Voici quelques infos utiles pour ceux qui ont y aller :
Budget tout compris pour 4 semaines à 4 :
2108euros de vols (4A/R)
2180euros (soit environ 20euros par jour et par personne)
160euros (4 billets Jakarta-YogyaKarta par Lion Air)
385euros (4 billets Mataram(Lombock)-Jakarta par Lion Air)
Numéro Malaysian Airlines à Jakarta pour ceux qui l'utilise pour reconfirmer le retour (c'est marrant, il faut toujours reconfirmer mais le numéro n'est jamais communiqué à l'achat du billet) donc por Malaysian : 0215229690
Taxe Aeroport vols domestics : 40000rps soit 2, 85euros/billet
Taxe Aéroport vols internationaux : 150000Rps soit environ 10euros/billet
Visa "on arrival" : 25$ valable 30jours
Location d'un Scooter automatic 103cc à la journée : 40000 a 50000Rps (environ 3euros)🙂
Prix du litre d'essence : 4500Rps (environ 30cts)🙂
Guide de voyage Petit Futé : Il est difficile de faire plus erronné au niveau des tarifs (a multiplier au moins par 2)🤪
Pas assez d'infos mais il est vrai que c'est le moins cher.
Quelques hotels méritant de la pub :🙂
A jakarta : Gondia International Guesthouse, 22 JL Gondia Kencil (Incroyable, hotel Calme, de plus, p'tit dej très correct) 180000Rps la double avec sdb
A Bogor : Homestay Puri Bali, c'est vraiment pas le luxe mais ambiance sympathique et super bien placé. 100000Rps la chambre
A YogyaKarta : Prambanan Guesthouse, rien à dire, très agréable avec piscine et p'tit dej délicieux pour 190000Rps la nuit.
A Kuta(DE LOMBOCK) : Segara Anak, face à la mer, super agreable aussi, super honnête, bon resto, bungalow de 80000Rps a 135000Rps, petite piscine, beau jardin.
Quelques hotels méritant de ne plus avoir de clients :🙁
A Kuta(DE LOMBOCK) : Anda (a coté du Segara Anak), bungalows miteux, avec odeurs de chiottes et presque sans eau dans un jardin miteux pour 2 fois plus cher que son super voisin le segara anak.
En fait il loue ses chambres le soir lorsque tous les autres sont complets (forcement il lui reste quelques bungalows pourris qu'il peut louer 4 fois le prix au pov touriste qui arrive trop tard en haute saison)
Le Mont Bromo : Superbe, même en étant 3500derrière la balustrade en attendant le lever du soleil, finalement, ne vaudrait-il pas mieux y monter vers 10h du mat plutot que 4h ? Bon, sinon le matin il fait 5° la-haut mais des vestes bien chaudes sont à louer dans les hotels ou sur place pour 10000 a 20000Rps donc pas la peine de se charger des polaires🙂
Le Kawa Ijen : Superbe et belle balade, très impressionnant de descendre dans le cratere voir les porteurs de souffre (facile)🙂
Trawagan (Gili's LOMBOCK) : Mieux vaut réserver son hotel sinon c'es 4 fois le prix assuré. A partir de 17h le soir, tout est complet.
Il reste encore sur cette ile quelques rares endroits vraiment très beaux mais plus pour très longtemps, les betonneuse tournent. Comparé à la région de KUTA a LOmbock, cette île ne vaut rien, je pense que ces voisines sont plus interessantes car moins frequentées mais sans plus, Aucun intérêt d'y aller donc, a part pour ceux qui font de la plongée et encore.
Un restaurant qui mérite lui aussi de la pub :
Le balina Lagoon a Ubud, petit restaurant vraiment très très bon, très acceuillant et 2 fois moins chers que les autres, l'essayer c'est l'adopter.
Voili, voila, a part cela, une dernière réflexion faite avec le recul : L'indonésie est un pays qui se visite en chaussant ses chaussures de randonnées, il ne faut pas hésiter à s'enfoncer dans la nature de ce pays magnifique sous peine de revenir légèrement déçu.
En effet, sans un minimum d'effort physique, on ne voit à mon avis, pas grand chose, les grands axes étant une fois pour toute sacrifiés au dieu touriste.
