Bonjour tout le monde,
Je viens vous faire partager mon coup de coeur pour la belle, sauvage et authentique Sumatra.
Apres avoir visite le toba lake et berastaggi, nous avons trouvé un petit coin de paradis à Bukit Lawang, à 3 km du village, en remontant la rivière. "Back in touch guest house" se love au bord de la rivière Bohorok, en pleine jungle, et même si les singes de tous poils viennent vous rendre visite, cet endroit est tenu par de véritables êtres humains, de cette espèce que l'on ne rencontre plus guère de nos jours...😉 L'endroit est respectueux de son environnement naturel et le propriétaire (qui a un lourd passé de "rebel") continue à se battre pour protéger sa forêt et ses richesses, montrant aux indonésiens qu'il est possible de faire fructifier la jungle autrement qu'en coupant les arbres pour y planter du caoutchou ou des palmiers. De plus, nous avons été surpris des prix pratiqués. Certes , l'indonésie est peu chère, mais dès qu'on parle d'écotourisme, les prix ont généralement tendance à grimper. Cette guest house pratique plutot une politique d'écotourisme "low cost".
Je ferai suivre quelques photos
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Salut Nicolas,
Effectivement l endroit est très sympa! Concernant les prix, les chambres sont a 80000 rps la nuit, mais tout se négocie en indonésie .Le gros avantage par rapport au village, si ce n est que tu es en pleine cambrousse sans pollution (et oui les motos ont fait leur apparition dans le village) est que tu peux trekker gratos! (contre 30 euros la journee au village). Le boss s appelle Aca ( prononcé atcha) et possède 20 hectares de jungle il emploie des jeunes du coin, (notamment Nata ou encore Ardo) qui peuvent te guider pour des ballades de 1 heure à 1 semaine ou plus!!
En bref, le village est très sympa, mais j ai trouvé l ambiance dans cette guesthouse nettement moins mercantile! Aca a vécu longtemps en europe, et il est très interessant d échanger avec lui les différents aspects de nos cultures. Cela change pas mal des histoires certes amusantes mais toutes faites rabachées aux touristes.
Je te laisse le lien vers le blog de Back in touch avec leur coordonnées :
backintouchecotourism-bukitlawang.blogspot.com
A +
tu as repondu a mon post sur des infos pour ls orang outans et je t'en remercie
je suis interessee par ce lodge ecotouristik
c vraiment ce que je recherche mais est ce omplique dy aller
faut il se barricader contre tous les soucis sanitaires
et est ce quon peut vraiment voir des grands singes
1/ est ce omplique dy aller?
Bukit Lawang s'étire le long de la rivière. Back in touch se trouve à 3 km du haut du village. C'est le sentier qu'emprunte les porteurs des bouées pour que le touristes puissent descendre en "rafting" ou plutot "tubbing". Suivant la hauteur de la rivière tu peux traverser à gué ou emprunter la chaise sur cable. Le mieux est de contacter par telephone Atcha (le boss) depuis le village qui t'enverra qq'un pour vous porter les sacs et vous accompagner.
2/ faut il se barricader contre tous les soucis sanitaires?
Sans trop comprendre ta question, je ne pense pas. PAs plus que d'habitude...
3/est ce quon peut vraiment voir des grands singes?
Si tu as de la chance tu verras des grands singes depuis la guest house. Tout dépend du niveau d'eau. Si les grands singes en trouvent suffisamment dans la jungle ils ne descendent pas jusqu'à la rivière. Nous avons eu la "visite" d'un couple de Punky monkey!, des macaques, etc
Tu peux organiser un trek d'une journée ou de 2 jours (la nuit se passe sous des baches en plastique, les touristes ont l'air d'apprécier, perso je ne paie pas 35 euros pour dormir sur des cailloux à l'abri de sacs en plastique). Si tu passes par el parc national, la journée = 30 euros. A savoir que l'entrée du parc est de 2 euros.
Si tu séjournes à back in touch, arranges toi directement avec Aca; cela te reviendra bcp moins cher et je te garantie un très bon moment
Bon trip!
