Nous serons de Juin a fin Juillet en Indonesie. Nous avons trouve un low cost depuis KL pour rejoindre Mankassar.
Nous ne connaissons pas beaucoup le pays mais cherchons des coins paradisiaque et si possible en dehors des grandes voies touristiques.
J'ai fouille sur le net mais j'ai juste pu voir que Alor etait conecte depuis Denpassar, Surabaya et Kupang.
J'aurai aime trouve un ferry allant Mankassar jusque Flores et de flores rejoindre l'archipel d'Alor.
Avez vous deja ete la bas? Comment avez vous fait? Quel sont les plus beau spot de plongee dans cette partie de l'Indonesie pour vous?
Tu dis attendre les réponses avec impatience. Là déjà c'est tout faux pour voyager en Indo 😉
Les plus beaux spots de plongée, au moins aussi bien que Sipadan mais à des prix nettement plus raisonnables, sont vers Alor. Cédrick de la p'tite kepa connais toute la région comme sa poche. J'y ai passé 3 semaines inoubliables. À deux, c'est 125000/pax en pension complète. Et c'est bon !
Pour y aller, de Larantuka, on a d'abord fait un stop à Lewoleba. Petite île a visiter, beaucoup de charme, les gens d'une gentillesse dngue. En sortant de Flores qui fut si dure à cause des gens, on a halluciné. Des sourires à la pelle, et gratuits ! On avait oublié ! Dans le Sud il y a un petit village de pêcheurs de baleine. Vas-y !!!
Ensuite tu prends un woddenboat pour Pentar (à moins que tu trouves un ferry pour Alor mais c'st moins sympa). Nous étions à Wairiang le jour du marché. Comme on a mal dormi, le réveil matinal nous a permis de vivre lesprémices du marché, puis son intensité. Et là nous avons pris le petite bateau pour Pentar (pas trouvé pour Kepa ou Kalabahi direct), passé une nuit et puis un autre petit bateau qui nous a lâché directement sur la plage de kepa.
De Makassar, regarde sur le site PELNI, il y a un ou plusieurs bateaux à faire la liaison. La traversée doit prendre 3 jours je crois, vérifie.
Un grand Merci pour le temps que tu as pris a nous repondre. Je vais regarder point par point le trajet a faire quand nous aurons une connection internet nous permettant de lire les cartes google lol
J'aurai surement d'autres questions a te pose bientot mais en attendant je vais me pencher sur ce trip.
J'aurai aime trouve un ferry allant Mankassar jusque Flores et de flores rejoindre l'archipel d'Alor.
(info 2009, sous réserve de modifs et sous réserve que les bateaux ne soient pas en cale sèche pour entretien)
Le Bukit Siguntang relie Makassar à Maumere un mercredi sur 2 (semaines impaires)
Mieux: un lundi sur deux (semaine paire) le Sirimau relie Makassar à Larantuka puis Kalabahi (durée 2 jours et 2 nuits)
Parfois les horaires peuvent être consultés sur le site www.pelni.co.id mais jamais plus d'un mois à l'avance.
A Alor, les plus beaux spots de plongée sont, à ma connaissance, autour de Pulau Kepa. Attention à bien réserver la petite Kepa à cette période, ils sont victimes de leur succès !
Egalement un grand merci pour toute ses infos. On va surement prendre le ferry et de la visiter tranquillement flores et se poser a Alor. Je n'oublierai pas de reserver a la p'tite kepa dans tous les cas😛.
Ouais, c'est tout à fait ce genre de bateau. Celui pour Pentar était plus petit (tu l'as pris d'où ?), celui de Pentar à Kalabahi comme le tient. On a moins flippé, parce que le premier, pour traverser le détroit, d es fois j'ai serré les fesses. Nos sac à dos trempés, ça c'était finalement rien par rapport à la peur.
À Baranussa, j'ai dormi dans une maison à 50m du port, un homestay tenu par un musulman. Celui sur le port n'existe plus. Chez ce vieux monsieur, Anne avait distribué des moustiquaires (elle fait partie d'une ONG Suisse) que je n'ai pas vues. Il y a une croyance par là-bas : là où tu dors, il ne doit rien y avoir au dessus de toi à part le toit ! Donc pas de net, ce qui enchante les moskitos à palu.
Il te faut réserver Kepa dès maintenant, cs sont des habitués qui reviennent tous les ans. Le meilleur bungalow est le grand 360 près du restaurant. Demande-le si c'est possible. Sinon celui juste à côté…
Ouais, c'est tout à fait ce genre de bateau. Celui pour Pentar était plus petit (tu l'as pris d'où ?), celui de Pentar à Kalabahi comme le tient.
