Hi everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
Birmanie: aller dans ce pays ou le boycotter?
by Clavdia
This discussion is in French, the community’s main language.
Be j'ai pas pu y aller avant vu que se sont mes premiers mois en Thailande....! J'ai deja repondu a ta question dans le sujet sur Ko Lipe, mais quand je te disais que ton dos etait voute par le poids des annees passees dans des discussions acharnees sur vf !!!😉
quand je te disais que ton dos etait voute par le poids des annees passees dans des discussions acharnees sur vf !!!
Ce n'est pas VF qui l'a tué, c'est le LP et ses virées avec clubber.
Ce n'est pas VF qui l'a tué, c'est le LP et ses virées avec clubber.
Je t'assure Naps, ce n'est pas une conspiration! Reviens!!!
Attention, ne le prenez pas mal mais ca serait peut etre bien de revenir au sujet initial. Entre les guides LP (il existe des discussions dessus) et le reste (qui pourraient se passer en messages privés d'ailleurs) on s'éloigne du sujet initial. Il faut remonter plus de 10 messages pour entendre parler de la Birmanie 🤪.
Juste une petite remarque... 😉
Il faut remonter plus de 10 messages pour entendre parler de la Birmanie 🤪.
Juste une petite remarque... 😉
Salut Phil64,
C'est ou la birmanie 😉😏
Salut Phil64,
C'est ou la birmanie 😉😏
Je viens de lire un article qui permet de relancer le débat, s'il en était besoin. L'article n'est pas récent, certes, mais toujours d'actualité. Je précise que je ne connais pas le Myanmar et que ce pays me tente énormément.
L'Express du 25/07/2005 Certains pays sont-ils infréquentables?
propos recueillis par Dominique Lagarde
En faisant du tourisme dans des pays répressifs, risque-t-on de conforter les dictatures en place? A l'inverse, le tourisme peut-il faire souffler un vent de liberté? Chaque été, le débat rebondit
Oui Annie Faure Médecin, chargée de mission pour la Birmanie à la Fédération internationale des ligues des droits de l'homme «Ecouter les démocrates de ces pays» Il y a beaucoup de régimes infréquentables au regard de la démocratie et des droits de l'homme. Mais ce qui est déterminant à mes yeux, c'est ce que nous disent les démocrates de ces contrées. Lorsqu'ils nous demandent de ne pas y aller, il faut s'abstenir. C'est le cas de la Birmanie, où Aung San Suu Kyi, présidente de la Ligue nationale pour la démocratie, toujours incarcérée, nous dit très clairement de ne pas nous rendre dans son pays. Sa représentativité ne peut pas être contestée. C'est le seul pays où les choses sont aussi claires, même si on commence à voir apparaître des mouvements en ce sens ailleurs, notamment à Cuba et en Tunisie. C'est aussi le seul cas dans lequel la Fédération internationale des ligues des droits de l'homme (FIDH) demande officiellement le boycott de la destination. L'argumentation selon laquelle le tourisme serait bon pour le peuple et l'aiderait économiquement est fallacieuse. En Birmanie, tous les travaux liés à cette activité, qu'il s'agisse des infrastructures ou de l'aménagement des sites, ont été payés par le sang des Birmans. Au cours de l'été 1994, par exemple, plus de 20 000 personnes ont été recrutées de force par la junte pour nettoyer à la main les douves du palais royal de Mandalay. Pour rendre le pays plus attrayant, les autorités ont expulsé tous ceux qui vivaient aux abords des sites historiques. A Pagan, la «ville aux 2 000 pagodes», plus de 5 000 personnes ont dû partir sans sommation, alors qu'elles vivaient là depuis des générations. Quant à l'argent du tourisme, il profite exclusivement aux amis de la junte, dont l'autorisation est indispensable pour ouvrir un hôtel ou un restaurant. Il est tout aussi faux d'affirmer que le tourisme serait un facteur d'ouverture à même d'encourager la démocratie. Cela fait des années que la Tunisie reçoit des visiteurs, et cela n'a pas empêché Ben Ali de se faire élire avec 96% des voix! En Birmanie, où les touristes sont accueillis depuis une dizaine d'années, la répression n'a pas cessé pour autant. L'argent du tourisme, au contraire, a conforté le régime. Quant aux possibilités de rencontres, il faut les relativiser. Et savoir qu'un Birman qui adresse la parole à un étranger sans autorisation est passible de sept années de prison…
Non Jean-François Rial Président de Voyageurs du monde «Comme les journalistes, les touristes sont des témoins» © DR
Le tourisme ouvre. Il a donc, globalement, un effet plutôt positif. Ce n'est d'ailleurs pas un hasard si les régimes qui veulent maintenir leur population sous une chape de plomb refusent les visiteurs. Ainsi, l'Arabie saoudite et l'ex-URSS ont longtemps été des pays fermés, parce que les pouvoirs en place voulaient éviter tout échange avec les populations. C'est le cas aujourd'hui encore de la Corée du Nord ou du Tibet, où la Chine n'autorise le tourisme que dans quelques régions. Comme les journalistes, les touristes sont des témoins, parfois gênants. Ce n'est donc pas parce qu'un pays vit sous un régime abominable qu'il faut s'interdire d'y aller, bien au contraire. Il y a pourtant une exception: lorsque le tourisme, au lieu de produire des effets positifs ou neutres, devient un facteur aggravant en favorisant des actions négatives pour les droits de l'homme. Cela