Je pense que ta question concerne l'ile de Flores en Indonésie et l'ile de Sulawesi en Indonésie, et un de ses ports maritime "Makassar". Il existait au moins une liaison maritime entre ces deux iles, réalisée par un des très gros ferrys gouvernementaux, les Pelni (ferrys fabriqués en Allemagne). Cette liaison existait toujours en 2011.
Je te laisse lire cette discussion sur VF qui contient les liens de la compagnie Pelni, qui permet ensuite de trouver les liaisons, les ports, les horaires, les prix... (désolé, je dois partir... ) 😉
Bonne lecture
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” (M. Twain)
je pense qu'il y a un ferry qui fait Bira (Sulawesi Selatan) pour Labuan Bajo (Flores)
Assez long et pas sur qu'il soit a l'heure, donc avoir beaucoup de temps en cas d'imprevu.
Visitez Sulawesi (Celebes), Bira beach, Kendari et Toraja!
Bonjour et Super 🙂
Le blog que tu as trouvé donne une information supplémentaire qu'il existe un ferry entre Labuanbajo (Flores) et Bira (Sulawesi), 🙂 ferry qui n’apparaît pas sur le site de la Pelni. Donc ce ferry n'est pas un pelni. C'est intéressant car info pas facile a trouver, meme si les autres ferry que ceux de la Pelni sont souvent plus petits (et moins confortables), mais leur fréquence sont plus élevée (ici ce ferry est hebdomadaire 🙂 ), une bonne info pour Speederman.🙂
De plus attendre un ferry à Bira (belle plage, snorkeling, bons restos...) n'est pas du tout désagréable... 🙂 comme la voyageuse du blog le dit elle meme 😉.
Je vois aussi une autre info intéressante: ce ferry passe par les iles de Selayar et Jampea ce qui peut etre l'occasion de visiter ces iles ! 🙂 (en y faisant un stop d'un semaine, puisque la fréquence de ce ferry est hebdomadaire).
Jampea est une ile complètement à l’écart du tourisme... Et Selayar est connue pour ses plages et son snorkeling... Des amis n'avaient trouvé à Selayar qu'un hébergement de luxe, mais cela a dû changer favorablement depuis... avec le petit développement touristique de l'ile et internet (airbnb et autres... 😉 )
Sinon pour les ferrys de la Pelni, le site de la Pelni indique que:
_le Kapal (ferry) KM.BINAIYA fait la liaison entre Labuan Bajo et Makassar. Sa route passe aussi par Bali Denpasar
_ou encore le Kapal KM.SIRIMAU fait des liaisons entre Flores et Sulawesi
LABUAN BAJO - SAPE (BIMA) - MAKASSAR (et l'inverse très probablement, pour son chemin retour)
Un exemple de laison avec le ferry KM SIRIMAU de la Pelni:
le ferry KM SIRIMAU part de Bima/Sape (Flores), le 22 Fevrier 2017 à 11.00am et arrive à Makassar (Sulawesi) le 23 fevrier à 5.00am du matin. Donc si on est à Bima le 22 fevrier à 11h on peut arriver à Makassar le 23, à 5.00am.
Prix du billet: 193 000Rp:
www.pelni.co.id/...ulai_ship=2017-02-01
OU si on est a Labuanbajo, le ferry KM SIRIMAU part de Labuanbajo (Flores) le 22Fevrier à 1.00 du matin (!) passe par Bima (Flores) à 11.00 et arrive lendemain à Makassar (Sulawesi) à 5.00am. (je marque ces infos car les liens ci dessous après le 22fevrier ne fonctionneront plus)
Prix du billet: 231 000Rp
www.pelni.co.id/...ulai_ship=2017-02-01
Avec de la patience, sur le site de la Pelni, on doit pouvoir retrouver les dates du chemin inverse de ce ferry KM SIRIMAU qui part de Makassar et arrive à Bima, puis va à Labuanbajo...😉
Pour trouver ces infos sur le site de la pelni, je ne vois pas d'autres solutions que de faire une demande de billet, en précisant port de départ, port d'arrivé, et en changeant les dates jour après jour... Pour trouver les liaisons possibles, il faut refaire les demandes pour une date, puis une autre date... quand une liaison est possible avec un des ferrys de la compagnie Pelni, un billet apparait, mais la liaison proposée n'est pas forcement intéressante... surtout si le ferry passe par 6 ou 8 ports avant destination. 🤪 A partir de 3 ou 4 ports, en général ce n'est pas intéressant.