On l'a pris à Kalabahi... car le ferry normal était encore en panne.
Sauf qu'il nous a pas emmenés à Baranusa mais dans un bled paumé d'où aucune route ne partait, contrairement à ce que ma carte indiquait, il a donc fallu mettre le scooter dans un bateau de pêcheur pour finir, de nuit, la "route" vers Baranusa....
On a du dormir au même endroit je pense. De toutes façons à Baranusa ça a l'air d'être le seul. On se faisait faire à bouffer dans l'épicerie d'à côté (y'a pas de warung à Pantar), ils faisaient de bons "ikan kuah" si on prenait la peine de commander la veille...
Le vieux ne faisait pas la popote, il a donc fallu se débrouiller. Heureusement, les chinois de l'épicerie nous ont gentiment proposé de faire quelques plats pour pas très cher. Ils ont été vraiment kool sur le coup.
Le lendemain matin à 9h on prenait le deuxième wooden boat qui nous déposait directement sur la plage de Kepa (tu reconnaitras la plage sur les photos en bas. Combien de temps es-tu resté chez eux ?
Le ferry n'était pas en panne, mais j'aurais presque aimé et ainsi être obligé de prendre un avion. La nuit pas kool du tout mais bon, pas cher…
Aah ces "oreng china", heureusement qu'ils sont là sinon y'a des fois où j'aurai crevé de faim ou de soif 😉
Sur Pulau Kepa, on est resté que 3 jours et 2 nuits, après on s'est fait gentiment virer car ils étaient full en réservations !!
Mais Miss Kepa (ché plus son prénom à la femme de Cédric?) elle m'a vachement bien aidé à préparer mon parcours tout autour de l'île d'Alor. Je voulais aller distribuer aux habitants les photos prises par eversmile 3 ans plus tôt dans des bleds plus que paumés... j'ai pu les distribuer presque toutes et en mains propres, enfin pas très propres mes mains, car on en a bien chié sur leurs chemins impraticables en 2 roues... que d'émotions Thierry ! 😎
PS: dis donc tu m'as pas l'air très chanceux niveau météo !! Je sais pas si je vais le grimper avec toi ce Rinjani 😛
Ces oreng china qui exploitent si bien le petit peuple indonésien, sans scrupules, sans états d'âmes, ne payant parfois que 500 000Rs par mois des jeunes plus proches de l'esclavage que d'une vie descente.
On est restés 3 semaines à Kepa sans jamais pousser plus loin que Kalabahi. On s'est posés, reposés mais pas de visites, rien, nada. Repos total près quelques mois pas toujours faciles sur les routes d'Asie. Alors si tu me racontes un peu Alor, je suis pas contre :-) Bien sur j'y retournerai avec la même idée que toi, mais en attendant…
Quant àla météo du moment, ça continue ! Borobodur sous la flotte (je l'ai déjà dit ?), ce matin on se lève et grand soleil. Voilà, on part sous le soleil, on roule et 3 heures plus tard on ratrappa la flotte qui est passée la veille. Sympa non ? Donc ben valavala, ce soir il pleut toujours, on est à Solo… Alors le Rinjani, faudra prévoir les zimpers !
Fait ch… 😎
Je ne sais pas trop pour les Chinois en Indo, je ne connais pas assez. En tout cas je suis content en général de trouver leurs épiceries dans les endroits ravitaillés par les corbeaux.
Te parler d'Alor? Ben en fait j'ai aimé essentiellement autour de Pulau Kepa, cet espèce de petit mamelon au nord de Kalabahi.
En dehors de cette zone j'ai pas trouvé qu'il y avait tant à voir à Alor. Et puis pour se déplacer c'est vraiment difficile, la côte sud ne peut se faire qu'à pieds ou en bateau... certes on est vraiment en dehors des sentiers battus, mais y'a pas grand chose à voir non plus.
Par contre j'ai fait le tour du mamelon (Pantai Mali, Pasir Putih, etc...) c'est vraiment chouette. J'ai pas encore mis les photos sur mon site, j'ai une grosse flemme, mais ça viendra...
Bon et puis d'ici le mois prochain j'espère que la saison des pluies sera finie 😇
Les nouaches en Indo, Anne me disait qu'ils sont un mal nécessaires. Les INdos eux-même seraient incapables d'assurer. Alors ils en profitent.
