nous venons de passer 15 jours merveilleux en Indonésie avec une partie decouverte au pays Toraja ou nous nous sommes regalés
je voulais juste faire un recapitulatif des plus et des moins pour infos pour les futurs voyageurs
les plus :
Cendena tours (merci à ceux du forum qui me l'avait conseillé ) qui nous avait organisé les vols et le circuit au pays Toraja au depart de Bali, tout etait parfaitement organisé et nous avons eu un guide genial et adorable et un chauffeur super efficace car il faut voir les conditions routieres entre Makassar et Rantepao !!!!
a Bali on a retrouvé notre ami balinais avec qui on a passé de supers moments de detente et de repos !
nous sommes retournés dans 2 hotels que nous connaissions deja et que nous avons autant apprécié cette année : le Santika a Kuta et la rama beach resort a Kuta également, une gentillesse du personnel et un acceuil super chaleureux et un cadre tres agréable dans les 2
A ubud une mention speciale pour le restau 3 monkeys dans la rue principale, on y mange tres bien dans un cadre agréable et pour les gourmands il y a des brownies divains 😉
le moins maintenant :
apres notre periple au pays toraja on avait prevu un sejour balneaire et tranquille sur une ile et dans un hotel qui avaient l'air top : gangga island resort
l'ile est superbe rien a dire mais quelle deception concernant l'hotel en voyant les prestations par rapport au prix de malade qu'ils pratiquent, on connaissait le prix bien sur avant d' y aller mais on pensait que les prestations seraient à la hauteur c'est a dire PARFAITES :
* bungalows : mediocres (clim deffectueuse, odeurs dans la salle de bain sans parler du menage tres mal fait ...
* nourriture car cest en pension complete vu qu'il n y a pas pas de resto sur l'ile : nourriture tres moyenne , simple , pas un fruit de mer en 4 jours et peu de plats locaux, par ex on a eu un goulash avec des pommes de terre en boite ...🙁
* personnel : le minimum aimable ...
* on nous a proposé des sorties snorkeling, et nous avons annulé au dernier moment car trop de vent ce jour la et heureusement car non seulement le materiel etait payant (palmes ...) mais la sortie aussi et pas qq dollars , non 95 dollars par personne
* le transfert : lors de notre reservation pas une fois mon correspondant n'a mentionné les frais de transfert, je les pensais donc inclus dans le prix comme c'etait le cas pour nos hotels a Bali , et bien imaginez notre surprise le dernier jour en voyant la note : 120 euros pour 4 a l'aller et meme chose pour le retour, on a du batailler pour obtenir la moitié mais pas mieux ...
nous leur avons laissé nos commentaires en partant ...
Conclusion : on est pret pour retourner a Bali l'été prochain en le combinant a une nouvelle region d'indonésie qu'on ne connait pas encore, on reflechit à ou !!!
tous les bons moments pris ne sont plus à prendre !
Je ne parlerais pas des Celebes que je ne connais pas encore, mais pour Bali en août 2009, quelle déception!
Enormément de monde, très difficile de trouver à se loger et les prix qui s'envollent pour des prestations souvent moyennes. Poue explication nous étions resté à l'image de Bali de novembre 2001😏.
Les indonésiens sont quand même des gens adorables, mais Bali est devenu très mercantile.
Pour le resto les 3 monkeys, je trouve les tarifs bien excessif! Pour loger (tout près des 3 monkeys) le Ubud Bungalows vraiment bien avec piscine, mais 35 €/nuit
+1 !
D'après ce qu'en disaient les balinais et les touristes habitués à cette destination, c'est la plus grosse saison qu'a jamais connu l'île... Mais bon, moi qui n'étais jamais allée en Indonésie, j'ai quand même beaucoup aimé ce que j'en ai vu, je tâcherai juste de revenir en saison creuse la prochaine fois.
salut
nous aussi , nous revenons d'indonésie (6 eme voyage ) dont les premiers
en :80 ( un mois a bali)
en 84 : bali , java
en 85 : 15 jours à sumatra ( un cauchemard)
20 ans apres mais avec 2 enfants
en 2005 : bali, celebes, flores, seraya
en 2006 ; bali, lombok, java
en 2008 : bali, java
en 2009 : bali et trawangan
je n'ai jamais vu autant de monde et les prix des hotels sont pratiquement le double de l'année derniere
Nous ne réservons que par internet et nous nous arrangeons pour ne rien payer avant d'arriver, on ne sait jamais...
