Bonjour à tous amis voyageurs !
Je sollicite votre aide pour mon voyage de noce en août prochain (4 au 24 août) pour lequel nous avons décidé de nous rendre en Indonésie et plus précisément à Java (aller et retour de Jakarta).
Avant de vous poser mes questions je nous présente pour que vous ayez une idée de nos envies. Nous sommes un couple de 27 ans qui aimons la nature, la faune, la flore, la culture, les randonnées et les sites naturels. On n’est pas des grands baroudeurs ayant fait le tour de la planète mais nos deux derniers voyages ont été la Patagonie Argentine et la Guyane et sa superbe forêt amazonienne.
On a choisi l’Indo pour la variété des paysages qu’elle contient (volcans, rizières, parcs naturels, plantations, temples, plages….) et son côté un peu aventure.
Pour commencer on n’est pas du style voyage au pas de course, on aime bien se poser 2/3 jours sur chaque lieu, on a donc décidé de ne faire qu’une île en 20 jours et plus précisément Java. Bien sûr les lieux les plus connus mais on aimerait également s’éloigner des lieux les plus touristiques pour plus de nature et d’authenticité.
Est-ce que selon vous c’est une bonne idée ? Ou est-ce que c’est dommage de louper une autre île avec une autre culture, des paysages différents… ? Car au fur à mesure de mes lectures les avis divergent énormément sur java, c’est génial mais au bout d’un moment ça soule (avis d’un ami qui y est allé il y a quelques mois).
Si c’est votre avis aussi, plutôt quoi Lombok ?Komodo ? Bali nous attire pas trop…et sachant que la problématique est toujours la même on ne veut pas passer notre voyage à courir..
Deuxièmement, je commence à voir une petite idée des lieux qui nous attirent et on ne pourra pas tout faire je pense donc besoin de votre aide pour choisir :
Les classiques :
Yogyakarta : 3 /4 jours (la ville, les temples, les alentours).
Solo : 2 jours
Bromo/Kawah Ijen : 4 jours
Les interrogations :
Pangandaran : 2 jours
Plateau de Dieng : 2 jours ?
Col de Puncak Pass : 2 jours ?
Ile Karimunjawa : 3/4 jours (difficile de trouver beaucoup d’infos sur ce lieu qui a l’air super)
Les parcs Nationaux : Baluran ? Meru Betiri ? parc gunung halimun ? Peu d’infos aussi…et apparemment difficiles d’accès…
Bref la question est : ou trouver de la nature et de l’authenticité sur Java en dehors du parcours classique si on veut un peu plus s'enfoncer dans le cœur de l'île: du style belle rizière…plantation de thé..café…forêt…randonnée..
Merci d’avance pour votre aide ! Et à très vite pour discuter j'espère!
Ben
j'ai deja beaucoup voyager en indonesie et je n'ai toujours pas fait le tour des merveilles de ces iles.
pour un voyage decouverte je te conseille de ne pas passer a cote yogya et surtout du temple de borobudur et de prabanan, ainsi que du volcan bromo qui est une aventure a lui tout seul.
je trouve domage que tu ne souhaite pas te rendre a bali qui est pour moi une destination incontournable pour connaitre l’Indonésie. il est vrai que le cote touristique des villes de legian et kuta sont assez inssuportable pour des gens qui cherche l'isolement et le cote authentique d'une destination. mais d'autre cote de l'ile sont tres agréable et moins bondé. je te conseille si tu veut profiter de bali de louer un vehicule et de filer soit au nord vers ubud soit a l'est vers amed ! ou tout a nord vers lovina beach .
il y a aussi des bateau qui partent de bali a lombok et meme de superbes croisières qui parte vers lombok puis ensuite vers les ile komodo qui ont a paysage totalement différent de java et bali.
si tu veut tenter l'aventure karimun java , il faut s'attendre a bien des difficultés mais les effort seront récompensée car ses iles sont simplement magiques pour leur diversité marine et la flore. accessible depuis jakarta ou bien de yogyakarta direction semarang pour le fast boat ou jepara pour le ferry (attention au dates !! parfois il n'y a pas de bateau et il faut reservé longtemps a l'avance pour le fast boat. je te conseille de partir hors vacances indonesiennes car la proximité avec jakarta amènes de nombreux citadins et les petit losmens et autre guest house sont remplis pour les agence local.
j'y suis allée en juillet et il n'y avait moins d'une dizaines de francais sur place (étonnamment beaucoup pour cette destination :p ) il n'y avait pas beaucoup de de touristes indonésiens.
