Je compte me rendre à Sumatra en juillet ou aout pour un voyage de 2semaines et demie à 3semaines mais je me pose pas mal de questions.
L’itinéraire n’est pas encore défini clairement car je pensais dans un premier temps me rendre à Java mais ayant peur du trop grand nombre de touriste à cette période je me suis dis que Sumatra serait plus adapté à mes attentes.
Pour l’instant Je sais juste que je veux aller à Pulau weh et faire un treck de plusieurs jours dans la jungle pour profiter de la faune et de la flore de l’île !
Je compte réserver les billets dans 1 ou 2 semaines mais je voudrais d’abord vérifier que ce voyage est réalisable pour moi :
- Trouver vous que Sumatra soit dangereux pour une jeune fille voyagent seule ?
- Un budget de 30€ jour est il faisable en étant seule ?
- Arrive t’on à s’y déplacer correctement ?
- Pour le treck est ‘il facile de trouver un groupe auquel se rattacher ? (Question de budget et de ne pas être seule avec un inconnu au beau milieu de la jungle)
- Quel budget pour 4jours de trekking ? J’aimerais avoir une idée des prix
- Je souhaite me rendre à Pulau weh en prenant l’avion de Medan à Banda aceh. Je ne vais pas m’attarder dans la ville mais irais directement prendre un bateau pour Pulau weh.
- y a-t-il un risque en passant par Banda en étant une femme seule ?. Je sais que ça fait un peu parano mais je n’arrive pas à trouver d’informations très précise là-dessus et je sais que la Charia y est appliquée. Je tiens vraiment à me rendre sur l’île mais pas au prix de ma sécurité.
Pour répondre à quelques unes de tes questions :
- Sumatra pas "dangereux" du tout mais observer bien sûr quelques règles de base de prudence, surtout à Medan et éviter tant que se peut le passage par la gare de bus de Medan Pinang Baris (le chaos et quelques individus assez déplaisants)
- Budget de 30€ tout à fait faisable
- Il y a des (mini) bus tout le temps pour aller partout, ainsi que des vols fréquents pour de nombreuses destinations. Les bus de nuits sont très très confortables.
S'il est facile de trouver des transports, les distances sont très longues et les temps de trajets sont parfois interminables et parfois pénibles.
Il faut parfois se "battre" pour se faire entendre (et respecter). Les sumatrais sont charmants mais il faut savoir être ferme, surtout quand on est une femme...
- Quand tu seras à Bukit Lawang ou Ketambe pour un trek, tu trouveras facilement un groupe auquel te joindre, c'est effectivement préférable (et plus sympa). Les guides sont plein de charme et en usent 😉 Le prix est néanmoins par personne et assez cher, il me semble que c'est environ 30 € par personne/jour ( mais cela en vaut largement la peine ! )
- Pour te rendre à Pulau Weh, je te conseille effectivement de passer par Banda Aceh parce que la ville est très attachante et intéressante, mais si tu veux tu peux prendre un vol direct de Medan à Sabang sur Pulau Weh.
Banda Aceh est une ville très intéressante et jolie, la circulation y est très raisonnable, tu peux t'asseoir dans un petit café et boire un délicieux café Gayo, mais surtout ses habitants, qui ont tant souffert entre la guerre et le tsunami, si touchants et néanmoins joviaux.
En résumé aucun problème de sécurité sur Sumatra, l'île et ses habitants sont très attachants et il y a tant à découvrir. Mon île préférée d'Indonésie !
Sumatra est une île superbe (pour combie nde temps encore?) aux habitants charmants et serviables.
- Trouver vous que Sumatra soit dangereux pour une jeune fille voyagent seule ?
Non, pas plus qu'ailleurs. Les gens sont partout très gentils, comme dans le reste du pays.
- Un budget de 30€ jour est il faisable en étant seule ?
Oui, du moins c'était le cas il y a 5 ans quand j'y étais (je devais être à 23€ environ).
- Arrive t’on à s’y déplacer correctement ?
Oui, en bus. Tu peux aussi louer un scooter pour explorer, comme à Bukittinggi.
- Pour le treck est ‘il facile de trouver un groupe auquel se rattacher ?
j'imagine que tu parles du parc avec des orangs-outans, le Gunung Leuser. Il y a un endroit touristique, Bukit Lawang, apparemment pas top (ils nourrissent les animaux pour les faire venir). j'ai préféré m'en éloigner et aller dans un petit village d'où des treks partent, Kutacane ou Ketambe. Je suis parti seul avec un guide, il n'y avait personne à ce moment (octobre). C'était assez génial!! Tu peux partir en trek des deux villages sans problème. Il y aura plus de monde à Bukit Lawang.
