Bonjour à tous.
Nous souhaitons passer quelques jours à Gili Air fin Aout à la fin de notre séjour à Bali.
Nous envisageons de prendre un bateau rapide ( compagnie Gili Gili) partant de Padang Bai
ou nous logerons la nuit précédant la traversée. Les bateaux n'ayant que 30 places et n'effectuant qu'une seule rotation par jour, faut-il réserver d'avance? (nous sommes 4).
Si oui, faut-il le faire de France sur internet ou simplement à Bali quelques jours avant la traversée voire même la veille à Padang Bai ?
Quels sont vos conseils pour l'achat des billets sur cette compagnie (la seule dont les bateaux vont jusqu'à gili Air)?
Bonjour , nous revenons d'indonésie et nous avons utilisé 2 fois les services de bateaux rapide : liaison Amed/bangsal ( via les Gilis ) et Gili Meno / padangbay .Nous avons réservé sur place 48 h à l'avance : c'était largement suffisant et pourtant nous sommes 5 et c'était en juillet-août !Il est plus facile de négocier sur place , c'est plus souple et l'on trouve des bureaux partout .Je suis surprise d'apprendre qu'il n'existe qu'une seule compagnie pour Gili Air / Padangbay car nous avons pris la blue beach express et elle faisait un stop à Gili air pour embarquer des passagers ...Le prix des bateaux comprend souvent le transfert en minibus jusqu'à l' hôtel ce qui est pratique .
Bonne préparation de voyage ...
Merci pour vos réponses. Je vais donc attendre de voir sur place pour les réservations.
Bravo à Mushu pour ses carnets de voyage sur l'Indonésie. C'est clair, précis, complet et sans faute d'orthographe ( ce qui devient rare aujourd'hui). Un vrai régal, une aide précieuse pour peaufiner la préparation d'un voyage.
Bonsoir,
Même réponse, et à titre indicatif, Jemeluk(Amed)/Gili Trawangan : 1 300 000rp pour 4 personnes, retour par le ferry : 800 000rp pour 1 jour de voyage.
bonne soirée
Y a deux cent mille compagnies qui vont à Gili Ayyyyr en passant par Gili Tralala !
Et le prix affiché sur les prospectus n'est pas celui à payer. Négo négo ...sans demi-mesure !
Re,
Compagnie fast boat " Kuda Hitam" les prix datent de fin juillet après négociation, annoncé au départ à 3 200 000rp pour 4.
Pour le retour en ferry nous avons pris les billets G.T/Kuta au kiosque près du débarcadère.
Bonjour, j'ai lu qu'il y avait eu 2 naufrages en bateau rapide vers les Iles Gili; sans tomber dans la paranoïa, nous partons avec 3 jeunes enfants et je me posais des questions sur la sécurité de ces bateaux. Le Lonely Planet suggère de choisir le plus gros bateau rapide possible, est-ce que quelqu'un aurait une compagnie particulière à me recommander? Merci infiniment pour les renseignements,
LP a peut - être raison. Prendre un bateau qui a 6 moteur énormes, c'est plus rassurant que de prendre un hors bord qui a 2 moteurs moyens.
Cette année, notre bateau a emmêlé ses hélices dans un gigantesque tas d'ordure flottant entre Padangbaï et Trawangan. Au milieu de l'océan, c'était un peu flippant de ne plus entendre le bruit des moteurs, d'autant que le temps n'était pas très clément et que la houle faisait monter le taux d'angoisse.
Finalement, ils ont levé les moteurs démêlé toutes les saloperies et on est reparti.
Ceci dit, je passe quelques jours à Padangbaï depuis plusieurs années et j'ai remarqué certains trucs curieux.
J'assiste souvent au départ des bateaux et il arrive que les passagers qui pensaient partir avec GiliCat, partent avec GiliGili ou une autre compagnie.
Les compagnies se refilent parfois des passagers quand il n'y a pas assez de clients.
