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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Canberra?

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 Canberra. 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 friendly, diverse, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Kuala Lumpur is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Kuala Lumpur travel costs.

Canberra

Canberra is a under-rated, cultural, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and shopping. See Canberra travel costs.

Kuala Lumpur and Canberra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Canberra?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Canberra. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Canberra attracts visitors for its hiking. Kuala Lumpur is more touristy than Canberra and is known for its blend of cultures and cuisines, its mix of modern and colonial, and its bustling neighborhoods with markets and restaurants. It is also well known for The Petronas Twin Towers. Canberra is famous for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Canberra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Canberra 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 Canberra?

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur are world-renowned. 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.

Many visitors head to Canberra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

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

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Kuala Lumpur is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Canberra is an experience not to be missed. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Canberra Better for Nightlife?

Kuala Lumpur is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Kuala Lumpur has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Canberra has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Canberra Better for Hiking?

Canberra is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Canberra offers some nice hiking trails. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Canberra?

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Kuala Lumpur draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Many visitors go to Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Canberra More Beautiful?

Kuala Lumpur is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Canberra is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Kuala Lumpur is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This city's beauty really comes from the welcoming and helpful personality of its residents, but the neighborhoods also have historic charm and character.

Canberra is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Canberra Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Canberra are superb 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.

Canberra is a very kid-friendly city. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Canberra Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Canberra is a good city for couples to visit. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Canberra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kuala Lumpur is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Kuala Lumpur. 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.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Canberra Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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

Canberra is very popular with students. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

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

Kuala Lumpur is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Kuala Lumpur can take you anywhere. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

You'll find some public transit in Canberra, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Canberra a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Kuala Lumpur is a very walkable city. 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.

Canberra is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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

Should I spend more time in Canberra or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Canberra?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kuala Lumpur and Canberra. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than in Canberra. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Kuala Lumpur, and 2-3 days is enough time in Canberra.

Families should spend more time in Kuala Lumpur than Canberra. 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 Canberra. 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 Canberra 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 Canberra?

Kuala Lumpur is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Canberra, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural city offers. 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 Canberra?

Kuala Lumpur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kuala Lumpur, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Canberra is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Kuala Lumpur or Canberra?

Kuala Lumpur is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kuala Lumpur, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Canberra. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 Canberra?

Kuala Lumpur is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Canberra is a popular place to visit. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Melbourne, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kuala Lumpur and Canberra, we can see that Canberra 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 Canberra 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 Canberra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Canberra 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 Canberra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Canberra?

Kuala Lumpur has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Kuala Lumpur and Canberra, 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 Kuala Lumpur or Canberra?

Canberra has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Kuala Lumpur experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Canberra in the Summer?

Both Canberra and Kuala Lumpur are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Kuala Lumpur throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kuala Lumpur is a little warmer than Canberra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Canberra averages at about 20°C (68°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Canberrain January. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Canberra in the Autumn?

Both Canberra and Kuala Lumpur during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Kuala Lumpur because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, many visitors come to Canberra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Canberrain April. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Canberra fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Canberra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Canberrain April. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Canberra in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kuala Lumpur and Canberra. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Kuala Lumpur year-round. Furthermore, most visitors come to Canberra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Canberra in the winter. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Canberra fluctuates around 11°C (52°F)in July.

Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Canberrain July. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Canberra in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Canberra. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Canberra because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Canberra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Canberra averages at about 15°C (60°F)in October.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Canberrain October. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Canberra receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Canberra and Kuala Lumpur