Imagine you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia on a shoestring budget. You’ve arrived in Bangkok with big dreams but a small wallet, determined to experience the city’s vibrant culture without breaking the bank.
A fellow traveler at your hostel mentions an app called Klook – a “discount travel buddy” that could make your adventures both easier and cheaper. Skeptical yet curious, you give it a try.
Little did I know this would become my go-to travel sidekick, unlocking tours, attraction tickets, transport passes, and even SIM cards at bargain prices. This is a personal journey into how Klook works and why it just might be the budget traveler’s best friend.
What is Klook, and How Does It Work?
Klook is essentially an online travel platform (via website or mobile app) that lets you discover and book travel experiences of all kinds in one place. Think of it as a one-stop shop for everything you need on a trip – from airport transfers and city tours to museum tickets, rail passes, and even local dining deals.
It started in Asia and quickly became a household name among travelers there, but today it boasts over 490,000 activities across 1,000+ destinations worldwide. In other words, whether you’re planning a weekend outing nearby or a multi-country adventure, Klook likely has something on offer.
Using Klook for the first time felt surprisingly intuitive. I signed up (they even dangled a small sign-up bonus for newcomers) and searched for Bangkok. Instantly, a buffet of options appeared: temple tours, a street food walking tour, skip-the-line tickets to popular attractions, a Thai cooking class, local SIM cards – you name it.
The process was straightforward: select an activity, choose a date, pay securely, and receive a booking voucher. In many cases, confirmation was instant and came with a QR code e-ticket on the app.
This meant no printing necessary – just show your phone at the entrance of, say, the Grand Palace or a museum and walk right in. Klook’s user-friendly design makes booking “just a few clicks away,” as one seasoned traveler notes.
Importantly for a wary traveler like me, Klook felt trustworthy. The platform displays user reviews and star ratings for each activity, so I could gauge quality before booking. I learned to always skim the reviews (especially the negative ones) to know what I’m signing up for – a habit I’d recommend to anyone using such marketplaces.
Payment was secure and available in my home currency, avoiding those pesky foreign transaction fees on my card. And if anything wasn’t clear, Klook’s in-app customer support was just a chat message away (though more on customer service later).
How it works in practice: Say I wanted to visit Bangkok’s Safari World zoo. On Klook, I found an e-ticket slightly cheaper than the gate price, booked it, and immediately got a mobile voucher.
Next day, I simply scanned the QR code at the zoo’s entrance – no lining up for tickets, no paper printouts. The convenience was a game-changer. For someone hopping between countries, I also noticed Klook offers local SIM cards and WiFi device rentals.
Intrigued, I pre-ordered a Thai 4G SIM through Klook for about 131 baht (roughly $4) – a steal given the same SIM would cost 299 baht at the airport. Sure enough, upon arrival in Bangkok, I picked up my SIM at a Klook counter in the airport, plugged it in, and was online instantly. It felt like I had hacked the system, getting a local essential for less than half the usual price.
That’s the magic of Klook: it aggregates deals from countless providers and often secures special discounts for its users. It’s not a traditional tour agency with fixed packages, but a marketplace where different operators list their offerings, and you get to pick what suits you.
This flexibility means you can customize your itinerary exactly how you want, mixing and matching experiences – at a friendlier price than booking each directly in many cases.
As Klook’s own team puts it, they let you “decide exactly how you want to spend your holiday” and at a friendlier price tag. For an avid budget traveler, that philosophy sounded perfect.
Tours, Tickets, Passes, and SIMs
One reason I fell in love with Klook was the sheer variety of things I could book. It’s not just one type of travel product – it’s many under one roof. Let me break down Klook’s main offerings and how they fit into a budget traveler’s game plan:
Tours & Activities
From guided city tours and day trips to quirky local experiences, Klook has a bit of everything. I’ve seen cooking classes in Italy, snorkeling tours in Bali, street art walking tours in Melbourne – you name it.
As a personal example, in Bangkok I joined a half-day floating market tour through Klook that cost me around $20, guide and transport included. Our guide picked us up from a convenient downtown spot (along with a small group of fellow travelers who also booked via Klook) and whisked us to the market.
The experience was just as enriching as ones I’ve paid double for elsewhere. Klook’s tours often come with instant confirmation and digital vouchers, making last-minute bookings easy.