Fred
PS évite l'écolodge qu'il y a dans le village (me rappelle plus le nom) très cher (genre 40 euros la nuit) et finalement pas terrible
Merci Raju de partager ce genre d'adresse, car c'est vrai les vrai gens qui ont du coeur meritent d'être connus.
j'ai toutefois une petite question, on part en famille 3 petits 5 ans 3 ans et 8 mois, or j'aimerais comment je peux me rendre à l'éco-lodge depuis le lac Toba. sachant qu'on est en mode sac a dos et qu'on voyage safe and budget à la fois.
On va remonter de Bali jusqu'au lac toba, on pense prendre le train car apparement les routes c'est assez chaud au niveau de la sécurité... ça vaut le coup le lac Toba ?
merci tchao!
du lac Toba, il faut redescendre à Medan, puis rejoindre Bukit LAwang. Compte 1 journée de transport.
Oui, le lac Toba vaut le coup! Habité par les bataks, gens charmants, reconvertis au catholicisme depuis 150 ans. Ils ont pratiquement oubliés leur tradition de cannibalisme lol
(photo du lac toba)
Il n'y a pas de train jusqu’à bukit lawang. Vous pouvez prendre un taxi si vous voulez éviter le stress (et la fumée de cigarette!)dans le bus. Dans tous les cas, les chauffeurs sont payés au trajet, plus ils en font , plus ils sont payés. Ils ont tendance à appuyer sur le champignon mais rien ne vous empêche de lui demander de ralentir le rythme.
S vous voulez vous rendre à l'ecolodge, le mieux serait de contacter Aca (+62.81375657004 email: backtonatureinn@yahoo.co.id) qui pourra venir vous chercher au village (avec des porteurs par exemple)
Bon voyage !
Surtout évitez le tubing, qui est très pratiqué sur la rivière bohorok passant à Bukit Lawang.
Hormis le fait que ce soit interdit, nous avons failli y laisser la vie en juin dernier, en rejoignant notre guesthouse après le trek. Cette rivière devient très dangereuse lorsqu'il commence à pleuvoir. C'est ce qui est arrivé et on a failli se noyer (4 jeunes touristes et 4 guides locaux). Cette descente se fait sans casque ni gillet.
La GH s'appelle maintenant "Back to nature" et non plus "back in touch".
"On peut y trekker gratos" : oui ils peuvent guider pour faire la marche qui remonte la rivière (je ne sais pas si c'est gratuit) mais attention pas dans le parc national, il faut quand même revenir à l'entrée du village et payer 35 euros par personne comme tout le monde pour faire un "trek" et voir les orang outans.
Cette guest house pratique plutot une politique d'écotourisme "low cost"
Ce n'est plus le cas. 300.000 rp la chambre double (avec petit déjeuner), à comparer aux chambres à 40.000 qui se trouvent dans le village... Par contre la différence de prix se justifie.
Last but not least : la guest house tout comme le site sont splendides. La baignade dans la rivière juste devant est super. Le paysage est magnifique et on profite de l'isolement par rapport à l'agitation du "village" (alignement de guest house façon Thaïlande). Nous y sommes allés pendant le "hari raya". Le village était pris d'assaut par les vacanciers locaux à un point indescriptible. Je n'ai absolument pas regretté d'être tranquille en pleine forêt au back to nature 😎
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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
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,
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?????
Hi there,
we’ll be in Mai Chau in June and we’re thinking of heading to Sapa, but first spending a few days in Bac Ha to do some hiking and explore the area.
Is this a good idea for those who’ve been there?
How do you get there?
Thanks for your feedback.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi everyone. As I’m planning my trip for next winter, I’m looking for hotel suggestions in Camotes, Bantayan, Malapascua, Bohol, and Siquijor. The ones I had in mind seem to be fully booked (unless it’s too early?). For those familiar with the area, is it easy to find accommodations on the spot in January/February? I’m specifically looking for hotels with a pool, beachfront, air conditioning, and easy scooter rental nearby. Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
I’m planning an itinerary and would love some feedback on whether it’s doable and if the number of days per destination is enough—or too much. I was also debating whether to add an extra night on an island or spend an extra night in Kampot to visit Kep or Battambang.