- Quel budget pour 4jours de trekking ?
Si tu es seule, tout compris, compte dans les 25 euros. C'est parfois dégressif avec du monde. Les tarifs sont fixes, tout est compris.
- y a-t-il un risque en passant par Banda en étant une femme seule ?
Non, pas du tout. J'y ai même vu un transsexuel dans la rue. La charia certes, mais ils restent asiatiques. On est loin de l'ambiance de certains pays musulmans. De l'aéroport tu peux directement prendre un taxi pour le petit port d'où tu prendras un bateau pour Pulau Weh (j'avais adoré y plonger, il faut un bon niveau par contre, c'est pas trop pour des débutants). Les taxis ne sont pas vraiment officiels, ça m'avait un peu fait peur, mais c'est juste comme ça, pas de quoi s'inquiéter. Partage un taxi avec quelqu'un de l'avion si tu souhaites.
Au retour tu peux t'attarder une grosse journée à Banda Aceh si tu veux voir les dégâts du tsunami d'il y a quelques années (un énorme bateau au milieu d'un terrain vague, un bateau de pêche sur une maison). Sinon, tu vas directement à la gare des bus.
A ne pas manquer sur Sumatra:
Pulau Weh (plongée plongée plongée)
Le Gunung Leuser (les animaux!!)
Le lac Toba et Pulau Samosir (pour chiller et profiter des paysages; tu peux louer un scooter et faire le tour de l'île, t'arrêter au gré des rencontres)
Bukittingi (les gens les plus adorables!!!!)
J'y avais passé 3 semaines. L'île est immense, il m'aurait fallu plus de temps pour voir le sud.
Merci beaucoup pour vos réponses, cela me rassure et me conforte dans mon envie d'aller à Sumatra :)
Je vais donc prendre mes billets cette semaine et organiser plus en détail mon voyage dans les mois à venir.
Pour les réservations de logements je compte voir ça sur place selon mes envies. Par contre concernant le vol intérieur medan- Banda aceh me conseillez vous de le réserver à l'avance ou puis-je le faire quelques jour avant ou le jour même ? (j'ai peur que les prix augmentent ou de ne pas avoir de place)
Pourquoi de Medan?
Le moins cher pour toi sera d'arriver en Asie de Kuala Lumpur et de prendre un vol Air Asia (2-4 semaines en avance) Kuala Lumpur-Banda Aceh (regarde quels jours il y en a).
Pourquoi de Medan?
Le moins cher pour toi sera d'arriver en Asie de Kuala Lumpur et de prendre un vol Air Asia (2-4 semaines en avance) Kuala Lumpur-Banda Aceh (regarde quels jours il y en a).
Pour la simple et bonne raison que je n'y avais pas pensé.
Mais je viens de regarder et ça me ferait économiser une bonne centaine d'euros pour le vol depuis Genève et quelques dizaines d'euros pour les vols intérieur. Merci beaucoup pour le conseil !
Je parts le 20 mars 2019 a Jakarta et je rentre le 10 avril depuis Bali je part en solo et je souhaiterai faire un peu de rando et culture et j'aimerai…
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Voyager au féminin › Malaisie / Indonésie · 6 replies
Je pars de juillet à mi aout en Malaisie puis Bornéo. Après la Malasie, je pense d'abord faire le Nord de Borneo (quel aéroport d'arrivée?) puis je souhaite…
Je pars dans 3 semaines en Indonésie et je vais rester 14 jours sur Bali. J'ai regardé un itinéraire et j'aurais aimée avoir votre avis déçu sur la faisabilité…
I’d love to settle around Da Nang for about a month and explore the surrounding areas in Vietnam.
I’ve already been to this country and don’t feel like rushing around every day like I used to a few years ago.
I’d really like to find some company to stay for at least a month, and then maybe spend a month in Cambodia...
Given that I’m now 76, I don’t want to run around like I used to, trying to see everything...
I enjoy calm people... Those who love life and with whom I can share a beer... And meet people to create a great atmosphere—la dolce vita....
hi there
I’m leaving on October 1st for Rio, which I’ll be exploring over 10 days while staying in Copacabana and Ipanema.
After that, I’m heading to Ilha Grande, Paraty, and finally a flight to Iguaçu.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on Rio. Is it possible to walk around and explore without constantly worrying about getting my phone snatched?
I’m traveling alone and don’t speak Portuguese.
I need GPS to get around.
I love walking and don’t really like taking taxis, which is why I’ve booked two places to stay in Rio to experience different neighborhoods.