Plus, many are run by small local operators who might be hard to find on your own – Klook connects you to these hidden gems. I did notice that outside Asia the selection can be a bit thinner, but it’s growing every day as Klook expands globally.
Attraction Tickets
This is where Klook truly shines for saving money. They offer skip-the-line tickets and passes to major attractions worldwide, often at a discount or with extra perks.
For instance, I used Klook to get a ticket to Tokyo Disneyland. The price was comparable to the official rate (Disney controls pricing strictly), but Klook’s ticket came with the convenience of direct entry – I received a QR code that let me enter the park without exchanging for a physical ticket. No waiting at the ticket booth!
In Singapore, I bought a combo ticket for Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Flyer on Klook, which bundled both attractions plus a free ice cream for less than if I’d bought each separately at the door.
Similarly, Klook has partnered with attractions like the Hong Kong Peak Tram and Ngong Ping 360 cable car to provide special “Klook lanes” or fast-track entry for its users – a perk I was thrilled to discover when I breezed past a long queue at the Peak Tram by flashing my Klook e-ticket.
For museum lovers or theme park aficionados, these little savings in time and money add up. It feels satisfying when you realize your Klook ticket might be 10-20% cheaper than the walk-up price, or comes with a freebie. Always compare, of course, but more often than not I’ve found Klook’s attraction prices very competitive.
Transport Passes & Transit
Navigating a new country’s transportation is tricky, but Klook makes it easier by selling rail passes, metro cards, airport transfers, and more. Planning a trip to Japan, I was eyeing the famous JR Pass for unlimited train travel. Here, Klook offered something called a Value Rail Pass covering Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, which was about $190 cheaper than the official Japan Rail Pass.
For a budget traveler, that kind of saving is gold. Klook also handles the logistics: I booked my Japan rail pass through Klook in advance, and they arranged for the exchange voucher to be mailed to me in time for my trip (or you can often pick it up at the destination airport).
In Taiwan, I even booked a high-speed train ticket via Klook on the fly; by the time I reached the station, I just showed a code at the kiosk to retrieve my ticket – no fuss with local language ticket machines. Beyond trains, Klook offers things like airport shuttle bus tickets, ferry rides, car rentals, and city transport cards.
When I landed in Seoul, I used Klook to reserve an airport limousine bus into the city for a few dollars, which not only saved me money over a taxi but also spared me the confusion of figuring it out on the spot. These transport deals are often tailored for tourists (unlimited ride passes, etc.), so they can pack great value – just be sure to read the details on how to redeem them.
Travel SIMs & WiFi Devices
Staying connected on the road is a necessity these days, and Klook has surprisingly good offers for this. Remember that 8-day Thailand SIM for 131 baht I mentioned?
That was via Klook. In Japan, I opted for a Klook eSIM (an electronic SIM) that I could activate on my phone without swapping physical cards – it cost me about $8 for 3GB data, which was plenty for a week and cheaper than many other tourist SIM options. Klook lists SIM card pickup points in airports or city centers, or provides eSIM QR codes instantly.
I’ve also seen portable WiFi routers (popular in East Asia for group travel) on Klook for rent at a few bucks per day. The key for budget travelers is that these connectivity solutions on Klook tend to be priced lower than buying directly from airport kiosks or service providers – often by 30-50%.
It’s a relief to land in a new country knowing you already have affordable internet sorted, so you’re not desperately hunting for free WiFi or overpaying out of jetlagged confusion.
All these offerings come with practical, traveler-friendly touches. Most vouchers come with clear instructions on where to meet your tour guide, how to redeem your ticket, or where to pick up that SIM card. I appreciated that prices are usually all-inclusive (if there are any extra fees or taxes, Klook discloses them upfront before you pay).
In my experience, what you see is what you pay – though I have heard of a few exceptions, like bundle deals that required additional steps. One traveler cautioned that some so-called “packages” on Klook might actually be vouchers that you redeem for individual tickets, potentially incurring service fees each time. For example, a friend purchased a train pass bundle and later found extra fees tacked on during redemption, wiping out the savings.
That taught me a valuable lesson: always read the fine print. Generally, if Klook advertises a huge discount, I double-check exactly what’s included and whether any additional payment or booking is needed later. Those cases are rare, but being an informed user ensures you truly get the bargain you’re expecting.