Prix du litre d'essence : 4500Rps (environ 30cts)🙂
Bizarre bizarre car en Mai-Juin 2008 il était à 5.300Rp et on parlait de le faire passer à 6.000Rp d'où de nombreuses manifestations. Entre temps le prix du baril de brut a bien baissé. Mais de là à diminuer le prix du litre d'essence !!?? Après on s'étonnera que tout le monde se déplace à moto !! Et plus à pied ou à vélo 😕
Un restaurant qui mérite lui aussi de la pub : Le balina Lagoon a Ubud
Il est situé où ce resto à Ubud ?
Pas d'hôtel à renseigner à Ubud ?
Selamat jalan
"Nous ne sommes plus une communauté d'être humains qui se parlent mais un conglomérat de grappes de consommateurs en niches, séparés les uns des autres par des obsessions diverses et innombrables. Nous sommes de l'ère de la désintégration." Marc Moulin (1942-2008) in Humoeurs
Salut KADWAN
on s est déjà croisé sur le forum on est rentré le mm jour de Bali si tu te souviens *
merci pour les infos intéressantes
notamment le prix du billet d avion , que nous avons payé 2 fois plus cher, et comme on compte retourner en indonésie l été prochain peut tu nous dire comment tu as fait ? Billets acheté tot ? quelle compagnie, ?ETC.....merci beaucoup!!
A+
Désolé pour le prix du billet, ce n'est pas le prix normal (j'ai des reductions sur les billets d"avions)
Donc, je rectifie !
Billet Malaysian Airlines prix par pers 773euros achetés en Mars pour partir fin Juin.
Sinon, je sais que Emirates fait aussi des bons prix mais avec une escale a Dubai un peu longue (5h).
Balina Lagoon : Arjuna Lane 04 (une petite rue pas tres loin de l'information touristique)
Hotel a Ubud : Suarsena House (Monkey Forest Road, Arjuna Lane), nyoman.darma@yahoo.com, tel : 081 236 08590, Très bon hotel de 80000 a 200000 la chambre, nous avions des chambres toutes neuves en RDC pour 150000Rps avec bon petit dej inclus.
Pour le prix du litre d'essence, j'ai bien vu 4500Rps le litre dans les stations essence par contre, sur le bord de la route de campagne (essence en bouteille) c'était 6000Rps le litre.
J'en profite pour ajouter 2 petites infos supplémentaires..
* Sur Trawagan (Gili's), il y a désormais un distributeur.
* A KUTA(LOMBOCK), le plus proche distributeur est a 30minutes en scooter et la première agence vendant des billets d'avions aussi. Cette agence ne prend pas les Credit cards, il faut payer en liquide, vraiment pas pratique donc a savoir tout de même (c'est ce que nous avons fait) que le Novotel de KUTA Lombock.. je précise toujours car il ne faut vraiment pas confondre avec le KUTA invivable de Bali) possède une agence qui peut vendre des billets d'avions. Ils prennent bien sûr la Credit Card. le prix est pratiquement identique qu'a Praya. Il n'est pas necessaire d'être au novotel pour accéder a cette agence, c'est très très pratique.
pour un voyage aller retour a moin de 600 euros c'est par ici
on m'a filé le conseil, par des personnes qui l'ont fait
d'abord faut faire paris indonésie, par exemple kualalumpour en ville d'arrivée
http://www.egyptair.com/English/Pages/Default.aspx
paris - le caire le caire kuala.... pour 480 euros si tu ty prend 5 mois avant
donc plus tu prend de l'avance, moin ca te coute, je pars en mars 2010, budget avion aller retour 550 euros, plus du train en france ...... 600 euros et encore tu vois
bon courrage
ps le cherche une personne qui pourrait, par telephone me donner quelques bon tuyou de visites en tt genre
merci
ok, je te remercie, c'est sympa, là où j'ai les boules, c'est que jusqu'à ce samedi il y avait des billets Paris Jakarta avec Saudia AL , à 438€ TTC , et depuis hier plus rien!
Enfin si tu as encore des conseils je suis preneur.
@+
773euros via kuala par Malaysian airline (je n'ai pas payé ce prix car j'ai des reducs comme je disais plus haut..), ce n'est pas un prix imbattable, on peut trouver mieux.
