Bonjour ! de fin juillet à fin aout prochain nous partons en indonésie. Nous sommes des adeptes du snorkelling et avons pu lire que Bunaken était un petit paradis. Seul hic, nous ne pouvons y aller qu'à cette période.. Mes questions (si une ame du forum avait la gentillesse de nous éclairer..):
Bunaken au mois d'aout as t'on des chances d'y trouver un bungalow sans réservation ?
J'ai trouvé des billets d'avion au départ de jakarta-arrivée manado, quelqu'un connait Batavia air (ou airlines ?) est ce une compagnie fiable ? Sur lion air les prix sont le double que sur batavia😐...
Ais je besoin de réserver mes billets depuis la France ou puis je attendre d'arriver à l'aéroport de Jakarta ?
Merci d'avance pour vos réponses et si je peux vous retourner la pareille n'hésitez pas !N.
Bonjour,
Pour tes questions sur les billets d'avion, oui, réserve, c'est frustrant de devoir passer 2 - 3 nuits à Jakarta et de courir après ses billets dès l'arrivée... Quant à Batavia, RAS, c'est une compagnie black listée comme les autres, mais tu n'as guère le choix😎.
Bon voyage.
Bonjour, oui j'ai vu que beaucoup de compagnies indonésiennes étaient sur liste noire...🤪
Mais bon, comme tu dis y a pas le choix.. En tout cas merci beaucoup d'avoir pris le temps de me répondre ! Cordialement, N.
lion air ont ameliore leur site, ce st maintenant possible d acheter son billet sur internet.
de toute facon touts les compagnies indos son sur liste noire donc c est ca ou les pelni(bateaux que je te recommende pas si t as pas de temps et si t es pas adapte a la survie en milieu hostile)...
Bonjour ! oui, je suis allée sur le site de lion air mais ils sont actuellement en travaux pour les réservations sur le net alors je surveille...
Pour les pelni effectivement on est limités par le temps (un mois c'est court... Mais c'est mieux que rien ! Et en ce qui concerne la survie en milieu hostile, je suis petite mais teigneuse 😉! effectivement, j'avais pu lire dans un de tes textes que la vie sur les pelni n'avait pas l'air rose...)
Es-tu déjà allé sur bunaken ? Si oui, est ce vraiment le paradis que l'on dit pour le snorkelling ?
Merci beaucoup, cordialement N.
ah tiens, le site de lion air recommence a foirer?
etonnant...🤪
bunaken, ca depend de tes exigences au niveau snorkeling et de ce que tu as vu avant.
ce st pas mal, faut pas cracher dans la soupe, mais ce st pas le meilleur coin du pays.
si tu y vas, dors sur la plage pangalisang et evite la plage liang car elle est periodiquement envahie par des immondices en tous genres(jetes gracieusement a l eau par la population de manado)qui y arrivent grace aux courrants.
ou mieux:
sur l ile de siladen, car la pas de dechets, la plage est plus belle que pangalisang(car pas de mangroves, .vue degagee, pleins d etoiles la nuit)et on peut voir de magnifiques couchers de soleil sur l ile volcan eteint de manado tua.
par contre je sais pas comment c est devenu de nos jours, ca fait un moment que j y suis pas alle.
sache ausi qu il te faudra payer un racket honteux de 150000 rps pour rester sur ces iles.
si tu as le temps franchemment je te conseille plutot les iles banda, beaucoup mieux au niveau snorkeling(pulau ai, super!!).
et pas si dur d acces:
un avion de jakarta jusqu a ambon, puis 9 heures de pelni(youpi!)jusqu a banda neira, faut juste faire en sorte que l avion connecte avec le pelni.
remarque, je me demande s ils n ont pas repris les vols sur banda, mais faut verifier...
petite mais teigneuse?
tu vas en avoir besoin😎
Re bonjour, non non, je me suis mal exprimée ! le site de lion air était en travaux (en partie) en début de semaine rien de dramatique. Je prends bonne note de tous tes gentils renseignements et vais tenter déjà de savoir où se situent les iles banda en indonésie🤪. Ma culture est pauvre en ce qui concerne ce pays... Mais si le temps me le permet pourquoi ne pas aller par las bas, ce qui est bien c'est que j'ai juste un billet paris jakarta du coup ça me permet de tirer des plans sur la comète et de me dire, je peux aller là ou encore là...Trop bien les vacances 🙂! Merci encore !N.
