Ben dites donc !! ça a chauffé ici !! hihi.
Au moins cela prouve qu'il y a de la passion...et la passion au moins c'est pas neutre et j'aime bien quand c'est pas neutre.
Bref, d'un autre côté, il faut pas autant se prendre la tête pour un tel sujet car le fait d'être sur ce forum sous-entend deja que nous sommes entre personnes qui tentont de voyager autrement...chacun à son niveau.
Moi je rentre de Thailande avec le Routard Thailande de cette année dans mon sac.
C'était mon 2eme voyage en Thailande..
J'aime le guide du routard même s'il n'est pas toujours au top...Je ne m'étalerais pas sur ce qui ne vas pas car cela a été dit et je suis assez d'accord.
J'ai un peu galéré par rapport à certaines de ses infos mais je ne m'en suis servi que d'appoint.
Mais bon...ça va...c'est qu'un guide ! On est des grands qui savent se débrouiller tout seul quand même !
On est tous assez intelligents pour utiliser tous ces guides en aide d'appoint.
Ca defrechie le terrain c'est tout. Je ne pense pas que cela est vocation a autre chose et il ne faut pas en attendre autre chose.
Il est clair qu'avec internet et les forums : on a vraiment la meilleure info qui soit..
Je n'ose pas imaginer que quelqu'un voyage uniquement d'après ce qui est ecrit ds un guide...
Qui crois ça ??
Pour répondre à la question initiale : ne tuons pas ce proche guide du Routard !! Il a le mérite d'exister et de ne pas être à 100 % nase...pensons à ceux qui se sentent plus confiants quand ils partent avec en poche...
Je suis sûre qu'il a un paquet d'aspects positifs malgré tout, ne serais-ce que democratiser le voyage en solo pour ceux qui hésiteraient, et permettre ainsi à ceux qui n'envisagaient pas de voyager autrement de découvrir des pays, des cultures et des gens par eux mêmes, sans être dans un troupeau de mouton.
Moi en tout cas, c'est ce genre de guide qui m'a donné l'idée de départ de voyager "seule".
Biquette 😎
Toute contente de son trip en thailande !!
J'aurais pu ajouter le terme touriste à mon énumération ... puisque les touristes comptent évidemment parmi les principaux utilisateurs des guides de voyage.
Du reste, si j'allais pour quelques jours à Florence, à Moscou ou même à Pekin, je serais moi-même un "touriste".
Pour moi, un touriste c'est quelqu'un qui effectue un "tour", justement : un période de vacances. Quelqu'un qui s'interesse à une nouvelle culture, mais n'envisage pas de rester longtemps dans le pays en question, et qui n'est pas soumis aux mêmes contraintes, aux mêmes besoins qu'un voyageur "au long cours" ou un expatrié.
Je ne me considère plus comme un touriste en Thaïlande, au Cambodge ou au Laos ... J'y ai fait un certain nombre de séjours allant de plusieurs semaines à plusieurs mois ... et si je ne parle pas les langues locales, je pense tout de même connaître assez bien ces pays.
Attention, je ne me considère pas comme un "super crack" : je sais qu'il y a des gens sur ce Forum qui ont bourlingué plus longtemps que moi en Asie du Sud-Est et qui, pour certain, vivent actuellement là-bas en permanence. Je suis lucide. Pour autant, même s'il est bien clair que je ne possède pas un savoir exhaustif sur ces cultures, je pense néanmoins savoir de quoi je parle.
Mais je ne me permettrais pas de donner des conseils à quelqu'un sur le Vietnam ou la Malaisie ...
Voilà.
J'ai tjrs trouvé étrange et un peu prétentieux (désolée) de faire cette confrontation entre voyageur/routard/globe-trotteur/baroudeur, et touriste. Pour ma part quand je suis en voyage qq part hors de chez moi, je suis forcément touriste. J'habite à Paris, mais quand je fais une petite promenade dans un autre quartier où je n'ai pas mes habitudes, je suis touriste. Quand je rentre chez moi en Asie, il n'y a que mon quartier et les endroits que je fréquentais, où je ne me sens pas touriste. Quand je suis ailleurs que dans mon quartier, je suis touriste. Dès que je visite qqch (un endroit où je ne vais pas souvent, moins d'une fois tous les 6 mois, on va dire, et où je n'ai pas d'habitudes particulières), je suis touriste dans cet endroit. J'habite à un quart d'heure de marche de la tour Eiffel, mais quand j'y vais, j'y suis tout autant touriste que ceux qui viennent de l'autre bout du monde pour la visiter. Peut-être est-ce dû au fait que je n'ai pas grandi tout à côté de la tour Eiffel? Peut-être que mon fils ne se sentira pas touriste à la tour Eiffel?
