bonjour,
voici qq infos concernant mon voyage d un mois sur sulawesi island.
arrivee aeroport de makassar : prendre le free shuttle bus -ils vs emmene a la sortie de l aeroport sur la route principal. apres vs pouvez prendre un litha pr rantepao, pare pare etc...
pr ma part je me suis dirige vers pare-pare 4h de trajet 25000R
pare-pare: ville portuaire tres agreable- fish market - wrung dau dau cafe excellent
pare-pare direction mamassa : 10h de litha a travers les montagnes 60000 R
je souhaitais visiter la culture toraja mais pas du cote de rantepao - trop touristique.
j ai sejourne au ramanaya inn. le manager mr arianius m a propose des randos plusieurs niv de difficultes 1 ou plusieurs jours - sans guide- dessine des plans pr acceder aux villages. www.mamasatours.blog.com je suis reste 8j. montagnes rizieres en terasses plantations de cafes maisons traditionnels plusieurs fois invites en chemin a boire un cafe ou manger un morceau. j ai passe une nuit ds le village de bellapeu avec une famille.
mamassa est une ville situe a 1120m d altitude.
pas de route directe entre mamassa et rantepao
mamassa - mamuju- pasangkyu-palu: puis j ai longe la cote ouest pr remonter vers palu par etapes. 30.000R puis 45.000 en damri.
petit rappel si vous souhaitez changer des dollars ou euros en roupiah faites le ds les grandes villes makassar-manado-palu. en effet ds les plus petites villes il n y pas de money changer et les banques refusent de changer - ou seulement des billets de 100 dollars non plies. j ai eu plusieurs soucis.
palu-luwuk : 23h de bus avec la compagnie honda jaya bus 100.000R. excllente ambiance avec les chauffeurs ils m ont invite a ts les repas.
luwuk-banggai island : traversee en ferry depart a 21h-22h 2 compagnies eklesia ou salvador 80000r - retour depart 13h
sur banggai island logement en penginapan batara 50.000r la nuit avec tv salle de bain prive et fan
banggai island est une ile naturelle sans structure touristique eau transparente pompom village beach est la plus belle
les meilleurs ikan bakar q j ai mange gros poisson pr 20.000r delicieux
luwuk - poso: litha 60000r
poso: pensedelo : g sejourne au penginapan victory 75000R - le lac poso est situe a 10m des chambres vraiment reposant. par contre le village est tres petit
pensedelo-makassar : retour a l aeroport
qq infos :
moyens de transport : damri / bus public prix affiches
litha / mini van prive
logement : 1 classe - hotel - de 100.000 R a 200.000r
2 classe - wisma - de 55.000R a 150.000R
3 classe penginapan - de 35.000 a 70.000 r environ
il faut mieux prendre un wisma haut de ganne chambre a 125.000 - 150.000r que les 1ers prix ds les hotels vs aurez plus de confort
restaurant - warung
nasi : riz / ayam : poulet / ikan : poisson
goreng : frit / bakar : bbq
ensuite bcp de specialite : cotto makassar etc...
plat environ 15.000 R
les + : gens hypers accueillants, souriants heureux de voir des touristes visites leur district et d une hospitalite hors du commun. je ne compte plus le nbre d invitation a boire un cafe ou partager une assiette de riz-poisson
de tres beaux paysages surtout a toraja. et mer transparente je ne suis pas alle du cote de manado air asia a annule ts les vols manado kuala lumpur dt le mien grrrrrr
cout de la vie tres abordable 1 dollar - 9000 R 1 euros - 120000r
qq exemples de prix : eau 1.5 4000R
restaurant - nasi goreng 8000-10000R
ikan bakar 20.000-30.000R
coca 50cl 5000R
1l d essence - prix fixe ds les stations 4500 R
les -: le logement -compare a d autres pays d asie thailande et cambodge le logement est peu confortable et cher
pour 50.000R lit simple, fan, salle de bain souvent separe , pas de douche mais bassine et gamelle, pas de tv
location d un scooter
les routes en cours de construction dc trajet long - ca ne me derange pas.
hors des axes principaux makassar-ranteapo-poso- il faut compter 250km 6 a 8h facile
Waow tu es allé aux Banggai ! Tu n'as visité que Banggai Island si j'ai bien compris, pas l'archipel?
Quel temps as tu eu en mars? Je compte y aller l'hiver prochain...*
Quand tu parles de location de scooter, c'était où?
Le ferry pour Banggai il prend les véhicules?
Merci des infos 🙂
N'oublie pas de regarder France 2 ce soir, ça se passe là bas...
luwuk-banggai island : traversee en ferry depart a 21h-22h 2 compagnies eklesia ou salvador 80000r - retour depart 13h
Combien de temps dure la traversée ?
sur banggai island logement en penginapan batara 50.000r la nuit avec tv salle de bain prive et fan
banggai island est une ile naturelle sans structure touristique eau transparente pompom village beach est la plus belle
oui j ai visite q banggai island pas l archipel..q 3j devant moi dc trop court...sur sulawesi j ai eu tres bo temps en general qq averses en fin de journee mais rien de bien mechant...
sur le ferry tu peux y mettre un scooter...
j ai loue un scooter sur banggai island directement...mais j ai negocie avec un local de 20 ans car sinon la location ds petite agence c vite 80.000r voir 100.000r la journee
pr 3j g negocie 35.000r/j
voila voila en tt cas bonne prepa de voyage n hesites pas si t as des questions...
