J'atterris en principe à Denpasar à 11h50 le samedi 20 juillet, pour reprendre un vol à 15h30 avec Air Asia, arrivée à Makassar à 16h50 (ce dernier vol est déjà acheté, à 35€ je n'ai pas attendu).
Après j'hésite. Ma première idée était de dormir à Makassar, pour reprendre un avion le lendemain matin à 9h45 vers Luwuk. Et de là, soyons fou!, tenter de rejoindre Ampana le dimanche soir pour prendre un bateau le lendemain pour les Togians (et là, souffler!). Je souhaite en effet commencer mon voyage par les Togians parce que je crois préférable, en haute saison, de réserver une chambre sur une des îles. Et comme j'aime avant tout rester flexible sur mon itinéraire, réserver pour la première "vraie" étape me semble moins contraignant. Après, le jeu sera ouvert...
Mais voilà, où faire du change dans tout ça? 😕 Avec ce scénario, ce ne serait possible il me semble qu'à l'aéroport de Denpasar ou de Makassar. Pas terrible pour le change, j'en ai bien peur.
Mais la différence dans les taux est-elle si importante entre l'aéroport et une banque ou un agent de change? Justifierait-elle de rester à Makassar jusqu'au lundi pour prendre un vol vers Luwuk en fin de journée (ou seulement jusqu'au lendemain avec un vol à 16h30 s'il était possible de faire du change un dimanche à Makassar)? Ou plutôt rester à Luwuk jusqu'au lundi pour y faire du change (mais est-il possible de faire du change à Luwuk?). 🤪
Je pourrais bien entendu faire un retrait d'un ATM mais comme j'ai besoin d'argent pour tout mon séjour aux Togians, et que je compte peut-être y faire de la plongée, j'ai peur de ne pouvoir faire de retrait assez important.
Et puis, au-delà des "questions d'argent" :
-croyez-vous qu'il soit possible de rejoindre Ampana en bus le soir en arrivant à Luwuk vers 11h;
-les Togians en juillet, est-ce que c'est quand même agréable? Y a-t-il un île ou un resort où le fait que ce soit bondé soit plus ou moins contraignant? J'avoue hésiter encore un peu sur les Togians pour cette raison mais je suis quand même très très attirée par la destination. 🙂
Après les Togians, je prévois faire des étapes à Tentana, vallée de la Bada (et Lore Lindu), Pays Toraja, Bira / Selayar. J'aurais aimé aussi la vallée de la Mamassa, mais ça me semble bien difficile d'accès. J'ai un mois sur place.
Merci de vos éclairages. Parce que là, je sèche...
En voyage je ne sais pas toujours où je suis, mais je ne suis jamais perdue...
Bonjour Madeleine,
Nous avons fait la traversée Sud Nord en 31 jours (sans nous presser) avec véhiculé privé, mais avec les transports en commun il faut évidemment compter plus de jours.
Pour vous donner une idée en 31 jours nous avons avons fait : Bira, lac Tempe, trek dans la vallée de Mamasa, Pays Toraja, lac Poso, les iles Togians, trek région de Gorontalo pour voir la tribu des Polahis, le Parc Tongkoko, ile e Bunaken, retour en avion Manado/Makassar
Nous avons du renoncer au Parc Lore Lindu, trop difficile d'accès, il fallait y consacrer trop de jours.
En ce qui concerne le change nous avons pu vérifier ce qui est indiqué dans différents guides : à savoir qu'il est plus intéressant à Bali. Pour éviter la prise de tête je vous conseillerais l'aéroport´de Denpasar.
En ce qui concerne les iles Togians, pas de banque ni de change, les hébergements sont très réduits. nous étions sur l'ile de Bolilanga (8 bungalows) mais c'était en octobre et il n'y a pas eu de problème de logement. Juillet risqué d'être plus problématique.
Je reste à votre disposition pour un complément d'information.
Cordialement
Patrice.