Klook vs. GetYourGuide vs. Viator: Which One’s Best for You?
As any savvy traveler knows, Klook isn’t the only player in this game. Two other big names – GetYourGuide and Viator – also offer tours and activities globally. I’ve juggled all three platforms in my travel planning, so here’s my take on how they compare, especially from a budget traveler’s perspective.
Availability & Variety: Viator (owned by TripAdvisor) is the oldest of the bunch and boasts an enormous array of tours virtually everywhere – from Africa to the Americas. If you’re going somewhere offbeat or outside Asia/Europe, Viator might have more options simply due to its vast network.
GetYourGuide (GYG), based in Europe, shines in Western destinations: it’s fantastic for, say, museum tickets in Paris or bike tours in Berlin. Klook, on the other hand, originally made its mark in Asia, and it still offers unparalleled variety and deals across Asian destinations.
If you’re traveling in Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, or China, Klook’s inventory and local partnerships often outshine the others (and sometimes even beat local prices).
In my own trips, I found obscure countryside experiences in Thailand on Klook that neither Viator nor GYG listed. However, outside of Asia, Klook is catching up fast – it now lists activities in Europe, the US, and beyond, though perhaps not as exhaustively as the other two yet.
Ease of Use: All three have good websites and apps, but there are subtle differences.
GetYourGuide has a superb search filter system and a modern interface; it’s very reliable when you want to narrow down options by language, duration, or cancellation policy.
Viator’s interface is functional but can feel a bit cluttered – it gives a lot of information (including thousands of TripAdvisor reviews) which is useful but can be overwhelming.
Klook, in my experience, is extremely slick and user-friendly, with a clean design that makes booking simple even if you’re new to it. I personally love Klook’s app – it’s fast and the booking process is often just “choose date, enter traveler info, pay, done.”
For tech-savvy travelers (especially Millennials and Gen Z), Klook’s app-centric approach (over 80% of bookings reportedly happen on their mobile app) resonates well. An advantage Klook has: it shows prices in various currencies and often lets you pay in your home currency, which can save you a few bucks on exchange fees.
GetYourGuide and Viator also allow currency choices but I found Klook sometimes even supports local e-wallets or payment methods which can be convenient if you have them.
Overall, for pure simplicity and speed, I find Klook and GetYourGuide a notch easier, whereas Viator might require a bit more digging through info. But it’s fair to say all three are secure and reputable platforms backed by large companies – I’ve entrusted each with my credit card and travel plans without incident.
Value for Money: Now, the big question for budget explorers: who gives the best bang for your buck?
The answer can depend on where and what you’re booking. Klook has a reputation for being budget-savvy, especially in Asia. It frequently runs promotions or offers exclusive deals – for example, I’ve snagged a Hong Kong Ocean Park ticket on Klook at 30% off the official price during a holiday sale.
Klook also has a loyalty program: every booking earns you Klook credits (usually 1-5% of the booking value) which you can accumulate and use as discounts on future bookings. Write a review after your activity, and you get a few extra credits as a thank-you.
These credits have saved me $5 here, $10 there – not huge individually, but over a long trip it might pay for a nice meal! GetYourGuide and Viator, by contrast, don’t really have loyalty points for customers; they focus more on one-off promo codes or seasonal sales.
Viator sometimes has a 5% off coupon for newsletter subscribers, and GYG might give you a referral discount, but I haven’t seen anything as systematic as Klook’s rewards.
In terms of base pricing, I often compare all three for the same tour. Surprisingly, prices are usually in the same ballpark because the local operator sets the price and these platforms take a commission.
That said, I’ve observed Klook to be slightly cheaper for many attraction tickets and transit passes – possibly due to its strong local partnerships and focus on volume in Asia.
Viator and GYG, however, sometimes list different inclusions which can affect value: for example, a Viator tour might include hotel pickup where the Klook version doesn’t, justifying a higher price. As a budget traveler, I’m willing to forego some frills to save money, so Klook’s no-frills options suit me fine.
On the flip side, Viator often has an edge for free cancellation policies – many Viator listings allow last-minute cancellation, whereas some of the cheapest Klook deals are non-refundable.
