De retour de Villa Belza depuis une semaine, le retour à la réalité est difficile. Deux semaines de balades, de farniente, de découvertes... n'hésitez plus à aller à Bohol !
Nous avons été très bien accueilli, tant par Yannick que par Eva. Yannick nous a fait découvrir l'île à moto, fait partager son amour pour les Philippines, commenté nos visites, partagé les baignades... Que de bons moments !!! Quant à Eva, nous l'avons accompagnée au marché, nous avons papoté, elle nous a aussi accompagné et elle est toujours restée à notre écoute pour nous conseiller, nous expliquer les Philippines. Nous avons également partagé des repas. L'atmosphère de Villa Belza est très conviviale. C'est sûr, nous y retournerons !!!
Nous y avons d'ailleurs rencontré des français qui y reviennent régulièrement.
Pour résumer :
- les bungalows : propres et spacieux,
- la piscine : très agréable,
- possibilité de massages par une professionnelle qui vient à la demande pour une somme très modique (très compétente),
- la cuisine : la cuisine de Mei An (pas certaine de l'orthographe), elle me manque déjà, excellente (nous avons rencontré des clients d'un hôtel haut de gamme d'Alona Beach) qui venaient y dîner régulièrement...
- le service : merci à Mispa pour sa gentillesse, son efficacité et sa bonne humeur,
- bon rapport qualité / prix.
Quant à la distance pour se rendre à Alona Beach (900 m) Nous y sommes allés plusieurs fois à pied, revenus parfois en tricycle (c'est amusant et coûte trois fois rien), nous y avons écouté le soir des groupes musicaux (très bons d'ailleurs).
Le fait que Villa Belza ne soit pas contigüe avec Alona Beach permet de préserver notre tranquillité et la distance n'empêche absolument pas de nous y rendre quand on veut.
Comme vous le voyez, je suis déjà nostalgique... Au fait, nous étions 2 couples et l'avis est partagé
Merci de nous faire partager votre joie concernant le sympathique resort de Yannick et Eva.
Une question me vient tout de même à l'esprit à la lecture de votre post :
vous êtes allé aussi loin que les Philippines pour vous contenter de rester dans un endroit ?
c'etait une premiére prise de contact et aussi un voyage surtout pour decompresser, et sur Bohol il y a assez a faire pour occuper 2 semaines sans se stresser a faire et défaire les valises tous les 2 jours !
mais comme dit plus haut chacun choisit, et c'était notre choix ! au prochain séjour philippin, nous procéderons surement autrement !
quinze jours au mm endroit , c'est sur c'est un peu dommage à mon gout
mais bon chacun choisit
il y a tant à voir aux philippines ...
+1
de plus alona va etre envahi d'ici peu par une vague asiatique venant de corée et de chine vu que la construction de l aeroport international va etre construit, un futur boracay avec le resultat qu on connait(enorme pollution, destruction de la faune et de la flore sous-marine)
C'est vrai un peu dommage d'aller si loin pour rester à panglao; en 15 jours vous auriez faire plus à Bohol et même aller faire un saut à Siquijor ou Bantayan/malapascua, sans vous fatiguer🙂. Mais bon chacun choisit ses vacances.
par contre, ton compte rendu ne détaille que les prestations de la villa belza (qui doit être très bien j'imagine); et les Philippines hors hôtel vos impressions?
Vous avez fait des excursions; tarsiers, chocolates hills, autres coins de Bohol?
Voilà merci pour le compte rendu mais ça fait 2 compte rendu aujourd'hui sur Villa belza et Panglao pour deux séjours identiques de 15 jours; on aimerait lire un peu vos impressions sur les philippines et les philippins svp?
Bon retour🙂
Lorsque tu ne sais pas où tu vas, regarde d'où tu viens (proverbe Africain)
Ni aujourd'hui ni jamais, la richesse ne suffit à classer un homme, mais aujourd'hui plus que jamais la pauvreté le déclasse (Charles Maurras)
Je suis resté pour Nouvel an à Villa Belza. Yannick et Eva sont supers sympas mais Bohol, c'est l'île la plus moche des Philippines à cause des touristes. Aller aussi à Siquijor et à Caminguin juste à côté.
