Which place is cheaper, Fraser Island or Kota Kinabalu?
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 Kota Kinabalu or Fraser Island?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Fraser Island? 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: Kota Kinabalu or Fraser Island?
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu, originally Jesselton, is the capital of Sabah, which is on the northern part of the island of Borneo. Kota Kinabalu is located just between the western side of the island and Tambunan Rafflesia Forest Reserve. Most of Kota Kinabalu's historic buildings were destroyed by bombing during World War II, so the city had to be rebuilt. KK, as it's commonly called, is a compact, but booming town today, with its new shopping centers, seaside condominiums, and bustling marketplaces.
Fraser Island
Fraser Island, located off Australia's eastern Queensland coast, is the world's largest sand island. It is best known as a camping and ecotourism destination, with a number of panoramic viewpoints, beaches, lakes, and freshwater pools. Hervey Bay, a beachside city on the nearby mainland, is a primary gateway to the island.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Australia, and The Best Honeymoon Tours in Australia.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesFraser Island Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Fraser Island $243
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Fraser Island is $243. 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 Kota Kinabalu and Fraser Island in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Fraser Island $102
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Fraser Island $204
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Fraser Island
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Fraser Island? 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: Kota Kinabalu Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Kota Kinabalu $25Fraser Island $93
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) Private Transfer to Kota Kinabalu: $13
- Kota Kinabalu（BKI）: Private Transfer to City Center: $14
- Private Transfer: Kota Kinabalu International Airport to/from Hotel: $20
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $25
- Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $30
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to Borneo - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Fraser Island?
Prices for flights to both Fraser Island and Kota Kinabalu 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 dayKota Kinabalu $30Fraser Island $83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kota Kinabalu.
- Sabah Traditional Authentic Cuisine Cooking Class 3 Hours: $29
- Beringgis Mangove Fireflies, Sunset Tour & Dinner: $33
- Klias River Cruise with Dinner and Fireflies: $55
- Kawa Mangrove Cruise & Fireflies with Dinner: $67
- Ethnic Cooking Class & Upside Down House & 3D Wonders Museum: $92
- Taste Of Borneo Cooking Class: $95
- North Borneo Sunset Dinner Cruise: $121
- Kota Kinabalu Night Tour with Dinner & Cultural Dance Show: $138
- Kota Kinabalu Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $187
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.43Fraser Island $45
Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- Bongawan Proboscis and Fireflies Cruise Tour: $32
- Sail and Catch Boat fishing Tour of the Coast of Kota Kinabalu: $41
- Night Glow Stand Up Paddle Experience in Kota Kinabalu: $44
- Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise: $46
- Mangrove Kayaking Experience in Borneo: $47
- Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies : $49
- Sabah: Manukan and Sapi Islands Excursion Ticket: $50
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Private Guided E-Foil Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach: $54
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $55
- Pulau Sapi & Manukan Sabah Shared Activity Adventure: $57
- Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise from Kota Kinabalu: $58
Tours and Activities in Fraser Island
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Fraser Island are as follows:
- 2 Hours Hervey Bay Funset Cruise: $53
- Hervey Bay: Best Value Half Day Whale Watching Cruise: $80
- Hervey Bay Ultimate Whale Watching Cruise: $80
- Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise: $104
- Hervey Bay: Half Day Whale watching & Island Stop Tour: $111
- Remote K'gari (Fraser Island) & Whale Experience: $173
- Remote Fraser Island Experience: $173
- K'gari (Fraser Island) All Inclusive Day Tour: $174
- K'gari (Fraser Island) Small Group Day Tour - From Rainbow Beach: $186
- K'gari (Fraser Island) Small Group 4WD Adventure - From Noosa: $201
- Fraser Experience Shared Full Day Guided Tour: $208
- Hervey Bay to K'gari/Fraser Island 2-Day Tour (Beach House): $369
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Fraser Island $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Fraser Island, we can see that Fraser Island is more expensive. And not only is Kota Kinabalu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kota Kinabalu is in Asia and Fraser Island 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 Kota Kinabalu would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kota Kinabalu 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 Fraser Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fraser Island than you might in Kota Kinabalu.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kota Kinabalu Expensive? and Is Fraser Island Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu or Fraser Island?
Fraser Island has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kota Kinabalu experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Fraser Island in the Summer?
Both Fraser Island and Kota Kinabalu are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Fraser Island because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Kota Kinabalu is generally around the same temperature as Fraser Islandin January. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Fraser Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Fraser Island. It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In July, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Fraser Islandin January. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Fraser Island 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Fraser Island in the Autumn?
Both Fraser Island and Kota Kinabalu during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Fraser Island this time of year.
Kota Kinabalu is a little warmer than Fraser Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Fraser Island fluctuates around 22°C (72°F)in April.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in October than Fraser Islandin April. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Fraser Island 22°C (72°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Fraser Island in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Fraser Island. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round. Also, many travelers come to Fraser Island for the cuisine.
In the winter, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Fraser Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Fraser Island averages at about 15°C (59°F)in July.
Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Fraser Islandin July. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Fraser Island 15°C (59°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Fraser Island in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Fraser Island. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Fraser Island in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.
In April, Kota Kinabalu is generally a little warmer than Fraser Islandin October. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 28°C (82°F), and Fraser Island fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).
Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in April than Fraser Islandin October. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Fraser Island 21°C (71°F)
Typical Weather for Fraser Island and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Fraser Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 21°C (71°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.