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

Should you visit Tanah Rata or Torquay?

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

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Torquay? 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 Torquay?

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.

Torquay

Located on the eastern end of the Great Ocean Road, Torquay is a seaside town of Victoria famous for its surfing and beaches. Surf town through and through, it is also the headquarters for the Quiksilver and Rip Curl surf gear companies, and home to the Rip Curl Easter Pro, the world's longest running surf contest held on Bells Beach.

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 Australia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia.


Which place is cheaper, Torquay 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 Torquay is $106. 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 Torquay in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tanah Rata $76
    Torquay $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tanah Rata $152
    Torquay $78
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Torquay

Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata or Torquay? 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 Torquay


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
    Torquay $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:

  • Private Transfer Service Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur: $229
  • Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
  • Cameron Highland to Kuala Besut Jetty One Way SIC Transfer: $154
  • Shared Transfer : Cameron Highland to Taman Negara via Kuala Tembeling Jetty: $154
  • Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
  • Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $125
  • 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Torquay?

Prices for flights to both Torquay 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
    Torquay $44
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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tanah Rata $39
    Torquay $11
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 Torquay

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Torquay.

  • Sunset Twilight Cruise in Hervey Bay: $37
  • Twilight Bay Cruise in Hervey Bay: $37
  • SUMMER K'gari (Fraser Island) Boom-net & Sightseeing Cruise: $40
  • Experience History onboard The Mary Valley Rattler: $46
  • Morning Farm Experience near Gympie & Noosa: $59
  • Milbi Sunset Cruise with Champagne and Prawns: $59
  • Hervey Bay Sunset Cruise: $64
  • Fraser Island & Dolphin Sailing Adventure: $74
  • Hervey Bay Whale Watching Experience: $99
  • Spirit of Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise: $104
  • Enjoy a VIP Booth Shared Experience From Gympie: $106
  • K'gari (Fraser Island) West Coast Half Day Cruise from Hervey Bay: $107

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tanah Rata $21
    Torquay $7.48


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tanah Rata and Torquay, we can see that Tanah Rata is more expensive. And not only is Torquay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tanah Rata is in Asia and Torquay is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Torquay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Torquay 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 Torquay.

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 Torquay Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Torquay?

Torquay has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata and Torquay, 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 Torquay?

Torquay 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 Torquay in the Summer?

Both Torquay 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Torquay in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tanah Rata is generally around the same temperature as Torquayin January. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (81°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).

Torquay gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tanah Rata usually gets less rain in July than Torquayin January. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F) 
    Torquay 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Torquay in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Torquay. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Torquay for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Tanah Rata is a little warmer than Torquay in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Torquay fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.

Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Torquayin April. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Tanah Rata 27°C (81°F) 
    Torquay 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Torquay in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Torquay. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Torquay because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Tanah Rata is much warmer than Torquay. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tanah Rata in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Torquay averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.

Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the winter. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in January than Torquayin July. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Tanah Rata 27°C (80°F) 
    Torquay 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Tanah Rata or Torquay in the Spring?

Both Torquay 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. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Torquay this time of year.

In April, Tanah Rata is generally a little warmer than Torquayin October. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 28°C (82°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. In April, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Torquayin October. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Tanah Rata 28°C (82°F) 
    Torquay 21°C (71°F)

Typical Weather for Torquay and Tanah Rata

Tanah Rata Torquay
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 27°C (80°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Feb 27°C (81°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 25°C (78°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Mar 28°C (82°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Apr 28°C (82°F) 167 mm (6.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 28°C (83°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 126 mm (5 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 173 mm (6.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Oct 27°C (81°F) 237 mm (9.3 in) 21°C (71°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 27°C (81°F) 270 mm (10.6 in) 23°C (74°F) 106 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 27°C (80°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)