Which place is cheaper, Manila or Similan Islands?
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 Similan Islands or Manila?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Similan Islands and Manila can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Similan Islands or Manila?
Similan Islands
There are places divers like, and there are places divers love. One of the most popular spots to visit the underwater world is at the national park of the Similan Islands in southern Thailand. With 140 square kilometers of land and nine islands, this area is a paradise for those ready to get their feet wet.
The park is made up of nine islands: Ko Bon, Ko Bayu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang, Ko Payan, Ko Paying and Ko Huyong. If these names are a bit too similar for you to easily differentiate, don't worry. Most refer to each island with a number from 1 to 9. Two more islands were added to the park – Koh Bon and Koh Tachai – in 1998.
Even though the park was only established in 1982, the islands have been around for approximately 65 million years. They are the product of swells of hot magma during the Cretaceous period and smoothed over by glacial ice and water erosion. The reefs beneath the surface are approximately 5,000 years and therefor the oldest in Thailand. Luckily, because of its deep waters, the islands' underwater landscapes were essentially unharmed during the 2004 tsunami.
Each island is covered in lush, tropical jungle and white, sandy coastlines. There is fish of every shape, color and size – including the famous "Nemo" clownfish, batfish, barracudas, whale sharks and manta rays.
You'll want to plan your visit around monsoon season. So book a trip sometime between December and April. March is a particularly good time to visit as the winds have died down and the water is crystal clear. The park is closed from May to November.
There are a few tents and bungalows on some of the islands. They are government run, and you'll need to reserve them in advance. Many divers will simply take day trips, or sleep on board boats. There are several organized tour and boat options available out of Phuket, Khao Lak and Ranong. Both areas will likely offer day trips and live-aboard cruises. These cruises typically start at four days and 4 nights, but shorter trips are available. There is an entry fee to the park, along with a daily usage fee for those spending multiple days in the park. This fee is paid to your driver before the trip.
Manila
A sprawling metropolis that is home to more than 12 million people, Manila is one huge, misunderstood concrete jungle, full of diverse cultures, traffic, pollution, restaurants, shopping malls, noise and nightlife. If you're looking to soak in culture and feel the vibe of a place rather than seeking a city that specifically caters to tourists, Manila is the place to be. Capital of the Philippines, Manila is also the center for education, business, and transportation.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best 2-Week Tours in Philippines, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Philippines.
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Similan Islands Prices
Thailand PricesManila Prices
Philippines Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySimilan Islands $219Manila $106
The average daily cost (per person) in Similan Islands is $219, while the average daily cost in Manila is $106. 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 Similan Islands and Manila in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSimilan Islands $79Manila $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSimilan Islands $158Manila $108
Compare Hotels in Similan Islands and Manila
Looking for a hotel in Similan Islands or Manila? 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: Manila Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Similan Islands $113Manila $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manila
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Manila:
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Manila HTL-APT (MNL): $30
- Transfers from Manila, Makati, Taguig and Pasay Hotel to Airport: $50
- Tagaytay-Pagsanjan Falls combo tour with transfers** updated 2024: $180
- Safe and secure Airport Transfer Best in Manila: $216
- Quality Safe and Reliable Manila Airport Transfers: $49
- Private Transfer from Manila Cruise Port to Manila Airport (MNL): $29
- Private Transfer from Manila Airport (MNL) to Manila Cruise Port: $29
- Private One-way Transfer From Manila To Manila Airport: $24
- Private Departure Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila: $98
- Private Arrival Airport Transfer: All Hotels in Ortigas: $41
- MNL Airport to City Centre Private Transfer: $13
Is it cheaper to fly into Similan Islands or Manila?
Prices for flights to both Manila and Similan Islands 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 daySimilan Islands $72Manila $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manila
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Manila.
