Which place is cheaper, Ise or Penang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Penang or Ise?
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 Penang and Ise. 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.
Where Should I go: Penang or Ise?
Penang
Just off the northwestern coast of Malaysia is the charming and diverse island state of Penang. As the link between the ancient kingdoms of Asia and Europe's colonial empire, this area is enriched with Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences. This exciting culture is centered in George Town, the main city of the state.
Ise
A coastal city of Japan, Ise is best known for the Ise Shrine, arguably the holiest and most important Shinto site and the reputed home of the Emperor's Sacred Mirror. The shrine dates back to 4 BC and actually consists of two shrines: the inner shrine called Naiku and the outer shrine called Geku.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
-
Penang Prices
Malaysia PricesIse Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPenang $144Ise $110
The average daily cost (per person) in Penang is $144, while the average daily cost in Ise is $110. 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 Penang and Ise in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPenang $55Ise $43
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPenang $110Ise $86
Compare Hotels in Penang and Ise
Looking for a hotel in Penang or Ise? 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: Penang Hotel Prices and Ise Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Penang $14Ise $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Penang
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Penang:
-
Local Bus$1.43
-
Island Ferry$0.57
-
Bus From Airport to George Town$0.64
-
Taxi From Airport to George Town$11
-
Motorbike Rental (One Day)$7.13
-
Bicycle Rental (One Day)$2.38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Penang
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Penang:
- Chauffeur: Penang Island to Singapore Van Transfer: $147
- Full-Day Private Transfer in Penang City : $277
- Penang Airport (PEN) to Swettenham Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
- Penang Airport Transfer ( 24/7): $59
- Penang Airport Transfer - Arrival or Departure: $36
- Penang Balik Pulau Countryside Morning Cycling with Transfers: $33
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City Hotels One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $107
- Penang City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $140
- Penang Island hotels to Swettenham Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $58
- Penang Island to Penang Airport(PEN) - Departure Private transfer: $19
Is it cheaper to fly into Penang or Ise?
Prices for flights to both Ise and Penang 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
-
Food Meals for one dayPenang $64Ise $43
Typical Food Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Penang:
-
Snack$1.90
-
Dinner at The Suffolk House (for 2)$81
-
Lunch at Sakae Sushi (for 2)$69
-
Lassy Juice$1.66
-
Dinner for 2$3.57
-
Street Stall Food$0.67
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$4.52
-
Italian Lunch (for Two)$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Penang
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Penang.
- Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings: $45
- Penang Food Tour - Georgetown: $62
- Local Street Food Tour in Georgetown Penang : $62
- Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour: $62
- 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang: $65
- 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour: $88
- Authentic Local Food Tour with Scenic Walk: $89
- Malay Culinary Journey Cooking Class for the Adventurous Foodie: $92
- Authentic Indian Penang Cooking Class: $92
- Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak: $94
- Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour: $99
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Penang $55Ise $6.04
Typical Entertainment Prices in Penang
Here are a few typical costs in Penang for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Butterfly Gardens$7.37
-
Trishaw Tour (One Hour)$7.13
-
Fort Cornwallis Entrance$0.48
-
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Entrance$2.38
Tours and Activities in Penang
Here are a few actual costs in Penang for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Asia Camera Museum Admission Ticket: $6.10
- Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town: $6.35
- Tech Dome Entrance Ticket: $6.92
- Straits and Oriental Museum Ticket: $7.32
- Tropical Spice Garden Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours: $8.15
- Penang Hill Funicular Ticket: $8.35
- The Vanilla Village Farm Tour by Kairos: $9.39
- Malaysia: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket: $15
- Explore Remarkable Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Malaysia: Discover Nature's Wonders with Entopia Entry Ticket: $17
- Penang Rainbow Skywalk at The Top Komtar Observation Deck Tickets: $22
- Entopia Butterfly and Nature Discovery Park Entry Ticket Penang : $28
Tours and Activities in Ise
Here are a few actual costs in Ise for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima): $47
- Express Tour of Japan’s Most Sacred Shrine: $47
- Guided Bar-Hopping Tour with Food and Drinks: $85
- Full-Day Guided Tour of Shrines and Oharaimachi: $138
- Ise Grand Shrine and Okage Yokocho Guided Tour: $149
- Toba Private Customizable Half Day Tour: $215
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayPenang $18Ise $4.68
Typical Alcohol Prices in Penang
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Penang:
-
Beer$1.90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Penang and Ise, we can see that Penang is more expensive. And not only is Ise much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ise would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ise 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 Penang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Penang than you might in Ise.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Penang Expensive? and Is Ise Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Penang or Ise?
Penang has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Penang and Ise, 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 Penang or Ise?
Ise has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Penang experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Penang or Ise in the Summer?
Both Ise and Penang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Penang throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ise because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Penang is generally around the same temperature as Ise. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 27°C (81°F), and Ise fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually receives more sunshine than Ise during summer. Penang gets 211 hours of sunny skies, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. It's quite rainy in Penang. In July, Penang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ise. Penang gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyPenang 27°C (81°F)Ise 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Penang or Ise in the Autumn?
Both Ise and Penang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Penang because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Ise this time of year.
Penang is much warmer than Ise in the autumn. The daily temperature in Penang averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Ise fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Ise gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Penang. Penang usually gets more rain in October than Ise. Penang gets 340 mm (13.4 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPenang 27°C (81°F)Ise 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Penang or Ise in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Penang and Ise. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Penang year-round. Also, many travelers come to Ise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Ise. In the winter, Penang is much warmer than Ise. Typically, the winter temperatures in Penang in January average around 28°C (82°F), and Ise averages at about 5°C (40°F).
In January, Penang usually receives more rain than Ise. Penang gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPenang 28°C (82°F)Ise 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Penang or Ise in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Penang as well as Ise. Penang attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, many visitors come to Ise in the spring for the beaches.
In April, Penang is generally much warmer than Ise. Daily temperatures in Penang average around 28°C (82°F), and Ise fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Penang this time of the year. In the spring, Penang often gets more sunshine than Ise. Penang gets 218 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ise receives 169 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Ise. Penang receives a lot of rain in the spring. Penang usually gets more rain in April than Ise. Penang gets 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilPenang 28°C (82°F)Ise 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Ise and Penang
| Penang | Ise | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 210 mm (8.3 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 330 mm (13 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 340 mm (13.4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 230 mm (9.1 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 28°C (82°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.