Bonjour, je cherche des conseils sur les îles pulo seribu vers Jakarta. babiroussa tu m'en avais parlé (ou si qq d'autre a des infos). Je voudrais y aller passer quelques jours mais certaines sont mieux que d'autres. j'"aimerais plonger o du moins snorkeler.. et puis je voudrais u coin mignon pour passer 2 jours avec mon copain... tranquilles... Sinon sais tu où je dois m'adresser?
Sinon oui oui je suis bien au Pasaraya, tu avais raison!!! je vais rester longtemps ici finalement donc je vais suivre tes conseils de cours d'ndonésien... et j'ai été au port aussi... t'avais raison ça craint pas tant que ça.... Tu as ds idées de resto (normes occidentales)? Merci beaucoup!!!!!!
Salut Lili,
Alors.. les îles Pulau Seribu... ca veut dire les mille îles en indo, en attendant tes cours d'indonésien.... Il n 'y en a pas tout à fait mille cependant.. mais beaucoup proposent des infrastructures plus ou moins infrastructurées (je trouve pas le mot, mias tu dois comprendre...) pour accueilir touristes, habitants de Jakarta en WE, exaptriés, aventuriers, etc.. a toi de choisir ton camp...
Mon conseil est d'aller dans une agence sur kemang raya qui ets bien, (en remontant du hero tu ne vas pas à droite vers le mac Do, le pasaraya etc, mais à gauche direction SOS Klinica, le pressing 5 à sec etc) et c'est sur ta droite, tres facile à trouver, si tu veux l'adresse exacte je dois l'avoir chez moi). Et tu leur demandes de te montrer les photos.. Quand c'est TROP, c'est à dire quand il y a unne piscine d'eau de mer + eau salée, et une piscine tout court d'ailleurs (enfin c'set mon avis), laisse tomber, il y a des travel tour qui emmènent des japonais par groupes entiers... c'st insupportable.... question intinmité en tous cas puisque tu cherches à être tranquille...
Je peux t'envoyer des photos des deux îles sur lesquelles j'ai été si tu veux... La première s'appelle Pulau Kotok, il y a des varans dessus, c'est assez mignon. Il y a deux types de bongalows ; des trucs horribles (genre tête de lit plastifiées) ou des trucs géniaux mais très "roots" : cabanes dans les arbres sur la plage, une echelle en bois pour y grimper, pas réellement de toit, un matelas et quand tu ouvres les yeux tu es à 3 mètres de la mer, et SEUL car personne ne veut dormir dans des conditions aussi spartiates.. mais lîle etait déserte quand j y suis allée... Considérant le fait que tu veux être tranquille avce ton copain, je qualifierais cet endroit de DIABLEMENT ROMANTIQUE..
Dîner servi sur la plage, pas le choix entre plusieurs plats, nasi goreng au petit dej, à l'indo quoi...
L'autre île est une île que tu loues avec le personnel, beaucoup plus chic, c'est fait pour les expatriés de jakarta, très sympa mais moins "indo".. et faut pas y aller au moins à 8 sinon financièrement c'est un gouffre, mais tu as l'île à TOI... demande si tu veux plus d'infos..
Autre idée WE : Pelabuhanratu, au sud de Jakarta (côte sud en fait), langoustes et beaux hôtels, massages javanais, peu de touristes, 3 heures de route de jkt je dirais...
Resto..... bah t'en as plein à côté de chez toi... Pour ce qui ets des normes occidentales, sache que la plupart des indonésiens ne peuvent pas aller au restaurant.... tu ne verras que des occidentaux.... à part dans les bouis bouis sur le bord des rues (essaye! sacrément épicé mais très bon!!).. Si je pense à un retsaurant thaï (n'y emmène pas d'amis indo, , je crois qu'il y a une vieille rancoeur thaï-indo, enfin c'est mon impression), qui ets derrière le Hyatt, tu vois???
Passe moi ton mail en PV si tu veux les photos ... N'hésite pas si tu veux d'autres rensegnements! Et profites en!!! (monte au 4ème étage du Pasaraya, entre les chaussures Alain Delon et les bouquins, il y a de l'artisanat, très beau... puisque tu n'aimes pas les marchés...)
A bientôt,
Merci pour ce surper conseil! J'ai été dans ton agence de voyage avec le gardien de la maison, pour qu'il m'aide à me faire comprendre. La fille de l'agence se souvenait de toi apparemment : une française brune qui parle un peu indonésien et qui voulait absolument éviter les îles très touristiques... C'est toi?
Nous sommes allées à Pulau Kotok comme tu me l'avais conseillé. Je n'étais pas très emballée par ta description des bungalows dans les arbres (j'ai peur des insectes), mais ça avait beaucoup plus à mon copain. Donc on a tenté et c'était DIABLEMENT ROMANTIQUE pour reprendre ton expression... en fait il n y en a que 2 des bungalows comme ça! On était presque seuls sur l'île, nous avons vu des dragons, donc en fait, dormir en hauteur était rassurant! Je recommande donc cette île moi aussi!