si on sent l'arnaque et qu'on nous demande des prix exorbitants, nous sourions , nous rigolons avec et si çà ne s'arrange pas nous montrons les dents ( mais nous ne laissons pas perdre la face)
une technique qui eloigne un peu l'arnaque , savoir quelques pharases en indonesien :
bonjour, bonsoir, etc..., bon appetit, à la votre.....comment çà va .., combien çà coute, c'est trop cher...vous avez le sens de l'humour...
rien de tel pour ne pas vous faire arnaquer et les petit + venir avec vos enfants ( surtout s'ils sont d'origine asiatique)
mais bon , nous y revenons quand meme presque tous les ans
salut
quand nous y sommes nous cherchons des hotel pour l'année d'après et recuperons un max d'adresse mail
Salut emolas, merci pour ta réponse.
J'y suis allé il y a 17 ans et je n'avais pas eu cette impression c'est pourquoi je te posais la question. J'avais trouvé les gens adorables, en tout cas plus qu'a Java ou Bali, et ça reste mon meilleur souvenir d'Indonésie même si ça n'a pas toujours été facile (grosse galère pour certains transports, notamment en bus depuis Jakarta 🤪). Les gens les moins sympas que j'ai rencontré étaient au lac Toba et a Nias, ailleurs que du plaisir et de belles rencontres. Mais bon j'étais seul alors pour une femme je ne sais pas quelle est l'attitude des indos a leur égard 😕 Je pensais que ton voyage était plus récent et que ca avait peut-être changé alors qu'on y était a peu près a la même époque 😉
oui je m'en souviens pour l'avoir indiqué a des amis qui y vont cet été : on avait payé environ 600 euros avec vols bali /makassar, makasar/ manado manado/ makassar, makassar /bali
je peux vous indiquer par message privé les coordonnées de l'agence locale qui s'est occupé de notre programme car nous avons été super contents
tous les bons moments pris ne sont plus à prendre !
Merci pour votre réponse.
Le tarif que vous me donnez, comprend uniquement les vols ou bien la prestation complète, guide?voiture?hotels?....Le tarif est pour 2 ou par personne?
Votre guide parlait-il Français?
Oui je veux bien les coordonnées en MP.
Merci d'avance
Comme promis à certains, quelques infos sur les ferrys pour les Togians, qui datent de septembre 2010 (désolée je suis un peu longue à réagir!!) - trajet…
Mon voyage date un peu (2009) mais récemment ma petite soeur m'a demandé de lui faire un topo sur Bali et comme je ne peux rien lui refuser je me suis dit…
Nous venons de passer 2 semaines super à Sulawesi. Merci à tous ceux et celles qui nous ont aidé à préparer ce voyage. Voici quelques infos point de vue…
Je reviens de 3 semaines la bas (nous étions 2, du 21 août au 13 septembre), voilà un résumé qui j’espère pourra vous donner des infos intéressantes, si vous…
Asie du Sud-Est › Thaïlande / Indonésie · 14 replies
Je prépare un voyage solo en Thaïlande en Novembre 2011. Mon problème c'est que j'ai peur d'avoir trop de plaisir la bas et de manquer de temps pour aller en…
Bonjour je souhaite préparer un séjour de 15 jours en Malaisie, l'idée serait de visiter KL sur 2/3 jours puis Bornéo, le reste du temps, qu'en pensez vous? et terminer par les iles Perenthian...je veux bien vos avis vos conseils et je vous remercie
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
Hello,
While traveling in Thailand, I’m looking for a Buddhist kumlai reed bracelet.
Does anyone know where I can find one?
In Bangkok, I visited a few temples but didn’t see any in the nearby shops.
If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them! Have a great day! :-)
My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!
Sandakan → Sepilok:
No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??
Sandakan → Semporna:
From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄).
Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM.
Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?
Semporna → Tawau:
Found this via AI—is it legit?
No online booking, as far as I can tell.
Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly????
And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????
Hi there,
we’ll be in Mai Chau in June and we’re thinking of heading to Sapa, but first spending a few days in Bac Ha to do some hiking and explore the area.