Salut, je te conseille vraiment de réserver ton hôtel (il n'y a pratiquement que des centres de plongées qui offrent l'hébergement) et réserver aussi tes vols aller-retour. Plonge avec Two fish divers, meilleur rapport qualité-prix! Réserve bien à l'avance pour two fish! Et en passant tu t'en va à l'endroit au monde ou il y a la plus grande diversité sous-marine!!! Profites-en, fait ton cours open water si ce n'est pas déjà fait ! A+
Bonjour ! J'ai visité ton site (plusieurs fois depuis que je sais que je pars en indonésie) et ça m'a donné des idées. Oui, j'ai vu que tu as plongé avec Two fish, je leur ai envoyé un mail avant hier mais ils ne m'ont pas répondu.. J'attends... D'autre part je suis en train de batailler avec Batavia air car je n'arrive pas à reserver en ligne, avec garuda non plus et lion air n'est pas dans mes moyens... Et puis Naps m'a donné l'eau à la bouche avec ses iles banda alors maintenant que j'ai repéré où c'était j'essaie de voir comment je peux m'y rendre...🤪 En fait j'adore le snorkelling et je n'ai pas encore sauté le pas de la plongée avec bouteille... Je pensais justement essayer l'été prochain.
Bon, je retourne à mes recherches sur les iles banda... Merci beaucoup pour ton mail et aussi pour ton site.N.
Salut, je te conseille vraiment Bunaken island plutôt que Banda. Sérieusement, c'est le plus bel endroit au monde (regarde sur les sites de top world dive sites sur Internet) pour plonger, apnée. Ne manque pas ta chance!!!!!! Je donnerais cher pour pouvoir y retourner, nous avons même failli faire un énormée détour cet été 2008 pour aller y plonger à nouveau....
Attends ça peut prendre quelques jours pour two fish divers, soit patient.Je te conseil VRAIMENT de prendre ton cours cet été, tu seras addicte après hehehe! Va voir nos photos de plongée en Malaisie, ça va ressembler à ça, amis en 2 fois mieux!!!Imagine!!!!
Pour les vols ne réserve pas de chez toi, réserve rendu en Indonésie, leurs sites webs sont...pas super efficace. et de toute façon, la plupart du temps ils ne fonctionnent pas.
Achète tes billets avec Lion Air, qui sont 100 fois moins cher que Guaruda et toutes les autres compagnies. Tu devras p-e faire une alte d'une heure (escale) à Makassar avec Lion air, mais ce sont les moins chers. Anyway, attend pour acheter tes billets à la première aéroport que tu vois en Indo. A+
tu y es allee aux bandas pour parler comme ca?
bunaken, le plus bel endroit du monde?
ca depend de ce qu on a vu dans sa vie...
au niveau coraux et poissons y a pas photos, c est banda, et de loin!!!
les seuls endroits a rivaliser avec banda sont certains coins en irian jaya, d autres dans la zone entre maluku sud est et ntt est, et sipadan en malaisie.
et en plus il n y a pas cette atmosphere mercantile qui regne de nos jours sur bunaken, ni cette taxe de 150000 rps qui est un racket institutionnalise.
mais sinon c est chacun son truc bien sur...
je lis ton message et j'ai plusieurs question Ambon est aux Moluques et mon vieux lonely n'en parle pas peux tu m'en dire plus sur les iles Banda logement en tout compris ou restos à dispo est il possible de snorkeler dès le rivage ou faut-il prendre le bateau y a til des plages de sable un village a proximité ;toutes tes infos sur le coin m'interressent . merci.
tiens, ce que j en avais ecrit a l epoque, ce st en anglais, desole...
ca date de 2003, les prix ont change...
Banda Islands,
Banda Neira is the main town where you arrive with the pelni).
In Neira, many guesthouses for about 25000rps a night, including breakfast:
Vitta and Matahari have sea view, but are near the market.
Delfika has no sea view, but a nice small garden.
Rosmina and the one next door are 5-10 minutes outside from the town and are a bit cheaper (25000 rps with breakfast and dinner), but some friends that i had send to Rosmina complained about the bill and the suddenly inflated price, so make
things clear!
Other accommodations are available in Ai Island, 1 hour away from Banda Neira,
at Losmen Revenge for example (nice food, nice people), and there's another one as well.
There are many villages in Banda Besar where there will be always a room for you.
Same in Run and Hatta islands if you wish to stay there.
Note that neither Banda Neira nor Ai have bungalows right on the beach.
There are only rooms in houses away from the beach.
There's actually a guesthouse on the beach in Pisang
Island (sometimes called Syaril Island), they want an overpriced 100000 rps including all meals, but i guess it's negotiable...
Banda islands are amongst the best places in the country as they didn't bomb too much and as there are still plenty of fish that start to be hard to see elsewhere, like napoleons for example.
Around Banda Neira there are some snorkeling spots, like Malole beach, or the area near the air strip, but nothing fabulous.