J'entame ma dernière semaine à Jakarta. Jusqu'à présent, tes conseils ont été très bien, donc si tu en as d'autres....je suis preneuse! Je commence à m'habituer donc je me risquerais même peut être à m'aventurer dans des quartiers nouveaux!
Et au fait, je commence à comprendre pourquoi tu m'avais dit de surveiller mon copain..... T'avais raison.. la concurrence est un peu déloyale je trouve!!!
Un petit coucou du pasaraya donc.... qui va bientôt fermer je crois!
Bonne journée à toi, et à bientôt
Pour l'agence de voyage, il est tout à fait possible que la vendeuse se souvienne de moi car j'ai booké chez eux mes deux AR à Singap, mes vols pour Sulawesi, j'y ai loué des voitures aussi.... Avoue moi qu'elle t'a dit que j'étais très ch--.... je le sais de toute façon.... "non, je suis sûre que vous pouvez trouver moins cher!!!!!" Je suis en revanche TRES FIERE qu'elle ait dit que je parlais un peu indonésien, car entre nous, c'était très très basique (tu illumines ma journée d'un bonheur indescrptible...)
Ravie que Pulau Kotok t'ait plu... Oui oui je sais ces bungalows sont plus que sympa.... tu avais eu mes photos?? On devait être dans le même bungalow je pense... car s'ils t'ont donné le choix entre les 2, tu as forcément choisi le même que nous, le plus près de la mer, sur le côté désert de la plage non?? Alors, le nasi goreng au petit-dej'?? Pour ma part, je pense que sans la sauce samba, ça passerait ..... ;-)
Si tu veux voir des varans POUR DE VRAI, va au zoo de jkt, tu y as été ou pas??? Evite les heures de pointe, et tu en as pour 15 min de taxi... Personnellement je ne suis pas fan des zoos, par principe, des animaux dans des cages, ça ne me plait pas... mais j'y avais été pour les varans... Il y a également de sympathiques éléphants, des kangourous malicieux qui se cachent pour ne pas être pris en photo (si, si, promis) et des tortues que j'ai trouvées adorables.... Je te joins une photo d'un varan de Pulau Kotok (que j'avais appelé Philibert) et une photo d'un varan du zoo (que nous pourrions appeler Musclor...). Je t'envoie en PV les coordonnées de la guide française du Musée National, elle t'emmènera faire un tour dans la ville... et elle vit à 100 mètres de chez toi d'après ce que j'ai compris à ton PV.
Bonjour, mon amie et moi nous seront à Jakarta à partir du 28 mars, comme lilijack nous cherchons une île tranquille... surtout pour faire du snorkeling. Pulau Kotok à l'air de convenir tout à fait, la cabane dans l'arbre à l'air génial... seulement le message est de 2004. Avaient vous des info depuis? Est ce que cette île est toujours tranquille ou les hôtels ont fait leur apparition?
De plus, pouvais vous me dire à combien de temps de Jakarta est elle? Le tarif aussi? Même si depuis 2004 cela a du changer...
Prendre le ferry de la marina d'Ancol et réserver direct sur place est-il faisable et est ce l'idéal?
Merci d'avance.
Je prépare un circuit au Cambodge et j'étais décidée à visiter la région du Ratanakiri qui semblait correspondre en terme de paysages à ce que nous aimons le plus : la forêt, la jungle, la verdure...
Toutefois en commençant à étudier la région, j'ai lu que la déforestation y était massive et les infos sur ce sujet datent parfois de plusieurs années et la situation n'a malheureusement pas dû s'arranger depuis.
Ma question est donc de savoir si le Ratanakiri est encore intéressant à visiter et justifie encore l'éloignement et les temps de trajet pour y accéder?
J'ai vu que des treks étaient possibles dans la jungle mais, d'expérience, je sais que les guides rechignent parfois à s'enfoncer dans la forêt et se limitent à des marches assez courtes en bordure des parcs.
Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.
I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.
My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.
I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...
The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.
For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!
Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.
Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):
· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight)
· Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok)
· Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x")
· Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to head straight to Cao Bang without going into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
I need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling.
For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees?
We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo.
Thanks for your tips and help!
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
Hello,
While traveling in Thailand, I’m looking for a Buddhist kumlai reed bracelet.
Does anyone know where I can find one?
In Bangkok, I visited a few temples but didn’t see any in the nearby shops.
If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them! Have a great day! :-)
My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!
Sandakan → Sepilok:
No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??
Sandakan → Semporna:
From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄).
Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM.
Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?
Semporna → Tawau:
Found this via AI—is it legit?
No online booking, as far as I can tell.
Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly????
And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????