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

Should you visit Kuala Lumpur or Wellington?

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 Wellington. 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.

Wellington

Wellington is a funky, compact, and laid-back city. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Wellington travel costs.

Kuala Lumpur and Wellington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kuala Lumpur or Wellington?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kuala Lumpur than Wellington. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Kuala Lumpur is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Wellington attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Kuala Lumpur is famous 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. Wellington is famous for its waterfront promenade, quirky cafe culture, and relaxing beaches.

The Petronas Twin Towers

How is Kuala Lumpur different from Wellington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Wellington 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Wellington. As the capital city, you'll find a number of museums and sights around town. Check out the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the Beehive, the Wellington Museum, and the City Gallery.

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

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Wellington 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 Wellington is an experience not to be missed. There are waterfront restaurants and a vibrant cafe scene around town. You'll also find local markets and many diverse eateries that you can explore.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Wellington Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Kuala Lumpur and Wellington.

Kuala Lumpur has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Wellington is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The best nightlife scene is found along Courtenay Place. There you'll find nightclubs, pubs, and cocktail bars. Cuba Street is another fun area with a bit more of a local vibe, and the waterfront is another great nightlife district in the city.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Wellington Better for Beaches?

Wellington is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Wellington for it's beautiful beaches. There are nice beaches within walking distance of the city center. There are also beaches that are well worth the drive if you're looking to get a bit out of town. In the summer months, there are swimming beaches, and year around they have nice views and a good atmosphere.

Kuala Lumpur is not a beach destination.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Wellington Better for Hiking?

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

Wellington offers some nice hiking trails. The area has rolling hills and beautiful coastlines that are filled with walking trails and scenic views. Some of the more popular trails in the area are the Red Rocks walk and the City-to-Sea walk.

Kuala Lumpur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kuala Lumpur or Wellington?

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Wellington 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Wellington. For the city's best shopping, head to the "Golden Mile". This is the area defined by Lambton Quay, Willis Street, Manners Street and Courtenay Place. There are boutique designers and high end fashion outlets throughout the area. The city also has many great markets and local shopping areas.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Wellington More Beautiful?

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Wellington 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.

Wellington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Wellington Better for Families?

Both Kuala Lumpur and Wellington 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.

Wellington is a very kid-friendly city. There's the Wellington Zoo as well as Island Bay Marine Education Centre, both of which are great for animal-lovers. Waitangi Park is a nice park where kids can run around and play, and if you're looking for something indoors, head to the Space Place at Carter Observatory. If everyone needs some down time, there's always the beach with is fun to hang out at.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Wellington Better for Couples?

Kuala Lumpur is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Wellington 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.

Wellington is a good city for couples to visit. The botanical gardens are beautiful to explore, and there is also a bird sanctuary in the area as well. Couple's will also enjoy the many nice restaurants and beautiful outdoor space around town.

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

Kuala Lumpur and Wellington are both superb 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.

Wellington is a great city to visit for backpackers. Located on the south side of the North Island, many backpackers use this city as a gateway to the South Island. There are many hostels around town and other fellow backpackers to hang out with.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Wellington Better for Students?

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wellington 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.

Wellington is popular with students. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is a nice setting for students.

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

Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Wellington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Kuala Lumpur has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system is relatively easy to navigate with most signs in English. There are buses, a monorail, light rail transit and commuter trains.

The public transit in Wellington can get you to most places easily. There are city buses, trains, and ferries that are popular with tourists and locals alike.

Is Kuala Lumpur or Wellington a more walkable city?

Kuala Lumpur and Wellington are superb when it comes to walkability.

Kuala Lumpur is very walkable. 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.

Wellington is a very walkable city. This is one of New Zealand's most walkable cities and it has a compact city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Wellington or Kuala Lumpur?

How long in Kuala Lumpur or Wellington?

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

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

When visiting Kuala Lumpur, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kuala Lumpur, one day is sufficent for most.

In Wellington, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this funky city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Wellington?

When visiting Kuala Lumpur, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Wellington is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Wellington?

Kuala Lumpur, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid-back destination of Wellington. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Wellington?

Kuala Lumpur is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Wellington is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand, and The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand.

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

Which is Bigger, Kuala Lumpur or Wellington?

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

Wellington 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 Wellington in the Summer?

Both Wellington 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 Wellington for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Wellington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Wellington averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Wellington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually receives less sunshine than Wellington during summer. Kuala Lumpur gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 242 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur. In July, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin January. Kuala Lumpur gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Wellington in the Autumn?

Both Wellington 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. Also, many visitors come to Wellington in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Kuala Lumpur is generally much warmer than Wellingtonin April. Daily temperatures in Kuala Lumpur average around 27°C (81°F), and Wellington fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Kuala Lumpur often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wellingtonin April. Kuala Lumpur gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 163 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in October than Wellingtonin April. Kuala Lumpur gets 280 mm (11 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Wellington in the Winter?

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

Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Wellington in the winter. The daily temperature in Kuala Lumpur averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Wellington fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.

Kuala Lumpur usually receives more sunshine than Wellington during winter. Kuala Lumpur gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Wellington receives 122 hours of full sun in the winter.

Wellington receives a lot of rain in the winter. Kuala Lumpur gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kuala Lumpur usually receives more rain than Wellingtonin July. Kuala Lumpur gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kuala Lumpur or Wellington in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kuala Lumpur as well as Wellington. Kuala Lumpur attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Wellington because of the beaches.

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur is much warmer than Wellington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kuala Lumpur in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Wellington averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

In the spring, Kuala Lumpur often gets more sunshine than Wellingtonin October. Kuala Lumpur gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wellington receives 180 hours of full sun.

Kuala Lumpur receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kuala Lumpur usually gets more rain in April than Wellingtonin October. Kuala Lumpur gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Wellington receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wellington and Kuala Lumpur