De retour d' magnifique voyage de 45 jours en Indonésie, de Sumatra au Sulawesi , nous ( moi et mon épouse ) sommes passé à Java en 10 jours par Jojakarta puis visite au Bromo et l' Ijen puis vol a Surabaya , des lieux que je visitais il y a 40 ans .J' adore les volcans .
Mais je n' aime pas a retourner sur mes pas et pour cause :
Avant à Jojakarta la rue allant vers le kraton était bordée de boutiques exhibant des batiks magnifiques dont toutes les femmes s' habillaient .Les très beaux étaient en arrière boutique . De nos jours ces même magasins présentent du prêt à porter .
Vers 1970 j ' avais visité à cheval le Bromo depuis le dernier petit village, cheval payé par un indonésien qui m' avait pris en stop.
Depuis a été construit au village hôtels , restaurants , marchands de souvenirs ; une route descend vers la caldeira . dans la plaine il y a un parking a 4x4 soit disant nécessaires pour la visite , des petits vendeurs à profusion et encore 2 temples , un escalier béton montant sur l' un des cratères et le pire un circuit de motos très bruyantes pour s' amuser dans les cendres volcaniques .Je n' ai qu' un souhait : qu' un jour le volcan fasse le ménage .
Je découvrais l' Ijen qui lui est resté plus authentique bien que très fréquenté par les jeunes
Morale :
ne jamais revenir sur ses pas
Le Bromo est l' exemple de ce qu'il ne faut pas faire sur un lieu magnifique
Java croule sous la population et ses routes sont surchargées .
Il faut sensibiliser les habitants aux pollutions de toute sorte ;ils sont très sensibles aux avis des voyageurs.
Il y a 40 ans voyager était beaucoup plus difficile notamment a Sumatra .
Les indonésiens sont toujours aussi accueillants.
Merci aux infos des voyageurs qui nous furent fort utiles.
En retour , suivront nos infos : itinéraire , coûts , hôtels etc .
A bientôt
Je découvrais l' Ijen qui lui est resté plus authentique bien que très fréquenté par les jeunes
Saletés de jeunes ! 🤪🤪
A croire que certains sont nés papys et qu'en 1970 vous étiez déjà un "vieux" bien respectueux, bien loin de ces "jeunes" qui sont les principaux responsables des dégradation que vous rapportez. Triste réflexion.
Tu interprètes mes paroles comme un discours anti jeunes ;Loin de moi cette pensée dont j'ai souffert dans les année 70
Ijen fréquenté par les jeunes sous entend qu'il y a une marche d'approche avec un petit dénivelé que rebute aux plus agés .Ijen fréquenté par les jeunes cela veut dire plusieurs centaines de jeunes ce jour là, avec ce qui va avec motos , scooter détritus sur le chemin , tentes un peu partout , musique , etc .
Nous y étions pour le weekend et j' ai cru comprendre en période de fin d' études qui est l'occasion d'une sortie nature;
excuse moi mais je préfère la nature quand elle est moins fréquentée .
Je n' écris pas ici pour entretenir ce genre de polémique . .
C'est ben vrai ça!
Lors de mon premier passage à Bali, Ubud était ville morte à 22h. A Kuta, les ruelles étaient ensablées et je me souviens de vieux Balinais y organisant un combat de coqs informel. Je les ai retrouvées bétonnées, sillonnées par des scooters au passage desquels il vaut mieux s'écarter. Le Hard Rock Café était pratiquement vide, mon restaurant préféré, le Ketupat a changé d'adresse... Certaines pièces chinoises ornant les tenues de cérémonies sont des imitations et des nuées de smartphones filment les autochtones comme ils le feraient d'animaux exotiques. 😠
Voilà pourquoi le Pranbanam (vu avant le tremblement de terre), Luang Prabang (son défilé matinal de moines), les pyramides du Yucatan (ex. : Chichen Itza, 365 marches étroites à descendre😉) ou la traversée du canal de Panama... ne pourront plus faire partie de mes voyages. Je préfère conserver mes souvenirs et des photos anciennes.😏
Et il y a tant de choses nouvelles à expérimenter.😎
Bonjour
En 40 ans les pays évolues , en France il y a 40 ans il y avait moins de voitures pas internet et les mentalités on évolues .La première fois que je suis allé a Bali il y a 20 ans , l' an dernier j étais sur Bali , je l ai trouvé changé beaucoup de circulation Plus de boutique de mode européenne .Les Balinais habillés a la mode occidentale .heureusement pour eux qu ils évolues, mais les Balinais sont toujours souriants, aimables , et polies .Nous devrions les prendre pour exemple
Bonne journée
Eh bien tu vois j'ai ressenti la même chose lorsque je suis retournée au Laos en février de cette année. J'y étais allée il y a 10 ans. Pakbeng, petite ville étape lors de la descente du Mékong, n'avait qu'une rue en terre et les enfants se lavaient les dents au bord cette rue dans une bassine en fer.
