Après avoir déjà visité l'Indonésie durant plus de 200 jours (4 voyages), je prévois me rendre en Papouasie et aux Moluques en mai prochain pour poursuivre ma découverte de l'Indonésie. Voici un aperçu de mon l'itinéraire : Makassar - Bau Bau (avion-Merpati)Bau Bau - Raha - Kendari (bateau)Kendari - Biak (avion-Garuda)Biak - Jayapura (avion-Garuda)Jayapura - Baliem -Jayapura (avion-?)Jayapura - Manokwari (avion-?)Manokwari - Sorong (avion-?)Sorong - Ambon (avion-?)Ambon - Makassar (avion-Garuda)Mes questions :Un mois, est-ce suffisant ?Y a-t-il d'autres coins de la région qu'il faut absolument visiter ?
Au niveau du logement, avez-vous de bonnes adresses économiques à suggérer ?Compagnies aériennes pour les trajets 5 à 8 ?
Quels sont vos coups de coeur ?Voilà.
Merci pour votre aide et conseils.
Jacques
« Certains pensent qu'ils font un voyage, en fait, c'est le voyage qui vous fait ou vous défait. » (Nicolas Bouvier, L'usage du monde)
je reviens cette année en avril d'un séjour en papouasie mais c'était un séjour plongée au départ et à l'arrivée de sorong.
Pour la plongée sous marine certainement un des top 5 du monde. Ce fut un séjour extraordinaire au milieu des iles perdues au milieu de nulle part. Si tu es plongeur en tout cas ne pas rater.
Maintenant à part un village perdu sur une ile à 2 jours de bateau de sorong et la traversée de sorong en voiture je n'ai rien vu faute de temps.
Une chose est sûr on est à des années lumières de l'indonésie de bali lol !! et les déplacements y sont très difficiles compliqués pas toujours sûr et la notion du temps complétement différente.
pour les vols le plus pratique et le plus recommandé c'est au départ de Jakarta via ambon (avion en meilleur état horaire mieux respectés). Le vol Jakarta ambon part vers 1h30 du matin et arrive tôt le matin à ambon de mémoire vers 06h30 7h00 juste le temps de changer et hop vol vers sorong . Le vol est réservable et payable via internet avec lion airlines avion neuf boeing 737 et à l'heure! puis un avion à hélice sympa au dessus des iles!
au retour obligé de passer par makassar j'ai pris un vol avec wings air vers midi ou 13 heure mais impossible de le réserver par internet il faut passer par un agent à bali ou sur place. Il existe aussi un vol merpati mais mon agent sur place m'a déconseillé car compagnie toujours en retard et sécurité problématique.
je n'ai fait qu'un stop à makassar puis j'ai repris un vol pour bali (3h00 de battement entre les vols si horaire respecté) avec garuda. Super compagnie!!! reservable et payable par internet.
attention certaine compagnies (merpati) propose réservation et paiement par internet la carte passe mias l'argent n'est pas débité et la réservation est de fait inexistante.
un mois en papouasie c est pas enorme car y a beaucoup a faire mais c est deja pas mal.
les ile spres de sorong c est raja ampat, tres beau site en effet et au niveau endemie marine c est, en effet aussi, un des meilleurs coins du monde meme si helas comme partout dans le pays les recifs ont souffert des bombes (surtout visible dans les parties peu profondes et donc en plongee bouteille ca va mieux).
par contre pour v isiter sans se plomber le porte monnaie ca prend du temps, de la patience, des ruses pour dejouer les pratiques surtarifees, et aussi au moins un minimum de connaissance de la langue indonesienne.
lion air, ou sinon express air (depuis jakarta, mais je sais pas s ils ont un site internet).
le vol ambon sorong etait assez cher en 2010, mais ca peut changer.
depuis makassar le vol pour ambon avec lion est vraiment pas cher si tu reserves un peu a l avance.
biak je recommende pas, l ile en elle meme est plate et bof, les iles padaido pas loin sont belles mais ont morfle des bombes, et les locaux veulent des sommes astronomiques pour leurs bateaux.
l ile de yapen (au sud de biak) est beaucoup plus belle, mais la aussi les coraux c est pas ca. par contre si tu aimes les randos yapen vaut le coup, fais juste gaffe si tu dors dans les villages, demande bien avant combien ils veulent pour la nuit.
manokwari y a rien de special, ce qui vaut le coup ce sont les iles de la baie de l oiseau paradis, mais une fois de plus il te faudra du temps.
kendari?
quess tu veux faire la bas?
y a rien que tu ne puisses voir ailleurs dans le pays, et c est pas tres accessible, a moins qu ils aient maintenant des bateaux quotidiens?
pour baliem y a que l avion, la route sera pas fini avant le prochain siecle.
entre sorong, manokwari et jayapura tu peux prendre le bateau parce que les avions sont pas donnes, mais y en a pas tous les jours. ceci dit si t as jamais pris un pelni tu vas etre... disons un peu surpris!
en tous cas, avec un mois seulement il vaudrait peut etre mieux te concentrer sur 2 ou 3 endroits...
