Je pars 3 semaines pour un premier voyage en Indonésie en octobre et je suis en pleine hésitation quant aux îles à choisir avant de prendre mon billet d'avion. Je sollicite donc votre expérience pour quelques conseils.
Ce que je souhaite favoriser comme activité : volcans, randonnées un peu "sportives" mais surtout belles, beaux paysages, rizières, voir des orang-outangs, culture indonésienne
Ce que je ne cherche pas particulièrement : plages, fiestas, bcp de transport, jungle (sauf pour les orang-outangs :))
J'hésite entre :
- un combo Java+Bali (+éventuellement Lombok pour faire le Rinjani, mais est ce que ça ne fait pas trop en 3 semaines et est ce ça vaut vraiment la peine ?). Je prendrai alors un billet qui arrive à Jakarta et repart de Denpasar.
- 3 semaines uniquement sur Sumatra
- tout autre proposition qui selon vous collerait plus à ce que je cherche !
Combo Java + Bali : au top ! Par contre, méfiance : à Bali, je m'étais fait racketté par des policiers deux fois un l'espace d'une seule nuit... Rien de violent mais ce n'est jamais agréable de se faire délester de 10 euros sans raison 🤪 A part ça, c'est merveilleux, rien à dire
Si tu veux voir des orang outans t'as pas le choix, faut que tu inclues soit Sumatra soit Kalimantan dans ton voyage, parce qu'a Bali et Java y en a pas...
Vu ce que tu veux voir et vu que tu n'as que trois semaines c'est soit Sumatra seulement (y a de quoi faire et tu trouveras tout ce que tu as mentionne), soit un combo Sumatra + Java, parce qu'a Java y a du volcan et de la riziere a foison.
Bali, bon, y a quelques temples jolis au niveau architecture mais a part ca c'est tres bof a mon avis car les temples on en a vite fait le tour, et ce qu'il reste ensuite ben c'est guere qu'une ile bien pourrie par le tourisme, et en plus tres embouteillee de nos jours. Il est certes tout a fait faisable de sortir de tout ca mais en trois semaines, en plus amputees de ton sejour a Sumatra, tu n'auras pas le temps. Il y a quelques beaux paysages a Bali, certes aussi, mais rien que tu ne puisses pas voir a Java, les touristes, les arnaques et l'esprit mercantile en moins.
Ah oui, a Java la ligne de train qui va d'ouest en est passe par de tres beaux paysages de rizieres...
Au vu de ce que tu recherches, Bali n'est pas forcément LA destination. Je pense qu'il y a déjà suffisamment à faire sur Java en termes de paysages, temples, et surtout de volcans. Par contre le Rinjani vaut vraiment le détour. Même s'il m'est arrivé quelques péripéties, c'est une des plus belles choses que j'ai vu de ma (courte) vie. Et pour te reposer après le Rinjani, rien de tel qu'une nuit aux îles Gili.
Pour voir les orang-outans, pourquoi ne pas aller à Bornéo (je ne connais que la partie malaysienne, pas le Kalimantan) ? il y a un centre de rééducation à la vie sauvage pour orang-outans (Sepilok), qui te permet d'en voir dans un milieu presque naturel (ne compte pas tomber par hasard sur un orang-outan, c'est mission impossible). A Bornéo tu pourras également monter le Kinabalu, qui n'est certes pas un volcan, mais c'est tout comme 😉. Et surtout, tu pourras faire de la plongée dans un des plus beaux sites au monde (dixit les connaisseurs) et nager avec les tortues.
Après, sur 3 semaines, je ne suis pas sûre que ça tienne🙁
Me revoilà après ces 3 semaines (fantastiques) en Indonésie ! Ayant glané pas mal d'infos sur ce forum, je fais un petit retour sur mes impressions et sur mon itinéraire.
Durant ces 3 semaines j'ai donc pu finalement visiter 3 îles : Java, Bali et Lombok (+ les gili).
