Voila, vu que j'utilise souvent le forum pour trouver des réponses à mes questions, je me suis dit qu'il était normal que je fasse un retour sur mon week end à Bali. Peut etre que ca en intéressera.
C'était fin Aout avec mon copain et mes parents.
Ayant déjà passé 3 jours à Ubud lors d'un voyage précédent, on a trouvé un hotel magnifique, assez isolé dans la péninsule de Bukit, l'hotel La Joya.
- D'après les forums, certains disent que La Joya n'est fait que pour ceux qui veulent faire de la farniente... alors moi je dis, pas forcément! En plus maintenant (il y a 2 mois), la route qui mène à La Joya a été refait et ca se fait très facilement. Il est à 30 min de l'aéroport... donc tout va bien.
- Les chambres sont magnifiques et comment dire, le restau avec piscine à débordement et vue sur l'océan.
- Les massages sont très bien et pas trop cher (un peu plus cher que dans les petits instituts d'Ubud).
- Le restau de l'hotel très bon et pas trop cher non plus, surtout quand on voit le standing de l'hotel.
- La plage... bon là ca intéressera plus les surfers car on ne peut pas vraiment se baigner, mais se poser sur la plage est très très agréable avec paysage idylique et passage des petits bateaux de pêcheurs en fin d'aprem.
- Après depuis notre hotel, on a fait une journée entière d'excursion avec un guide francophone très compétent (trouvé grace à ce forum) : putu santosa. On en a pris plein les yeux.
- Puis une aprem où on a acheté des statues en pierre de lave au village de Batu bulan et ballade à Ubud pour voir la dance du Legong au Ubud palace.
Alors par rapport à Ubud, petit conseil : évitez absolument Ubud pendant les vacances d'été, surtout en Aout...... j'ai été un peu choquée par le rassemblement de touristes... pour avoir fait Ubud (je logeais au Nick's pension) en avril, cela à beaucoup plus de charme hors vacances scolaires... rien à voir.
Voila, j'ai pas tout mis, mais si il y a des personnes intéressées pour avoir plus d'infos sur l'hotel, les excursions et visites de temples, ou les coordonnées du guide... j'essaierai de répondre à vos questions.
Voila, en tout cas bon voyage à tous ceux qui sont sur le départ!
Alors par rapport à Ubud, petit conseil : évitez absolument Ubud pendant les vacances d'été, surtout en Aout...... j'ai été un peu choquée par le rassemblement de touristes... pour avoir fait Ubud (je logeais au Nick's pension) en avril, cela à beaucoup plus de charme hors vacances scolaires... rien à voir.
Charlotte, je ne suis pas tout à fait d'accord avec toi concernant UBUD l'été. Pour le mois d'août, je ne peux pas m'exprimer car je n'y étais pas mais par contre, UBUD en Juillet était vraiment agréable.
Nous n'avons jamais senti qu'il y avait foule, sauf dans la Forêt des Singes où forcément, il y a beaucoup de touristes.
Sinon - et là c'est la même chose en France sur des sites touristiques - en se décalant par rapport aux autres et en s'écartant des artères commerçantes, on se sent très bien!
Ainsi, nous avons visité le Palais Royal, le temple Surawata (orthographe incertaine, c'est le temple à côté du Café Lotus), ... à 10 heures du matin en toute tranquilité, sans personne. Se lever de bonne heure ne pose aucun problème car le soir, il n'y a pas grande activité dans Ubud, mis à part les spectacles de danses balinaises.
Nous avons logé chez l'habitant, pas loin du centre, mais dans un petit quartier tranquille et là, non plus, pas grand monde.
Pour nos balades-randos, nous avons suivi les balades proposées par le Lonely Planet et là non plus, pas grand monde, nous avons traversé de charmants villages (derrière la Forêt des Singes), nous sommes retrouvés dans les rizières où nous avons rencontré quelques paysans au travail.
Je me suis peut etre un peu avancée en disant vacances d'été c'est vrai... en fait je voulais dire essentiellement Aout.
