Which place is cheaper, Okinawa 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.
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Should you visit Tanah Rata or Okinawa?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Okinawa? 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 Okinawa?
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.
Okinawa
Okinawa is the southernmost prefecture of Japan and includes hundreds of the Ryukyu Islands. The chain of islands is off the southern mainland portion of the country and is made up of 49 inhabited islands and over one hundred uninhabited islands. Naha is Okinawa's capital, which is located in the southern part of Okinawa Island.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo.
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Tanah Rata Prices
Malaysia PricesOkinawa Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTanah Rata $192Okinawa $125
The average daily cost (per person) in Tanah Rata is $192, while the average daily cost in Okinawa is $125. 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 Okinawa in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTanah Rata $76Okinawa $75
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTanah Rata $152Okinawa $150
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Okinawa
Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata or Okinawa? 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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tanah Rata $33Okinawa $9.66
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Cameron Highlands to Ipoh Hotel Transfer: $65
- 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: $125
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Cameron Highland to Kuala Besut Jetty One Way SIC Transfer: $154
- Shared Transfer : Cameron Highland to Taman Negara via Kuala Tembeling Jetty: $155
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Okinawa
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Okinawa:
- Airport Transfer! Center of Naha to Naha Airport (OKA): $125
- Nakagusuku Cruise Port to Naha - Arrival Private Transfer: $138
- Private Transfer from Nakagusuku Port to Okinawa Airport (OKA): $200
- Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $200
- Private Transfer from Okinawa Airport (OKA) to Nakagusuku Port: $220
Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Okinawa?
Prices for flights to both Okinawa 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 $87Okinawa $41
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$6.42
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Dessert$0.71
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Lunch$4.52
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Afternoon tea$4.40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Okinawa
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Okinawa.
- Naha: Airport Food Tour for a Delicious Start or Farewell: $166
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tanah Rata $39Okinawa $14
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$6.42
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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 Okinawa
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Okinawa are as follows:
- Okinawa World Admission Ticket: $14
- Private Ring Craft Experience in Okinawa: $23
- Okinawa World Admission Ticket | Japan: $23
- Official Street Go-Kart Tour - Okinawa Shop: $38
- Beautiful sunset kayak tour in Okinawa: $38
- Naha: Full-Day Snorkeling Experience in the Kerama Islands, Okinawa: $48
- Okinawa Sightseeing Bus Tour: $51
- Tropical Dream , Ryukyu Mura, Banta Cafe Bus Tour: $53
- Kintsugi Accessory Experience in Naha, Okinawa: $53
- Okinawa Hip-hop Bus A Course Tour｜Churaumi Aqualium,Kori Island: $54
- 60Min Gorilla Go-Kart Tour in Naha City: (NIGHT SLOTS AVAILABLE): $55
- Aquarium, Kouri Island, & American Village Bus Tour: $57
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTanah Rata $21Okinawa $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tanah Rata and Okinawa, we can see that Tanah Rata is more expensive. And not only is Okinawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Okinawa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Okinawa 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 Okinawa.
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 Okinawa Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Okinawa?
Okinawa has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata and Okinawa, 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 Okinawa?
Okinawa 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 Okinawa in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Okinawa. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Okinawa because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
Tanah Rata is around the same temperature as Okinawa in the summer. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Okinawa fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
Okinawa receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Tanah Rata usually receives less rain than Okinawa. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Okinawa 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Okinawa in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Okinawa. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Okinawa this time of year.
In the autumn, Tanah Rata is around the same temperature as Okinawa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tanah Rata in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Okinawa averages at about 25°C (77°F).
It's quite rainy in Okinawa. Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in October than Okinawa. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Okinawa 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Okinawa in the Winter?
Both Okinawa 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 travelers come to Okinawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Tanah Rata is generally much warmer than Okinawa. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (80°F), and Okinawa fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Okinawa. It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. In January, Tanah Rata usually receives around the same amount of rain as Okinawa. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTanah Rata 27°C (80°F)Okinawa 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Okinawa in the Spring?
Both Okinawa 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, many visitors come to Okinawa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
Tanah Rata is a little warmer than Okinawa in the spring. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Okinawa fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).
Okinawa 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 around the same amount of rain in April as Okinawa. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Okinawa receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTanah Rata 28°C (82°F)Okinawa 22°C (71°F)
Typical Weather for Okinawa and Tanah Rata
| Tanah Rata | Okinawa | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 254 mm (10 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 255 mm (10 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 161 mm (6.3 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 116 mm (4.6 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.