Comme indique dans le titre de mon message, nous nous demandons comment organiser notre arrivee a Bali, sachant que nous arrivons a l'aeroport de Denpasar a 1:30 du matin, le jeudi 24 juillet (9h de vol depuis Tokyo, seulement 1 h de decallage horaire).
=> Ou avons-nous interet a finir la nuit selon vous ? dans un hotel proche de l'aeroport ? Dans l'aeroport meme (j'ai entendu dire qu'on pouvait acceder au lounge des 1eres classes pour une somme raisonnable, mais je ne sais pas ce qu'on y trouve) ? Sur une plage de Kuta ou Legian (on n'a pas de duvet) ?
Notez que nous souhaitons louer une voiture des le matin de notre arrivee afin d'aller a Ubub via la Sidemen road, donc il faudrait dormir dans un endroit proche d'un loueur de voiture. Cependant, j'ai egalement entendu dire qu'a Bali, il fallait rendre la voiture a l'endroit ou on l'avait prise. Et comme 4 jours plus tard nous voulons partir pour Gili Air par le speed boat, je me demande s'il ne vaut pas mieux louer la voiture a Padangbai (ou ailleurs ?), ou l'on dormirai le soir apres nos 4 jours de vadrouille en voiture, avant de prendre le bateau le lendemain matin.
=> Ou nous conseillez-vous de louer une voiture compte tenu de ces contraintes ?
Pour info, voici l'itineraire que nous envisageons :
J1-ARRIVAL
16:25-01:20 (24/07), Night a Denpasar airport ?
J2-SIDEMEN RD TO UBUD
Book car for 4 days, Visit Pura Luhur Ulu Watu T, Visit Rura Masceti P, Enjoy scenary along the road, Night at Ubud
J3-UBUD
Visit the town, Walk in the rice fields, Enjoy dances at night, Night at Ubud
J4-MUNDUK
Car to Munduk, Enjoy lakes, waterfall, jungle, rice fields along the way, Visit Munduk, Walk around the jungle, Night at Munduk
J5-MUNDUK-BATAKAU-PADANGBAI
Car back to Pura Luhur Batukau T, Return car at Denpasar ? Bus to Padangbai ?, Night at Padangbai
J6-GILI AIR
Boat to Gili Air 9:-10:30 AM, Bicycle around the island, Swimming, Booking diving, Night at Gili Air
J7-GILI AIR-KUTA LOMBOK
Diving at Gili, Boat to Lombok, Bus to Kuta-Lombok, Visits along the way, Night at Kuta Lombok
J8-KUTA LOMBOK
Drive motorbikes along cliffs, Enjoy small creeks, Enjoy night life at Kuta Lombok, Night at Kuta Lombok
J9-KUTA LOMBOK
Surfing lessons, Snorking, Night at Kuta Lombok
J10-KUTA LOMBOK-BOAT TO BALI
Bus to Lembar, Boat to Bali (3 to 5 hours), Go to airport at midnight
J11-DEPARTURE 02:10-13:05
Salut ,
A mon avis , le systeme location sans chauffeur n'est pas adapté : arrivee trop tardive , itineraire délicat ( surtout la conduite à Bali), point de remise du véhicule different...
Dans ces conditions , je privilégierai la location avec chauffeur : pas de souci en cas d'accrochage , il peut venir vous chercher à l'aeroport a n'importe quelle heure ( le tout est de le contacter de France ) pas de perte de temps à chercher son chemin , point de retour different du départ , et comme l'ile est petite , le cout est trés raisonnable : un bon 30 Euros par jour(maxi)......qui dit mieux
Au cas ou , j'ai des noms et Nos de téléphone ( que j'ai moi même utilisés le mois dernier)-->me contacter
Bon voyage
AMBARA, guide francophone il s'adapte au mieux à vos envies, vivement recommandé par des voyageurs.
Email :tél : 08174770136 ketutambaratika@yahoo.fr
WAYAN BAGUS, un chauffeur qui ne regarde pas les heures et qui demande 30€ par jour tout compris : guide + chauffeur + essence + frais stationnement.
Pour le contacter voici son tél. et son Email : tél : 081 338 414 084
Email : wayanbagus78@yahoo.com
PUTU SUCI, est une femme, lorsque vous téléphonez précisez que vous voulez Putu pour les visites. Les personnes ayant fait appel à elle ont été enchantées. Elle est vraiment super.
Pour la contacter voici son tél. et son Email : tél : 0817 970 0335
Email : putu_suci@yahoo.com
PUTU 2001, il parle français et est très très compétent. Il pourra aussi vous conseiller des hôtels en fonction de vos envies et budgets.