peut se produire quand, par exemple, la construction d'hôtels conduit à des déplacements forcés de population ou au travail des enfants. Incontestablement, cela a été le cas en Birmanie, à un moment donné. Nous nous sommes demandé si nous devions continuer à y envoyer des touristes. Et nous avons décidé de suspendre la destination pendant un an, le temps d'approfondir les choses sur le terrain. Le résultat de notre enquête a été sans appel: tous nos interlocuteurs, tout en nous répétant combien ils honnissaient le régime, nous ont suppliés de revenir. C'est ce que nous avons fait. Je sais que l'opposante et Prix Nobel de la paix Aung San Suu Kyi ne partage pas cette opinion. Son point de vue est tout à fait respectable, mais je n'ai pas le même. Parce que ce n'est pas ce que me disent les Birmans. Eux affirment qu'ils ont envie de voir des gens, d'échanger, de rompre leur isolement. Bien sûr, une partie des dépenses de nos voyageurs alimente les finances de ces régimes abominables. Mais cet argent est aussi, forcément, un facteur de croissance. Et la croissance favorise tout de même plutôt la démocratie que l'inverse. Il ne faut pas, par ailleurs, accorder plus d'importance au tourisme qu'il n'en a. Le président tunisien n'est certes pas un grand démocrate, mais soyons réalistes: ce ne sont pas les touristes qui vont le faire changer quand les pays occidentaux le soutiennent sans condition.
L'Express du 25/07/2005 Certains pays sont-ils infréquentables?
propos recueillis par Dominique LagardeEn faisant du tourisme dans des pays répressifs, risque-t-on de conforter les dictatures en place? A l'inverse, le tourisme peut-il faire souffler un vent de liberté? Chaque été, le débat rebondit
Oui Annie Faure Médecin, chargée de mission pour la Birmanie à la Fédération internationale des ligues des droits de l'homme «Ecouter les démocrates de ces pays» Il y a beaucoup de régimes infréquentables au regard de la démocratie et des droits de l'homme. Mais ce qui est déterminant à mes yeux, c'est ce que nous disent les démocrates de ces contrées. Lorsqu'ils nous demandent de ne pas y aller, il faut s'abstenir. C'est le cas de la Birmanie, où Aung San Suu Kyi, présidente de la Ligue nationale pour la démocratie, toujours incarcérée, nous dit très clairement de ne pas nous rendre dans son pays. Sa représentativité ne peut pas être contestée. C'est le seul pays où les choses sont aussi claires, même si on commence à voir apparaître des mouvements en ce sens ailleurs, notamment à Cuba et en Tunisie. C'est aussi le seul cas dans lequel la Fédération internationale des ligues des droits de l'homme (FIDH) demande officiellement le boycott de la destination. L'argumentation selon laquelle le tourisme serait bon pour le peuple et l'aiderait économiquement est fallacieuse. En Birmanie, tous les travaux liés à cette activité, qu'il s'agisse des infrastructures ou de l'aménagement des sites, ont été payés par le sang des Birmans. Au cours de l'été 1994, par exemple, plus de 20 000 personnes ont été recrutées de force par la junte pour nettoyer à la main les douves du palais royal de Mandalay. Pour rendre le pays plus attrayant, les autorités ont expulsé tous ceux qui vivaient aux abords des sites historiques. A Pagan, la «ville aux 2 000 pagodes», plus de 5 000 personnes ont dû partir sans sommation, alors qu'elles vivaient là depuis des générations. Quant à l'argent du tourisme, il profite exclusivement aux amis de la junte, dont l'autorisation est indispensable pour ouvrir un hôtel ou un restaurant. Il est tout aussi faux d'affirmer que le tourisme serait un facteur d'ouverture à même d'encourager la démocratie. Cela fait des années que la Tunisie reçoit des visiteurs, et cela n'a pas empêché Ben Ali de se faire élire avec 96% des voix! En Birmanie, où les touristes sont accueillis depuis une dizaine d'années, la répression n'a pas cessé pour autant. L'argent du tourisme, au contraire, a conforté le régime. Quant aux possibilités de rencontres, il faut les relativiser. Et savoir qu'un Birman qui adresse la parole à un étranger sans autorisation est passible de sept années de prison…
Non Jean-François Rial Président de Voyageurs du monde «Comme les journalistes, les touristes sont des témoins» © DR
Le tourisme ouvre. Il a donc, globalement, un effet plutôt positif. Ce n'est d'ailleurs pas un hasard si les régimes qui veulent maintenir leur population sous une chape de plomb refusent les visiteurs. Ainsi, l'Arabie saoudite et l'ex-URSS ont longtemps été des pays fermés, parce que les pouvoirs en place voulaient éviter tout échange avec les populations. C'est le cas aujourd'hui encore de la Corée du Nord ou du Tibet, où la Chine n'autorise le tourisme que dans quelques régions. Comme les journalistes, les touristes sont des témoins, parfois gênants. Ce n'est donc pas parce qu'un pays vit sous un régime abominable qu'il faut s'interdire d'y aller, bien au contraire. Il y a pourtant une exception: lorsque le tourisme, au lieu de produire des effets positifs ou neutres, devient un facteur aggravant en favorisant des actions négatives pour les droits de l'homme. Cela peut se produire quand, par exemple, la construction d'hôtels conduit à des déplacements forcés de