Which place is cheaper, Picton or Sandakan?
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 Sandakan or Picton?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sandakan or Picton? 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: Sandakan or Picton?
Sandakan
Located on the Northeast side of the state of Sabah in Borneo is the city of Sandakan, which is the 2nd largest city in the country. Sandakan was a prosperous port town in the 1800s because of its exports of tobacco, timber, pearls, and ivory. However, this booming town that was formerly the administrative capital in North Borneo was bombed practically out of existence at the end of World War II.
Picton
Picton, New Zealand is located in the picturesque Marlborough Region on the South Island. With beachfront access in a central location and near the Marlborough Sounds, Picton is an ideal place for anyone looking for both adventure and relaxation in one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world.
The weather in Picton is fairly mild, ranging from the low fifties to high sixties, Fahrenheit, throughout the year. Their summer months are December through March, this is when you'll find temperatures in the high sixties. During the winter, June through August, Picton experiences averages of fifty degree Fahrenheit. This means you can visit any time of the year without having to worry about weather inhibiting any of your outdoor activities!
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.
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Sandakan Prices
Malaysia PricesPicton Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySandakan $81Picton $101
The average daily cost (per person) in Sandakan is $81, while the average daily cost in Picton is $101. 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 Sandakan and Picton in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSandakan $23Picton $37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSandakan $46Picton $74
Compare Hotels in Sandakan and Picton
Looking for a hotel in Sandakan or Picton? 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: Sandakan Hotel Prices and Picton Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sandakan $37Picton -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Sandakan
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Sandakan:
- Private 1Way Transfer to/from Sandakan Airport, City or Sepilok: $38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Picton
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:
- Private Transfer from Blenheim city hotels to Picton Cruise Port: $120
- Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels: $121
- Private Transfer from Blenheim Airport (BHE) to Picton Port: $133
- Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE): $134
Is it cheaper to fly into Sandakan or Picton?
Prices for flights to both Picton and Sandakan 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 daySandakan $36Picton $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sandakan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sandakan.
- Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan: $64
- Sandakan : Fireflies and Mangrove Cruise with Dinner: $193
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Picton
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Picton.
- CRUISE SHIP DAYS - HOP ON HOP OFF - Wine, Beer, Food Tour: $58
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sandakan $8.15Picton $109
Tours and Activities in Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch: $60
- Private Sandakan City Must See 6 Highlights Tour with Guide & Car: $63
- From 7 Unmissable Local Stops Private Tour: $75
- Sukau Rainforest Wildlife and Dawn Cruises Tour in Sandakan: $83
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $88
- Sandakan Private City Tour Orangutan Sun Bears and Rainforest: $89
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Sukau Rainforest Wildlife Journey & Dawn Cruises: $90
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $112
- Day Trip Sepilok Orang-utan And City Tour (Flight Excluded): $119
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour: $125
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $147
Tours and Activities in Picton
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Picton are as follows:
- Skip the Line: Dangerous Skies WWII Exhibition - Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre: $15
- Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
- Hinterland Cycling Tour, Havelock: $23
- Skip the Line:WWI & WWII Combo Exhibitions at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre: $29
- Kalapathar Sunrise, Birdwatching and Village Tour: $35
- Picton Shore Excursion: Queen Charlotte Sounds Cruise: $49
- Picton Shore Excursion Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise: $51
- Kayaking Mangrove Adventure at Havelock: $56
- Queen Charlotte Sound: Lochmara Cruise and Explore Day Trip: $57
- Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton: $63
- Marlborough Sounds and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton: $64
- Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton: $66
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySandakan $7.47Picton $34
Sample the Local Flavors in Picton
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Picton:
- Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region.: $39
- Self-Guided Wine Tours by Bike with Lorelle & Greg : $41
- Marlborough: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour: $75
- Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough: $77
- Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour with Tastings: $77
- CRUISE SHIP DAY Marlborough Hop On Hop Off Wine Tours: $77
- Marlborough Half Day Wine Tour From Picton: $92
- Marlborough Wine Tasting Tour.: $95
- Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim: $95
- Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton: $95
- Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour: $101
- Taste the Valley Wine Tour in Marlborough with Wine Tasting: $101
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sandakan and Picton, we can see that Picton is more expensive. And not only is Sandakan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sandakan is in Asia and Picton 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 Sandakan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sandakan 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 Picton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Picton than you might in Sandakan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sandakan Expensive? and Is Picton Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sandakan or Picton?
Sandakan has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Sandakan and Picton, 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 Sandakan or Picton?
Picton has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Sandakan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Sandakan or Picton in the Summer?
Both Picton and Sandakan are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Picton because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Sandakan is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sandakan in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Picton averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.
It's quite rainy in Sandakan. In July, Sandakan usually receives more rain than Pictonin January. Sandakan gets 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuarySandakan 27°C (81°F)Picton 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Picton in the Autumn?
Both Picton and Sandakan during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Picton this time of year.
In October, Sandakan is generally much warmer than Pictonin April. Daily temperatures in Sandakan average around 28°C (82°F), and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. Sandakan usually gets more rain in October than Pictonin April. Sandakan gets 253 mm (10 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilSandakan 28°C (82°F)Picton 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Picton in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sandakan and Picton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round. Furthermore, many travelers come to Picton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Sandakan is much warmer than Picton in the winter. The daily temperature in Sandakan averages around 26°C (80°F) in January, and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.
Picton receives a lot of rain in the winter. Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Sandakan usually receives more rain than Pictonin July. Sandakan gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulySandakan 26°C (80°F)Picton 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Picton in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Sandakan as well as Picton. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many visitors come to Picton in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.
In the spring, Sandakan is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sandakan in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Picton averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.
Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the spring. Sandakan usually gets more rain in April than Pictonin October. Sandakan gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberSandakan 28°C (82°F)Picton 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Picton and Sandakan
| Sandakan | Picton | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 69 mm (2.7 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.