Pour le contacter voici son Email : putu2001us@yahoo.com
NYOMAN SRI MAYUNI, Sri Mayuni jeune guide née sur l'ile parle un trés bon français et a une trés bonne connaissance de la culture, des coutumes et des endroits peu connu.
Pour la contacter voici son tél. et son Email : tél : (62-361) 7420319
Tél portable : 081 239 281 70
Email : nyomanguide@yahoo.com
NYOMAN MARTANA (sur UBUD), il parle bien l'anglais, est fort sympathique, et si vous avez l'intention de sortir des sentiers battus, il saura répondre à vos attentes.
Pour le contacter voici son tél. : 081 338 785 182
AGUS, guide chauffeur Francophone à Bali, il est disponible, toujours à l'heure, serviable, et ne compte pas les heures et les km.
Email : aguszed2000@yahoo.co.id
TITAK, super guide parlant français et anglais, il est très serviable et gentil, à votre service et surtout il s'adapte à votre choix, même en dernière minute.
Email : komang_titaku@yahoo.com et tél. : +62 81 8056 28326
Eviter absolument la location de vehicule sans chauffeur la conduite a bali est "balinaise" et comme evoque par ailleurs un vehicule avec chauffeur se trouve a 35/40$, de plus il y a hors de grands axes assez peu de signalisation !
Bon voyage et surtout voyagez zen!
Michel France (85)
un très bon hôtel tenu par une famille balinaise, situé dans un coin tranquille de Kuta. Si tu réserves par internet, l'hôtel t'enverra une voiture te chercher à ton arrivée à l'aéroport. Voici le lien :
A force de m'entendre recommander la location de voiture avec chauffeur, je pense qu'on va finir par se laisser convaincre ! Merci à Gilsteen et Michel446, pour vos recommandations même si je suis aussi de l'avis de Dennis : c'est aussi une question d'habitude. Par exemple, moi je fait du scooter à Paris alors que certains inquiets prétendront que c'est trop dangereux. La notion de dangerosité est une question de références (notre référence est la France alors que d'autres auront pour référence l'Egypte ou l'Inde par exemple).
Merci Cameon pour tes suggestions de chauffeurs. Je suis allée faire un tour sur ton site qui me semble plein de bons plans !
Merci aussi à Clavsdia pour ta recommandation d'hôtel. Il semble en effet plus sage de finir la nuit dans un hôtel afin de mieux profiter de la journée suivante. Sachant que nous souhaitons partir immediatement pour Ubud et faire de la route et des visites dès le lendemain, autant être en forme !
=> Si vous avez d'autres recommandations d'hôtels pas chers (pas besoin de payer cher pour finir une nuit et partir dès le matin !), proches de l'aéroport et qui peut nous envoyer une voiture pour nous chercher à l'aéroport, n'hésitez pas, je suis preneuse !
=> par ailleurs, si vous avez des remarques sur notre itinéraire, nous sommes toutes ouie ! Je me demande si on ne devrait pas limiter un peu le temps de transport (j'ai compté 3h le jour 2, 2h le jour 3, et 4h le jour 5)
Merci encore pour votre aide,
Camille
L'aéroport se trouve à 10 mn de l'hôtel, tu ne trouveras pas mieux dans cette gamme de prix.
Quant à circuler à Bali, tu verras par toi-même que les Balinais circulent comme des fous, à gauche, et ne respectent pour ainsi dire pas les règles habituelles de la circulation européenne. En scooter à Paris, c'est une partie de plaisr comparer à Bali !
Donc, je suis aussi de l'avis qu'une voiture avec chauffeur connaissant les habitudes de l'île est plus que recommandable. Tu peux aussi faire certains trajets à moindre coût avec la compagnie de bus Perama qui circule un peu partout dans l'île.
Quant à circuler à Bali, tu verras par toi-même que les Balinais circulent comme des fous, à gauche, et ne respectent pour ainsi dire pas les règles habituelles de la circulation européenne. En scooter à Paris, c'est une partie de plaisr comparer à Bali !
..........voilà voilà, les références ne sont pas les mêmes : tu devrais dire "comparé à Lausanne"........parce que par rapport à Paris, ça roule nettement moins vite à Bali...
j'ai exactement le même problème que précédement, mais j'arrive à minuit heure locale...
Au fait, combien de temps dure l'obtention d'un visa inf. à 30 jours quand on débaque à cette heure là ? !!.
Sinon ta proposition me paraît alléchante et j'ai bien envie de les appeler après , si tu peux me répondre ... (mais si ça dure 3 heures je passe la nuit à l'aéroport !).
En tout, merci à tous ceux qui ont répondu car les renseignements me paraissent vraiment complets.
Bye.
V.
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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?????
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 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