Avec la Pelni, il faut calquer ses jours de voyages sur les iles avec les dates des ferrys et non l'inverse. 😉
@ Speederman, Bonne recherche, voila tu as déjà 2 compagnies (et plusieurs ferrys) qui font des liaisons entre Flores et Sulawesi... 😉
PS: L'alternative aérienne, peut etre très longue si on a un vol indirect, car l'attente à l'aéroport intermédiaire peut etre beaucoup plus longue que prévu. 🤪🤪 Je me souviens avoir attendu un avion une après midi entière dans une salle d'attente laide et sans vie d'un aéroport, alors qu'il ne devait qu'il n'etait prévu qu'une heure d'attente entre les 2 vols... 🏴☠️🤪
Ne pas confondre Bira (Sulawesi sud) et Bima (Flores centre)
Sur le site de la Pelni,
https://www.pelni.co.id/reservation/schedule/
le port de Bima (Flores) apparait sous l'appelation "SAPE (Bima)", mais aucun port n'apparait pour la ville et le port de Bira (Sulawesi), donc le port de Bira n'est pas desservi par un Pelni, aucun ferry de la Pelni ne va à Bira. D'où l'interet de cette autre compagnie, découverte par Baliflyer 😉 sur le blog de cette espagnole, qui fait la liaison entre Bira (Sulawesi)-Labuanbajo (Flores).🙂
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” (M. Twain)
Oulalala tu m'as l'air aussi imprécis que les Indonésiens 🤪
le ferry KM SIRIMAU part de Bima/Sape (Flores)
Ni Bima ni Sape ne se trouve à Flores mais bien à Sumbawa
Sape est l'un des ports de Bima
L'autre port de Bima c'est ... Bima, à l'Ouest de la ville-même. On peut y aller à pied depuis le "centre" de Bima, trajet en 1/4h pour trouver le premier "hôtel" en venant du Port.
Sape est beaucoup plus loin en direction du Sud-Est et les bateaux qui y accostent désservent Labuanbajo (Flores) et Waikelo (Sumba). Je donne ces infos sans garantie car je ne suis jamais allé à Sape.
D'autres liaisons entre Flores et Makassar (Sulawesi) par Maumere. Il semblerait qu'il y ait 2 bateaux de la Pelni qui fassent la liaison Maumere (Flores)-Makassar (Sulawesi). Dont le Awu ? A vérifier.
De Labuanbajo il y a aussi le Wilis qui va à Makassar. A vérifier car la dernière fois que je l'ai vu il était ... en rade à Makassar (beau titre de polar ça, non ?)
Le voici qui arrive dans le port de Bima le 30 Avril 2012
Je ne vois plus mentionner le Tilong Kabila (rien à voir avec Joseph !) qui faisait/devrait faire la liaison entre Benoa (Bali) et Labuanbajo (Flores) avant que de gagner Makassar (Sulawesi)
Désolé mais je n'ai pas envie de me casser la tête avec le foutu site internet de la Pelni qui était bien plus simple il y a quelques années. Enfin c'est aussi ça l'Indonésie, tout beau à première vue mais tout déglingué car négligé en réalité !
Je ne serais pas étonné qu'un jour il n'y ait plus de Pelni. Tant pis pour les pauvres. N'ont qu'à prendre l'avion ou rester chez eux.
Avec la Pelni, il faut calquer ses jours de voyages sur les iles avec les dates des ferrys et non l'inverse. 😉
Exactement 😛
Je dirais même : en Indonésie ce n'est pas toi qui prend le "transport" mais c'est le "transport" qui te prend 😇
"Nous ne sommes plus une communauté d'être humains qui se parlent mais un conglomérat de grappes de consommateurs en niches, séparés les uns des autres par des obsessions diverses et innombrables. Nous sommes de l'ère de la désintégration." Marc Moulin (1942-2008) in Humoeurs
Ni Bima ni Sape ne se trouve à Flores mais bien à Sumbawa
Sape est l'un des ports de Bima
L'autre port de Bima c'est... Bima, à l'Ouest de la ville-même. On peut y aller à pied depuis le "centre" de Bima, trajet en 1/4h pour trouver le premier "hôtel" en venant du Port.
Oups et MERCI pour ces rectifications😉. Et dire qu'en plus, je suis allé à Bima sur Sumbawa, que j'ai fait l'ile de Flores d'un bout à l'autre deux fois... mais il y a déjà plusieurs années. Il ne faudrait pas vieillir... 😊 🤪 la mémoire nous joue des tours... 😉
Pour retrouver les ports qui apparaissent sur le site de la Pelni, j'avais regardé sur la carte du lien ci dessous, trop rapidement, 😉.. j'ai cru voir Bima à l'est d'où l'erreur.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a6/Pelni_Schifffahrtsnetz_2006.png
Et Merci aussi pour toutes ces précisions supplémentaires 🙂 je suis sûr qu'elles serviront à d'autres voyageurs 🙂 Les ferrys sont trop souvent ignorés des voyageurs, et le pont supérieur des bateaux nous révèlent parfois de superbes paysages ou de superbes rencontres (dauphins, baleines... si si j'en vu tout un groupe de petites baleienes qui accompagna le Pelni durant au moins 20 minutes)🙂
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” (M. Twain)
L'autre port de Bima c'est... Bima, à l'Ouest de la ville-même. On peut y aller à pied depuis le "centre" de Bima, trajet en 1/4h pour trouver le premier "hôtel" en venant du Port.
Sape est beaucoup plus loin en direction du Sud-Est et les bateaux qui y accostent désservent Labuanbajo (Flores) et Waikelo (Sumba).