L'autre danger est que la plupart des capitaines ne sont pas vraiment des marins. Ils ont fière allure avec leur casquette, mais ils ne maîtrisent pas grand chose dans la conduite d'un bateau.
En quelques années, le nombre de speedboat entre Padangbaï et les Gilis a explosé. Je ne sais pas comment sont formé les capitaines et leurs assistants, mais la plupart apprennent sur le tas. Vu la rapidité avec laquelle s'est développé le trafic, ils ont dû apprendre vite.
Dernier point, les agences qui vendent les billets pour aller de Padangbaï, Amed, Sanur aux Gili racontent souvent n'importe quoi.
Les vendeurs de billets n'ont jamais vu le bateau et ils mettent en avant le très haut degré de sécurité des bateaux, ainsi que les assurances internationales qui couvrent chaque passager.
Gros problème: je n'ai jamais réussi à voir le détail de ces fameuses assurances. Je pense que c'est du pipeau.
Je vous conseille donc d'aller aux Gilis en prenant l'avion.
Les vols ne sont pas chers et il y en a souvent.
Arrivés à Mataram, prenez un taxi prepaid pour Bangsal ( ou un taxi Blue bird avec taxi meter ). Si c'est le matin vers 9h, demandez à passer par la route intérieure qui traverse la forêt. Il y a plein de singes.
A Bangsal, n'achetez vos billet pour le public boat qu'à l'embarcadère.
Si vous arrivez dans l'après - midi, je ne sais pas si il ya beaucoup de public boat.
L'autre solution consiste à prendre des ferrys, puis un minibus, puis le bateau à Bangsal. Certains ferrys sont pas trop mal, d'autres sont dans un drôle d'état.
Merci beaucoup d'avoir pris le temps de me répondre,
Je me permet un autre questions: et la bateau de Lombok aux Iles Gili, comment est-il?
Merci encore!
Les bateaux publics sont de grosses pirogues à balancier avec un ou 2 moteur hors bord.
Parfois elles sont assez chargées, mais je n'ai jamais eu le sentiment d'être en danger.
Le trajet est assez court ( 30 mn. env ) et il y a pas mal de bateaux dans les environs. Donc, même si il y a une panne, cela n'a pas une tournure dramatique.
Les bateaux qui partent en premier sont un peu plus chargés, vu qu'ils amènent une partie du personnel qui travaille dans les hôtels ainsi que quelques légumes et quelques boissons.
Pour le retour, faîtes un peu plus attention.
Sur Air, l'inorganisation étant arrivée à un niveau de perfection exemplaire, les touristes qui veulent repartir sont tous convoqués à la même heure ( 7 h30 il me semble ).
Ils les laissent poireauter sur la plage et, à 8 h, ils donnent le signal du départ. Ca se bouscule un peu et la répartition des voyageurs dans les pirogues est assez étrange.
Certaines sont bourrées, d'autres pas trop.
Donc, prenez votre temps. de toutes façons, vous aurez un bateau.
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Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there, we’re landing at Hanoi Airport and would like to head straight to Cao Bang without going into Hanoi. Does anyone know if there are buses that go directly from the airport to Cao Bang (especially in the early afternoon)? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
I’m currently working on a 30-day itinerary for May/June 2027.
10 days in eastern Java (Malang, Bromo, waterfalls, Meru Beriti Park, Banyuwangi, and Ijen), a short transit in Ubud for a few days, then Flores before heading back to Jakarta.
We’ll spend 15 days in Flores (the classic route: Moni, Bajawa, Riung, Ruteng, ending in Labuan Bajo).
I’d love some firsthand feedback on flights to Maumere or Ende from Bali Denpasar. I know there are no direct routes and that you have to connect through Labuan Bajo or Timor (I think), which isn’t an issue in itself.
But I’ve read here and there that flights to these destinations can be delayed—or worse, canceled—and that it’s better to fly in and out of Labuan Bajo, which isn’t exactly ideal...
Thanks for any tips or experiences you can share!
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
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!
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.
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! 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