je te conseille a karimun l'hotel omah alchy dont le propriétaire est harris qui est aussi le meilleur fabricant de bateau de l'ile. sa femme une tres bonne cuisiniere tu n'auras pas besoin de sortir et marcher jusqu’à la ville pour manger , ce qui est assez dur a karimun car il y a tres peu de restaurant. 15 minute de marche jusqua la (ville) harris peut t'arranger toute les sorties location de scooter et meme la plongée avec un moniteur diplomé (si il est sur l'ile). tu aura la location du bateau a ta charge et l'equipage + la location du moniteur avec son équipement.
pour 2 personne on a du payer 100 euros pour la journée (qui comprend une initiation sur un banc de sable a proximite puis ensuite expedition sur l'ile d'en face pour plongée le long du recif entre 10 et 20 metres.
l'ile est aussi accessible dupuis jepara par de petit avions plutôt chères peut etre d'autres ville mais je n'ai pas les renseignements pour le moment (voir peut etre suzi air)
voila pour les quelques conseilles et info si tu veut plus de details tu peut me demandé
j'ai toutes les infos
a savoir que je suis marié avec une indonésienne et que nous pouvons avoir des contacts sur place pour plus de renseignements
yogyakarta est accessible par avion et par train. bali est confortablement accessible par avion moins par bus de yogyakarta (conduite sportive de nuit si cela vous tente 16 heure de bus !!)
Tout d'abord merci pour votre réponse et toutes les informations que vous m'apportez!
Pour les îleskarimunjawa, nous recherchons un endroit calme et détente après la traversée de Java (train, bromo, kawah ijen...) qui a l'air tout de même un peu sport et notre choix c'était porté sur ces îles qui ont l'air paradisiaque. Mais vous me faites hésiter avec Bali qui bien entendu nous attire beaucoup pour sa culture et sa nature différente de java surtout si vous me dites que certaines parties de l'île restent épargnées même en pleine saison! A réfléchir donc...
Pensez-vous qu'il faut réserver des hôtels avant le départ? Ou du moins sur certains lieux (Bromo, kawah ijen)? Nous étions partis pour ne rien réserver et voir un peu au fur à mesure de notre parcours, à part la première nuit pour notre arrivée à Jakarta.
Dernière question, connaissez vous un peu certains parcs nationaux de Java? Nous aimerions passer quelques jours dans l'un d'entre eux mais je trouve très peu d'infos...
Baluran ou Meru Betiri après le kawah ijen? ou le parc gunung halimun vers Bogor?
Nous allons finir de peaufiner notre itinéraire, et si cela ne vous dérange pas je vous demanderez votre avis sur notre parcours!
Bonjour, si je peux me permettre de m'immiscer dans votre conversation, disposez vous d'informations sur le plateau de Dieng? Guest houses a recommander? Comment s'y déplacer?
Merci de votre temps
Tout d'abord merci pour votre réponse et toutes les informations que vous m'apportez!
Pour les îleskarimunjawa, nous recherchons un endroit calme et détente après la traversée de Java (train, bromo, kawah ijen...) qui a l'air tout de même un peu sport et notre choix c'était porté sur ces îles qui ont l'air paradisiaque. Mais vous me faites hésiter avec Bali qui bien entendu nous attire beaucoup pour sa culture et sa nature différente de java surtout si vous me dites que certaines parties de l'île restent épargnées même en pleine saison! A réfléchir donc...
Pensez-vous qu'il faut réserver des hôtels avant le départ? Ou du moins sur certains lieux (Bromo, kawah ijen)? Nous étions partis pour ne rien réserver et voir un peu au fur à mesure de notre parcours, à part la première nuit pour notre arrivée à Jakarta.
Dernière question, connaissez vous un peu certains parcs nationaux de Java? Nous aimerions passer quelques jours dans l'un d'entre eux mais je trouve très peu d'infos...
Baluran ou Meru Betiri après le kawah ijen? ou le parc gunung halimun vers Bogor?
Nous allons finir de peaufiner notre itinéraire, et si cela ne vous dérange pas je vous demanderez votre avis sur notre parcours!
Encore merci, et à bientôt.
Benjamin.
Bonjour benclems
Pardon pour ma reponse tardive.
Le seul desaventage de karimun java reste son accessibilite plutot penible si vous ne disposer pas d'un gros budget. Vous pouvez tres bien vous poser par avion sur l'ile. Et en dehors des vacances indonesienne l'afluence n'est pas enorme et les logement disponibles , je vous conseille malgre tout pour toute destinatiobn de reserver pour eviter les surprises!
Niveau parc naturel je vous conseille le parc national de sumbawa et de le parc national de komodo qui sont tres bien avec des guides et des tours bien organisés.
Pour le plateau de dieng la ville importanet est malang de la vous pouvez faire des tours sur le plateau de dieng.
de nombreuses guest house et hotel sont sur place et vous propose aussi de vous emener en promenade.
De yogyakarta aussi des agences proposes de excursions vers le plateau de dieng, kawah ijen et bromo.
Hi there, 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…
Hi, 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…
Hi everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
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
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
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 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.