Je vois que vous êtes allés dans la vallée de la Mamassa. Qu'en retenez-vous? J'avais envisagé de passer plus de temps autour de Rantapeo et de "sacrifier" Mamassa. Qu'en pensez-vous?
Un autre dilemme : les Togians et Bira. Aller aux deux endroits? Un seul des deux? Lequel?
Je sais que j'ai un peu de temps, mais je ne veux pas le passer dans les transports (et étant seule je n'ai pas l'intention d'avoir recours à un chauffeur) et j'aime prendre mon temps. 😎
En voyage je ne sais pas toujours où je suis, mais je ne suis jamais perdue...
Bonjour Madeleine,
Nous avons été déçus par la vallée de Mamasa, les paysages traversés n'étaient pas à la hauteur de ce que nous espérions trouver (compte tenu de ce qui était décrit dans les guides) .De plus je vous précise qu'il faut être bon marcheur car ce n'est pas une simple balade ( le 1er jour le dénivelé était assez important 1200m). Je vous conseille donc de profiter plus de la région de Rantepao. Il y a de nombreux bémos qui vous emmèneront dans toutes les directions pour voir les différents sites Torajas.
En ce qui concerne Bira, si vous êtes adepte de plongée, c'est un bon spot, mais les courants sont assez puissants (nous ne nous y sommes pas risqués), la construction de bateaux traditionnels est intéressante. mais aller à Bira vous fera faire un détour important. Je ne sais pas si les bus sont fréquents pour cette destination.
Par contre en remontant de Makassar à Rantepao, ije vous conseille de vous arrêter au Lac Tempe, et si vous en avez la possibilité de passer une nuit dans une des maisons flottantes (c'est ce que nous avons fait).
Ce serait dommage de ne pas aller aux Togians si vous avez le temps. Vous avez le choix entre plusieurs iles. (Kadidiri étant plus animée donc moins calme).
En résumé pour avoir plus de temps sur place j'éliminerai Mamasa et Bira. Ça ne reste que mon avis, d'autres intervenants sur ce forum vous suggèreront peut-être un choix différent.
Pour Mamasa, vos propos renforcent ma première impression. Ce doit être bien mais, comme il faut faire des choix...
Pour Bira, c'est avant tout l'île de Selayar qui m'attire. Mais j'hésite en particulier en raison des vent dominants qui viennent de l'est à cette saison et qui empêcheraient les sorties de ce côté de l'île. À voir. De toute façon, ce sera pour la fin du voyage, je verrai donc en fonction du temps qu'il me restera.
En voyage je ne sais pas toujours où je suis, mais je ne suis jamais perdue...
Notre itinéraire pour Septembre Octobre 2016 se précise, mais reste une question en suspent: Le Lac Tempe, à faire ou pas? Voilà notre itinéraire tel qu'il est…
Je voudrais aller en Indonésie en Juillet pendant 3 semaines. J’aime le snorkeling la randonnée et les beaux paysages. On m’a conseillé d’aller sur l’île…
J'aimerais savoir si c'est facile de se procurer une carte Sim à Sulawesi, nous arrivons à Makassar et ensuite Rantepao...y en a t'il à Rantepao? Même chose…
Nous partons au mois de juillet en sulawesie et j'aurai souhaité quelques infos logistique... Côté argent, y a t il des guichets automatiques? (Mauvaise…
Nous arrivons à Sulawesi dans quelques jours. Nous atterrissons à Manado ou nous attendrons des amis pendant 3 jours avant d'aller à Bunaken. Y a t'il des…
J'ai besoin de conseils avisés sur ces 2 destinations, en 15 jours
Nous atterrissons à KL on pense y reste 2 jours puis partir sur Bornéo et terminer par une ile pour snorkeling.
Pour ceux qui ont déjà fait quels sont vos incontournables?
on se disait peut être de consacrer 3 jours les derniers aux iles Perenthian, a moins que vous ayez uen ile à me conseiller proche de Bornéo,
Merci pour vos conseils et votre aide
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).