Je l'avais lu sur le forum mais je confirme : les temps de trajets sont svt TRES longs et il ne faut pas les sous-estimer au risque de passer toutes ses vacances en transport ! Pour un transport routier compter en moyenne du 30 à 50 km/h... les traversées de ville sont interminables tellement le traffic est dense et embouteillé. Donc en user avec modération !
Je n'avais rien réservé à part une nuit d'hotel à Jakarta à l'arrivée, je n'ai jamais eu de soucis pour trouver un hébergement au dernier moment. Il est extrêmement facile de tout organiser sur place pour peu qu'on parle un minimum anglais.
Mon itinéraire (qui est je pense un grand classique du premier voyage en Indonésie) :
Arrivée à Jakarta, 1 nuit sur place --> train pour Bandung puis (plusieurs...) bus pour Cipanas où j'ai passé 2 nuits (randos, visite de Garut) --> location d'une voiture avec un guide pour sunrise sur le volcan Papandayan, cascades de Curug Orok, visite du Dragon Village et dépôt au village de Pandangaran, charmante petite station balnéaire où je suis restée 2 nuits (je conseille ++ le Green Canyon et la Green Valley, magnifiques et super rafraichissants) --> bus puis train vers Jogja (visite de la ville, sites de Pranbanan et de Borobudur), 3 nuits --> tour vers Bromo (1 nuit), Kawa Itjen (1 nuit) , dépôt au port, ferry vers Bali, bus pour Ubud (4 nuits), location de scooter (génial), visites en étoile autour de Ubud, 1 journée rafting --> Ferry (fast boat) vers Lombok, Sengigi organisation du trek du Rinjani en 5 min chrono (environ) au Rinjani Trek Center de Sengigi -->Senaru, visite des cascades, nuit à Sembalung Lawang --> trek Rinjani (3 jours, 2 nuits) dur mais beau --> Repos bien mérité à Gili Air (2 nuits), tour snorkelling en bateau sur les 3 Gilis --> Ferry Sengigi, shuttle bus pour Kuta-Lombok (2 nuits) location scooter --> avion Lombok->Jakarta et retour :(
Chaque île est très différente et les changements sont assez dépaysants, c'est pourquoi malgré les transports fastidieux j'ai été contente de pouvoir en voir 3. J'ai adoré la gentillesse et la facilité d'accès des indonésiens à Java qui sont extrêmement curieux et entament spontanément la discussion à peu près tout le temps ! A Bali c'est un autre genre, ils sont bcp plus habitués aux touristes, donc c'est un contact - spontané et + "commerçant", l'île a cependant bcp d'attrait (en tout cas vers Ubud) et le fait que 90% des balinais soient hindous provoque un fort dépaysement par rapport à l'île de Java musulmane (en plus j'y étais à la période de "Galungan" le nouvel an hindous, donc décos et cérémonies partout) et enfin Lombok, musulmane à nouveau mais bcp plus calme et rurale que Java. Les Gili sont purement touristiques mais tellement charmantes et reposantes après l'exténuant trek du Rinjani, c'était parfait !
Qui pourrait m'aider à trouver un itinéraire pour environ 3 semaines en passant par Java puis Bali et enfin les iles Gili avant de repartir sur Kuala Lumpur…
Je sollicite un peu votre aide pour me donner un avis sur mon itinéraire à Bali pour 3 semaines en août 2010. Arrivée: aller directement à Ubud pour 4 nuits,…
Je reviens de 3 semaines la bas (nous étions 2, du 21 août au 13 septembre), voilà un résumé qui j’espère pourra vous donner des infos intéressantes, si vous…
Je pars en indonésie avec mon copain pendant 3 semaines en juin-juillet. nous allons à bali et lombok mais j'aurais bien aimé aller dans les iles de la sonde,…
Je souhaite partir en Indonésie prochainement pour 3 semaines en me concentrant sur les volcans qui me fascinent depuis longtemps. J'aimerais aussi faire les…
I need some expert advice on these two destinations for a 15-day trip. We land in KL and plan to stay for 2 days before heading to Borneo and finishing with an island for snorkeling.