A plus forte raison, habitant Paris, je suis touriste si je vais visiter Provins ou les châteaux de la Loire.
Un expatrié vivant à Bgk (par exemple), sera touriste s'il passe le weekend à la plage ou s'il fait un séjour à Chiang Mai ou ailleurs autre que dans le quartier où il vit à BKK.
Pour moi, donc, un voyageur ou un routard (peu importe la manière dont il voyage), est tout autant touriste que tous les autres touristes... Ce ne sont que des mots qui désignent la même chose (par contre j'inclus dans ce groupe de mots le terme parfois un peu négatif - pour certains - de "touriste").
Et bien moi, le guide du routard, ça fait plus de 20 ans que je le prends et il est devenu une institution. Ainsi pour aller en Turquie, il existait en 86 un guide routard qui s'appelait "proche-Orient" qui regroupait l'Egypte (!?), Israel, la Turquie, la Syrie, la Jordanie et le Yemen... et il était pas bien épais !!! Aujourd'hui, y a un routard que sur Istanbul par exemple et il est énorme. Ma fille qui voyageait avec nous, a presque appris à lire avec ce guide là et il fait partie de la famille.
Ben oui, je ne m'en sers plus, il s'est embourgeoisé et les gens qui partent en voyage organisé l'emportent avec eux !!! Alors bien sûr, on ne peut pas s'y retrouver et ça ne ressemble plus à rien.
Ainsi quand j'ai cherché dans le guide du routard Malaisie (que je n'ai pas acheté), une partie Bornéo, il était dit (en gros) que c'est fait pour les aventuriers qui n'ont pas froid aux yeux. Pfftt, je suis partie seule avec mes enfants et Bornéo c'est aussi simple que la Thailande !
Disons qu'il a été victime de son succès, qu'il a perdu son originalité et son identité... et que ses concurrents l'ont surpassé. 🤪
"Disons qu'il a été victime de son succès, qu'il a perdu son originalité et son identité... et que ses concurrents l'ont surpassé. 🤪 "..........et disons aussi que son fondateur est devenu méga-fortuné avec sa petite entreprise.............sans parler du "Bistrot d'André", dans le 15eme, encensé dans le guide.....ben oui, forcémént, c'est son frére qui le tient......
Les idées, ça rapporte de l'argent, quand ce sont de bonnes idées. Et ce fut une sacrément bonne idée ce guide là, en son temps ! On ne peut lui en vouloir d'avoir eu la bonne idée au bon moment... on voudrait juste avoir la même maintenant, non ? 😎
Le lonely planet est bien mais en me promenant sur le net pour regarder les hotels et leurs tarifs, j'ai vu que les prix étaient plutôt différents... Cad plus de deux fois plus cher que les prix affichés dans le guide, pourtant l'édition 2006... Il faut donc être bien prudent !
C'est étonnant que tu as déchiffré le sens des mots, de la phrase! Autrement, l'essentiel de l'écriture: c'est communiquer et comprendre..jusqu'à présent je comprends tout le petit monde de VF; je crois que tu devrais postuler pour entrer dans l'hémicycle de clowns: l'académie française...😏
bon, je ne suis pas d accord! nous avons achete le guide du routard thailande version 2006, et toutes les adresses de restos etaient franchement valables et honnetes.
en ce qui concerne les adresses c est vrai que ca tatonne un peu, mais franchement selon les quartiers a bangkok donner une adresse precise c est pas evident! et on finit par trouver sans galerer, les thai sont tellement sympas! et puis ca fait partie du jeu non?
pour les hotels je ne peux pas dire, nous n avons fait aucun de ceux mentionnes sur bangkok. par contre nous avons ete au zazen a koh samui, et leurs commentaires correspondaient bien aux prestations de l hotel, a savoir que les bungalows les plus chers n etaient pas les mieux..
malgre tout j aurais ete plus dythirambiques concernant l hotel..
et puis bon le guide c est une base, apres on se lance, on teste..
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...