On Pisang Island, the coral is very nice on the side where the bungalows are, but no drop off.
On the other side, the coral is not as nice, but there's a drop off.
Local boats go rarely there so you may have to charter (around 50-60000 rps, ask around the market).
On Ai Island (that you can reach by public boat every day from the market for 5000 rps),
the best spot is at Pasir Panjang (long beach),
ask Tchotcho the owner of Revenge to bring you there.
Pick up a day where there's a strong current, go at the far end of the beach and make an unforgettable drift snorkeling above the nice corals of the plateau along the drop off:
you will see heaps of sharks, barracudas, napoleons etc...
but beware if there are big waves!
There are other spots around the island, quite
good as well, one is at a beach near the village, Tchotcho will show you.
On Run Island (70000 rps with a small "ketingting" boat, if there are waves, sensations guaranteed!!!), when you arrive, don't bother to snorkel on the front side between Run and Neilaka as the coral has been bombed. Go instead on the back side, the drop off is said to be nice (i could unfortunately not check it due to big waves).
On Gunung Api Island, there are 2 lava flows where corals have grown (Karang baru), there are not many fish, but the corals are very nice, especially on the 2 nd flow (huge table corals).
There's a 3 rd lava flow on the southern side of the island, but don't loose your time there, there's not much to see.
On Keraka Island (crab island), the good side is the one which faces Banda Neira. It's not spectacular, but when you make a trip to Gunung Api you can stop there on the way back. At the side which faces Gunung Api, there's nothing. It's not far from Banda Neira, so actually you can paddle to go there if you feel like it, but don't do it during the wavy season!! You can also charter from Neira's market to both islands for about 30000 rps.
On Big Banda (Banda Besar), the good snorkeling is on the back of the island. Many spots are reachable by public boat first, and then by a short walk to the other side. It includes: Batu Indang beach (you will se a big rock with few trees in the middle of the sea), I swam only on the right side of the rock and it was fine, then if you keep on swimming it gets a bit destroyed, then it's good again. To reach there, take a boat (1500 rps) from the market to either Spancabi or Waling villages, then walk to
Tutra village, and then ask for Batu Indang. Another spot is at the beach behind Lonthor, same story, take a public boat for 1500 rps to Lonthor, then walk. Actually there are plenty of spots behind Big Banda, it seems that there's a reef all along the island...
To go to some other places around Big Banda you may have to charter as public boats don't go everywhere.
If you do so, it should cost between 70 and 100000 rps depending on how far you go behind the island.
There's a drop off that is supposed to be nice just before you pass the cape on the strait between Pisang Island and Banda Besar (i could not check it myself, the waves were too big).
Then, you pass the cape, turn around the island and arrive on the other side where there's a spot called Selamon.
The corals are not the best but they are still intact and there's a lot of big fish along the drop off.
Then, if you keep on swimming you will see an alternance of good spots and destroyed spots, until you reach Cornoval that is a really nice one (it's a bit before Tanjung Cengkeh): very nice corals along a drop off and as almost verywhere in the Bandas you will see tons of big fish, napoleons, turtles, etc... but Cornoval is a bit far from Selamon, so, if you are lazy, or if you don't feel like swimming too much, ask
your boat driver to give you a rope and to pull you there!
To Hatta Island it costs 200000 rps with a fisherman boat, but it's worth the money:
the coral in front of both villages is really nice, and so is the marine life along the drop off. According to the locals there's an atoll nearby, but you need a very calm sea to snorkel it, which was not the case when i was there.
dans tous les cas, les banda c est plus local que bunaken, moins touristique meme si t es de loin pas le 1 er a y aller, plus beau au niveau paysages, mieux au niveau snorkeling et moins cher pour sur!!
par contre pour la plongee bouteille ce st un peu galere mais faisable quand meme.
dis moi si tu veux des infos a ce sujet...
Et bien étant moi-même allé en Malaisie à Sipadan l'été passé, je peux te dire que j'ai préféré Bunaken. Mais je retourne quand même à Sipadan cet été, car c'est davantage sur mon trajet. Je ne suis pas allée à Banda, mais plusieurs amis à moi y sont allés, de même qu'à Sipadan et Bunaken et ils ont pu comparer. Bunaken est mieux. Mais bon c'est spécifique parfois ce que les gens recherchent comme type de plongées, alors chacun ses goûts.
Je dois avouer que je rejoins Naps. Je me suis assez fais c... à Bunaken et j'ai moi aussi preferé Sipadan. En fait, chaq'un à un ressenti differant.
Celà dit ce n'était pas à jeter, mais, je le repete, pas mon spot favorit.
Activités aquatiques en voyage › Indonésie · 2 replies
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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!