Is this a good idea for those who’ve been there?
How do you get there?
Thanks for your feedback.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there,
I’m planning an itinerary and would love some feedback on whether it’s doable and if the number of days per destination is enough—or too much. I was also debating whether to add an extra night on an island or spend an extra night in Kampot to visit Kep or Battambang.
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning
March 24: Phnom Penh
March 25: Phnom Penh
March 26: Depart for Kampot
March 27: Kampot
March 28: Depart for Battambang
March 29: Battambang
March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap
March 31: Siem Reap
April 1: Siem Reap
April 2: Siem Reap
April 3: Siem Reap
April 4: Siem Reap
April 5: Departure
Hi there,
Yesterday in the Thailand section, 100% of the new threads were just about beach destinations 😕...
So here’s the counterattack in the form of this photo thread, dedicated solely to the countryside: the locals, their livestock, fields, farms, rice paddies, small rivers, and agricultural machinery. If you’ve got any pictures that fit these categories, feel free to add them!
Comments welcome.
For each photo, I’ll (or you can) indicate the area where it was taken.
Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon!
For those familiar with SOUTHEAST ASIA, I'm planning to leave in mid-June (with the trip ending at the latest in November), and I don’t have a precise idea of exact places or itineraries yet. The thing is, this period is usually the rainy season...
Any advice? I was thinking of Malaysia or Indonesia, like Sulawesi, for example (all countries and islands in Southeast Asia interest me except Bali).
Any recommendations? I’m doing my research online, but if anyone here has the time and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you.
My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It’ll be our first time in Asia, and we’re thinking of hitting the classic spots in East Java and Bali, then wrapping up with a cruise around Komodo for some snorkeling/diving. Here’s a rough draft of our itinerary—I’m wondering if it’s doable.
20/09: Flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, arrive around noon, afternoon/evening and overnight in Yogyakarta.
21/09: Borobudur
22/09: Prambanan
23/09: Travel to Bromo (Cemoro Lawang)
24/09: Bromo
25/09: Kawa Ijen
26/09: Travel to Bali, overnight in Pemuteran
27/09: Excursion to Pulau Melujan, overnight in Pemuteran
28/09: Travel to Munduk, overnight in Munduk
29/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
30/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
01/10: Route to Ubud (via Pura Ulu Danau Bratan, Jatiluwih?), overnight in Ubud
02/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
03/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
04/10: Travel to Denpasar, flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight in Labuan Bajo
05/10: Komodo cruise
06/10: Komodo cruise
07/10: Komodo cruise, flight to Denpasar in the late afternoon/evening or overnight in Labuan Bajo.
08/10: Flight to Denpasar (if not taken the day before), afternoon in Jimbaran, overnight near Denpasar
09/10: 10:00 AM flight Denpasar - SIN, overnight in Singapore
10/10: Flight SIN-YQB
Hi everyone,
My girlfriend and I booked our tickets with Saudia Airlines for a trip to Thailand this summer, from July 5th to August 3rd. Given the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, we’re keeping a close eye on the news.
I was wondering if anyone here is in the same situation as us?
• Have you heard anything about possible mass cancellations or if the airline is still maintaining its routes to Asia?
• Are there any travelers who’ve recently returned who could tell us if air corridors have been changed (longer flight times)?
The idea is to know what to expect so we can prepare as best as possible. Thanks for your replies! !
Thanks for all your contributions on the forum—they’ve really helped me plan my trip. There are four of us friends heading to Sulawesi for 20 days. Based on all your advice, I’ve put together the following itinerary:
July 30: Makassar – sightseeing
July 31: Makassar – sightseeing + overnight bus to Rantepao
August 1–7: Tana Toraja with a guide
August 7: Tana Toraja to Tentena + visit Tentena
August 8: Early departure with a private driver to Ampana, then ferry to the Togian Islands
August 9–15: Togian Islands (2 different resorts)
August 15: Depart Togian Islands for Luwuk
August 16: Flight Luwuk to Makassar
August 17: Rammang Rammang
August 18: Stroll in Makassar, then return home
Overall, what do you think?
I also have a question about the connection between Tentena and the Togian Islands: Is it doable to leave early in the morning as planned and still be sure not to miss the ferry?
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
