Je planifie un voyage à Java-Bali-Lombok pour le mois de juillet et je ferai bien une petite pause à Gili Trawangan.
La question que je me pose est où est le meilleur endroit pour séjourner pour être à la fois au calme, pas trop loin de l'artère principale au Sud de l'île et avoir une bon site de snorkeling ?
Est ce vraiment long de rejoindre "l'animation" depuis la cote Nord, du côté du Karma Kayak, Alam Gili, villa Grasia ou Balikana ? Peut-on y voir de beaux poissons sans marcher sur des coraux ?
Est ce que le Nord de la côte Est (oui c'est bien ça 😄) du côté des Goodheart Bungalows, Deam Village, Bale Sampan est calme malgré la nouvelle mosquée ?
Est-ce que l'on peut se baigner toute la journée à Gili Trawangan ou seulement à marée haute ?
Où est le point représentant l'équilibre entre la proximité et le calme ?
Merci de votre aide, j'ai déjà lu pas mal de posts sur Gili T mais je reste preneuse de tous vos conseils concernant l'hébergement sur les Gilis !
PS : J'hésite aussi entre Perama et Gilicat pour y aller donc si il y en a qui ont survécu au deux, qu'ils se fassent connaître 😉 !
Celui qui est maître de lui-même est plus puissant que celui qui est maître du monde
Un conseil : fffffuuuuuuuuyyyyyyyyeeeeeeezzzzzzzzzzzz !!!!!
Je sais de quoi je parle : j'en reviens !
C'est vrai que la couleur de l'eau et que certaines vues depuis la plage sont paradisiaques. Que malgré la destruction du corail de la faune et la flore à la dynamite (par les pêcheurs dans les années 80) sur les bords (corail mort sur une bonne trentaine de mètres près du bord), la nature à repris le dessus si on s'éloigne un peu à la nage.
Mais l'accueil est déplorable, les prix au delà du foutage de g..... . Nous étions toute une bande (14 personnes) et nous logions tous dans des endroits différents pour des questions de budget et de confort et le constat est : accablant !!! Resquille à tous les étages ! qu'on veuille se loger, simplement dîner ou prendre un Cidomo, rebaptisé Oscar, ces petites carrioles attelées à un cheval, indispensable dans l'île pour se déplacer.
Quant aux hébergements... 10 ans que je ne m'étais pas rendue sur l'île... bien entendu, je comprends et j'encourage le développement local... mais là... Toute la côte est mangée par les hébergements en tout genre, un peu moins au nord... mais entre les prix et la qualité en dessous de la moyenne... (je me suis occupée personnellement de trouver les hébergements de mes amis, je peux donc vous affirmer que j'en ai visité pas mal...)
Et sous des airs faussement décontractés genre Rastafaraï, ( oui, on aime bien reggae sur l'île, en boucle et bien fort. J'ai moi-même un penchant pour Bob, mais pas en boucle ! désolée Bob😉... )on est jeunes et décontractés MAIS on ne perd pas une occasion de vous arnaquer ! Je n'ai pas envie de citer toutes les nombreuses petites mesquineries quotidiennes et dieu sait que c'était à la limite du supportable et surtout tellement ENORME qu'il vaux mieux en rire afin de ne pas se gâcher la journée.
Bref, vous n'avez pas mis ce post pour entendre ça, mais je me sens dans l'obligation d'avertir quiconque souhaite s'y rendre et de vous faire partager mon expérience toute récente ainsi que celle de mes amis/ famille...
Sinon, Gili Cat très bien. Et la durée du trajet plus courte que la Pérama pour un prix équivalent (je parle des speeds boats de la Pérama, il y a 2 formules)
Vous êtes-vous rendue sur Trip Advisor pour lire les commentaires de hôtels que vous nommez ci-dessus ?
L'île était saturée de touriste en Mai (basse saison), je m'y suis pourtant prise à l'avance pour réserver par le net, mais tous les endroits corrects étaient déjà complets...je n'ose pas imaginer le mois de juillet...
J'ai entendu beaucoup de bien de Karma Kayak (souvent complet, n'hésitez-pas à leur envoyer un mail de demande de résa)
J'avais trouvé une chambre pour mes beaux-parents à la Villa ALMARIC. de 600 000 à 750 000 IDR. Ce sont les seuls a avoir été contents de leurs hébergement...