If your plans are iffy, booking a slightly costlier but flexible option on Viator or GYG could save you money in the long run (nobody likes eating a 100% cancellation fee).
GetYourGuide tends to fall in between – its prices are competitive and it’s very reliable quality-wise, but I’d say it’s strongest for Europe where it sometimes negotiates exclusive deals with local suppliers.
One interesting note: a traveler forum I read mentioned that if you’re really penny-pinching, Viator might have the most low-cost tours (like free walking tours that operate on tips, or very basic group tours).
Viator’s massive inventory means there’s something at every price point, whereas Klook’s focus is on discounted quality experiences (they might skip listing the super sketchy cheapo tours).
I’ve had great budget finds on all platforms: a $5 city walking tour via Viator, a $7 museum ticket via Klook that was $12 at the door, and a $15 cooking class via GetYourGuide – all great value.
The lesson is: shop around. If you have time, compare Klook, GYG, and Viator for the specific activity you want. Klook might win on price often, but not always, so a true budget traveler keeps options open.
Customer Service & Trustworthiness: Here’s where things can matter when something goes wrong.
Viator, being linked with TripAdvisor, has a long track record and a 24/7 customer support line.
GetYourGuide is known for responsive service too, especially with their “Peace of Mind” policy that helps if a tour operator cancels on you last-minute. Klook, in my personal experience, has been responsive through their app’s chat for the few inquiries I had.
They even have WhatsApp contacts for some local offices. However, I have seen reports (especially online comments) that Klook’s customer service can be slow or unhelpful in tough situations. Because it’s a marketplace, if something goes awry (like an operator doesn’t show up), Klook acts as the middleman and resolutions can take time.
I usually mitigate this by confirming my bookings with the local operator a day or two prior (many Klook bookings include the operator’s contact – often via WhatsApp, which is widely used in Asia).
That way, if I sense any issue, I can alert Klook early. It’s worth noting that thousands of travelers use these platforms daily without problems, but on the rare occasion you have an issue, patience and persistence might be needed to get a refund or solution. In fairness, that applies to all three – I once had a refund dispute on Viator that took a month to resolve.
Overall: I like to say GetYourGuide for Europe, Viator for variety, and Klook for value. In fact, one travel blogger succinctly put it: for reliability and filters, go GetYourGuide; for sheer variety and reviews, go Viator; and for budget travel, especially in Asia, go Klook.
Each platform has its sweet spot. But Klook has carved a niche as the wallet-friendly choice that doesn’t feel “budget” in quality. It’s the one I open first when I’m traveling through Asia or looking for a good deal on an attraction anywhere.
And if you’re the type to relish finding a bargain, Klook’s flash sales, promo codes, and loyalty credits will give you that little thrill of saving a few extra dollars for your next meal or hostel night.
Tips for Budget Travelers
Using Klook is easy, but using it smartly is what maximizes your savings and ensures a smooth trip. Here are some hard-earned tips (learned through both successes and missteps) to help you get the best value out of Klook:
Promo Codes & Deals
Klook regularly offers discount codes, especially around holidays or big online sale days (think Black Friday, 11.11 Singles Day, etc.). A quick Google search or subscribing to Klook’s newsletter can unveil 5-10% off codes.
I saved $10 on a Macau day tour by using a Lunar New Year promo code I found last-minute. Also, check if your credit card or mobile wallet has tie-ups with Klook – sometimes paying with a specific card (like Visa or GrabPay) gets you extra discount.
These promotions are stackable with Klook’s already discounted prices, making the deals even sweeter.
Klook Credits (Klook Rewards)
As mentioned earlier, Klook gives you a small rebate in the form of points on each booking. Don’t ignore these! Rack them up and apply them to expensive bookings.
I usually save my credits from a bunch of little tickets and then use them to reduce the cost of a pricier tour. Writing reviews for your completed activities will grant additional credits – a double win: you help other travelers by reviewing, and you get a few dollars off your next purchase.
Over a long trip, using credits can easily pay for an extra attraction ticket or a nice coffee in town.
Read the Reviews & Fine Print
This isn’t so much about saving money as saving headaches. Because Klook is a marketplace, not every operator is 5-star. Before booking anything substantial (like a multi-day tour or an unfamiliar activity), read through the recent reviews on Klook.