Merci Naps pour tes infos. J'en prends bonne note.
Pour Kendari. Raha et Bau Bau, c'est un coin de Sulawesi que je ne connais pas encore et il y a un bateau rapide entre Bau Bau et Kendari chaque jour, avec arrêt possible à Raha.
J'ai déjà passé près de 2 mois à Sulawesi en 2009...ICI
P.S. J'ai commencé à prendre connaissance de tes écrits sur cette région. Très stimulant.
Jacques
« Certains pensent qu'ils font un voyage, en fait, c'est le voyage qui vous fait ou vous défait. » (Nicolas Bouvier, L'usage du monde)
oui, sulawesi sud est c est bien local...
si tu aimes la plongee va faire un tour au sud de bau bau, dans l archipel tukang besi (wakatobi).
evite pulau hoga, si tu es alle sur mon blog tu sais pourquoi (chap VII)...
depuis kaledupa il y a de nos jours des bateaux qui descendent vers le sud vers tomian et binongko, il se pourrait bien qu il y reste encore de beaux coraux.
j avais pas pu checker ca a l epoque car les bateaux locaux n allaient pas plus loin que kaledupa...
bon mais sans garantie, les gens du coin sont renommes pour leur habilite a pecher a la bombe, et peut etre qu ils ont tout detruit. mais meme si tel etait le cas ca fera malgre tout une belle promenade d iles en iles...
Salut Fabrice,
je te connais par ton excellent snorkeling files qui est une mine d'infos ultra-précieuses pour les snorkelers. Merci pour ce partage. Je viens de te lire et tu indiques que Yapen et kepulauan Padaido ça ne vaut pas le coup pour le snorkeling alors j'suis un peu déçu. Je t'explique : on repart plusieurs mois en Indonésie (c'est notre troisième long voyage là bas) et j'aurais aimé cette fois découvrir un peu la Papua, puisque paraît-il les plus beaux fonds marins s'y trouvent. Mais c'est vrai qu'après être passé aux Bandas et ailleurs à notre premier voyage, tout ce qu'on a vu par la suite nous a désolé : coraux blanchis (Andaman), explosés à la bombe (Flores) ou complètement pollués (Bunaken). Et quant aux Raja Mpat, j'ai l'impression que c'est réservé au tourisme de luxe du fait des prix pratiqués (et acceptés) auprès des touristes pressés et fortunés, ce qui n'est pas notre cas. On voulait aussi aller faire un tour di kepulauan Tukangbesi, mais les mauvais retours d'Hoga plus ce que tu dis des dynamiteurs n'est pas vraiment encourageant pour pousser au sud. Alors tu parles d'iles dans le teluk cenderawasih pas loin de Manokwari, tu peux en dire davantage ?
raja ampat c est faisable pas trop cher mais c est difficile, faut de la patience.
et puis tu sais, c est devenu populaire chez nous rapport a l autre emmission de blaireaux, mais tu verras pas grand chose de plus qu a banda, sauf qu a banda c est facile d acces, et pas cher.
dans la baie de l oiseau paradis au sud de manokwari y a encore quelques bons coins mais, et d une c est un peu roots (pas de guesthouses, villages only, ca plait pas a tout le monde), et de deux ce genre d infos qui sont pas dans les guides ne peuvent pas etre mises sur un forum ou n importe qui peut les lire, ces foutus guides, lonely planet en tete, ont deja fait assez de mal en permettant a n importe qui d aller n importe ou et de pourrir les 4 coins de la planete.
desole, je dis ca pour personne en particulier, mais je pense que tu me comprends...
Ou en es-tu ? Car avec le nombre d'avions que tu as prévu de prendre en Papouasie, j'espère que t'es encore vivant 😏 (cependant si tu as bien lu ton "invocation card" avant le décollage tu ne crains rien..!!)
Si ça peut aider ceux qui prévoient un voyage en Papouasie Irian Jaya voici mon récit (Baliem et Raja Ampat en 3 semaines)
Asie du Sud-Est › Indonésie / Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée · 13 replies
Heureux que le forum soit relancé, je prépare un voyage pour juin prochain mais j'hésite encore entre la papouasie et la papouasie nouvelle guinée voyage…
Année d'aventures! Après plusieurs voyages en Indonésie avec un coup de cœur pour Sulawesi (5 séjours), nous souhaiterions découvrir la Papouasie occidentale…
Mon ami et moi nous rendons 3 semaines en Indonésie. Nous visiterons Bali avant d'aller en Papouasie occidentale (vol Bali-Jayapura). J'ai pu lire à plusieurs…
Je suis actuellement en Nouvelle-Zélande jusqu'à Mars 2019. J'envisage de rentrer en France en Juin, pas de dates fixes mais avant cela j'aimerais voyager…
Nous souhaitons aller une quinzaine de jours en septembre en Papouasie occidentale (côté indonésien) et apparemment il faut un permis. Par qui est-il délivré?…
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!
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 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.
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
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! !
