Bonjour à tous, une petite présentation s'impose, pour que visualisiez mieux mon projet de voyage.
J'ai 21 ans et je ne suis pas étudiant je travaille. Je suis passioné de langues étrangères et c'est cette passion qui m'a poussé à arrêter les études pour en apprendre toujours plus ! J'ai donc appris à parler jusque là espagnol, français, italien et grec (avant mes 6 ans) puis anglais, allemand, portugais, hindi et indonésien. Et ce sont justement ces deux nouvelles langues qui me poussent à partir là-bas, pour pratiquer vous comprenez... du coup je me suis dit deux fois 6 mois (d'abord l'Indonésie puis l'Inde) car les visas le permettent et je pourrais approfondir l'indonésien sur place et apprendre d'autres langues indiennes reliées au hindi. Voilà déjà ça c'est ma première "mission" du voyage. La deuxième est justement la restauration dans laquelle je me suis professionnellement lancé car c'est un super milieu ouvert sur le monde ! Je voudrais donc parcourir ces deux pays en quête de recettes méthodes astuces et petits trucs de grand mère asiatique 😉 Enfin j'adore l'artisanat, car j'ai le but de construire d'ici 15 ans une communauté un peu hippie autosuffisante au maximum, et que la poterie la forge le tissage les paniers les labours la médecine etc tout ça c'est super utile pour ce projet !!!
Avant de poser ma vraie question, je dois aussi préciser que je ne suis pas parti tout seul sur de très grands voyages. Ma famille est très voyageuse et nous avons vécu en Argentine, en Italie et en France, je suis déjà allé en Grèce, en Allemagne et en Espagne MAIS pas plus de deux semaines. Donc déjà je n'ai pas une idée très fixe du budget pour là-bas, ni du risque encouru si je frappe chez n'importe quel indonésien pour lui demander comment est-ce qu'il cuisine...
Ma question est donc (enfin !!! 😄) : combien pensez-vous qu'il faut que j'emmène de sous pour pouvoir côtoyer au maximum les vrais locaux, loin des hôtels, des circuits touristiques, des monuments payants et des grands resto ? Voilà en gros je veux squatter avec les gitans du Rajasthan, dormir chez dans les rizières de Jatiluwih, cuisiner avec les bengalies et en bengali ! ou encore discuter avec un sikh... Voilà je sais pas si ma question correspond bien aux critères du site mais j'espere que vous me guiderez haha ! Merci beaucoup cette communauté est extra je la lis depuis des années mais je viens seulement de m'inscrire pour vous contacter ! Salam et buona notte ! 😉
Ps : Ah oui je tiens à préciser aussi , je sais que ca ne va pas être aussi cher qu'un voyage normal ... voire pas du tout cher (mais déjà j'en sais rien haha) et ce n'est en fait pas simple de budgétiser les imprévus (beaucoup plus nombreux forcément, qu'avec un tour opérateur)
Tres joli projet, respect et encouragements de ma part!
Indonésie:
Il y a un programme du Gouvernement indonesien qui est super interessant qui permet chaque année a un certain nombres de jeunes etrangers de suivre des cours en indonesie dans differents domaines y compris la langue mais pas que : traditions artistiques, dances et artisanat....ect et ce dans de nombreuses villes du pays!
il s'appelle DARMASISWA
Fait une recherche google et tu tombres sur le portail officiel du ministere Indonésien qui s'en occuppe avec conditions et détails...ect.
Cherche aussi les blogs, forums d'anciens participants ils pourront t'en dire d'avantage. Moi j'aurais aimé le faire mais je suis mnt trop vieux!! lol
Si tu arrives a choisir la bonne ville (Genre Yogjakarta, Malang ou Solo qui sont les plus conseillés car pas trop grandes, culturellement riches et assez centrales pour pouvoir bouger dans le pays...elles ont aussi leurs propres cultures et langes distinctives tres interessantes...une pierre deux coups!) et la bonne discipline, tu viveras certainement une experience fort enrichissante et pourras faire de sacrés avancés
Ce programme offre une petite bourse qui permet de couvrir une location longue durée et une location de scooter au mois par exemple! le voyage reviendera moins cher qu'un sejour touristique classique
Autrement, il n y a rien de plus facile que de prendre un visa de deux mois puis le prolonger chaque mois pour une durée totale de 6 mois (tu peux aussi sortir du pays vers Singapour ou Kuala Lumpur pour quelques jours pour renouveller aussi). Tu passeras 6 mois dans le pays sans avoir a rendre compte a une institution ou suivre des cours magistraux.
Ici aussi vaut mieux rester de longues periodes aux memes endroits, tu loueras une chambre chez l'habitant et cuiseneras tout seul, ca reviendera largement moins cher!
Le simple fait de vaquer a tes occupations quotidiennes pourra te permettre de perfectionner ta langue en la pratiquant, bien sur tu pourras prendre des cours privés selon ta convenance.....te faire des amis aussi, les indonesiens sont tres amis et tres chaleureux!
Une ville moyenne hors des sentiers battus, pas trop touristique serait ideale....Java ou Sumatra voire Borneo ou Sulawesi sur les cotes car c'ets la que le Lingua Franca du MALAIS COTIER est la mieux établie, ailleurs il y a des langues locales for differentes (je ne t'apprend rien) ou alors le Bahasa est fortement influencé et se transforme carrément en dialecte different!
POur l'inde je ne pourrais pas t'aider mais une projet independant est tres faisable avec des cours privé en support
En ce qui concerne la langue indonésienne il est très facile de l'étudier par soi-même, tu peux démarrer avec la méthode Assimil et compléter avec des révisions de vocabulaire en utilisant les applications Memrise et Anki. J'ai moi-même suivi cette méthode et j'arrive maintenant à me débrouiller ; je vais régulièrement en Indonésie et c'est un vrai plaisir d'utiliser cette langue avec les habitants qui sont ravis de voir que je m'intéresse à leur culture et à leur langue.
Qui serait assez insensé pour mourir sans avoir fait au moins le tour de sa prison ?
En résumé tu veux passer un max de temps chez l'habitant (ou planter ta tente à côté de celles des gitans) et tu veux savoir combien ça va te coûter. J'ai bon ?
Je ne connais pas du tout l'Indonésie, mais je peux t'indiquer un budget pour l'Inde.
Je te conseille de prévoir 300€/mois au moins (c'est mon budget perso, un budget routard doit être dans les 400-500€ je pense). Normalement, si tu parviens à faire ce que tu veux, ça te coûtera beaucoup moins, mais pense aux imprévus, à la possibilité de tomber malade. Dis-toi aussi que la réalité est souvent loin de nos rêves. L'Inde est encore un pays pauvre, avec ses mendiants, sa saleté... Tu pourrais avoir envie de faire autre chose une fois sur place. Et puis c'est délicat de partager la vie de gens pauvres sans leur donner quelque chose (argent, nourriture ou autre, à toi de voir avec eux).
En Inde il est possible de voyager quasi gratuitement, en profitant de la générosité des gens (surtout hors zones touristiques) et des diverses assos religieuses, hindoues, sikhes, musulmanes qui distribuent de la nourriture, mais je suis contre le concept de "begpackers".
Pour le reste, tu as l'air d'avoir une idée assez précise de ce que tu veux faire en Inde (gitans, cuisine bengalie, sikh, artisanat...). Si néanmoins tu as des questions sur ces sujets n'hésite pas.
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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!
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).
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.
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