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

Should you visit Tanah Rata or Shenzhen?

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

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Shenzhen? 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 Shenzhen?

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.

Shenzhen

Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions.  It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.

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


Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen 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.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tanah Rata is $192, while the average daily cost in Shenzhen is $140. 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 Shenzhen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tanah Rata $76
    Shenzhen $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tanah Rata $152
    Shenzhen $182
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Shenzhen

Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata or Shenzhen? 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 Shenzhen


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
    Shenzhen $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:

  • Shared Transfer : Cameron Highland to Taman Negara via Kuala Tembeling Jetty: $154
  • Private Transfer Service Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur: $229
  • Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
  • Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $125
  • 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 to Ipoh Hotel Transfer: $65
  • 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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • A One-Way Disneyland Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Hotel: $33
  • A One-Way Hotel Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Disneyland: $36
  • HK Airport to Cruise Terminal Rounded-Trip Private Transfer by Lexus Luxury Car: $141
  • HK Local Transfer in City, Cruise Terminal and Train Station: $88
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $53
  • Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $119
  • Hong Kong Airport Transfer Sevice With Classic Car : $66
  • Hong Kong City to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Departure Private Transfer : $62
  • Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $138
  • Hong Kong Private Transfer — Victoria Peak ⇄ Tian Tan Big Buddha: $148
  • Hong Kong Private Transfer from Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport to Hong Kong: $84

Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Shenzhen?

Prices for flights to both Shenzhen 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
    Shenzhen $35
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 Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals - Dim Sum, Wonton & more: $53
  • Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $98
  • Explore Hong Kong: Mid-Autumn Festival Food Tour: $103
  • Discover Hong Kong’s Hidden Eats on a Tin Hau Food Tour: $109
  • Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour: $116
  • Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
  • Private Food Tour in Hong Kong: $148
  • Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $149
  • The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $176
  • Hong Kong Private & Personalized Food Tour with a Local: $177
  • Asian Favorites Cooking Class in Hong Kong (4-Course Meal): $184
  • Hong Kong Style Noodles Cooking Class (Includes 4-Course Meal): $184

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tanah Rata $39
    Shenzhen $17
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 Sightseing Tour: $35
  • 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 Join in Tour: $49
  • Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
  • Cameron Highlands Private Sightseeing Tour : $211
  • Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
  • Cameron Highlands: Agro Tour: $61
  • Cameron Highlands: Mossy Forest Tour: $30
  • Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292

Tours and Activities in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Introduction to Hong Kong: Central Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
  • Day in the life of a Hong Konger: Kowloon Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
  • Between Two Systems: Hong Kong's Living History Tip Based Tour: $2.64
  • Hong kong City Tour w/ Entry Fees & Lunch (2024) | 150+ booked: $2.64
  • Hong Kong Observation Wheel Ticket: $5.45
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Ticket: $10
  • Hong Kong Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 Tickets (Optional): $13
  • Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong Entry Ticket: $13
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
  • Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $15
  • The Victoria Peak Tram Ticket | Hong Kong: $15
  • Hong Kong Palace Museum Ticket: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tanah Rata $21
    Shenzhen $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Shenzhen

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Shenzhen:

  • Hong Kong Pub Crawl at Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): $46


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

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 Shenzhen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Shenzhen?

Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata and Shenzhen, 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 Shenzhen?

Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen in the Summer?

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

Tanah Rata is around the same temperature as Shenzhen in the summer. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 30°C (85°F).

It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. Tanah Rata usually gets less rain in July than Shenzhen. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F) 
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Shenzhen in the Autumn?

Both Shenzhen 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.

In the autumn, Tanah Rata is around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tanah Rata in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 26°C (78°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. In October, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Shenzhen. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F) 
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Shenzhen in the Winter?

Both Shenzhen 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.

In January, Tanah Rata is generally much warmer than Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (80°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in January than Shenzhen. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F) 
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Shenzhen in the Spring?

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

Tanah Rata is a little warmer than Shenzhen in the spring. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the spring. Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Shenzhen. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F) 
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Tanah Rata

Tanah Rata Shenzhen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 126 mm (5 in) 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 270 mm (10.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)