As-tu vu des villages tradi avec leur maison 360° comme les appelle Anne et Cédrick ? J'ai tellement aimé ce genre de maison :
Au fait, de Pentar, Où es-tu allé ? Lembata ou Larentuka ?
Ben faut y retourner ! J'espère ne pas attendre 3 ans pour revoir la famille (qui s'est agrandie cette année) et les fish ! Mais c'est vrai que ça passe vite 😕
Ah je reconnais la P'tite Kepa :-)
Oui Mister Happy, il y a des rumah adat à Alor, mais moins qu'à Florès à Sumba.
N'en v'là, pauvre Bruno, il va encore avoir le cafard 😛... encore que je ne suis pas sûr que ce sont des rumah adat, peut-être des rumah tout court, car ils vivent dedans.
Une autre avec des zindigènes dessus 😇
Pfff j'ai 450 photos d'Alor qui sont pas triées 🏴☠️
Atau mau tingal di rumah saudara saya, bisa lihat banyak photos lagi dari pulau Alor... Désolé ce message subliminal ne se pas traduit...
Circuler à Alor c'est pas la joie, le "réseau routier" est inexistant, ce sont des chemins praticables seulement à pinces car c'est plein de pierres. Là en arrière plan tu vois Rumaji galérer sur le scooter, on se relayait car c'était plus fatiguant de maitriser le scooter que de marcher à pieds 🤪 Pauvre scooter, comme on lui en a mis !!
De Pantar, j'avais bien l'intention au départ d'aller sur Larentuka, petit à petit, en faisant un arrêt à Lembata, puis de Larentuka prendre le ferry retour pour Kupang, mais j'ai renoncé, c'était trop galère avec le scooter. Dans cette partie de l'Indonésie, le scooter s'est souvent avéré être un handicap pour passer d'île en île. Et puis on avait trop trainé à Pulau Roti lors de la 1ère partie du voyage.
Alors on a fait demi tour, retour à Kupang en ferry via Kalabahi.
J'aurais bien aimé rester plus longtemps à Pantar, pour en faire le tour, car du haut du volcan on pouvait apercevoir des plages plutôt sympas.
J'ai bien aimé le Gunung Sirung, t'es monté là haut?
Les habitants nous ont invité à boire une noix de coco à redescente du volcan, je m'en suis torché 3 d'affilé tellement je crevais la soif (non pas qu'on avait pas prévu assez d'eau, mais j'avais pas prévu d'avoir autant de "guides" pour nous accompagner... bien qu'on ait au départ conclu l'affaire uniquement avec le gars au pull rayé...)
Tiens voilà mon fond d'écran au boulot: une plage pas loin de Kalabahi. L'avantage de voyager avec un local, c'est que j'en ai toujours un sur mes photos 😎
Ah et puis une tite photo de la Tite Kepa qui donnerait presque envie d'y aller. C'est pas qu'ils aient réellement besoin de pub mais bon... merci Anne 😊
Je suis jaloux, tes photos sont comme d'hab superbes. jaloux je suis !
Pentar : en fait on ne savait même pas qu'on était à Pentar ! Il y a un gars à la sortie du bateau qui m'a dit être guide et vouloir m'emmener grimper un volcan (je ne sais pas lequel). C'était à une période du voyage où on n'avait qu'une envie : se poser à Kepa et ne plus rien faire à part aller emm… les poissons ! Pour le moment et après plus de mois (cumulés) passés en Indonésie, nous n'avons violé qu'un seul volcan, le Kalimutu. Je compte bien ratrapper mon retard cette fois-ci.
Et le Rinjani, c'est quand même LE mythe à faire ! Et toi qui "habite" à côté tu n'y vas même pas ? Faute !!!!
Quand même, voyager avec un scoot et un local, y a pas mieux ! Déjà le scoot c'est énorme. À partie du 18 avril, je file à Kuta en louer un et je le lâche qu'en partant !
"Ou bien vivant dans la maison de mon frère, pouvait voir beaucoup plus de photos de l'île d'Alor."