Effectivement, nous avons circulé sur bohol et panglao, les Chocolate hills, sagbayan peak, mag aso falls, rio Lobok, balikasag, virgin island....
nous avons trouvé les philippins acceuillant et fonciérement gentils, pas le sourire de circonstance que l'on pourrait trouver en Thaïlande par exemple,
Si bohol est l'endroit le plus moche des philippines, j'ai hate de retourner dans ce pays pour decouvrir le reste !
bonjour!
on a fait un peu le meme parcours que patpat
on était venu à panglao pour récupérer, nous étions à plat.
alors on a apprécié l'accueil des phillippins
nous étions à l'isis bungalows , nous avions pas trop fait de recherche sur les divers sites
au vue des forums : villa belza est réputée pour son accueil et ses conseils
tant mieux , lorsque l'on découvre une petite niche comme panglao, autant qu'elle soit douce
j'y ai d'ailleurs découvert la plongée pour mes 50 ans
bon vent à tous!
christian
Bonjour christian🙂
Faudrait que je m'y mette à la plongée aussi; deux voyages aux philippines et aucunes plongées😊; j'ai du rater des choses
ça s'est passé comment ton premier baptème de plongée là bas?
Bon week end
Lorsque tu ne sais pas où tu vas, regarde d'où tu viens (proverbe Africain)
Ni aujourd'hui ni jamais, la richesse ne suffit à classer un homme, mais aujourd'hui plus que jamais la pauvreté le déclasse (Charles Maurras)
bonjour
à alona beach , il y a des clubs de plongée avec des moniteur européens
tu fais un essai piscine , voir si tu supportes bien le matériel et modifier bien entendu ta façon de respirer, il te faut savoir au minimum les signes de communication sous l'eau
et aprés c'est le vrai test: direction un site sympa, on t'aide à te mettre à l'eau, et tu descends trés doucement; pour ma part j'ai eu de suite un soucis avec le masque , donc pas d'affolo on me l'a changé , avec une bonne brassée aux gars qui gère le materiel au retour; "ella" ma prof ne m'a pas lachée d'une semelle , elle a aussi géré la descente et la remontée au niveau du gilet et des niveaux d'air, donc j'étais totalement assisté et j'ai surtout eu un spectacle que l'on ne peut décrire;
à la troisieme sortie nous étions aux environs de 11-12 mètres ce qui est largement suffisant : éclairage, qualité des fonds, temps passé sous l'eau...
pour découvrir la plongée vaut mieux etre trés entouré; autre chose : ne pas plonger quelques heures avant de prendre un avion,
je répète , je ne peux pas décrire ce que j'ai vu, allez-y!!!
christian
Tu n'as pas du voir grand chose de l'ile pour dire que bohol est l'endroit le plus moche des philippines , il y a des endroits vraiment superbes qui valent le détour, a mon avis tu as été dans
les endroits touristiques, tu n'as pratiquement rien vu de bohol.
je te rejoint sur le fait que les philippins sont des gens tres acceuillants et gentils , mais attention quand ils ont un petit coup dans la trompette, attention également aux arnaques
aux terrains surtout dans les endroits touristiques.
Et me voilà de retour de 2 semaines aux Philippines, 3ème séjour dans les Visayas; sur Siquijor comme toujours (intérêts personnels obligent) puis Bohol. Une…
Mon mari et moi sommes rentrés enchantés par nos 2 semaines passées aux Philippines au mois de mai. Nous avons préparé notre voyage grâce à tout ce que nous…
J arrive le 1 decembre 2008 a manila.et j aimerais savoir la date limite pour mon retour apres deux extensions. je sais que les premiers 21 jours sont…
La suite de notre retour d'expérience récent (5/11). A l'arrivée à Manille T3, ne cherchez pas le bureau d'immigration avant le contrôle des passeports…
Nous (2 adultes:74, 70 ans) vous avions déjà fait un carnet sur notre premier voyage aux Philippines en février /mars 2019 sur ce forum (https://voyageforum...…
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