Ma belle soeur y étant allé mi aout et moi fin aout, je pense pouvoir dire que Ubud est moins agréable. Après c'est juste une opinion personnelle.
Mais bon après je suis d'accord sur le fait que les nombreuses guest house et ballades alentours permettent de s'écarter un peu du monde.
En tout cas Ubud est quand même un endroit plein de charme et qu'il faut voir absolument je pense.
Je pars pour les trois dernières semaines de sept. et j'ai réservé deux nuit à La Joya. Ton message me confirme donc que j'ai fait un bon choix. Merci beaucoup de tes commentaires +, car cette hôtel n'a pas eu que des éloges sur certain site.
Finalement, le service est-il bon...?
J'ai réservé un bungalow et j'espère que nous allons nous y plaire, car le tarif est tout de même assez élevé...d'après toi, ça vaut le coût ??
Merci et moi aussi je prendrai les coordonnées de ton guide... Merci !
Danielle
Vraiment, tu as fait un très bon choix. Il est vrai qu'il y a certains commentaires sur le net au sujet de cet hotel que je trouve tout à fait injustifiés, au regard de mes deux séjours là-bas.
Pour te rassurer dans ton choix, j'y suis allé deux fois, la deuxième étant un séjour en amoureux, ou mon fiancé m'a demandé en mariage... Pour te dire a quel point le service est bon, mon ami et la gérante avaient organisé ca très secrètement et intimement, et nous avaient préparé une table de petit déjeuner sur la falaise rien que pour nous pour ce moment...
Bref je n'en ai que des bons souvenirs.
En plus j'ai recommandé l'hotel a une amie qui y est allé avec ses parents, et ils en sont revenu ravis, reposé et zen.
Et la nourriture est délicieuse, pour un prix raisonnable, voir très raisonnable si tu prend le nasi goreng, spécilité locale excellente.
QUoi d'autre.... allez-y en vous disant que vous y allez pour vous ressourcer, vous éloigner du tourisme de masse. En plus, si il n'y a pas trop de vagues, vous pouvez aller au bas de la falaise vous baigner avec un masque et un tuba, nous on a pu voir pas mal de beaux poissons.
En tout cas je vous envie rien que d'y repenser. Bon voyage et surtout n'hésitez pas à sortir des sentiers battus et à aller dans l'extreme sud ouest de l'ile c'est magnifique.
je serai aussi à Bali en septembre,
tu as réservé ton bungalow, où se situe t'il?
en ce qui me concerne,
j'ai reçu une proposition pour louer une villa, du 13 au 23 septembre: 3 chambres, piscine et ..., tout le confort quoi
et près de la plage de sanur
Je trouve que c'est un peu bête de louer cette charmante villa seule,
je ne comptais pas faire appel à candidat mais il se fait qu'à la recherche de bons plans sur ce site,
je vois votre message
Je suis belge, régulièrement à Montréal, québec ... pour le semi-professionnel, et la retrouvaille avec mes amis
si vous êtes intéressés, faire plus ample connaissance est indispensable, je crois
Retour de 15 jours à Bali du 26 octobre 2019 au 11 novembre 2019 Vol Paris Singapoure Dempasar avec Singapore Airlines, très bonne compagnie, des hôtesses…
Super séjour du 20 juillet au 28 aout 2015 dans une Asie du Sud est toujours aussi accueillante... Je vais tenter un récit du voyage avec les infos pratiques…
Nous revenons d’un voyage de 3 semaines en Indonésie (22/07 au 13/08), et je voulais partager les étapes de notre circuit ainsi que nos impressions, aussi bien…
Après trois voyages en Inde, deux au Népal et un au Cambodge, je suis parti en Indonésie pour un mois de découvertes, seul et en routard bien entendu, du 14…
Après avoir profitéde votre gentillesse de e vos conseils, ici mon recit de voyage en Indonésie. n'hésitez pas à me contacter si des infos ne sont pas claires…
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! !