Ah mais vu tes carnets, pas si flemmard que ça quand il s'agit de voir des plages. Tu sais, au sein du cratère se niche la plus fabuleuse plage immaculée. Tu devrais venir voir ça ! 😎
Hé hé... v’là que tu as peut-être touché là où ça fait Tilt avec cet argument ! 😉
Et voui, même que pour ajouter une couche au mythe je compléterai en disant qu’en + de ça je crois savoir qu’ il y’a des sources d’eaux chaudes du côté de là-haut... 😇
Bon, ben si avec tout ça on n’arrive pas à le motiver le Lolo ! 😛
PS : ...Surtout que, comme je serai là, pas question de flemmarder cette fois-ci non mais ! 🤪😠
(Je rigôôôle Lolo : prend pas peur... je ne suis pas sérieux bien sûr quand je dis ça ! 🙂)
"Nul ne va aussi loin que celui qui ne sait pas où il va...
par contre qui met les pieds dans le plat aura toujours du mal à grimper !"
Hé hé... v’là que tu as peut-être touché là où ça fait Tilt avec cet argument ! 😉
Et voui, même que pour ajouter une couche au mythe je compléterai en disant qu’en + de ça je crois savoir qu’ il y’a des sources d’eaux chaudes du côté de là-haut... 😇
Bon, ben si avec tout ça on n’arrive pas à le motiver le Lolo ! 😛
Ouais ouais, des sources chaudes.... faites gaffe vous 2 parce que moi aussi j'en ai des fabuleuses plages non immatriculées 😛
On aimerait faire du camping sauvage avec ma copine quand on sera dans des endroits paumes (je sais meme si les guest house ne sont pas cher...s'est surtout pour le fun).
On aurait besoin d'acheter une tente legere sur Surybaya? pense tu que cela soit possible?
Sinon on essayera de trouver deux hamacs et une moustiquaire, t'en pense quoi? possible?
On sera a Surybaya debut Juin. De la on compte faire Le mont bhomo, Bali (en speed), Lombok (surf) et de la essayer de faire une croisiere roots jusqu'a Flores.
J'ai entendu parler de personne qui avait fait ca pour moins de 100 euros pour quatres jours trois nuits a bord sur differents spots de snorkeling...t'en as deja entendu parle?
Je sais, j'ai beaucoup de question mais etant donne que tu connais bien le terrain, on en profite 😛
salut !
Sachant que je n'ai jamais mis les pieds à Surabaya, j'aurais du mal à te donner des infos :-)
Sinon la croisière pas chère c'est probablement celle de Perama http://komodo.peramatour.com
A moins qu'il existe un autre organisme moins cher je ne sais pas? En tout cas c'est forcément du voyage de groupe, car chartériser un bateau sur cette distance, ça coûte forcément plus de 100 euros...
Voilà bref, pas très utile ma réponse, peut-être que quelqu'un vous en donnera une meilleure ;-)
Nous partons cet ete en Indonesie pour 15 jours, et nous hesitons entre 2 itineraires: 1/ Arrivée a Flores (Maumere) via Denpasar, passer 8 jours sur place…
J'aimerais plonger sur l'archipel d'Alor lors de mon voyage en mai mais impossible de trouver des vols via le net. Denpasar /Kalabahi/Larantuka. (si possible)…
Nous partons 4 semaines cet été pour l'Indonésie. Nous avons déjà visité JAVA/BALI/SULAWESI/... Cette année nous désirons explorer les îles à l'Est. Nous…
Je cherche des info sur l'archipel d'Alor en Indonésie. Il n'y a plus de guide sur cette région. A par la plongée, qu'y a t il a faire, randonnée, village?? La…
Bonjour je souhaite diviser mon séjour en 2 parties soit 15 jours à phuket et 15 jours sur krabi. Savez-vous si je peux louer une voiture et la rendre a krabi lors de mon retour en France
Merci de vos retours
Bon dimanche
Martine
Je cherche la perle rare pour mon 3eme séjour sur Koh Lanta : un bel hotel qualitatif au bord d' une plage facile d'accès dans un endroit animé.
Si vous connaissez quelque chose qui s'apparente à ma recherche et que vous souhaitez partager n' hésitez pas.
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Bonjour précieuse communauté,
J'envisage de me rendre au Cambodge cet hiver, juste après Noël, pour un premier voyage seule, et mon premier voyage en Asie. Pour deux semaines (oui, je sais, c'est peu, mais je ne peux vraiment pas plus...). J'ai deux grandes envies: Siem Reap, et la campagne, les villages, le Mekong...