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning
March 24: Phnom Penh
March 25: Phnom Penh
March 26: Depart for Kampot
March 27: Kampot
March 28: Depart for Battambang
March 29: Battambang
March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap
March 31: Siem Reap
April 1: Siem Reap
April 2: Siem Reap
April 3: Siem Reap
April 4: Siem Reap
April 5: Departure
Hi there,
Yesterday in the Thailand section, 100% of the new threads were just about beach destinations 😕...
So here’s the counterattack in the form of this photo thread, dedicated solely to the countryside: the locals, their livestock, fields, farms, rice paddies, small rivers, and agricultural machinery. If you’ve got any pictures that fit these categories, feel free to add them!
Comments welcome.
For each photo, I’ll (or you can) indicate the area where it was taken.
Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon!
For those familiar with SOUTHEAST ASIA, I'm planning to leave in mid-June (with the trip ending at the latest in November), and I don’t have a precise idea of exact places or itineraries yet. The thing is, this period is usually the rainy season...
Any advice? I was thinking of Malaysia or Indonesia, like Sulawesi, for example (all countries and islands in Southeast Asia interest me except Bali).
Any recommendations? I’m doing my research online, but if anyone here has the time and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you.
My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It’ll be our first time in Asia, and we’re thinking of hitting the classic spots in East Java and Bali, then wrapping up with a cruise around Komodo for some snorkeling/diving. Here’s a rough draft of our itinerary—I’m wondering if it’s doable.
20/09: Flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, arrive around noon, afternoon/evening and overnight in Yogyakarta.
21/09: Borobudur
22/09: Prambanan
23/09: Travel to Bromo (Cemoro Lawang)
24/09: Bromo
25/09: Kawa Ijen
26/09: Travel to Bali, overnight in Pemuteran
27/09: Excursion to Pulau Melujan, overnight in Pemuteran
28/09: Travel to Munduk, overnight in Munduk
29/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
30/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
01/10: Route to Ubud (via Pura Ulu Danau Bratan, Jatiluwih?), overnight in Ubud
02/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
03/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
04/10: Travel to Denpasar, flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight in Labuan Bajo
05/10: Komodo cruise
06/10: Komodo cruise
07/10: Komodo cruise, flight to Denpasar in the late afternoon/evening or overnight in Labuan Bajo.
08/10: Flight to Denpasar (if not taken the day before), afternoon in Jimbaran, overnight near Denpasar
09/10: 10:00 AM flight Denpasar - SIN, overnight in Singapore
10/10: Flight SIN-YQB
Hi everyone,
My girlfriend and I booked our tickets with Saudia Airlines for a trip to Thailand this summer, from July 5th to August 3rd. Given the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, we’re keeping a close eye on the news.
I was wondering if anyone here is in the same situation as us?
• Have you heard anything about possible mass cancellations or if the airline is still maintaining its routes to Asia?
• Are there any travelers who’ve recently returned who could tell us if air corridors have been changed (longer flight times)?
The idea is to know what to expect so we can prepare as best as possible. Thanks for your replies! !
Thanks for all your contributions on the forum—they’ve really helped me plan my trip. There are four of us friends heading to Sulawesi for 20 days. Based on all your advice, I’ve put together the following itinerary:
July 30: Makassar – sightseeing
July 31: Makassar – sightseeing + overnight bus to Rantepao
August 1–7: Tana Toraja with a guide
August 7: Tana Toraja to Tentena + visit Tentena
August 8: Early departure with a private driver to Ampana, then ferry to the Togian Islands
August 9–15: Togian Islands (2 different resorts)
August 15: Depart Togian Islands for Luwuk
August 16: Flight Luwuk to Makassar
August 17: Rammang Rammang
August 18: Stroll in Makassar, then return home
Overall, what do you think?
I also have a question about the connection between Tentena and the Togian Islands: Is it doable to leave early in the morning as planned and still be sure not to miss the ferry?
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!