But is this doable given the security concerns there?!
In short, can you travel peacefully?
Thanks for your feedback if you’ve been to Rio!
Best,
Hi everyone,
I’m planning to travel solo to Oman in December 2025, renting a vehicle that allows me to camp in certain areas. For those who’ve already explored the country this way, could you share your experiences or tips?
I’d also like to visit the Wahiba Desert, but in that area, I’d prefer a guide for driving and, most importantly, not to sleep in those luxury desert-edge camps but rather have a "wild" escape under the stars. Any guide recommendations? Thanks in advance – Clem
Hi there, I’m Brigitte, 66 years old, fairly active and in great shape. I split my time between the Tarn region and Nantes, have a youthful spirit, and am very easy-going. I’m looking for a woman with a similar profile for a road trip in Southeast Asia—half humanitarian work and half free travel. The trip starts in October 2026 in the Philippines on the island of Panay, then moves on to Indonesia and Malaysia. The journey could last up to 4 or 5 months, as I have no fixed schedule. If you’re cool and friendly, feel free to message me. See you soon!
I’m traveling solo to Armenia in mid-September for three weeks, and I’ll be using public transport. I have a few questions:
- Does Yandex work everywhere, even in villages?
I’m looking for:
- Nice guesthouse addresses in the north (national park) and the south, including the village of Ararat,
and a simple but clean hotel in Yerevan that’s convenient for getting to the bus stations later.
- Any great tips or advice you can share.
Actually, I’m a bit worried I’ll be stuck only visiting tourist sites without a car. What do you think?
Thanks for your help
I’m arriving in Tana on 9/10/26 as a solo female traveler.
Which hotel in Tana is good for the first night since I’ll get in at 10 PM?
What’s worth seeing around Tana?
I’m planning 2 nights in Tana,
then 2 nights in Andasibe? After that, Lake Itasy.
Any suggestions? Thanks
I contacted several agencies in Madagascar to arrange this 4x4 trip along the coast.
Always the same answer: a tailor-made trip with at least 2 participants.
Since I don’t want to travel alone and a friend isn’t available, I’m looking for a woman to share this trip with the agency Mahay Mada, which offers a 12-day, 11-night tour of southern Madagascar. I’m available from August 23 to September 14.
Thanks for your direct response at 0784659791. See you soon, Mireille
Hi everyone,
I’m a 67-year-old woman who loves to travel, and for my third solo trip, I’ve decided to explore Indonesia.
I’ll be there from September 1st to October 5th, and I’m really struggling to plan my itinerary.
I’d love any advice you can share—I’ll read it all carefully.
So far, I’ve booked my first two nights with a local host in Jakarta, and then I’m heading to Borobudur. That’s all I’ve got planned for now.
Do you think I should book accommodations and transport tickets in advance? It seems really complicated, or could I just decide day by day based on how I feel?
Thanks in advance for your replies!
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a solo trip to Mongolia this summer, without an agency. However, I’d like to have a guide accompany me for certain parts of my journey.
From my research, I understand that most "activities," accommodations, and transportation are best arranged day by day, depending on opportunities and encounters. Without an agency, everything is organized on the spot.
I’d love to hear more opinions on this, especially regarding the Orkhon Valley.
Here’s the itinerary I’m planning:
* UB -> Mörön (flight) -> Khatgal (local buses)
A few days at Lake Khövsgöl
* Khatgal -> Mörön -> Jargalant -> Tariat (local buses)
A few days at the White Lakes
* White Lakes -> Tsetserleg -> Kharkhorin (4x4 with driver)
A few days in the Orkhon Valley
+ the Eight Lakes (horseback trekking with a guide)
* Return to UB
From what I’ve gathered, the first part should be fairly straightforward, but I have questions about the Orkhon Valley.
Here are my questions:
-> Tsetserleg to Kharkhorin route:
Have any of you made this trip by booking a driver on the spot when arriving in Tsetserleg? Was it easy to find an available driver? And did you find it easy/difficult/impossible to find other travelers to share the ride with? Ideally, I’d like to share this leg with fellow travelers.
-> The Eight Lakes: Could you share your experience with the Eight Lakes? Did you easily find a guide directly on site? Were you able to share this experience with other travelers?
Last question for women who’ve traveled solo in Mongolia:
-> How did you experience it? Do you have any specific tips or recommendations?
I’m considering a road trip (rental car) to explore the Canadian Rockies in September 2026, starting in Calgary and ending with about 10 days in Vancouver and the surrounding area. (Two weeks in the Rockies and a little under two weeks in Vancouver and nearby.)