Que pensez-vous de cet itinéraire? Arrivée à Siem Reap, départ de Phnom Penh
SR: 5 jours (1 jour pour l'arrivée, 3 pour les temples, 1 pour le lac et ses villages)
Kratie (étape sur la route du Mondolkiri): 3 jours (1 jour de trajet, 2 jours sur place)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 jours (1 jour de trajet, 1 jour sur place, 2 jours de treks)
PP: 3 jours (1 jour de trajet, 2 jours de visite)
Je pense qu'il faut que j'enlève un jour quelque part, si je pars du samedi au samedi, ou du dimanche au dimanche. A Kratie, peut-être? à PP? et je rate le trajet en bateau que tout le monde conseille (SR-Battambang), mais je ne vois pas où le caser. Sauf à faire un PP-PP en commençant par l'est, laisser tomber Kratie ou vraiment juste une nuit, puis SR, puis PP).
Dans mon timing, j'ai l'impression que le Mondolkiri est plus proche que le Ratanakiri, qui me tentait aussi beaucoup! Est-ce que cela restera pas trop compliqué toute seule? Je pense faire appel à des guides locaux, ou une petite agence locale, pour faire une escapade dans la nature et les villages.
Je lis qu'il y a beaucoup de monde à SR entre Noël et Nouvel An, je peux aussi faire le circuit dans l'autre sens. Mais je trouvais plus facile de me familiariser avec le pays en arrivant en territoire touristique, je me trompe peut-être...
Merci pour vos conseils et avis!
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.
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
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 trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
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.
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.
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?
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?
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...
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.
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.
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,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
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,
From Malacca to get to Jerantut, is it better to go back to KL and take a bus from there, or take a bus to Tampin and then a train? Any feedback on the "Jungle Train"? (duration, price, comfort, etc.). Thanks
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.
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Flores and then Bali at the end of September.
We’ve already visited both but this time, once we’re in Labuan Bajo, we’d like to take a boat to the Komodo Islands to see the famous Komodo dragons.
I don’t want to sleep on the boat—just a day trip would be perfect.
Does anyone know a reliable and friendly provider to recommend?
Thanks in advance, and have a great summer!
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
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.
However, I’m not quite 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 some walks and/or things to see in Kampong Thom?
Hi there,
We’re planning to travel from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang next November.
We’d like to take a slow boat from Chiang Khong—or rather from Huay Xai in Laos—with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.
Could you let us know if the boat still leaves Huay Xai in the late morning? If so, what time roughly, and what’s the price for the trip?
Thanks for your help!
Alod
We (3 adults: 68, 65, and 25 years old) are just back from a short trip to the Philippines, and I’d like to share a little summary of our journey. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who contributes to this forum about this destination and answers the questions of those who aren’t familiar with it. I should also mention that my comments are personal and don’t reflect anyone else’s opinions. Since I don’t have any literary or photographic talent, I’ll stick to the facts and share a few details about the sights, hotels, and restaurants.
Preparations:
We chose this destination in December and quickly booked our flight tickets (540 € with Turkish Airlines) for a departure on February 16 and return on March 5, 2019. We then contacted two French-speaking tour operators based in Manila, asking them to put together an itinerary based on our wishes (places to visit, type of accommodation) and our budget. We wanted to see the rice terraces in northern Luzon, the hanging coffins in Sagada, before flying to the Visayas (Bohol, Siquijor, etc.), and the Taal Volcano, while limiting our nights in Manila as much as possible. In the end, we opted for Alize, whose itinerary and quote matched our request almost perfectly. Our exchanges helped us refine our circuit.
International flights:
The round-trip flights went smoothly. Turkish Airlines, while not at the level of Asian or Gulf airlines, does the job just fine.
Day 1:
We landed on time (6:15 PM) on Monday, February 16, at Terminal 3. We exchanged our euros (near the car rental counters), and I can confirm the exchange rate was very good. On the way to the St. Giles Hotel (decent and affordable for a transit night), we got our first glimpse of Manila’s dense traffic. The Makati district, where our hotel was located, offers a wide choice of restaurants, so we grabbed a quick bite to recover from the trip.
Day 2:
This day was dedicated to transferring to Banaue. Fortunately, we had a comfortable van and an excellent driver for this journey, which took all day (8 to 9 hours with stops). We got a taste of driving in the Philippines—and it’s terrifying. You wouldn’t want to drive on these roads. The first thing that struck us was the relatively good condition of the roads and the cleanliness (a change from other Southeast Asian countries). This impression lasted throughout our trip. Around 6 PM, we checked into our room at the Banaue Hotel (large, charm-free, but with a beautiful view of the rice terraces).
