Which place is cheaper, Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Yangshuo? 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 Yangshuo?
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.
Yangshuo
A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best Budget Tours to China, and The Best Tours for Seniors to China.
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Kota Kinabalu Prices
Malaysia PricesYangshuo Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayKota Kinabalu $68Yangshuo $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Kota Kinabalu is $68, while the average daily cost in Yangshuo is $86. 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 Yangshuo in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personKota Kinabalu $21Yangshuo $26
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomKota Kinabalu $42Yangshuo $52
Compare Hotels in Kota Kinabalu and Yangshuo
Looking for a hotel in Kota Kinabalu or Yangshuo? 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 $25Yangshuo $43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Kota Kinabalu:
- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Borneo - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $77
- Kota Kinabalu Hotel to Jetty Round Trip Transfer: $53
- Kota Kinab Airport to Kota Kinabalu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $48
- Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) to Borneo - Arrival Private Transfer: $38
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Sunrise/Sunset Tour at Kota Kinabalu with transfer: $32
- Private Arrival Transfer : Kota Kinabalu International Airport: $30
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Hotels to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu hotels: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Transfer from Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI to Kota Kinabalu Port: $25
- Private Transfer- Kota Kinabalu Port to Kota Kinabalu Airport BKI: $25
- Kota Kinabalu to Kota Kinab Airport: Departure Private Transfer: $24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
- Private Airport Transfer: Yangshuo Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang Airport: $45
- Private One Way Transfer Service to Guilin City Hotel or Airport from Yangshuo: $48
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Yangshuo hotel: $56
- Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $62
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Xingping hotel: $67
- From Rock Climbing with Transfer Private (3 hours): $69
- Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo: $80
- Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
- From Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Transfer 3 hours Private Tour: $89
Is it cheaper to fly into Kota Kinabalu or Yangshuo?
Prices for flights to both Yangshuo 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 $30Yangshuo $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kota Kinabalu
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Kota Kinabalu.
- Beringgis Mangove Fireflies, Sunset Tour & Dinner: $33
- Sabah Traditional Authentic Cuisine Cooking Class 3 Hours: $45
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo
For Yangshuo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Yangshuo Cooking Class with Market Trip: $45
- Full-day Cultural Experience: Taichi, Cooking & Painting Lessons: $100
- The impression Liu sanjie show and local dinner in town : $145
- Combo Impression Sanjie Liu Show and Authentic Cooking Experience: $199
- Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Kota Kinabalu $6.43Yangshuo $24
Tours and Activities in Kota Kinabalu
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kota Kinabalu are as follows:
- Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise: $46
- Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies : $49
- Bongawan: River Safari Cruise, Private or Shared Ticket: $48
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour: $50
- Cowboy Town & Fireflies River Cruise: $62
- Day Trip to Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring Guided Tour: $70
- From Kota Kinabalu : Kiulu White Water Rafting Tour + meal: $66
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing: $55
- Indigenous Weaving Experience: $236
- Island Hopping Tour (2 Island) From Kota Kinabalu: $100
- Island Hopping Tour From Kota Kinabalu (2 island): $90
- Kinabalu National Park Tour: $135
Tours and Activities in Yangshuo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket Booking : $45
- Yangshuo Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $48
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata Ticket: $49
- Yulong River Bamboo Rafting Experience: $52
- Yangshuo Ruyi peak & round way cable car ticket: $55
- Yangshuo Walking Day Tour: $56
- Half/Full-Day Yangshuo Countryside Moderate Cycling and Sightseeing Private Tour: $60
- Ticket of Impression Sanjie Liu Show: $62
- Amphibious Off-Road Biking Experience: $67
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayKota Kinabalu $7.18Yangshuo $34
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kota Kinabalu and Yangshuo, we can see that Yangshuo is more expensive. And not only is Kota Kinabalu much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Yangshuo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Kota Kinabalu or Yangshuo?
Kota Kinabalu has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Yangshuo. When comparing the sizes of Kota Kinabalu and Yangshuo, 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 Kota Kinabalu or Yangshuo?
Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Kota Kinabalu as well as Yangshuo. Kota Kinabalu attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
In July, Kota Kinabalu is generally around the same temperature as Yangshuo. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 27°C (81°F), and Yangshuo fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
It's quite rainy in Yangshuo. Kota Kinabalu receives a lot of rain in the summer. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in July than Yangshuo. Kota Kinabalu gets 255 mm (10 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Yangshuo 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Yangshuo in the Autumn?
Both Yangshuo and Kota Kinabalu are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kota Kinabalu throughout the year.
Kota Kinabalu is a little warmer than Yangshuo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Kota Kinabalu averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Yangshuo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite rainy in Kota Kinabalu. In October, Kota Kinabalu usually receives more rain than Yangshuo. Kota Kinabalu gets 336 mm (13.2 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberKota Kinabalu 27°C (81°F)Yangshuo 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Yangshuo in the Winter?
Both Yangshuo and Kota Kinabalu during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kota Kinabalu because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the winter, Kota Kinabalu is much warmer than Yangshuo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Kota Kinabalu in January average around 26°C (79°F), and Yangshuo averages at about 10°C (49°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu usually gets more rain in January than Yangshuo. Kota Kinabalu gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryKota Kinabalu 26°C (79°F)Yangshuo 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Kota Kinabalu or Yangshuo in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kota Kinabalu and Yangshuo. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kota Kinabalu year-round.
In April, Kota Kinabalu is generally a little warmer than Yangshuo. Daily temperatures in Kota Kinabalu average around 28°C (82°F), and Yangshuo fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
Yangshuo receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kota Kinabalu gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Kota Kinabalu usually receives less rain than Yangshuo. Kota Kinabalu gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilKota Kinabalu 28°C (82°F)Yangshuo 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Yangshuo and Kota Kinabalu
| Kota Kinabalu | Yangshuo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (79°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 26°C (80°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 226 mm (8.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 291 mm (11.5 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 255 mm (10 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 260 mm (10.2 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 285 mm (11.2 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 336 mm (13.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.