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

Should you visit Tanah Rata or Shenyang?

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

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Shenyang? 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 Shenyang?

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.

Shenyang

Shenyang, China is the capital, and largest, city in the Liaoning Province in northwest China which borders North Korea. Shenyang has a long, imperial, history and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. The city has a blend of beautifully preserved architecture and modern buildings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring!

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


Which place is cheaper, Shenyang 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 Shenyang is $70. 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 Shenyang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tanah Rata $67
    Shenyang $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tanah Rata $134
    Shenyang $82
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Shenyang

Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata or Shenyang? 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 Shenyang


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 $29
    Shenyang $19

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 Shenyang?

Prices for flights to both Shenyang 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
    Shenyang $18
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
    Shenyang $7.69
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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tanah Rata $19
    Shenyang $5.82


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

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 Shenyang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Shenyang?

Shenyang has a larger population, and is about 500 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata and Shenyang, 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 Shenyang?

Shenyang 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 Shenyang in the Summer?

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

In July, Tanah Rata is generally around the same temperature as Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (81°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Shenyang. Tanah Rata usually gets less rain in July than Shenyang. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Shenyang in the Autumn?

Both Shenyang 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.

Tanah Rata is much warmer than Shenyang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. In October, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F) 
    Shenyang 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Shenyang in the Winter?

Both Shenyang 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.

Shenyang can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Tanah Rata is much warmer than Shenyang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tanah Rata in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Shenyang averages at about -11°C (13°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in January than Shenyang. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F) 
    Shenyang -11°C (13°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Shenyang in the Spring?

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

In April, Tanah Rata is generally much warmer than Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 28°C (82°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F) 
    Shenyang 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Shenyang and Tanah Rata

Tanah Rata Shenyang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) -11°C (13°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) -7°C (19°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 126 mm (5 in) 24°C (75°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 270 mm (10.6 in) 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) -7°C (19°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)