- pr l aller tu pars de nuit vers 22h et tu arrives le lendemain matin vers 6h.00 6h30h
environ 8h de traversee
pr le ferry t as la possibilite de louer une cabine...sinon c tres rustiqu un alignement d une centaine de couchettes sur 2 petits etages g prefere dormir sur le pont a la belle etoile
- oui il y a des logements en penginapan mais de stucture touristique comme toggian island etc...
les compagnies eklesia et salvador vs emmene de luwuk vers banggai island-80000R ou selakan island-35000r
apres il existe des taxis boats pr les locaux pr rejoindre d autres iles habites autour de banggai se renseigner pr savoir ou st les arrets...j en ai vu plusieurs longer les cotes...sur autres iles surement pas de guest house mais a mon avis vs pouvez loger chez l habitant sans soucis pr 50.000r/j repas compris
salut le fandulosc qui va peut-être finir par me faire aimer le foot 🙂
Merci de toutes ces infos. Tu me fais même découvrir des compagnies aériennes que je ne connaissais pas.
Bon ben je vais certainement suivre tes pas l'hiver prochain et devancer ceux de teamten et yann. Si tu as des photos à faire passer aux populations locales tiens moi au jus, je fais aussi facteur (trop bien cette technique pour aborder les "indigènes") 🙂
hello bruno,
pr ma part le lien fonctionne..ce n est pas mon blog mais celui du manager de ramayana inn ghouse sur mamassa...de tte facon si tu t y rends il te propose des randos de 1 ou plusieurs journees avec niv de difficulte differentes...sans guide et te realise des croquis..et t auras le bonheur de gouter le cafe local des plantations de mamassa un delice
je te renvoie le lien ciaoo
http://mamasatours.blog.com/tourism-information/
merci de te proposer pr les fotos mais je les ai developpe sur place 3000R/photo et donne en min propre aux locaux rencontres...
pr rencontrer les locaux no pob un grand sourire qq mots en indonesien et qq cigarettes a partager...ciaoo
Nous sommes en pleins préparatifs - itinéraire - pour 3 semaines à Sulawésie cet été. Nous étions partis sur un Makassar Bira Togian Palu Makassar. Vu que nous arrivons via Denpasar, on avait un peu envie de se caler 2/3 jours en bord de mer, d'où le choix de Bira. Mais ton itinéraire laisse à penser qu'on peut rejoindre Palu par la côte ouest via le pays Toraja. peux tu m'en dire plus en terme de km, de temps, d'étapes ? sachant que du coup on finirait par les Togian. Est ce jouable en un peu moins de 3 semaines.
Nous avons visité Lombok l'an dernier et nous avons adoré...
pr ma part j ai plutot suivi un ititneraire hors des sentiers touristiques...j ai prefere visite mamassa plutot q rantepao...si tu as q 3 semaines je te conseille plutot la voie directe makassar - rantepao(pays toraja) 1 journee de bus...puis rantepao poso 1 journee de bus aussi - puis poso ampena pr rejoindre toggian island c est la route directe et classique...bcp de compagnie de bus..
j ai choisi la visite de mamassa mais apres pr remonter sur palu via la cote ouest (qq belles plages ) tu passes par mamuju pasangkyu et palu tu remontes en 3j..et apres de palu tu rejoins poso en 1j aussi...
pour repondre a ta question ds l autre sens je pense qu il y a plus de bus de palu vers makassar surement 2j dc dodo ds le bus...
je suis pas alle sur bira dc je ne peux pas te renseigner...
j ai eu un probleme c q airasia a annule ts les vols manado-kuala lumpur jusqu a mi septembre..et m a redirige sur makassar - kuala lumpur dc de banggai island j ai du redescendre jusque makassar et non remonter sur manado...dc j ai perdu 3j...
de rantepao tu peux pas rejoindre la cote ouest...tu dois remonter vers le nord - poso
bon voyage et surtout n hesites a prendre ton temps pr aller a la rencontre des gens -voir a faire moins de sites et de villes- ils st supers accueillants et chaleureux...bcp d invitations
tres facile de randonée sur mamassa...y a aussi tana toraja -rantepao qui est plus accessible surtout si tu veux continuer vers toggian et banggai...
non banggai g pas snorkeler mais c magnifique et sauvage
bon voyage
Petit retour sur un peu moins de 4 semaines en Sulawesi, vacances orientées plongée et même « découverte plongée » en ce qui me concerne. Nous avons commencé…
Voici un retour d'informations sur l'Indonésie où nous avons passé deux mois cet été avec ma compagne. J'essaie de donner le maximum de données chiffrées pour…
Grosse angoisse: ma nana doit décoller je jeudi 7 juillet prochain (j-8) pour l'Indonésie (Bali via KL) pour un mois, retour le 7 août. Après relecture des…
Voyager avec des enfants › Indonésie / Thaïlande · 12 replies
Après m'être bien servie en informations sur ce forum, je partage à mon tour mon retour d'expérience. Nous avons passé 1 mois en Indonésie et 2 mois en…
Je reviens d'un séjour d'1 mois au Sulawesi. Un beau voyage, des rencontres et des paysages dont je suis ravie. Voici quelques réflexions et impressions suite…
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