Which place is cheaper, Picton 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 Picton?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Tanah Rata 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: Tanah Rata or Picton?
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.
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 The Best 10-Day Tours in Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.
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Tanah Rata Prices
Malaysia PricesPicton Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayTanah Rata $192Picton $101
The average daily cost (per person) in Tanah Rata is $192, 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 Tanah Rata and Picton in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personTanah Rata $76Picton $37
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomTanah Rata $152Picton $74
Compare Hotels in Tanah Rata and Picton
Looking for a hotel in Tanah Rata 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: Tanah Rata Hotel Prices and Picton Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Tanah Rata $33Picton -
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Picton
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:
- Private Transfer from Blenheim Airport (BHE) to Picton Port: $133
- 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 Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE): $134
Is it cheaper to fly into Tanah Rata or Picton?
Prices for flights to both Picton 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 $87Picton $34
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 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.Tanah Rata $39Picton $109
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 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 dayTanah Rata $21Picton $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 Tanah Rata and Picton, we can see that Tanah Rata is more expensive. And not only is Picton much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tanah Rata 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 Picton would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Picton 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 Picton.
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 Picton Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Tanah Rata or Picton?
Tanah Rata has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Tanah Rata 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 Tanah Rata or Picton?
Picton 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 Picton in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tanah Rata and Picton. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tanah Rata year-round. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Picton because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
Tanah Rata is much warmer than Picton in the summer. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.
In July, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Pictonin January. Tanah Rata gets 91 mm (3.6 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 JanuaryTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Picton 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Picton in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Tanah Rata as well as Picton. Tanah Rata attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Picton this time of year.
In the autumn, Tanah Rata is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tanah Rata in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Picton averages at about 15°C (58°F)in April.
Tanah Rata receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in October than Pictonin April. Tanah Rata gets 237 mm (9.3 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 AprilTanah Rata 27°C (81°F)Picton 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Picton in the Winter?
Both Picton 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, many travelers come to Picton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Tanah Rata is generally much warmer than Pictonin July. Daily temperatures in Tanah Rata average around 27°C (80°F), and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Picton. It's quite rainy in Tanah Rata. In January, Tanah Rata usually receives more rain than Pictonin July. Tanah Rata gets 131 mm (5.2 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 JulyTanah Rata 27°C (80°F)Picton 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Tanah Rata or Picton in the Spring?
Both Picton 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Picton in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.
Tanah Rata is much warmer than Picton in the spring. The daily temperature in Tanah Rata averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F)in October.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Tanah Rata. Tanah Rata usually gets more rain in April than Pictonin October. Tanah Rata gets 167 mm (6.6 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 OctoberTanah Rata 28°C (82°F)Picton 13°C (55°F)
Typical Weather for Picton and Tanah Rata
| Tanah Rata | Picton | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (81°F) | 140 mm (5.5 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 28°C (82°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 126 mm (5 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 270 mm (10.6 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 158 mm (6.2 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.