nous revenons de Borneo et voici qq uns de nos conseils et petits trucs que nous avons découverts sur cette île magique !
Utiliser Air Asia & Air Malaysia sans hésiter : très peu chère et très pratique Les terminaux Air Asia & Air Malaysia ne sont pas ds le même aéroport à KL (15 min de bus) donc a:ttention aux connections !! A Kuching, aller au Foodhall sur le toit du parking derrière le bord de mer (à côté des grands hotels/indiqué ds le LP) pour y manger des fruits de mers incroyables avec les locaux A Bako, une journée de rando suffit car intérêt surtout ds les petites criques/plages / assez peu de vie animalière & végétale même si on peut y rencontrer des familles de nasiques (avec de la chance !)
A Gunung Mulu, réserver en Long House directement ds le Parc car superbe et pas trop chère
Faire l'adventure caving de la Deer Cave (plus grande grotte au monde avec 3 MIos de Chauve Sourisau dessus de la tête ==> Assez physique car un peu de spéléo mais magique
Et surtout ne pas rater leur sortie le soir
Réserver en avance pour aller au Camp 5 : 1h de bateau qu'il faut partager avec d'autres personnes intéressées (voir sur place à l'acceuil du parc pour mutualiser les côuts) puis 4h de marche ds la jungle en portant son eau sa bouffe et ses vêtements pour 3 jours donc bonne condition nécessaire mais c'ets sublime (seul ds la jungle..)
Faire la rando des Pinnacles mais attention : prendre des gants et pantalon long (rando physique aussi !)
Pour qq RMB de plus, un cuisinier vous fait à manger sur place n'hésitez pas
Faire aussi la canopee (détente et très belle rando ds les arbres) faisable pour ceux qui ont le vertige
Aucun intérêt à rester à Sandakan
Allez directement sur le Kinabatangan en passant par Sepilok (les personnes gérant les lodges sur le fleuve Kina ont l'habitude)
A Sepilok, ne rester que pour le feeding à 10h: arriver 30 min avant pour avoir un bon pt de vue: C'est un peu triste car très Disneyland mais on peut voir des Orang OUtans de près.... Même si on a eu la chance d'en voir en liberté sur le Kinabatangan !!
De Sepilok partir direct pour le fleuve :
On vous recommande le Kinabatangan Jungle Camp : superbe en pleine nature et les gens sont volontaires pour vous faire découvrir les trésors de ce fleuve
A Semporna, faire le marché et le marché aux poissons: attention ville bruillante et pas très belle ...
Dormir au Dragon Inn est une bonne alternative
DONC LA PRECIPITEZ VOUS ds la Longhouse que propose Scuba Junkie (écôle de plongée) sur l'Ile de Mabul
LE PARADIS ET LE REVE ABSOLU
Scuba Junky sont des vrais pros par contre pour ceux qui veulent plonger ds le paradis de Sipadan, réservez 2 mois en avance car l'Ile est toujours sous quota et est bookée toute l'année
Essayer de ne pas faire que de la plongée à Sipadan: Le Snorkeling est dément car la vie sous marine à 1m50 est folle : tortues par dizaine, banc de jack fish, requins etc... A KL, aller au 8 Hotel, très jolie guesthouse
Allez ds le marché chinois pour manger, c'est excellent
On revient pleins de moments magiques ds une période basse (mois d'octobre 2008) où nous étions seuls et en liberté !
Bon voyage
Merci pour tous ces renseignements.
Je suis très interessée par le Jungle Camp. Comment avez vous fait pour reserver et combien cela vous a t il couté? Sur leur site il n'y a pas les prix! On est 5 ( 2 parents et 3 enfants de 17 à 12 ans) et on aimerait y rester 2 à 3 jours.
Encore merci
Caroline
Merci beaucoup pour votre compte-rendu de voyage 😎
Je vais m'en inspirer pour mon séjour prévu en mai-juin 2009 (une seule réponse à ce jour à mon post), j'aurai sûrement encore besoin de vos conseils 😉
concernant le KJC, nous avions réservé par internet.