- Ugbo Manila Street Food Tour with Tuktuk Ride: $60
- ⭐ Manila Street Food Tour in the Downtown, Eat and Drink⭐: $62
- Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown: $65
- Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food: $65
- Guided Food Tour of Binondo with Tastings: $65
- Street Food tour & Local Jeepney, Tuktuk Ride: $66
- Binondo Chinatown Food Tour with Free Food Samples: $70
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide: $71
- Authentic Manila Chinatown Food Tour Exploration : $75
- Intramuros and Chinatown Food Tour with Food Samples: $80
- Cultural Dance Show with Dinner in Manila: $120
- Day Tour in Manilas History and Savor a Cultural Dinner: $175
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Similan Islands $50Manila $19
Tours and Activities in Manila
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Manila are as follows:
- (Excursion) Day tour in Manila: $258
- A Day in Paradise at Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation Adventure: $150
- A Night in Old Intramuros Walking Tour: $23
- Active Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Day Tour (2in1): $135
- Amazing Taal Volcano Sightseeing & Pagsanjan Falls Tour 2in1: $125
- Amazing Taal Volcano Tour (Boat Included): $125
- Antipolo Day Tour with Cloud 9 and Pinto Art Museum: $80
- BAGUIO CITY DAY TOUR (FROM MANILA): $357
- BANAUE:BATAD Rice Terraces with Sagada 4D3N PRIVATE TOUR: $7,130
- Bataan Death March Memorial Historical Tour : $208
- Club Crawl and Party Experience at BGC: $71
- Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : $85
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySimilan Islands $11Manila $9.90
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Similan Islands and Manila, we can see that Similan Islands is more expensive. And not only is Manila much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Manila would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Manila 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 Similan Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Similan Islands than you might in Manila.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Similan Islands Expensive? and Is Manila Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Similan Islands or Manila?
Both destinations experience a warmer climate most of the year. Instead of summer and winter seasons, they usually have a rainy season and a dry season. Although in the rainy season, it doesn't necessarily rain every day.
Should I visit Similan Islands or Manila in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Similan Islands as well as Manila. Similan Islands attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. The warm climate attracts visitors to Manila throughout the year.
June to September in Similan Islands is the rainy season. It's quite rainy in Manila. Similan Islands receives a lot of rain in the summer. Similan Islands usually gets less rain in July than Manila. Similan Islands gets 284 mm (11.2 in) of rain, while Manila receives 408 mm (16.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
In the summer, Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the summer temperatures in Similan Islands in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Manila averages at about 27°C (80°F).
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySimilan Islands 28°C (82°F)Manila 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Manila in the Autumn?
Both Manila and Similan Islands are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Similan Islands throughout the year. Plenty of visitors come to Manila because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
The dry season in Similan Islands is October to May. It rains a lot this time of the year in Manila. It's quite rainy in Similan Islands. In October, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Manila. Similan Islands gets 351 mm (13.8 in) of rain, while Manila receives 240 mm (9.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
In October, Similan Islands is generally around the same temperature as Manila. Daily temperatures in Similan Islands average around 27°C (81°F), and Manila fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSimilan Islands 27°C (81°F)Manila 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Manila in the Winter?
Both Manila and Similan Islands during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Similan Islands because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Manila year-round.
Similan Islands usually gets more rain in January than Manila. Similan Islands gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Manila receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Manila in the winter. The daily temperature in Similan Islands averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Manila fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySimilan Islands 27°C (80°F)Manila 24°C (76°F)
Should I visit Similan Islands or Manila in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Similan Islands and Manila. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Similan Islands year-round. Manila attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
October to May in Similan Islands is the dry season. Also, June to September is the rainy season in Similan Islands. Similan Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Similan Islands usually receives more rain than Manila. Similan Islands gets 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Manila receives 18 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
In the spring, Similan Islands is around the same temperature as Manila. Typically, the spring temperatures in Similan Islands in April average around 29°C (83°F), and Manila averages at about 29°C (84°F).
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSimilan Islands 29°C (83°F)Manila 29°C (84°F)
Typical Weather for Manila and Similan Islands
| Similan Islands | Manila | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (83°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 29°C (83°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 345 mm (13.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 142 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 286 mm (11.3 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 303 mm (11.9 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (82°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 408 mm (16.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 272 mm (10.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 452 mm (17.8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 417 mm (16.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 357 mm (14.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 351 mm (13.8 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 240 mm (9.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (80°F) | 188 mm (7.4 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 50 mm (2 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.