Which place is cheaper, Busan (Pusan) or Tanah Rata?
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 Tanah Rata or Busan (Pusan)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Busan (Pusan)? 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: Tanah Rata or Busan (Pusan)?
Tanah Rata
Tanah Rata is one of the main tourist towns in the Cameron Highlands. The Cameron Highlands are in western Malaysia and are a popular retreat for Malaysian residents and international travelers alike. The area's higher elevation offers an often much needed break from the country's oppressive heat. It also has a beautiful setting that is rich in agriculture and has rolling hills that are beautifully covered in tea plantations. Tanah Rata has many of the area's tourist amenities. ATMS, banks, and the area's main hospital are all found in town. For some, the area feels too touristy, but if you linger longer, and explore on your own, you can easily escape the mass tourism and see the area for what it is.
Busan (Pusan)
An important port city in South Korea, Busan is known for its beaches, mountains, and temples. With a thriving harbor, the city's main revenue comes from international shipping, although the area is quite popular with tourists from all over the globe, too. The place is bustling with sailors from around the world as well as tourists who come to enjoy the culture of this modern and dynamic city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Tours for Seniors to South Korea, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul.
-
Tanah Rata Prices
Malaysia PricesBusan (Pusan) Prices
South Korea Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTanah Rata $192Busan (Pusan) $104
The average daily cost (per person) in Tanah Rata is $192, while the average daily cost in Busan (Pusan) is $104. 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 Tanah Rata and Busan (Pusan) in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTanah Rata $76Busan (Pusan) $39
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTanah Rata $152Busan (Pusan) $78
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Busan (Pusan)
Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata or Busan (Pusan)? 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: Tanah Rata Hotel Prices and Busan (Pusan) Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tanah Rata $33Busan (Pusan) $20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Cameron Highlands to Ipoh Hotel Transfer: $65
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur City One-way Transfer: $92
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $125
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Cameron Highland to Kuala Besut Jetty One Way SIC Transfer: $154
- Shared Transfer : Cameron Highland to Taman Negara via Kuala Tembeling Jetty: $155
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Busan (Pusan):
- Busan Airport to Busan Hotels Round-Trip Private Transfer: $125
- Busan Gimhae Airport (PUS) to Busan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137
- Private Transfer Gaimhae Airport to Busan City: $85
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Hotels: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Cruise Port to Busan Int Airport(PUS): $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Int Airport(PUS) to Busan Cruise Port: $66
- Private Transfer from Busan Port to Busan Gimhae Int Airport(PUS): $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Busan (Pusan)?
Prices for flights to both Busan (Pusan) and Tanah Rata 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 dayTanah Rata $87Busan (Pusan) $44
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
-
Dinner for Two$6.42
-
Dessert$0.71
-
Lunch$4.52
-
Afternoon tea$4.40
Typical Food Prices in Busan (Pusan)
Some typical examples of dining costs in Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
-
McDonald's$4.43
-
Carp Bread$0.72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Busan (Pusan)
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Busan (Pusan).
- Busan history and market food tour with local chef: $53
- Busan Tailored Korean cooking class (Vegan OK)with market tour: $95
- Busan seafood tour : Cod Auction and Clam Auction in Winter: $99
- Korean cooking class in Haeundae, Busan : $100
- Busan Local Food Cooking Class with Market Tour: $114
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tanah Rata $39Busan (Pusan) $20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tanah Rata
Here are a few typical costs in Tanah Rata for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Tea Factory Visit$6.42
-
Tour of Orang Asli Village$24
Tours and Activities in Tanah Rata
Here are a few actual costs in Tanah Rata for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cameron Highlands: Mossy Forest Tour: $30
- Cameron Highlands Sightseing Tour: $35
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Join in Tour: $49
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Tour: $61
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands Private Sightseeing Tour : $211
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Tours and Activities in Busan (Pusan)
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Busan (Pusan) are as follows:
- Busan Dynamic Maze Discount Ticket Foreigner Only: $12
- Museum 1 Exhibition Ticket in Busan (내국인 불가): $12
- Busan CLUBD OASIS Spa and Water Park Ticket: $15
- Busan Yacht Tour with Music: $26
- Japanese Occupation and Korean War Historical Tour in Busan: $29
- Full-Day Tour Unmissable things to do in Busan: $38
- Busan 9 Highlights Tour: $40
- Eden Valley Ski and Snowboard Tour from Busan : $41
- Jinhae Cherry Blossom Day trip from Busan - A Spring Adventure!: $47
- Naejangsan Fall Foliage Tour from Busan with Seoul Drop-off: $47
- Authentic Busan Full-Day City Highlights Tour: $48
- Busan Full-Day City Tour with Gamcheon Village, Sea Temple & more: $49
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayTanah Rata $21Busan (Pusan) $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tanah Rata and Busan (Pusan), we can see that Tanah Rata is more expensive. And not only is Busan (Pusan) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Busan (Pusan) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Busan (Pusan) 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 Tanah Rata would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tanah Rata than you might in Busan (Pusan).
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tanah Rata Expensive? and Is Busan (Pusan) Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a larger population, and is about 530 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata and Busan (Pusan), 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 Tanah Rata or Busan (Pusan)?
Busan (Pusan) has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tanah Rata experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Busan (Pusan) in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Busan (Pusan). Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round.
In July, Tanah Rata is generally around the same temperature as Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (81°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
Busan (Pusan) receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Tanah Rata usually receives less rain than Busan (Pusan). Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 257 mm (10.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Busan (Pusan) 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Busan (Pusan) in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Busan (Pusan). Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Tanah Rata is a little warmer than Busan (Pusan) in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in October than Busan (Pusan). Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Busan (Pusan) 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Busan (Pusan) in the Winter?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Tanah Rata are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year.
The weather in Busan (Pusan) can be very cold. In the winter, Tanah Rata is much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Typically, the winter temperatures in Tanah Rata in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Busan (Pusan) averages at about 3°C (38°F).
It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. In January, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Busan (Pusan). Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTanah Rata 27°C (80°F)Busan (Pusan) 3°C (38°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Busan (Pusan) in the Spring?
Both Busan (Pusan) and Tanah Rata during the spring are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In April, Tanah Rata is generally much warmer than Busan (Pusan). Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 28°C (82°F), and Busan (Pusan) fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
Busan (Pusan) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in April than Busan (Pusan). Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Busan (Pusan) receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilTanah Rata 28°C (82°F)Busan (Pusan) 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Busan (Pusan) and Tanah Rata
| Tanah Rata | Busan (Pusan) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 224 mm (8.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 257 mm (10.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 204 mm (8 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 187 mm (7.4 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.