If an activity has dozens of positive reviews, you can book with more confidence. If you see recurring complaints (bus arrived late, tour guide didn’t speak English well, etc.), you might decide it’s not worth the risk even if it’s cheap. Likewise, always glance at the “Important Info” and cancellation policy on the activity page. Is the ticket non-refundable?
Do you need to pick up a physical pass somewhere? Knowing these details prevents costly surprises.
For example, I learned that a super-cheap train ticket I bought was only valid on non-peak hours – fortunately I read that detail beforehand, so I avoided a fine by not boarding the wrong train. In short: due diligence pays off.
Plan Ahead, but Stay Flexible
Klook’s best deals often require booking in advance. Many attractions give extra discounts if you book at least a few days ahead.
If you have a rough itinerary, try to book major tickets ahead of time to lock in savings (and ensure availability). On the flip side, Klook is also great for spontaneity – I’ve booked tickets on the day of use when plans changed.
Keep the app handy on your phone so you can grab last-minute entries to something cool without paying walk-up prices. Just remember that last-minute bookings might not always be cancelable, so be sure before you tap “Book Now.”
Compare with Local Options
While Klook is often cheap, in some cases a local student ID or a city tourism card might get you equal or better deals. As a budget traveler, I compare Klook’s price with the official attraction price or alternative passes.
If Klook is cheaper or the same and offers convenience, I go with Klook. If I find, say, a local museum is free on certain days or a transit pass is cheaper directly, I’ll skip Klook for that.
One example: in a small town in Vietnam, a hostel was arranging a caving tour for $25 which was the same price as Klook – I opted to book through the hostel to support them.
But often, Klook’s Best Price Guarantee means if you somehow find the same deal cheaper, you could reach out for a price-match or refund of the difference. I haven’t had to do this yet, because frankly Klook’s prices have been consistently low in my travels, but it’s nice to know that policy exists.
Watch Out for Hidden Fees
As mentioned, once in a blue moon you might encounter a Klook offering that isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Always check if taxes, fees, or service charges are included.
Klook usually includes them in the listed price, but if a deal seems too good to be true (e.g. a $1 tour), peek at the fine print to ensure you won’t be asked to pay more on site. Additionally, when paying, Klook might default to your home currency.
If your credit card has no foreign fee, paying in the local currency of the activity can sometimes be cheaper due to better exchange rates. If you see a toggle between USD, EUR, etc., choose wisely based on your payment method.
It’s a minor detail, but on a $100 purchase, a bad exchange rate could mean a few dollars lost – and we budget travelers know every dollar counts!
Utilize the App Offline
Lastly, an operational tip – download the Klook app and ensure your bookings are accessible offline. I always screenshot my QR codes and confirmation details. When you’re in the subway with no internet and need to pull up your airport transfer ticket, you’ll thank yourself.
The app also conveniently stores all your vouchers under “Bookings,” so it doubles as a trip itinerary. During one trip, I had my Klook bookings lined up like a checklist – a food tour on Monday, a train ticket on Wednesday, a theme park on Friday – all neatly in the app with dates and instructions. It made me feel organized (a rare feat for me!).
Final Thoughts: Is Klook Worth It for the Budget Traveler?
After using Klook across dozens of trips, I can confidently say it has enriched my travels without impoverishing my bank account. It’s not just about the money saved (though I’ve saved a good chunk); it’s also about the ease and confidence it gives a traveler.
I’ve roamed from the busy streets of Tokyo to the beaches of Bali knowing that with a few taps I could book whatever experience my heart desired next – and afford it.
Of course, no platform is perfect. Klook is as legit and safe as any major travel site – I’ve never had an issue redeeming a booking – but it requires the same smart caution you’d use anywhere.
Read up, stay aware of terms, and have a backup plan for critical bookings. I’ve also learned that Klook excels in certain regions and for certain products (attraction tickets, transport, short tours), while other platforms might serve better for niche or far-flung activities. It’s all about using the right tool for the job.
For me, the personal anecdotes speak loudest. Like the time I surprised my travel partner with a sunrise hot air balloon ride in Cambodia that I found on Klook at a crazy discount – an experience that would’ve been out of our budget otherwise.
In a world where every penny saved can be a penny spent on the next adventure, platforms like Klook are a godsend.