population ou au travail des enfants. Incontestablement, cela a été le cas en Birmanie, à un moment donné. Nous nous sommes demandé si nous devions continuer à y envoyer des touristes. Et nous avons décidé de suspendre la destination pendant un an, le temps d'approfondir les choses sur le terrain. Le résultat de notre enquête a été sans appel: tous nos interlocuteurs, tout en nous répétant combien ils honnissaient le régime, nous ont suppliés de revenir. C'est ce que nous avons fait. Je sais que l'opposante et Prix Nobel de la paix Aung San Suu Kyi ne partage pas cette opinion. Son point de vue est tout à fait respectable, mais je n'ai pas le même. Parce que ce n'est pas ce que me disent les Birmans. Eux affirment qu'ils ont envie de voir des gens, d'échanger, de rompre leur isolement. Bien sûr, une partie des dépenses de nos voyageurs alimente les finances de ces régimes abominables. Mais cet argent est aussi, forcément, un facteur de croissance. Et la croissance favorise tout de même plutôt la démocratie que l'inverse. Il ne faut pas, par ailleurs, accorder plus d'importance au tourisme qu'il n'en a. Le président tunisien n'est certes pas un grand démocrate, mais soyons réalistes: ce ne sont pas les touristes qui vont le faire changer quand les pays occidentaux le soutiennent sans condition.
Je rentre d'un passionnant voyage dans ce pays méconnu, notamment en raison des pb de sécurité qui s'y posent (de moins en moins à ce jour) et en raison de considérations éthiques auxquelles votre message se réfère.
Mais depuis 2010, les choses changent rapidement et c'est le moment de soutenir le balbutiement démocratique qui s'y manifeste en visitant ce pays. Cela reste une destination sélective, en ce sens que les visiteurs appartiennent pour l'essentiel aux milieux intellectuels...
http://recitdevoyage.free.fr/birmanie/
sans hesiter il faut y aller, pour moi il fait partie des 3 plus beaux de cette region, de plus il est pas encore trop envahi par le tourisme de masse
Birmanie Mon Amour, la France en Birmanie... ici
Voir aussi "Aller plus loin" en bas de page
Les sujets concernant TOTAL (et CHEVRON) sont récurrents et tout porte à croire que cette compagnie sévira encore longtemps en Birmanie, très malheureusement pour les autochtones qui sont forcés de travailler dans cette compagnie par le gouvernement qui n'a de démocratique que le nom. Et ce n'est pas demain que l'on verra TOTAL quitter la Birmanie, les intérêts sont gigantesques...🏴☠️ Lire justement à ce sujet l'excellent article mentionné par Plexo.
Log in first, then come back to this page.
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So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
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I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
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I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
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I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc. Thanks again
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices? Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis? What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc. Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it? Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like? We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
Thanks for your feedback! Best regards, Aurélien
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it? Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like? We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
Thanks for your feedback! Best regards, Aurélien
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
Hi there,
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you? If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Thanks in advance for your help.
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you? If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Hey everyone,
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.
Thanks! 🙂
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.
Thanks! 🙂
Hi everyone,
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
Thanks
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
Thanks
Hi,
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days. I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome! I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Thanks
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days. I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome! I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Thanks
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
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 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.
Days 15 and 16: Taman Negara.
Day 17: Return to Kuala Lumpur.
Day 18: Visit the Petronas Towers or Batu Caves
Day 19: Free day.
Day 20: Return flight.
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Baptiste
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.
Days 15 and 16: Taman Negara.
Day 17: Return to Kuala Lumpur.
Day 18: Visit the Petronas Towers or Batu Caves
Day 19: Free day.
Day 20: Return flight.
Thanks in advance, everyone!
Baptiste







