A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kuala Lumpur vs. Alice Springs for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Alice Springs?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kuala Lumpur and Alice Springs. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a modern, welcoming, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Kuala Lumpur travel costs.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs is a friendly, laid back, and outdoorsy town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Alice Springs is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Alice Springs travel costs.

Kuala Lumpur and Alice Springs: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Alice Springs?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Alice Springs, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kuala Lumpur is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Alice Springs is more popular for its hiking and small town charm. Kuala Lumpur is well known for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. Also, Kuala Lumpur is famous for The Petronas Twin Towers. Alice Springs is well known for its desert landscapes, Outback setting, and location between the East and West MacDonnell Ranges.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Alice Springs?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Alice Springs and Kuala Lumpur. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kuala Lumpur or Alice Springs?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Kuala Lumpur has many famous sights for visitors. The most notable landmark in the city is the famed Petronas Twin Towers, but other popular sights include Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur Tower, and the National Museum.

Alice Springs is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several wildlife centers in town that let you experience the desert animals first hand. Make sure you check out the Alice Springs Reptile Center, the Alice Springs Desert Park, and the Kangaroo Sanctuary. Another highlight of the town is a visit to the Alice Springs School of the Air.

Is the Food Better in Kuala Lumpur or Alice Springs? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Kuala Lumpur have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is influenced by the populations that live here and you'll find a lot of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors. Spicy curries and noodle dishes are very common. Street food is also a mainstay in this city and it's an experience to wander the market streets and sample dishes from the different vendors.

Alice Springs offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are casual eateries with local food and decent prices. While it's a small town, there are plenty of tourists passing through so you'll find enough places to eat with a decent selection.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Alice Springs Better for Nightlife?

Kuala Lumpur is a great city for its evening party scene. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Kuala Lumpur has something for everybody. Rooftop bars and lounges are popular hangout spots after the sun sets. For classy pubs and clubs head to the Golden Triangle district, but if drinking and partying isn't your thing, the city's night markets are not to be missed.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alice Springs. It's a laid back small town, but there are still places to hang out in evening. Pubs and taverns are popular with locals and tourists alike. You'll also find a couple of casinos and clubs in town.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Alice Springs Better for Hiking?

Alice Springs is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Alice Springs is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Just outside of town there are wonderful walking routes and hiking trails. You can visit gorges, waterholes, and wander through the stunning red desert landscapes. One of the most famous trails in the area is the Larapinta Trail.

Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Alice Springs?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Kuala Lumpur specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with shopping malls, and a big appeal of shopping in this city is the very affordable prices. Some of the most popular shopping malls are Suria KLCC at the base of the Petronas Towers as well as the malls in the Bukit Bintang/Jalan Imbi areas.

Alice Springs is a great destination for shopping. There are many shopping areas around town, particularly at the Yeperenye Shopping Centre, Alice Plaza, and Todd Mall. Prices can be a bit high, so keep that in mind as you're browsing.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Alice Springs More Beautiful?

Kuala Lumpur and Alice Springs both are comparable with their very good scenery and beauty.

Kuala Lumpur is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This city's beauty really comes from the welcoming and helpful personality of its residents, but the neighborhoods also have historic charm and character.

The beauty of Alice Springs is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The surrounding area is filled with beautiful landscapes and dramatic views.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Alice Springs Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Alice Springs are very good family-friendly destinations.

Kuala Lumpur is a very family-friendly destination. This family-friendly city includes a surprising number of opportunities to experience wildlife. There's an aquarium, petting zoos, and places to see the wild monkeys. There are also large playgrounds including one by the Petronas Towers. Kids will also enjoy exploring the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Park, and the Forest Eco Park.

Alice Springs is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the beautiful setting as much as adults. There are desert animals that you can see at Alice Springs Desert Park or the Kangaroo Sanctuary. The Earth Sanctuary has telescopes and unbeatable views of the night sky. In the area you'll also be able to take a camel ride or visit the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Alice Springs Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur and Alice Springs both very good destinations for a couple.

Kuala Lumpur makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This city has diverse restaurants and a number of luxury hotels at affordable prices. For couples who enjoy romance on a budget, this is a good city.

Couples visit Alice Springs frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The red desert and stunning landscapes make for a truly one-of-a-kind romantic getaway. In addition to the area's natural beauty, there are hot air balloon rides and camel treks. Hiking and exploring is also at the top of many visitor's lists.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Alice Springs Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur and Alice Springs are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Kuala Lumpur is very popular with the backpacker crowd. This is a popular stop for backpackers on the Southeast Asia circuit. It's modern and comfortable but also affordable and diverse. The city has a number of affordable hostels, but it also has a more laid back and authentic vibe than you'll find in many other Southeast Asian cities. The city also isn't as touristy as some other cities, so the people are down to Earth and helpful without being jaded by all of the vacationers.

Alice Springs is a great city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers stop off here during their Australian adventure. There a few hostels in town as well as a laid back and friendly environment that is perfect for backpacking.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Alice Springs Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Alice Springs is not popular with students.

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular city for students. It's affordability, diversity, and dynamic atmosphere make this a great city for international students.

Alice Springs is not popular with students.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Alice Springs Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kuala Lumpur is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Alice Springs is not known for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Kuala Lumpur can get you around easily. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

Public transit is generally limited in Alice Springs. Public transit options are limited but you will find buses that leave from the Yeperenye Shopping Center on Hartley Street. There are also taxis in town.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Alice Springs a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur is a great city for its ease of walking around. Also, Alice Springs is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Kuala Lumpur is a very walkable destination. Traffic can be congested, but there are many wide sidewalks and pedestrian areas around town. The River of Life waterfront area offers nice paths that connect many tourist areas.

Alice Springs is somewhat walkable. The downtown area can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Kuala Lumpur Worth Visiting? and Is Alice Springs Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alice Springs or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Alice Springs?

It's fun to spend time in either Kuala Lumpur or Alice Springs. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kuala Lumpur due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alice Springs.

Families should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Alice Springs. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Kuala Lumpur, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Alice Springs. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kuala Lumpur that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Alice Springs if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Kuala Lumpur.

One day in Kuala Lumpur or Alice Springs?

Kuala Lumpur is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Alice Springs is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Kuala Lumpur or Alice Springs?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kuala Lumpur. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Alice Springs is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Alice Springs?

Kuala Lumpur is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Alice Springs is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Kuala Lumpur or Alice Springs?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Kuala Lumpur. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Alice Springs is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Malaysia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Alice Springs, we can see that Alice Springs is more expensive. And not only is Kuala Lumpur much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kuala Lumpur is in Asia and Alice Springs 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 Kuala Lumpur would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kuala Lumpur 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 Alice Springs would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Alice Springs than you might in Kuala Lumpur.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kuala Lumpur Expensive? and Is Alice Springs Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Alice Springs?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Alice Springs. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Alice Springs, 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.