Regarde Emirates.
bonjour,
il peut être interessant de ne pas se focaliser sur une arrivée à Jakarta.
regarder aussi sur Singapour de là Air Asia à des vols sur plusieurs villes en Indonésie. Yojakarta par ex.
Singapour est desservi par de nombreuses Cies. ces derniers temps KLM, Luftansa .. par ex. proposaient des vols autour de 500€ suivant les dates.A/R bien sur.
avec Air Asia, ça permet d' arriver sur une ville et de repartir d' une autre, ou de prendre le retour d' une ville différente sur une autre Cie.
Avez vous dormi à 4 dans ces hotels? et à ces prix?
A jakarta : Gondia International Guesthouse, 22 JL Gondia Kencil (Incroyable, hotel Calme, de plus, p'tit dej très correct) 180000Rps la double avec sdb--< avez vous du loué 2 chambre pour 4?
A Bogor : Homestay Puri Bali, c'est vraiment pas le luxe mais ambiance sympathique et super bien placé. 100000Rps la chambre
A YogyaKarta : Prambanan Guesthouse, rien à dire, très agréable avec piscine et p'tit dej délicieux pour 190000Rps la nuit
En ce qui concerne ces endroits, quels sont les noms des hotels où vous êtes reste à bromo et kawa ijen ?
Le Mont Bromo : Superbe, même en étant 3500derrière la balustrade en attendant le lever du soleil, finalement, ne vaudrait-il pas mieux y monter vers 10h du mat plutot que 4h ? Bon, sinon le matin il fait 5° la-haut mais des vestes bien chaudes sont à louer dans les hotels ou sur place pour 10000 a 20000Rps donc pas la peine de se charger des polaires🙂
Le Kawa Ijen : Superbe et belle balade, très impressionnant de descendre dans le cratere voir les porteurs de souffre (facile)🙂
Faut il réserver ?
notre itineraire est Jakarta 2 nuits (sorties enfants: seaworld...) 2 jours à Yodja, 1 jour Bromo, 1 jour Kawah ijen, 2 jours surabaya
merci par avance pour votre aide et pour réactivité
Nous étions parfois dans une chambre pour 4 mais souvent dans 2 chambres doubles.
A YogyaKarta : Prambanan Guesthouse : c'était 190000Rps la chambre double donc pour 4, X2 (il y en avait aussi à 140000)
A Bogor : Homestay Puri Bali : d'après le petit livre de bord de ma fille, nous avons payé 160000Rps avec petit dej en étant à 4 dans la même chambre. 100000 est donc le prix pour une chambre double.
A Jakarta : Gondia International Guesthouse : là, je n'ai pas de notes mais je pense que nous avions loué 2 chambres donc aussi x2.
Pour le mont Bromo et le Kawa Ijen, nous avions pris pour éviter de passer trop de temps dans les transports en commun, les attentes, les changements, un minibus à partir de l'hotel Prambanan Guesthouse. Un tour, c'est plus cher mais le prix inclut le transport, les nuits et les petits dej dans un hotel au mont Bromo (yoschi's guesthouse, typique..) et un autre proche du Ijen (Arabica Hôtel dans les plantations de café). Nous avons payé pour ce service 580000Rps/pers car nous étions une famille de 4 sinon, c'était 610000Rps/pers.
Le Kawa Ijen est libre d'accès (en 2009 il l'était), pas de réservation, pas d'entrée à payer, juste à monter avec les porteurs de souffre jusqu'au cratère d'ou la vue sur le cratère est assez impressionnante. Du bord, il est possible de descendre (comme les porteurs). C'est normalement déconseillé a cause des vapeurs de souffre qui peuvent être étouffantes si le vent tourne d'un seul coup et vous envoie un beau nuage de souffre dans la figure. Ceci dit, on peut juger lors de la descente. Moi et ma fille y sommes descendus, ma femme et mon fils sont restés en haut. Nous étions simplement près à nous protéger avec un chiffon au cas où. Donc a vous de juger, le jour ou vous y serez, cela dépend vraiment de la météo du jour et de votre ressenti personnel. Peut-être tout de même, la descente est elle a éviter avec des trop petits si il faut remonter un peu vite.
Pour votre itinéraire :
JAKARTA 2 nuits : nous, nous n'y sommes restés qu'une nuit mais nous avons juste visité un peu la ville.
