salut le monde,
1-le mont mayon est il interdit en ce moment? si oui, le canlaon est il une bonne alternative? ou autre possibilité d'un volcan en activité?
2- les requins baleines sont il en vue à donsol?
3- ya til des guides pour trekker au sommet du sud de palawan?
4- kelkin a til déka trekker dans le kalinga (vers tinglayen ou autre )?
5-les prix des vols internes sont ils toujours peu chers même si on s'y prend qq jours à l'avance (max 50€/pers)?
6- on arriverait à 13h à manille en semaine le 01/04, les bus pour banaue ou bontoc partent le soir ou le matin? timing pour en avoir un? (oui je sais après 15h de vol, on sera nase mais je pose la question qd même!!!)
merci de votre aide,
pacoloco
arrivee a luplupa!😮 le bus vs depose sur la rive nord de la chico river, vs descendez une 60taine de marche qui de bouche sur un pont suspendu
pietons, traversez et vs arrivez a luplupa(le village) qui est invisible de la rive en face, demandez aux premieres personnes que vs croiserez
de vous menez chez le captain Victor (chef du barangay), et vs lui demandez la permission de sejourner ds son village.Très sympa.🙂Le village
est de type (old Bontoc)^pas de ruelles cochons chiens poules vivent parmi les habitations et 1 seul sari-sari store, peu achalandé.😐 pour etre bien
accepté, je vs conseille d'acheter a Bontoc 1 ou2 poulet grillé(pas loin de l'arret de bus pour tinglayen-luplupa- tabuk) que vs offrirez a victor et ptèt
1 sac de riz 5kg.😉 Il a 7 ou 8 gosses🤪 !Se munir aussi de crayons, stylos, briquets, allumettes, petites fournitures scolaires que vs distribuez aux enfants
du village!Et vs serez comme un poisson ds l'eau 😉😎😄 , Adopté !!! Il y a 2 possibilité de dormir 😇 , soit sur la terrasse de la maison de Victor,
(prévoir un sac a viande ou couverture)en 1991 unique possibilité, en 2000 ns avons eu la surprise de voir qu'un allemand marié a une kalinga a
construit un genre de chalet a 1 etage et il met a disposition 4 ou 6 chambre pour d'eventuels voyageurs a 1 prix modique et assure la restauration
a votre demande , excellent😛 !il a aussi une douche commune , luxe rare ds cette region! Et et il a un generateur quelques h.par jour ce qui permet
d'avoir des boissons fraiches 24/24 san mig off course!😛 excellentes baignades dans la chico river eau a 24°c et bien sur belles ballades a faire
autour du village 1/2 journée, journée ou treks de 2 3 4 jours!😄🙂 si vous avez des questions don't hesitate...😛 salut a +
raph
Tout ce qui ne me tue pas, me rends plus fort
Ni dieux, ni maitres
suite...
en 1991 mi- mars on logeais au pines kitchenette a Bontoc; un soir une jeune femme (guide kalinga) nous a proposé de prendre part a une grande fète
le lendemain , qui se deroulais a Tinglayen il s'agissait de 4 mariages, et tous les habitants des villages environants y etaient conviés .Pour une
somme modique elle voulait bien nous servir de chaperon.Le lendemain 7 h un jeepney nous a emmené (8 pers.) a Tinglayen(1h30) de route, il nous a
déposé sur la route au sommet d'une colline, puis ns avons pris une piste descendante vers la chico river, traversée par un pont suspendu, continué 1 km
ns sommes arrivé en bas du village qu'on ne pouvais atteindre que par un petit pont au dessus d'un embranchement de la riviere, et la, oh surprise!