- Meme si ce sont deux villes distinctes qui possèdent chacune 1 port distinct, (Bima possede un port et Sape aussi), comme c'est Sape qui apparaît sur le site de la Pelni, conjointement avec Bima, je pense que cela signifie que "Sape est le port en eau profonde pour les ferrys de la Pelni et que Bima est la grosse ville proche". La ville de Bima possède un port elle aussi, d'où d'autres petits ferrys peuvent partir, mais n'est pas desservie par les Gros ferrys de la Pelni. C'est comme cela que je le comprends. 😉
Sinon pour revenir au sujet liaison ferry entre Makassar et Labuanbajo, coup de bol j'ai trouvé ceci sur le site de la Pelni:
Le pelni KM BINAIYA fait la liaison direct entre Makassar (Sulawesi) et Labuanbajo (Flores):
Kapal: KM.BINAIYABerangkat: 09-02-2017 | 22:00Tiba: 10-02-2017 | 16:00
Le pelni KM BINAIYA part de Makassar le 9 fev 2017 à 22.00 et arrive le 10 fev vers 16.00.
Prix 170 000 en KELAS EK1A (est ce la 1ere classe ?)
Mais le site de la Pelni n'est vraiment pas pratique, je n'arrive meme pas à trouver le prix en classe EKO... !!! Tous les prix que j'avais indiqués précédemment sont "KELAS EK1"
Mais le petit ferry trouvé par Baliflyer qui fait une liaison hebdomadaire entre Bira (Sulawesi sud) et Labuanbajo (Flores) en passant par l'ile de Selayar me parait vraiment une option à considérer 🙂 🙂
Je remets le lien: 😉
https://apeadero.es/2015/06/ferry-de-bira-sulawesi-a-labuan-bajo-flores/
Bon voyage à tous
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” (M. Twain)
Pas moyen d'avoir des infos récentes sur l'existence de ce ferry en 2017 même en cherchant sur l'internet indonésien, mais j'imagine qu'il existe toujours car c'est la seule solution pour passer un véhicule entre Sulawesi et NTB.
Tes réponses sont toujours au top 🙂 et effectivement seul le ferry ASDP prend les véhicules !
Ce ferry ASDP passe par l' ile de Selayar 🙂 sur sa route entre Flores et Sulawesi.
Loïc, es tu déjà allé sur l' ile de Selayar? ( Ile réputée belle pour ses plages et son snorkeling) Où est ce une des très rares iles que tu ne connais pas encore? 😉 😛 Moi je ne la connais pas. Yann y etait allé avec sa famille et ils avaient apprécié (de mémoire, ils nous avaient parlé de superbes plages avec un bon snorkeling).
Et effectivement d'après les photos que l'on trouve sur le web c'est assez waouuu
Extrait du lien de dessous :
Cet archipel situé dans le prolongement de la pointe Sud-Ouest de Sulawesi regroupe une dizaine d'îles dont la plus grande Selayar qui s'étend sur 90 kilomètres de long pour 30 kilomètres de large. Très peu fréquenté, ce petit coin de paradis mérite largement d'y passer 4 ou 5 jours. Vous pourrez ainsi profiter de superbes plages paradisiaques, plonger dans des eaux limpides et riches mais aussi effectuer quelques belles balades à la rencontre des habitants toujours souriants...
A +
Saya jalan jalan (moi je vais marcher / me balader)(bon j'ai tout oublié, pas trop d'indo en réponse 😉 et google translate ne me donne pas du tout ce que je crois être juste ?)
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” (M. Twain)
Content de se recroiser moi aussi j'aime bien tes messages avec une précision d'horloger Suisse 😎
Oui je connais Selayar, j'y suis passé en 2011. Les plages sont en effet très jolies mais pas exceptionnelles (enfin, selon les standards d'un touriste blasé qui en est à son 20ème voyage en Indonésie 😏).
Ma petite déception à Selayar, c'est que si comme moi tu n'as pas les moyens de séjourner dans les beaux resorts du bord de mer, tu ne peux loger que dans la ville de Benteng qui est assez moche....
Ceci étant dit et pour modérer mes propos Selayar vaut quand même le voyage, très peu de touristes, très tranquille (sauf Benteng), beaux paysages, belles plages... et puis les amateurs de plongée seront comblés.
Ma plage préférée est à la pointe sud:
Mais en fait, le plus beau est derrière notre dos: l'archipel des Taka Bonerate 🙂
Oooh mister JF sudah lupa semuah 😏
Oui jalan jalan ça veut dire voyager, se balader.
Marcher on dit jalan kaki (littéralement marcher avec les pieds).
Nous désirons nous rendre sur l'ile de Con Dao en bateau à partir de de Can Tho. Le retour se fera de Con Dao vers Vung Tau. Nous ne trouvons pas de ferry sur…
J'ai une question à laquelle je n'arrive pas à trouver de réponse! Existe-t-il un ferry entre Penang (Butterworth) et Belawan (Medan, sumatra), sans avoir à…
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
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 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.
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...
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.