Which place is cheaper, Darwin 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.
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Should you visit Tanah Rata or Darwin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Darwin? 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 Darwin?
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.
Darwin
Darwin is a tropical city set against the Timor Sea in north central Australia. It is also the capital city of the Northern Territory. Despite being a relatively small city, Darwin is very diverse with residents from all over the world. The city itself has a very relaxed vibe with plenty to do. Visitors can enjoy everything from traditionally Asian style markets to culturally diverse events such as concerts, festivals or art shows.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Australia.
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Tanah Rata Prices
Malaysia PricesDarwin Prices
Australia Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTanah Rata $192Darwin $139
The average daily cost (per person) in Tanah Rata is $192, while the average daily cost in Darwin is $139. 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 Darwin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTanah Rata $76Darwin $62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTanah Rata $152Darwin $124
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Darwin
Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata or Darwin? 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 Darwin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tanah Rata $33Darwin $12
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: $154
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Darwin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Darwin:
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Shuttle to Train Station$9.81
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Darwin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Darwin:
- Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Arrival Private Transfer: $101
- Darwin Int Airport (DRW) to Darwin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $202
- Darwin to Darwin Int Airport (DRW) - Departure Private Transfer: $101
- DRW Airport to Darwin City Centre Private Transfer: $47
- Private Transfer from Darwin Airport (DRW) to Darwin Cruise Port: $87
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin Airport (DRW): $87
- Private Transfer from Darwin Cruise Port to Darwin city hotels: $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Darwin?
Prices for flights to both Darwin 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
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Food Meals for one dayTanah Rata $87Darwin $65
Typical Food Prices in Tanah Rata
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Tanah Rata:
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Dinner for Two$6.42
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Dessert$0.71
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Lunch$4.52
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Afternoon tea$4.40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Darwin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Darwin.
- Sunset Harbour Cruise with Fish and Chips Dinner: $72
- Darwin Harbor Sunset Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $96
- Charles Darwin Dinner Cruise: $104
- Cape Adieu Sunset Cruise with 4-Course Dinner: $112
- Signature four course Sunset Dinner Cruise: $112
- Sunset 3-Hour Cruise from Darwin with Dinner and Sparkling Wine: $113
- Cape Adieu Darwin Sunset Dinner Cruise: $113
- Waterfront Seafood Dinner with Wine for Two: $132
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tanah Rata $39Darwin $15
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:
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Tea Factory Visit$6.42
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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 Darwin
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Darwin are as follows:
- Aquascene Fish Feeding Experience: $11
- Explore Delightful Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
- Crocosaurus Cove General Admission Ticket: $26
- Adelaide River Queen Original Jumping Crocodile Cruise: $27
- Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on Hop-off Tour: $32
- Darwin Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: $33
- 1 Hour Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River: $37
- Darwin History and Wartime Experience Tour: $40
- Adelaide River Cruises - Jumping Crocodile Experience: $40
- Discover Darwin Harbour: Darwin Harbour Afternoon Cruise: $43
- 1-Hour Bombing of Darwin Cruise: $43
- Darwin Harbour Bombing of Darwin Cruise: $44
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTanah Rata $21Darwin $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Darwin
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Darwin from other travelers:
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Evening at a Bar$16
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Glass of Wine$4.58
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tanah Rata and Darwin, we can see that Tanah Rata is more expensive. And not only is Darwin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tanah Rata is in Asia and Darwin 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 Darwin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Darwin 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 Darwin.
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 Darwin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Darwin?
Darwin has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata and Darwin, 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 Darwin?
Darwin 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 Darwin in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Darwin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round. Furthermore, many visitors come to Darwin in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Tanah Rata is generally around the same temperature as Darwinin January. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (81°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).
Darwin receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Tanah Rata usually receives less rain than Darwinin January. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures July and JanuaryTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Darwin 29°C (83°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Darwin in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Darwin. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, most visitors come to Darwin for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.
Tanah Rata is around the same temperature as Darwin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (84°F)in April.
Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in October than Darwinin April. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures October and AprilTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Darwin 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Darwin in the Winter?
Both Darwin 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. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Darwin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Tanah Rata is around the same temperature as Darwin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tanah Rata in January average around 27°C (80°F), and Darwin averages at about 25°C (77°F)in July.
It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. In January, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Darwinin July. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures January and JulyTanah Rata 27°C (80°F)Darwin 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Darwin in the Spring?
Both Darwin 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. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Darwin this time of year.
In April, Tanah Rata is generally around the same temperature as Darwinin October. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 28°C (82°F), and Darwin fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in April than Darwinin October. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Darwin receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures April and OctoberTanah Rata 28°C (82°F)Darwin 29°C (85°F)
Typical Weather for Darwin and Tanah Rata
| Tanah Rata | Darwin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 343 mm (13.5 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 342 mm (13.5 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 234 mm (9.2 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.