.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket VIP Speed Boat Transfer: $22
- One-Way Departure Transfer from Phi Phi Island (Speedboat) to Phuket Airport : $52
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $25
- Superfast Transfer from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi by Arisa Speed Boat: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi 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 $44Koh Phi Phi $11
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$5.66
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Dessert$0.63
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Lunch$3.98
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Afternoon tea$3.88
Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
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Crepe$1.64
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Sit Down Lunch$9.27
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Casual Lunch$5.73
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Coconut Donut$0.27
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Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$11
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Sit Down Dinner$14
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tanah Rata $34Koh Phi Phi $45
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$5.66
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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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Kayak Rental$8.18
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $13
- Phuket Trick Eye 3D Museum Admission Ticket: $14
- Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
- Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
- Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $20
- Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $21
- Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $27
- Wonderful Phi Phi Islands Highlights Tour: $50
- PHI PHI ISLAND - Sunrise Trip From Phi Phi Don By Phi Phi Local Tour: $53
- Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
- Half Day & Sunset Phi Phi Island Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTanah Rata $19Koh Phi Phi $5.66
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
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Mojito Bucket$14
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Banana Daiquiri$5.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tanah Rata and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Tanah Rata is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Phi Phi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Phi Phi 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 Koh Phi Phi.
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 Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Koh Phi Phi?
Tanah Rata has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata and Koh Phi Phi, 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 Koh Phi Phi?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Koh Phi Phi in the Summer?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Tanah Rata during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Koh Phi Phi year-round.
Koh Phi Phi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tanah Rata usually gets less rain in July than Koh Phi Phi. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 287 mm (11.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
In July, Tanah Rata is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (81°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Koh Phi Phi in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Koh Phi Phi. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round. Koh Phi Phi attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Also, May to November is the rainy season in Koh Phi Phi. Koh Phi Phi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tanah Rata usually receives less rain than Koh Phi Phi. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Tanah Rata is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Koh Phi Phi 27°C (81°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Koh Phi Phi in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Koh Phi Phi. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Koh Phi Phi throughout the year.
Also, December to March in Koh Phi Phi is the dry season. Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the winter. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in January than Koh Phi Phi. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the winter, Tanah Rata is around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tanah Rata in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Koh Phi Phi averages at about 28°C (82°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTanah Rata 27°C (80°F)Koh Phi Phi 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Koh Phi Phi in the Spring?
Both Koh Phi Phi and Tanah Rata are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Koh Phi Phi because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The rainy season in Koh Phi Phi is May to November. It rains a lot this time of the year in Koh Phi Phi. It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. In April, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Koh Phi Phi. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In April, Tanah Rata is generally around the same temperature as Koh Phi Phi. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 28°C (82°F), and Koh Phi Phi fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTanah Rata 28°C (82°F)Koh Phi Phi 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Koh Phi Phi and Tanah Rata
| Tanah Rata | Koh Phi Phi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 279 mm (11 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 287 mm (11.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 262 mm (10.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 399 mm (15.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 304 mm (12 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 62 mm (2.4 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.