2 kalingas en habits traditionnel et lances empèchait quiconque de pénétré dans l'enceinte du village...Imaginez 3000 personnes en habits traditionnels
qui se pressaient devant ce ptit pont...Bref les quart d'heures passent, puis les heures, aucune explications, attendre , ns dis la guide !Cool on se
baignaient dans la riviere !Soudain, mouvement de foule , les gardiens ouvrent le passage, le pont est enfin ouvert, tt le monde emprunte le goulet
et se dispachent dans le village!!!construit en forme d'amphithéatre magnifique! Sur les frontispices de plusieurs maisons ns remarquons des tètes de
buffalo, de cochons et de poulets égorgés récemment et qui pendouillaient accrochés a des sortes de petit miradors...Je ne vs dis pas l'odeur qui
règnait ds le village...39 buffalos,1 centaine de porc + x poulets tués la veille...avec une température tropicale!Quoique qu'il en soit, je suis très
sensible aux atmosphères et la jme suis dis qu'il y a queque chose qui cloche les gens étaient bizarre😕, nous nous sommes fait inviter a manger
(pour le coup moi et ma femme sommes devenus végétarien) ns ns sommes contenté d'une assiette de riz, l'autre couple de suisse all.on accepté
de la viande que bien sur il n'ont pu avaler(semelle puante)devant chaque cabanes il y avaient des joueurs de gong(impressionant) accompagnés de
quelques danseurs ou seuses! chouette!Mais un certain malaise persistait, je me disais que les Kalingas sont quand meme moins enjoués que le
reste des philippins...Plus tard, rentré a Bontoc;après une bonne douche et un bon repas, la guide ns a réunis pr ns expliqué la raison de l'ambiance
plombée qui nous a accompagnée cette journée !🏴☠️ si vous voulez en sa voir + demandez !!!
raph
Tout ce qui ne me tue pas, me rends plus fort
Ni dieux, ni maitres
voila ce qui s'était passé-! la veille donc, les hommes du village ont procédé au sacrifice des animaux a la machette, en ingurgitant de l'alcool de
riz, et autres boissons alcoolisées!😇 le soir venu, un des participants est rentré ds sa hutte avec son coupe-coupe et a coupé la tete de sa
femme et de son fils de 8 ans , sa fille de 12 ans a pu s'échapper ... 🙁🤪 Imaginez la catastrophe pr le village la veille de cette immense fete, sachant
que tous les villages de la région se dirigeaient vers Tinglayan ...😐 Donc, les sages du village ont décidé d'attendre le lendemain matin que le
meurtrier dessaoule !!!😮 (car ils devaient tous etre ds un sale état) le lendemain ils s'apprètaient a le livrer aux autorités (!) , mais en pénétrant
dans sa hutte il l'on découvert couché sur le sol en train de se tordre de douleur avec un flacon de Tiodane (pesticide) vide a coté de lui!
Il venait de se suicider en constatant l'horreur de ses actes...😕 Ceci se passait pendant qu'on se baignaient dans la Chico river , c'etait la
raison pour laquelle on nous empechais l'accès au village, et qui expliquait le peu de joie de cette fete.🙁 Ce qui nous a encouragé a partir
pour LupLupa le lendemain , et ce fut un coup de coeur de plus...😛😄 Les Kalingas sont des gens super et apprécient les étrangers, mais
détèstent les philippins parce qu'ils essaient de construire un barrage sur la Chico qui noieraient leurs villages(faut dire qu'ils enterrent leurs
familles a coté de leurs maisons)Ceci explique cela!😎 Les collines dans le coin sont peu boisées et recouvertes d'herbes rase, peu de rizières
ce sont plutot des chasseurs-ceuilleurs.Des caféiers parsèment le village, ce qui fait la boisson locale servie tte la journée(meilleurs café,
qui change des nescafé servi partout) cool!🙂 Je compte y retourner début 2011 pour un long trip!😏 Mais fin mai nous allons 3 sem.
a Dumaguete(apo is.) Siquijor, ou ns étions il y a 10 ans(coco grove 😛)pendant 3 jours mais qui mérite un plus long séjour, et camiguin
que je reve de découvrir depuis 29 ans.J'éspere que la météo sera clémente, c'est la première fois que je vais aux philippines a cette
période! MABUHAY!
raph
Tout ce qui ne me tue pas, me rends plus fort
Ni dieux, ni maitres
Auriez vous des infos sur les volcans aux philippines? Nous avons prévu d'inclure le PINATUBO, lac TAAL et éventuellement MAYON lors d'un voyage de 3 semaines…
Je souhaite savoir quel est le plus beau volcan entre Mayon et Pinatubo et Taal et celui qui offre la plus belle randonnée. Et si au passage vous avez des…
Je suis en pleine organiation de mon voyage aux philippines et je souhaite réaliser un projet sur les volcans des Philippines (Le Pinatubo, Le Taal, Mayon...).…
Je repars faire un deuxième tour aux Philippines après un premier voyage entre luzon nord et palawan. Vous me conseillerez quoi pour ne pas faire que des sites…
Il va bien mais son état suscite de fortes inquiétudes chez les initiés. Le sort de milliers de villageois est suspendu aux humeurs du plus turbulent, du plus…
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!