Day 3:
With the help of a local guide, we took a jeepney to Batad. And then—wow! The rice terraces form an amphitheater overlooking the small village. Under the sun, it’s simply spectacular and breathtaking! Even though we’re familiar with rice terraces (Sapa, Bali, Thailand, etc.), we were dazzled by so much beauty. We spent the day walking along the terrace walls. This place is timeless and fully deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. However, we returned to the hotel exhausted (due to our ages and lack of exercise). We had dinner with our driver at the Las Vegas restaurant in the center of Banaue. The meal was decent, cheap, and the Filipino owner played the guitar to accompany our dinner.
Day 4:
Today, our driver took us to Sagada. The mountain road offered spectacular landscapes (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Along the way, we stopped in Bontoc to visit the small but interesting anthropological museum. It features old photos and various objects from the Ifugao tribes, as well as a reconstruction of primitive dwellings.
We then went on a short hike in Sagada with a very friendly local guide who explained the region’s funeral rites. The walk started at the communal cemetery before reaching “Echo Valley,” where we saw the first coffins hanging on the cliff. We continued to the “Underground River” and a small waterfall, ending our journey in the “Lumiang Cave” burial cave. All in all, this day was very interesting. On the way back, we made a few photo stops.
In the evening, on our driver’s recommendation, we ate at the “Bistro,” a French enclave in the center of Banaue (good pizza, roasted quail, homemade fries).
Day 5:
Today was a transfer day. To limit fatigue and nights in Manila, our tour operator arranged a flight from Clark to Tagbilaran (Bohol), saving us 2 to 3 hours of driving. But to catch our flight, we had to leave very early: 5:30 AM. Our kind driver dropped us off on time at the airport. To use it, we had to pay a 150 PHP tax per person. The Philippine Airlines flight (15 minutes) left early and was far from full. Upon arrival, we were taken to the Loboc River Hotel, on the banks of the river of the same name. A very charming lodge lost in a tropical garden. We stayed in a stilt cottage overlooking the river. We relaxed a bit in the lovely pool. This place is really great—the staff is charming, and the food is excellent for a reasonable price.
Day 6:
This day was dedicated to exploring Bohol. The program was classic, starting with the tarsier sanctuary. We saw a few specimens in a small garden, each pointed out by a staff member. It was both good and disappointing because the animals were in pseudo-freedom in a small enclosure. Then we went to the “Chocolate Hills” and climbed 240 steps to admire the panoramic view of the hills—but by 10 AM, it was crowded. On the way back, we stopped at the butterfly garden, which was uninteresting: tiny, with few butterflies. We consoled ourselves by photographing beautiful flowers. To please our teen, we stopped at the Loboc Eco Tourism Adventure Park and crossed the river lying down, suspended from a steel cable (300 PHP). Finally, we had the traditional lunch-cruise on the Loboc River. It was a factory-like experience, and the meal was unremarkable. The only good thing was the singer on each boat and the lush vegetation. Afterward, we visited colonial churches and the cathedral, remnants of the Spanish presence, before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved dip in the pool. Note that for those interested, there’s an arena near the hotel where cockfights are held every Sunday—something Filipinos are passionate (if not obsessed) about.
Day 8:
Very early departure for the port. We boarded a *banca* in search of dolphins. After about an hour of sailing, we were lucky enough to spot around a hundred dolphins. Our boat then headed to the small and charming island of Pamilacan. After a walk through the little village, we came across locals traditionally building a boat. They told us it takes about a month to finish their outrigger boat. Then we had to choose our snorkeling spot between the coral garden, the fish park, and the turtle enclosure. Note that a fee is charged for each spot: 150 PHP per place and per person. It felt a bit like we were being ripped off, especially since the spots weren’t amazing—we’d see much better on Apo for much less. We had lunch on the island at one of the many small eateries (350 PHP per person).
Days 9 and 10:
On our return, we were taken to the Bohol Sea Resort on Panglao Island, where we stayed for 2 nights. It’s a small, recent establishment in a quiet corner of the island. It’s relaxing—maybe a bit too much. It has a nice pool and access to Danao Beach, but the view is blocked by a flotilla of boats. We didn’t try their diving school. The meals were good. If we had to do it again, we’d skip this stop to spend more time in Negros.