For those who’ve been, what are your must-sees?
We were thinking of spending the last 3 days on the Perhentian Islands, unless you’ve got another island to recommend near Borneo.
Thanks for your tips and help!
I’d love to get some feedback on our itinerary—it’s probably pretty basic! This is our second trip to Asia and our first to Indonesia. We have three kids aged 20, 18, and 12. We land in Jakarta at 4 PM, spend 3 nights/2 days there, then take the train to Yogyakarta for 3 nights/2 days, followed by the train to Surabaya for 2 nights/1 day, then the train to Bromo for 1 day/1 night, a private driver to Ijen for 2 nights/2 days, then on to Bali (Ubud) for 4 nights/3 days, followed by Gili Air for 3 nights/2 days, Senggigi (Lombok) for 2 nights, and finally 5 nights in Kuta. I’m considering cutting the 2 nights in Senggigi to just keep Kuta and extend it to 7 nights. In Lombok, I’m not sure how to get around since I’m not comfortable with scooters... Your thoughts on all of this, and any advice, are more than welcome—don’t hesitate!
For those wondering why cities like Jakarta and Surabaya: we don’t often get the chance to visit big Asian cities, so we wanted to include that discovery in our trip. The trains between Jakarta and Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Probolinggo are booked. The return flight from Lombok to Jakarta is also set. Accommodations are booked but flexible (same for the trains).
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! I’m planning a 15-day trip to Malaysia. The idea is to visit KL for 2 or 3 days, then Borneo, and I’m wondering what to do with the rest of the time. I’d like to finish with the Perhentian Islands... What do you think? Any tips or advice would be great—I’d really appreciate it!
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for addresses for guesthouses or, even better, houseboats or rafting houses on the River Kwai, between Kanchanaburi and Sangkhlaburi, to spend a few weeks contemplating this beautiful river.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Premaria
Hi there,
we’re currently in Mai Chau and tomorrow we’re hitting the road back to Hanoi to head up toward Bac Ha and Sapa.
We haven’t really had a set plan since we arrived—we’ve already done the Halong Bay on land and by sea.
I’ve got 2 free days before heading to Bac Ha and Sapa.
Any tips?
Thanks, and looking forward to hearing from you.
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.
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...
Hello.
In 1996, we crossed Vietnam from Saigon to Hanoi by motorbike—Minsk bikes we bought in Saigon. I haven’t been back since, and it seems like a lot has changed.
- We’re heading to the south (well, the north and center) with the family in July-August (3 people).
- Is the road network more developed now? Back then, there was only National Route 1 from south to north. I’m thinking of renting a car this time (no motorbike with the family—though in ’96, they had a Jawa sidecar for sale, and we hesitated… maybe it’s for the best).
- Is Halong Bay really something to avoid because of overtourism? Even back then, it was pretty crowded. Is there a less touristy alternative?
- We’ll be traveling from Hanoi down to Danang (the only city we didn’t stop in back in ’96). Even though it’s a bit overhyped in a Chinese-tourist kind of way (from what I’ve read), we’re only going for the beach—pure relaxation for 7 days. The beaches are stunning, and I know the South China Sea is warm like coffee.
- Then, we’ll visit Hoi An, where I stopped in ’96. It was already popular with backpackers back then, but no glowing boats or all the touristy fuss!
- After that, Hue, where I have great memories—it’s a beautiful city.
- And also the nature around Ninh Binh, followed by 2-3 days in Hanoi.
That’s the plan. I’d love to hear any tips to avoid mass tourism, and if anyone’s done this before:
- Is it possible to rent a car in Danang and drop it off in Hanoi?
Hey everyone,
I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July.
I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple).
Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).
Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees.
Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands.
Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way).
Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan.
Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide).
Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island.
Day 10 – Head to Semporna.
Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai.
Day 15 – Bohey Dulang.
Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.
I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous.
I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing.
I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture.
But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary.
If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.