I’d like to say that being a woman traveling alone doesn’t really bother me. That’s not the issue. Being a woman is just how it is, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon, but traveling solo is something I could fix by finding travel companions. However, I had a not-so-great experience in India with two girls who were total strangers at first and turned out to be quite annoying, so I’m a bit put off by the idea now.
My question is simple, assuming I do this trip alone: is it worth sticking *only* to driving? I have **zero** sense of direction—with a map, I’m hopeless. So, is it realistic to think, "With my GPS, I’ll just drive from Calgary to Vancouver and see what I see," since I don’t see myself hiking alone? I’m not easily scared, but I wouldn’t feel confident doing that solo. Unless all the sightseeing is done with a guide (but then, hello, the cost—my budget isn’t exactly overflowing).
What do you all think?
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Take care and happy travels.
Cheers,
Régine
Hi,
After a week of sports south of Bergen, I’m not sure what to visit during the following week between Bergen and Oslo.
I haven’t planned to rent a car.
I’d love your suggestions. Thanks
Hi everyone, I’m really keen to visit Iran for three weeks in mid-March 2015.
What worries me a bit isn’t so much traveling alone—I’m used to it and know the Middle East well—but rather the current events (Islamic State) that could potentially become dangerous.
Flights are pretty cheap at the moment, and I’d like to book before prices go up.
Any advice from people who know the ground situation and Iranian current affairs better than I do would be much appreciated! :)
Hi there! I’m in the middle of planning my first solo trip (as a woman). Do you have any ideal destinations with activities like hiking, diving, sightseeing, and easy ways to meet locals—all on a small budget?
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s had this experience before! :)
Hi there,
Who could recommend a reliable agency for visiting several islands, including the parks around Komodo? I’m traveling solo as a woman.
Thanks for your great tips!
Hi everyone,
I’m often in transit in Tokyo and I stay at the hotel because Japanese people speak little English and the signs are almost always in Japanese!
Any ideas for getting from Narita to a nice park or an onsen? I wanted to try Hokkaido, but apart from renting a car, it’s all trains! Any suggestions for a car with a driver? Or is it too expensive? Small group tours in Hokkaido? I read about the Explorator group’s offer—way too expensive!!!
I’ve got a maximum of 8 days. I’d just like a nice Japanese break.
Thanks for any tips you can share!
my friend, with whom I traveled to Iran, Myanmar, and India, really wanted to take a one-month trip to Armenia and Georgia. So we booked our flights (June 21 to July 19), but disaster struck—she can’t travel anymore due to serious family reasons.
Now I’m heading off on this adventure alone. It’s not that I’ve never traveled solo before—I spent three months exploring Southeast Asia by myself last year—but I still have a few questions, and I’d really appreciate your input.
* I don’t think traveling alone in these countries is very risky—what do you think?
* Maybe I could hire a driver? What would that cost, since some places seem tricky to reach by public transport. Do you have any driver recommendations?
* I don’t want to rent a car—the driving seems too unpredictable, especially in Georgia.
* I’d love to do some nice hikes—are there any guides available?
Here’s my rough itinerary:
YEREVAN and surroundings
YEGHEGNADZOR for Noravank
GORIS and TATEV
LAKE SEVAN
DILIJAN
HAGHPAT
TBILISI and surroundings
The CAUCASUS toward Mestia
UPLISTSIKHE
VARDZIA
Return to Yerevan for my flight
Thanks to anyone who can share their experiences or answer my questions!
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share a few tips that really helped me better prepare my carry-on luggage. After a few trips (and some mistakes too!), I’ve finally found a way to organize myself that makes life a lot easier. Maybe this can help other travelers here.
1. Choose a practical and sturdy bag
A good bag is the foundation. I’ve noticed that a model with a solid structure, sturdy wheels, and a well-thought-out interior really changes the experience. Hard-shell suitcases hold up better, especially when you’re hopping between flights. Personally, I use a Lambert suitcase because the interior is super well-divided, but the important thing is to find a model that works for you.
2. Rolling your clothes really works
It’s simple, but it saves so much space. Plus, it wrinkles less. I do this now for almost everything, especially lightweight clothes.
3. Keep everything in a small kit
100 ml liquids, toothbrush, cream, mini first-aid kit… Having all of that in one clear toiletry bag makes going through security much easier. It saves you from having to take everything out and put it back in a rush.
4. A pouch for essentials
Passport, headphones, charger, phone… I keep all of that in the same pouch. It saves so much stress when you need to find something quickly, especially on the plane.