Days 11 and 12:
We took a fast ferry (Ocean Jet) from Tagbilaran port to Dumaguete and were taken to the Thalatta Resort, about 20 km away near Zamboanguita. We stayed there for 2 nights. Let’s just say it was our favorite. It’s a small place facing Apo Island. The rooms are simple, and the pool, nestled in a magnificent tropical garden, is fantastic. The staff is friendly, and the meals are very good. The hotel has its own diving center (snorkeling gear provided) and its own boats. We booked the Apo Island excursion: 1,350 PHP per person, including lunch. It was incredible: magnificent corals, colorful fish, and turtles of all sizes. The crew was endlessly kind and didn’t hesitate to dive to guide us to the best spots. In short, a perfect day. This site is ranked among the top 5 diving spots in the Philippines.
Since we were lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday morning, we explored the surprising Malapay Market, a 10-minute walk from our hotel. You’ll find numerous stalls selling vegetables, fruits, live or dried fish, and handicrafts. Enclosures are set up for selling livestock (calves, zebu, pigs). There are also restaurants. We were lucky to see two pigs roasted traditionally on a spit. There are few Europeans, and the people are warm. A great moment.
We left this beautiful place with regret because we didn’t have time to visit the island or go swimming with whale sharks.
Days 12 to 15:
From Dumaguete port, we took a short crossing (1 hour with Ocean Jet) to Siquijor Island to reach the Coco Grove Beach Resort. A beautiful hotel nestled in a spacious tropical garden. Several restaurants and bars, 4 pools. Despite the size of the place, it remains intimate. You can snorkel (corals and fish) right in front of the beautiful beach. We stayed in a very pleasant duplex suite. For those interested, there’s a spa and a diving center. You can also take the Apo Island excursion (offered at 1,950 PHP).
We spent our days relaxing between the pool and the beach. In the evening, the sunsets over Negros and Apo were stunning.
We booked an island tour with a comfortable tricycle from the hotel (1,500 PHP). The circuit was classic and allowed us to go around the island. We discovered beaches, the famous 400-year-old ficus tree with its enormous roots, and its equally famous foot bath with its cleaning fish. Then we visited the St. Isidore Convent before heading to the Cambugahay waterfalls and their four pools. The setting is idyllic, and the water is surprisingly good—we had a lot of fun swimming. We had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the island, where you can see Apo, Cebu, and Negros. In the end, Siquijor turned out to be a real little tropical paradise.
Since the hotel restaurants were expensive, we dined at nearby establishments: Fuego (clean, good—excellent raw fish—and quiet), Chekesch (louder), and the very pleasant Baha Bar, which brews its own beer and offers more refined cuisine.
Days 15 to 16:
We left at dawn to return to Dumaguete and its airport by ferry. We had breakfast at the Coco Grande Hotel, an annex of the previous one. The Philippine Airlines flight went smoothly. A driver took us to the town of Taal. We stayed at Paradores Del Castillo, right in the heart of the old town. It’s a charming old house with only 6 rooms. The various rooms are decorated with antiques—a real little museum. The garden is pleasant and opens onto the town.
It’s an old early 19th-century house converted into a hotel, beautifully arranged with 6 rooms in the heart of the city. The restaurant in the garden is very pleasant and offers a panoramic view.
We visited an old Spanish house before heading to the beautiful Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Philippines. A mass was in progress, allowing us to gauge the Filipinos’ fervor before we could visit. When we left, it was dark, and we could admire the illuminated building. We ended our evening by exploring the night market with its many fruit and skewer stalls. A nice surprise.
In the morning, we were taken to the shores of Taal Lake, an ancient caldera where a second volcano has formed in the middle of the lake, which in turn contains another lake. We boarded a *banca* to reach the island in the middle of the lake. This was followed by an uphill walk, made difficult by the high temperature (36°C) and the dust on the path. The dust was worsened by the many horses carrying (or bringing back) the less courageous. To illustrate the difficulty of the climb, the trail is marked by the Stations of the Cross and its 14 stations. We were panting while our guide trotted far ahead. Our effort was rewarded when we reached the summit and its viewpoints over the inner lake and the surroundings. The wisps of smoke seen here and there confirmed we were on an active volcano. Inside the lake, there are supposedly 45 small volcanoes, one of which emerged during its last eruption in 1911.
On the way back, we had lunch by the lake before returning to Manila and the Bayleaf Hotel, whose main merit is its location in the Intramuros district. In the late afternoon, we walked along the walls of the old city.
We had dinner on the hotel’s panoramic terrace overlooking the city and the bay.