For a 4-month stay in Egypt, I had ENORMOUS problems. The regulations are very bureaucratic and extremely nitpicky there. For a 4-month stay in the Philippines, I was wondering if the procedures are just as complicated? I’m bringing my cell phone with an eSIM. Should I choose a plan from Canada for use in the Philippines, or should I get a plan only once I arrive? After 30 days, do I renew with the Canadian provider I chose before leaving, or do I switch to a local company? Do I need to register my phone with the authorities in the Philippines? (That was the case in Egypt.) For the 3rd and 4th months, will it be just as simple—renewing with a Canadian or local provider—or should I expect problems?
Hello,
I’ll be in Malaysia with my wife, mainly in Langkawi and Penang for Christmas and New Year’s at the end of 2026.
If you’ve had the experience—and since I’ve read (though it’s not very clear) that these two islands get quite crowded during this period—would you recommend booking accommodation well in advance, or is it easy to find something on the spot?
Hotels or Airbnb?
Do you have any great tips for accommodation or any practical info to share?
We’ll be staying 5 to 7 days on each island.
Thanks in advance for your replies
Hi there. To make the most of Lake Toba, is it better to find accommodation on the lake’s shores (which one?) or on Samosir Island? Thanks for your tips!
Hi there,
We’re heading to Vietnam as a family on July 8th for a little over 3 weeks (north and center). We’ve only booked the first 3 nights in Hanoi, and nothing else after that. We like to decide things on the spot and go with the flow, without rushing everywhere. But I’m still a bit unsure: when heading down to the center (Hue), is it better to book the overnight trains in advance? We don’t want to take any flights while we’re there—just use the overnight train for the long trips. But I’m worried we won’t get seats if we buy the tickets on the spot, say, 2 days before. What do the experts here think? And which website can we use to book the tickets? Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hi everyone!
I’m heading back to Thailand in July 2026 with a stopover in Cambodia to visit the Angkor site.
After Angkor, I’ve booked a stay on Ko Chang island. Does anyone know if there are direct transport options from Cambodia to Ko Chang without having to go back through Bangkok? That would be amazing!!
I think there are, but I’d need more details!!
I went to Thailand in February 2025 and don’t remember having to apply for a visa—is that still the case now? And for Cambodia too?
Thanks so much!!!
Laurence from Bayonne
Hi,
After our trip to China, we want to spend a week in the Philippines for some beach time and snorkeling.
We're looking for the best spot to settle in—nice beaches, great marine life, and short transfer times.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Does anyone know of a private transfer or taxi company that organizes transfers from the Sukhothai area to Chiang Mai?
Our routes are Sukhothai-Lampang, Lampang-Chom Thong, and Chom Thong-Chiang Mai.
My searches on Google Maps, 12Go, and others haven’t turned up much...
For our Bangkok-Sukhothai trips, I use a company I’ve already tried, but they don’t have a fleet available from Sukhothai and have to go through third-party companies—which, understandably, take their commission. This nearly doubles the prices...
There are four of us, and we’re not traveling light, so a minibus isn’t an option. ;-)
Hello,
While traveling in Thailand, I’m looking for a Buddhist kumlai reed bracelet.
Does anyone know where I can find one?
In Bangkok, I visited a few temples but didn’t see any in the nearby shops.
If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them! Have a great day! :-)
My trip’s coming up, and I’m having a bit of trouble with three bus/minivan routes. Usually, I find everything at this time of year, but this time—yikes!
Sandakan → Sepilok:
No app for this one—you just hop on bus #14 at the local terminal (pay cash on board). But where do I catch it, and where’s the stop??
Sandakan → Semporna:
From what I’ve heard, it’s the Sida Express company (great name, right? 😄).
Can’t book online, but apparently, you *have* to because there’s only one bus at 8 AM.
Where do I board, and where does it drop me off?
Semporna → Tawau:
Found this via AI—is it legit?
No online booking, as far as I can tell.
Minivans leave from a stop in the Jalan Hospital area, near the Milimewa supermarket, supposedly????