Aujourd'hui tu peux acheter du Malibu, des Vaches qui ris et des Pringles. Pour moi une catastrophe.
Ceci sans parler du défilé des Moines à Luang Prabang. Rien que de l'écrire j'ai un haut le coeur. Les Moines n'y étant pour rien on est d'accord.
Alors effectivement il ne faudrait peut être pas retourner sur nos pas, et encore moins 40 ans après. Ou alors il faut savoir et accepter que ça a changé, qu'il ne peut en être autrement car on ne peut pas garder ces pays sous une cloche de verre pour qu'ils n'évoluent pas, pour que nous autres européens puissions dire "chouette j'ai vu des gens sans voiture et sans eau courante" (par ex.). L'évolutation, la globalisation est ce que qu'elle est. Que pouvons nous y faire? Ils veulent avoir la même chose que nous, alors que moi j'aimerais leur dire de ne pas aller trop vite, que la manière dont nous vivons n'est peut être pas la meilleure.
Donc je vais aller au Bromo sachant qu'il y aura plein de monde, que je devrais faire au mieux pour ne pas m'énerver avec ça et prendre le meilleur de ce que la nature peut encore nous offrir. Et si je devais retourner dans un pays déjà visité je ne retournerai pas exactement là où je suis déjà allée.
C'est sûr que de revoir des coins qu'on a vu 20 ans avant c'est souvent décevant.
Ce matin, au saut du lit, je me suis regardé dans la glace.
Rien qu'entre hier et ce matin, ça donnait de quoi avoir le bourdon.
Pour Pranbanam, je vais parler d'un sujet "touchy ".
Le rapport entre l'art et l'argent.
Plus prosaïquement, le rapport entre le prix du ticket d'entrée et ce que l'on voit.
Décevant à Pranbanam.
Et agaçant, car les indonésiens prennent les touristes pour des tirelires.
15 dollars.
Les autorités ont tellement conscience que cela ne " les vaut pas ", qu'elles font payer beaucoup moins cher les visiteurs locaux.
Ces 2 gopurams sont pas mal. Intéressants témoignages du passé hindouiste de Java. Mais l'intérêt relatif est gâché par le sentiment d'être pris pour quelqu'un qu'on aimerait pas être.
On pourra me dire que lorsqu'on a les moyens de se payer un billet et un séjour en Indonésie, on peut bien se fendre d'une centaine de dollars ( Borrobodur, Bromo, Ijen, Imogiri...).
Oui.
Je rétorquerai qu'avoir les moyens de se payer tout ça n'interdit pas de trouver agaçant d'être pris pour un veau, par des gens dont l'ocupation est de chercher comment se payer le plus vite possible le nouveau 4X4 Toyota à 600 000 000 rupiahs quand on en gagne 1 000 000/ mois.
Je parts incessamment à Java et je me doute que ce pays n'est plus celui que j'aurais vu il y a plusieurs années en arrière. Tant pis le voyage reste le voyage avec son lot de bonnes (et parfois moins bonnes) surprises. Mon premier trip à eu lieu en 1975 au Maroc. J'y suis retourné plusieurs fois et effectivement à chaque fois il y a quelque chose de changé. Pareil pour l'Inde mon premier voyage ayant eu lieu à la fin des années 70 et le dernier en 2011. ça a bien changé. Je découvre progressivement l'Asie du Sud Est et franchement chaque année c'est un plaisir (j'étais au Vietnam en 2012, au Laos en 2013).
Ce qui me faits un peu sourire ce sont ces gens à la recherche de "l'authentique" comme ils disent. Ce sont ces mêmes gens qui vont pourrir les populations locales en faisant montre sans pudeur d'un certain confort pécuniaire, ce sont ces mêmes gens qui se comportent comme s'ils étaient en pays conquis. Je les rencontre régulièrement que se soit en Afrique ou en Asie. Croyez moi, personne n'est dupe de leur immense bêtise et je pardonne facilement les petites "arnaques" sans conséquences que peuvent faire les "indigènes authentiques".
Le voyage doit rester une découverte et un enrichissement personnel.
Mes intentions ici ne sont pas ici de languir sur le passé révolu qui ne se rattrape guère , mais plutôt tourné vers le futur et la protection des sites naturels dans l'intéret du pays .
J'ai habité au Cap Ferret et ai vu se développer une certaine pollution et activité commerciale avec le tourisme de masse ;Après l' acquisition du conservatoire du littoral de la cote , un retour vers un état antérieur a été effectué .
Pour l' Indonésie je souhaite de même , plus de moto cross et des centaines d 4x4 inutiles au Bromo , plus de plastiques partout et cela est possible.
Au Bromo il parait au dire des locaux que c' est la police la première qui fait du moto cross et cela au regret des guides et de la population locale.
Les voyageurs doivent signifier ce qu' ils n' apprécie pas et ce qu ' ils aimeraient voir .
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
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...
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 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! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
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!
Hi dear community,
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...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
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 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.
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 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.
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...
