Which place is cheaper, Nikko 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 Nikko?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Nikko? 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 Nikko?
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.
Nikko
Nikko is a small Japanese city located in the mountains north of Tokyo. It is well-known for the site of Toshogu, a famed Shinto shrine established in 1617, in memory of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was the founding ruler of the Edo Period. The town is situated just outside of Nikko National Park which offers scenic mountain landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys, and hiking trails.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best 10-Day Tours in Japan, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan.
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Tanah Rata Prices
Malaysia PricesNikko Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTanah Rata $192Nikko $108
The average daily cost (per person) in Tanah Rata is $192, while the average daily cost in Nikko is $108. 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 Nikko in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTanah Rata $76Nikko $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTanah Rata $152Nikko $96
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Nikko
Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata or Nikko? 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 Nikko Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tanah Rata $33Nikko -
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tanah Rata
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Tanah Rata:
- Private Transfer Service Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur: $229
- Departure Transfer from Cameron Highland to KLIA/KLIA2: $169
- Cameron Highland to Kuala Besut Jetty One Way SIC Transfer: $154
- Shared Transfer : Cameron Highland to Taman Negara via Kuala Tembeling Jetty: $154
- Cameron Highland to KUL Hotel (One Way Transfer): $153
- Chauffeur: Cameron Highlands to Singapore Van Transfer: $125
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Airport Departure Transfer: $110
- CameronHighland CityHotel to KualaLumpur Airport One-way Transfer: $109
- Cameron Highlands City To Kuala Lumpur City Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands Hotels to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $94
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur City 1-way Transfer: $93
Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Nikko?
Prices for flights to both Nikko 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 $87Nikko $55
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Tanah Rata $39Nikko $22
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 Sightseing Tour: $35
- Cameron Highlands City Hotels to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands City to Kuala Lumpur Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $109
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Join in Tour: $49
- Cameron Highlands Full Day Tour: $75
- Cameron Highlands Private Sightseeing Tour : $211
- Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur International Airport EN-ROUTE Batu Caves Tour: $110
- Cameron Highlands: Agro Tour: $61
- Cameron Highlands: Mossy Forest Tour: $30
- Special Cameron Highlands ~ Day tour;Solo;Couple;Group: $292
Tours and Activities in Nikko
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Nikko.
- Senjogahara Nature Guide Tour in Nikko: $31
- Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Admission Ticket: $50
- Oku-Nikko 3-hour Cycling Tour (Half-day) – No lunch: $66
- Nikko Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide: $73
- Bike and Hike on Mt Hangetsu with Outdoor Matcha Experience: $83
- World Heritage Nikko Walking Tour Toshogu and Kanmangafuchi: $90
- Visit the Unexplored Regions of Lake Chuzenji-Scenic Trekking and Rafting Tour: $97
- Hidden Canyoning Adventure in Nikko　: $104
- Bask in the beauty of winter Nikko in this unforgettable ice climbing experience: $116
- Oku-Nikko 5-hour Cycling Tour (Full-day) – Lunch included: $124
- Nikko Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $152
- Nikko Private Customizable Half Day Tour: $166
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayTanah Rata $21Nikko $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tanah Rata and Nikko, we can see that Tanah Rata is more expensive. And not only is Nikko much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nikko would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nikko 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 Nikko.
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 Nikko Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Nikko?
Nikko has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Tanah Rata. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata and Nikko, 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 Nikko?
Nikko 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 Nikko in the Summer?
Both Nikko and Tanah Rata during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Tanah Rata because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nikko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
In the summer, Tanah Rata is around the same temperature as Nikko. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tanah Rata in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Nikko averages at about 25°C (77°F).
Nikko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Tanah Rata usually gets less rain in July than Nikko. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Nikko 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Nikko in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Nikko. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Nikko because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Tanah Rata is generally much warmer than Nikko. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (81°F), and Nikko fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Nikko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tanah Rata gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Nikko. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Nikko 16°C (61°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Nikko in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Nikko. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nikko this time of year.
It's quite cold in Nikko in the winter. Tanah Rata is much warmer than Nikko in the winter. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Nikko fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).
Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the winter. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in January than Nikko. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryTanah Rata 27°C (80°F)Nikko 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Nikko in the Spring?
Both Nikko and Tanah Rata are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tanah Rata throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Nikko for the small town charm and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Tanah Rata is much warmer than Nikko. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tanah Rata in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Nikko averages at about 13°C (55°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nikko. It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. In April, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Nikko. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Nikko receives 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilTanah Rata 28°C (82°F)Nikko 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Nikko and Tanah Rata
| Tanah Rata | Nikko | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 108 mm (4.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 201 mm (7.9 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 32 mm (1.2 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.