5. Traveling lighter makes all the difference
Since I started choosing versatile clothes that mix and match well, I travel with a lot less. Less weight, fewer decisions to make, fewer things to lug around. It honestly makes traveling so much more enjoyable.
From the conversations I’ve had with other travelers (and several customers too), I’ve realized you can really simplify your trip just by organizing a little better and choosing good accessories.
If you have other tips or methods that work for you, I’d love to read them. We always learn from others on this forum.
Looking forward to exchanging with you all!
Hi,
Has anyone recently taken the boat to Casamance from Dakar and could share their experience?
From France, is it possible to book online, or do you need to go through an agency? How far in advance?
Boarding/disembarking: how does it work? Do we have to check in our luggage and then pick it up on arrival?
What’s the vibe like on the boat in the seating area?
Has anyone ever stopped over in Carabane? Accommodation options there?
Thanks so much if you have any recent info!
Exploring India by road is all about having a good driver. I highly recommend the one I’ve traveled with for 5 "safe" trips—Rajasthan 3 times over 16 years, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab. He’s been driving tourists for 25 years now and is more than just a driver. He knows how to talk about his country, the cities you visit, and suggests alternative routes.
He’s well-connected with real local guides who don’t just ramble (as he puts it himself) or drag you into shops claiming to be run by their "so-called family." Depending on your preferences, he can suggest well-tested itineraries and recommend typical hotels like Havelis.
For dining, he oversees meal prep based on your spice-level preferences. He’s Sikh and deeply respectful of his passengers.
He speaks English better than French, but one of his daughters is studying French at university.
Hi,
We’d like to spend about twenty days in Albania next July. We’re two women traveling together and we’re thinking of renting a small car. Does that sound reasonable, or should we avoid it?
Thanks for your advice.
Hi there,
I’m spending a week in Morocco (Rabat - Meknes - Fes).
I’ll be traveling solo—is it safe for a woman over 60?
For transportation, I’m planning to take the train. I was thinking of buying my ticket last minute, but it’s around the end-of-year period…?
I’ll be in Meknes on December 31st—any suggestions on how they celebrate New Year’s Eve there?
Is anyone visiting these destinations? Maybe we could meet up…?
Thanks in advance.
Hi there,
After hearing so much about Djerba, especially the GO clubs, is it risky for a young, pretty newly-retired woman to visit the island alone?
Thanks in advance.
Hi,
Does anyone know how late the buses run from Cusco Airport to the city center? I land at 9:30 PM, plus time to clear customs, pick up my luggage, and exchange some money—figure an extra 30 to 45 minutes. Though, come to think of it, I still have 5 sols from last time—maybe that’ll be enough for the bus?
Thanks.
Brigitte
Planned arrival on Sunday evening, November 16, 2025, in San José. Staying 3 nights, then taking a bus to Tortuguero for 2 nights. Looking for a shared shuttle to La Fortuna for 2 nights, then a van-boat-van combo to Santa Elena for 2 or 3 nights. Heading to Quepos for 4 nights for day trips using local buses—Jaco, San Antonio, Uvita. After that, a full-day bus ride to Cahuita. I’m booking hotels as I go, which gives me the flexibility to stay longer in places I like. I’m looking for accommodations in city centers near restaurants and not too far from the bus station. Budget: 50 € for a room with a private bathroom (if you’ve got any great tips!). For my finale, I’ll cross the land border to Panama City for 4 days. Thanks for your suggestions! 😉
As I mentioned before, I’m heading to Istanbul next summer, and I’ve heard there have been quite a few attacks by Kurds in Turkey recently, which is making me hesitate about my trip.
What do you all think? :( I’m wondering if it’s really a good idea to go...
Hi everyone,
I’m 66 and just discovered solo travel in Uzbekistan—I loved it! So I’ve decided to explore Africa, starting with Senegal. I’m just beginning my research, but if anyone can give me advice on which month to go, what to see, and whether this destination is safe—or maybe suggest another African country—I’d really appreciate your tips!
Hi there!
We’re leaving in early November for a month.
Here’s our itinerary:
Arrival in Takhmau, then heading to:
Kampong Cham
Kratie – 2 days
Mondolkiri – 3 days
Ratanakiri – 3 days
Stung Treng – 1 day
Siem Reap – 4 days
Battambang – 1 day
Kampong Chhnang – 3 days
Kampot – 2 days
Islands (WE’RE HESITATING WHICH ONE?) – 4 DAYS
Phnom Penh – 2 days
That’s it! 😊
We’re backpacking… and we love spots that aren’t too touristy. If you’ve got any tips, we’re all ears!
Thanks