Bonjour à tous,
pouvez vous me donner vos avis sur mon itinéraire de 3 semaines.
nous sommes un petit groupe (famille + amis) 12 personnes, nous envisageons de partir vers le 21 Janvier 2027.
voici mon itinéraire:
3 nuits Bangkok
4 nuits Chang Mai
3 nuits Koh Samui
3 nuits Koh Phangan
4 nuis Krabi
4 nuits Phuket
Si suis également preneur de tout vos bon plan....
Merci à tous, Alain.
Hi! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
Hello,
While traveling in Thailand, I’m looking for a Buddhist kumlai reed bracelet.
Does anyone know where I can find one?
In Bangkok, I visited a few temples but didn’t see any in the nearby shops.
If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them! Have a great day! :-)
My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!
Sandakan → Sepilok:
No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??
Sandakan → Semporna:
From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄).
Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM.
Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?
Semporna → Tawau:
Found this via AI—is it legit?
No online booking, as far as I can tell.
Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly????
And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????
Hi there,
we’ll be in Mai Chau in June and we’re thinking of heading to Sapa, but first spending a few days in Bac Ha to do some hiking and explore the area.
Is this a good idea for those who’ve been there?
How do you get there?
Thanks for your feedback.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there,
I’m planning an itinerary and would love some feedback on whether it’s doable and if the number of days per destination is enough—or too much. I was also debating whether to add an extra night on an island or spend an extra night in Kampot to visit Kep or Battambang.
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning
March 24: Phnom Penh
March 25: Phnom Penh
March 26: Depart for Kampot
March 27: Kampot
March 28: Depart for Battambang
March 29: Battambang
March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap
March 31: Siem Reap
April 1: Siem Reap
April 2: Siem Reap
April 3: Siem Reap
April 4: Siem Reap
April 5: Departure
Hi there,
Yesterday in the Thailand section, 100% of the new threads were just about beach destinations 😕...
So here’s the counterattack in the form of this photo thread, dedicated solely to the countryside: the locals, their livestock, fields, farms, rice paddies, small rivers, and agricultural machinery. If you’ve got any pictures that fit these categories, feel free to add them!
Comments welcome.
For each photo, I’ll (or you can) indicate the area where it was taken.
Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon!
For those familiar with SOUTHEAST ASIA, I'm planning to leave in mid-June (with the trip ending at the latest in November), and I don’t have a precise idea of exact places or itineraries yet. The thing is, this period is usually the rainy season...
Any advice? I was thinking of Malaysia or Indonesia, like Sulawesi, for example (all countries and islands in Southeast Asia interest me except Bali).
Any recommendations? I’m doing my research online, but if anyone here has the time and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you.
My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It’ll be our first time in Asia, and we’re thinking of hitting the classic spots in East Java and Bali, then wrapping up with a cruise around Komodo for some snorkeling/diving. Here’s a rough draft of our itinerary—I’m wondering if it’s doable.
20/09: Flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, arrive around noon, afternoon/evening and overnight in Yogyakarta.
21/09: Borobudur
22/09: Prambanan
23/09: Travel to Bromo (Cemoro Lawang)
24/09: Bromo
25/09: Kawa Ijen
26/09: Travel to Bali, overnight in Pemuteran
27/09: Excursion to Pulau Melujan, overnight in Pemuteran
28/09: Travel to Munduk, overnight in Munduk
29/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
30/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
01/10: Route to Ubud (via Pura Ulu Danau Bratan, Jatiluwih?), overnight in Ubud
02/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
03/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
04/10: Travel to Denpasar, flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight in Labuan Bajo
05/10: Komodo cruise
06/10: Komodo cruise
07/10: Komodo cruise, flight to Denpasar in the late afternoon/evening or overnight in Labuan Bajo.
08/10: Flight to Denpasar (if not taken the day before), afternoon in Jimbaran, overnight near Denpasar
09/10: 10:00 AM flight Denpasar - SIN, overnight in Singapore
10/10: Flight SIN-YQB
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! !