Annie ne répond que 2 ou 3 fois pas semaine donc ne vous inquiétez pas !
Pour 3 jours 2 nuits cela nous avait couté 280 euros par personne. (peut être pouvez vous négocier puisque vous êtes avec des enfants )
Cela semble chère mais cela inclus : le transport de Sandakan au camp, un arrêt le matinà Sepilok en voiture pour voir les Orang OUtans, les balades du matin et soir pour observer la vie sauvage (3h de bateau par balade), tous les repas (très bons) et des bungalows très décents pour être au miieu de la jungle !
A votre dispo
Jérôme
Bonjour
Sur Borneo rien de plus facile que de prendre l'avion : Air Asia ou Air Malaysia se déplacent partout et à très bas prix (billet autour de 30/50 euros pour traverser l'île !)
Sinon le bus est très typique mais nous n'avions que peu de temps donc nous avons réservé un mini van et c'est très pratique (solution plus onéreuse mais bcp plus rapide par ex Taxi KJC Kinabatagan vers Semporna (5 h de route) = 50 euros pour 2 avec chauffeur
Cdt
Jérôme
Bonsoir,
comme il est dit plus bas l'avion est le meilleur moyen car l'ile est grande et les déplacement routier assez lents!
Petite précision tout de même: Quand les vols d'air asia sont bookés en avance via le web, ils sont encore bien meilleurs marché voir exceptionnel genre 8€!
Salut et merci Jerome,
effectivement les 280€ par personne me semblent super chers. En ce qui nous concerne nous allons passer une semaine au Sarawak puis une semaine au Sabah. On voudrait louer une voiture ( pour 5 + bagages) en arrivant à Kota Kinabalu, pour se balader librement jusqu'à Sandakan et Sépilok. As tu une idée des prix de location de voiture? Etes vous allés chez Annie? En ce qui nous concerne on aimerait aller chez Robert et chez Annie, mais par nos propres moyens. Est ce que le camp de jungle est accessible en voiture?
Merci encore
Caroline
merci pour vos impressions sur ce voyage. Je fais un voyageà bornéo en avril prochain et j'hésite encore entre les 3 possibilités de logements pas cher sur Mabul: Scuba junkie, uncle chang et Billabong scuba.
Pouvez vous me conseiller pour mon choix. Qualité de la nourriture, nb de plonger par palanquée, chambre, animation le soir, tarif des consomations, ...
Concernant la voiture nous n'en avons pas loué donc pas d'infos sur le prix désolé mais KK est une ville très développée donc vous pourrez avoir les infos facilement.
Difficile d'aller chez Robert & Annie car après 1h30 de voiture depuis Sandakan il faut prendre leur bateau pdt 30min pour arriver au KJC...
Je part deux semaine sur Borneo fin Janvier. Je dois atterir a Kota Kinabalu sur Sabah et souhaiterais me rendre directement a Sarawak pour visiter le Gunung Mulu natinal park ainsi que la region des Kelabit highlands. Comment se passe le passage frontiere entre Sabah et Sarawak? Merci pour les conseils que vous auriez a ce sujet.
Pour aller de KK au Gunung Mulu rien de plus simple ! Il existe un avion que nous avons pris pour faire KK-Mri-Gunung Mulu avec air Malaysia !
Il faut appeler Air Malaysia à Paris pour réserver le billet car l'avion est un micro machine (env 20 places par jour)
Le passage entre les 2 régions se fait par un tampon sur le passeport c'est tout !
Merci beaucoup de votre reponse. Pouvez vous me confirmer qu'il n'y a plus besoin de permit pour aller au dela de Marudi (Mulu et autre Kelabit highlands)?
je pars cet été à bornéo et je viens à la pêche aux informations!
tout d'abord merci poru votre récit de voyage et les conseils qui seront certainement très utiles !!
je m'intéresse à Kinabatangan jungle camp, il n y a pas les prix sur leurs sites et les contacts mails donnés sur le site web ne fonctionnent pas, auriez vous une adresse mail à me communiquer ??
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 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).
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