2 jours à Yogya, oui c'est ce qu'il faut, 2 jours complets, c'est sympa Yogya, il faut aller au marché et bien sûr Borobudur
1 jour à Bromo et Ijen, avec notre "tour", c'est à ce que nous avons fait. En fait, arrivés le soir au Bromo et de 4 à 10h le lendemain sur le mont pour repartir ensuite vers Ijen. Arrivés le soir pour y monter le lendemain matin pour ensuite repartir vers le bateau. Nous avions demandé au chauffeur du minibus de nous laisser à l'embarcadère pour Bali, c'est là que notre tour s'est terminé. Bateau puis bus, nous dormions donc le soir d'après à Ubud sur Bali que nous avons visité pas mal a scooter, ensuite, les îles Gili puis Lombok qeu nous avons egalement bien sillonné et retour vers Jakarta d'ou nous fait un petit crochet vers Bogor.
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
We got back enchanted from a 6-week trip to Cambodia!
Our itinerary: Kampot - Kampong Chhnang - Battambang - Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) - Banlung (Ratanakiri) - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh.
We traveled by bus, minivan, boat (between Battambang and Siem Reap), overnight bus, scooter, tuk-tuk, and rickshaw for shorter distances. We stayed in guesthouses, homestays, and even in the jungle during a trek.
While the Angkor temples are fabulous, it’s the people you should visit Cambodia for—the "Land of Smiles" truly lives up to its nickname! Tourists gather in Angkor but are quite rare elsewhere, even though the country is easy to travel around.
I won’t describe our trip in detail but instead highlight a few favorite moments.
From Kampot, don’t hesitate to head out around 6 AM to see the fishermen return and their wives selling their catch (just 10 minutes away by the coast). Guaranteed picturesque!
In Battambang, known for its food scene, we discovered a cooking class with Smokin’ Pot (authentic Khmer cooking class). They pick you up from your guesthouse to shop for ingredients (we made fish amok and beef lok lak) at their village market, then cook and eat together. A private class—just the two of us! They also send the recipes via WhatsApp as a PDF. +855 12 821 400
In Siem Reap, I can recommend a francophone tuk-tuk driver who was very attentive to our wishes. We visited tourist spots but also more remote villages and local grilled-pork restaurants with him. He’s a wealth of information about local life, and chatting with him was a real pleasure—we left with regret! You can reach him on WhatsApp: Vung Hem, +855 96 614 0146.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Mondulkiri. Don’t expect a super dense jungle—it looks more like a forest similar to ours. But Nara, our Bunong ethnic guide, made the experience adventurous and ultimately very immersive! WhatsApp +855 86 630 489
Bee Bee’s Chalets homestay: If you pass through Banlung in Ratanakiri, we *loved* this family and their budget-friendly bungalows. Playing Uno, enjoying Nita’s cooking (ask for her fish amok—amazing!), it was a true homestay experience! Contact Nita on WhatsApp: +855 88 818 5525.
In Kratie, rent a scooter and follow the Mekong north for 40 km at your own pace. Being so close to the locals was a treat! Same goes for heading south if you have time.
Kampong Thom: Head 25 km out to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. Around a hundred monuments spread across three sites… and hardly anyone there!
A few practical tips:
Though prices are often listed in dollars, you can always pay in riels (1 USD = 4000 riels), which is what we preferred.
PassApp: An app to book tuk-tuks or rickshaws (and most importantly, know the price upfront).
Virak Buntham: A bus company connecting several cities, bookable online.
Feel free to ask me questions about places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.
I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.
My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.
I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...
The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.
For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!
Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.
Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):
· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight)
· Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok)
· Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x")
· Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon
I’m planning a trip to Cambodia and was set on visiting the Ratanakiri region, which seemed to match what we love most in terms of landscapes: forests, jungle, greenery...
However, as I started looking into the area, I read that deforestation there is massive, and some of the info on the topic is years old—the situation hasn’t improved since, unfortunately.
So my question is: is Ratanakiri still worth visiting, and does it justify the long travel time and distance to get there?
I’ve seen that jungle treks are possible, but from experience, I know guides sometimes hesitate to venture deep into the forest and stick to shorter walks along the edges of parks.
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?
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. ;-)