Day 17:
Last day! Our tour operator joined us for a tour of the Intramuros district. He enriched the visit with comments on the history, geopolitics, and economy of the Philippines. We visited the Manila Cathedral, destroyed 7 times in the past (6 earthquakes and the 1945 bombing). It’s beautiful, and its stained glass is magnificent. We couldn’t enter the San Agustin Church, the oldest Catholic building in Manila. We passed by the memorial to the Battle of Manila, which claimed over 100,000 lives. We visited the area around Casa Manila, which was closed on Monday, and had a drink at Barbara’s cabaret, located in a historic house. A very enriching morning.
Then we went to the Mall of Asia, the world’s largest shopping mall, to buy some souvenirs (Kultura store) before being taken to the airport. We exchanged our last pesos at the buying rate right after check-in.
The return flight went smoothly. We regretted not being able to use the facilities of Istanbul’s new airport, as its opening was delayed by another month.
Finances:
In the end, we spent 1,640 € for the international flights, 4,200 € for the stay (hotels, visits, various transports) with the agency (whose professionalism we can only praise), and about 700 € for meals, tips, and souvenirs.
Summary:
Luckily, we had beautiful weather throughout our stay, with temperatures between 26 and 35°C. Discovering the Philippines was a wonderful experience. The diversity of the landscapes, the kindness of the Filipinos, the cleanliness, and the truly delicious fruits (especially pineapples and mangoes). We were never harassed, unlike in many touristy countries. On the other hand, the food, though generally cheap, wasn’t exceptional.
Since this country is so vast, we might return in the near future.
Though I’m not a specialist on this destination, I’m happy to answer your questions based on my experience.
So, my flight tickets have just been booked for a trip to Cambodia from November 4th to 27th, 2025.
I’ll be traveling solo and want to explore this amazing country while getting a bit off the beaten path.
I’m arriving in Phnom Penh and also departing from Phnom Penh.
My goal is to travel as much as possible by bus and scooter.
What itinerary would you recommend?
What are the must-do things?
I’m open to all tips and info.
Thanks in advance for your help and responses.
We got back enchanted from a 6-week trip to Cambodia!
Our itinerary: Kampot - Kampong Chhnang - Battambang - Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) - Banlung (Ratanakiri) - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh.
We traveled by bus, minivan, boat (between Battambang and Siem Reap), overnight bus, scooter, tuk-tuk, and rickshaw for shorter distances. We stayed in guesthouses, homestays, and even in the jungle during a trek.
While the Angkor temples are fabulous, it’s the people you should visit Cambodia for—the "Land of Smiles" truly lives up to its nickname! Tourists gather in Angkor but are quite rare elsewhere, even though the country is easy to travel around.
I won’t describe our trip in detail but instead highlight a few favorite moments.
From Kampot, don’t hesitate to head out around 6 AM to see the fishermen return and their wives selling their catch (just 10 minutes away by the coast). Guaranteed picturesque!
In Battambang, known for its food scene, we discovered a cooking class with Smokin’ Pot (authentic Khmer cooking class). They pick you up from your guesthouse to shop for ingredients (we made fish amok and beef lok lak) at their village market, then cook and eat together. A private class—just the two of us! They also send the recipes via WhatsApp as a PDF. +855 12 821 400
In Siem Reap, I can recommend a francophone tuk-tuk driver who was very attentive to our wishes. We visited tourist spots but also more remote villages and local grilled-pork restaurants with him. He’s a wealth of information about local life, and chatting with him was a real pleasure—we left with regret! You can reach him on WhatsApp: Vung Hem, +855 96 614 0146.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Mondulkiri. Don’t expect a super dense jungle—it looks more like a forest similar to ours. But Nara, our Bunong ethnic guide, made the experience adventurous and ultimately very immersive! WhatsApp +855 86 630 489
Bee Bee’s Chalets homestay: If you pass through Banlung in Ratanakiri, we *loved* this family and their budget-friendly bungalows. Playing Uno, enjoying Nita’s cooking (ask for her fish amok—amazing!), it was a true homestay experience! Contact Nita on WhatsApp: +855 88 818 5525.
In Kratie, rent a scooter and follow the Mekong north for 40 km at your own pace. Being so close to the locals was a treat! Same goes for heading south if you have time.
Kampong Thom: Head 25 km out to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. Around a hundred monuments spread across three sites… and hardly anyone there!
A few practical tips:
Though prices are often listed in dollars, you can always pay in riels (1 USD = 4000 riels), which is what we preferred.
PassApp: An app to book tuk-tuks or rickshaws (and most importantly, know the price upfront).
Virak Buntham: A bus company connecting several cities, bookable online.
Feel free to ask me questions about places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