And when you arrive, does it drop you at **Sabindo Square** in Tawau?????
Hi there,
we’ll be in Mai Chau in June and we’re thinking of heading to Sapa, but first spending a few days in Bac Ha to do some hiking and explore the area.
Is this a good idea for those who’ve been there?
How do you get there?
Thanks for your feedback.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there,
I’m planning an itinerary and would love some feedback on whether it’s doable and if the number of days per destination is enough—or too much. I was also debating whether to add an extra night on an island or spend an extra night in Kampot to visit Kep or Battambang.
March 23: Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning
March 24: Phnom Penh
March 25: Phnom Penh
March 26: Depart for Kampot
March 27: Kampot
March 28: Depart for Battambang
March 29: Battambang
March 30: Tonlé SAP to Siem Reap
March 31: Siem Reap
April 1: Siem Reap
April 2: Siem Reap
April 3: Siem Reap
April 4: Siem Reap
April 5: Departure
Hi there,
Yesterday in the Thailand section, 100% of the new threads were just about beach destinations 😕...
So here’s the counterattack in the form of this photo thread, dedicated solely to the countryside: the locals, their livestock, fields, farms, rice paddies, small rivers, and agricultural machinery. If you’ve got any pictures that fit these categories, feel free to add them!
Comments welcome.
For each photo, I’ll (or you can) indicate the area where it was taken.
Hope you're all doing well! It's been a while since I last traveled, but I'm finally heading out again soon!
For those familiar with SOUTHEAST ASIA, I'm planning to leave in mid-June (with the trip ending at the latest in November), and I don’t have a precise idea of exact places or itineraries yet. The thing is, this period is usually the rainy season...
Any advice? I was thinking of Malaysia or Indonesia, like Sulawesi, for example (all countries and islands in Southeast Asia interest me except Bali).
Any recommendations? I’m doing my research online, but if anyone here has the time and knowledge, I’d love to hear from you.
My partner and I are planning a trip to Indonesia in September-October 2026. It’ll be our first time in Asia, and we’re thinking of hitting the classic spots in East Java and Bali, then wrapping up with a cruise around Komodo for some snorkeling/diving. Here’s a rough draft of our itinerary—I’m wondering if it’s doable.
20/09: Flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, arrive around noon, afternoon/evening and overnight in Yogyakarta.
21/09: Borobudur
22/09: Prambanan
23/09: Travel to Bromo (Cemoro Lawang)
24/09: Bromo
25/09: Kawa Ijen
26/09: Travel to Bali, overnight in Pemuteran
27/09: Excursion to Pulau Melujan, overnight in Pemuteran
28/09: Travel to Munduk, overnight in Munduk
29/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
30/09: Explore Munduk and surroundings, overnight in Munduk
01/10: Route to Ubud (via Pura Ulu Danau Bratan, Jatiluwih?), overnight in Ubud
02/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
03/10: Explore Ubud and surroundings, overnight in Ubud
04/10: Travel to Denpasar, flight to Labuan Bajo, overnight in Labuan Bajo
05/10: Komodo cruise
06/10: Komodo cruise
07/10: Komodo cruise, flight to Denpasar in the late afternoon/evening or overnight in Labuan Bajo.
08/10: Flight to Denpasar (if not taken the day before), afternoon in Jimbaran, overnight near Denpasar
09/10: 10:00 AM flight Denpasar - SIN, overnight in Singapore
10/10: Flight SIN-YQB
Hi everyone,
My girlfriend and I booked our tickets with Saudia Airlines for a trip to Thailand this summer, from July 5th to August 3rd. Given the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, we’re keeping a close eye on the news.
I was wondering if anyone here is in the same situation as us?
• Have you heard anything about possible mass cancellations or if the airline is still maintaining its routes to Asia?
• Are there any travelers who’ve recently returned who could tell us if air corridors have been changed (longer flight times)?
The idea is to know what to expect so we can prepare as best as possible. Thanks for your replies! !