Pour être retournée à Nusa Lembogan (Bali) je trouve que l'endroit est bien plus accueillant et le snorkeling de très grande qualité. Il y a aussi la possibilité de faire de la plongée en petit groupe et non pas à 40 personnes par bateau comme sur GT (ah oui, j'aurais aussi des choses à dire la-dessus..;1 instructeur pour 8 plongeurs...🤪)ou du surf mais pour les très confirmés. L' accueil y est charmant et sans faux semblant. Les tarifs pratiqués tout à fait raisonnable. La Pérama assure les trajets et si vous mettez 10 000 de plus part personne( région Kuta, Legian, Sémiyak...), ils viennent vous chercher en car à votre hôtel pour vous acheminer à leur bateau. Très bien organisé.
Java-Bali-Lombok : Aucun doute que vous passerez de merveilleuses vacances ! 😎
Bonjour RaphNath,
Oui, sans aucun doute. L'île est assez petite, on en fait vite le tour. Du coup on est moins tenté de s'agiter dans tout les sens... idéal pour la farniente. Pas bruyante et agitée comme à GT. Par contre : impossible d'ignorer les Cocoricos nocturnes ! (donc prévoir boule Quiès) mais bon, c'est le cas un peu partout sur Bali....
C'est une Ile de ou se pratique l'agriculture de l'algue. Les champs se situent juste devant. C'est pour quoi pour le snorkeling il faut prendre un bateau 100 000 IDR/pers (prix standart un peu partout) pour 3h00 environ, ça en vaut vraiment la dépense ! C'est magnifique !
Attention : Ce n'est pas le prix qu'il faut négocier mais les heures du snorkeling trip... Je suis passée par mon hôtel car ils ont un Padi center et donc des bateaux confortables et la sécurité qui va avec. Comme il y a pas mal de courants, je vous recommanderai plutôt de prendre votre excursion avec des professionnels...
Mais si on préfère, le pêcheur local vous fait exactement le même tarif mais c'est plus... pittoresque....
L'hôtel où nous avons séjourné : http://www.bungalo-no7.com/
Il y a deux sites avec deux styles de confort différents. Un sur la plage (Bungalow N°7 ) et un avec piscine sur la falaise (OKA N°7). Pour ma part j'ai choisi la plage. Confort simple mais bon accueil. Calme avec quelques transats face à la mer.
Si vous les prévenez suffisamment à l'avance, ils viendront vous chercher à l'arrivée de votre bateau. Ils ont une très jolie chambre face à la mer. Pas chère du tout. Comme il n'y en a qu'une, c'est mieux de réserver. Des amis séjournaient à L'oka et m'ont dit que notre restau au N°7 était meilleur qu'à l'Oka...
Voilà, ceci est pour indication et peut-être n'est ce pas le genre d'établissement que vous recherchez. Ca servira peut-être au à d'autres Vfistes...
Bon séjour
Je suis à la recherche d'infos et témoignages sur de petites îles sur la côte Ouest de Sumatra, au large de Padang. J'aime les îles sans luxe (donc pas Cubadak…
Aprés quelques jours sur Bali, nous souhaitons nous rendre sur Lombok (trajet prévu en avion pour éviter la perte de temps). En étudiant une carte de Lombok,…
Je prépare un circuit au Cambodge et j'étais décidée à visiter la région du Ratanakiri qui semblait correspondre en terme de paysages à ce que nous aimons le plus : la forêt, la jungle, la verdure...
Toutefois en commençant à étudier la région, j'ai lu que la déforestation y était massive et les infos sur ce sujet datent parfois de plusieurs années et la situation n'a malheureusement pas dû s'arranger depuis.
Ma question est donc de savoir si le Ratanakiri est encore intéressant à visiter et justifie encore l'éloignement et les temps de trajet pour y accéder?
J'ai vu que des treks étaient possibles dans la jungle mais, d'expérience, je sais que les guides rechignent parfois à s'enfoncer dans la forêt et se limitent à des marches assez courtes en bordure des parcs.
Hello, it’s been a while since I last asked for your help on this forum—I’ve really missed it! I hope you’re all doing well, whether you're new or returning members.
I’m planning a trip from February 6 to 18, 2027, with my sister (we’re 47 and 50—time flies!). I’ve got my eye on a flight from Paris that lands in Bangkok on February 7 at 3 PM, with a return flight from Bangkok on February 18 at noon.
My sister has never been to this destination, and it’ll be her first time in Asia. Her priorities: beaches, sunshine, and cocktails by the shore. For me, I love that too, but I also enjoy exploring, nature, forests, and a bit of comfort (mixing guesthouses and higher-end hotels with pools). A little evening entertainment would be great, but not too much—good cocktails in a nice atmosphere rather than a rave party ;-). And I can’t help but dream of taking her on a little trek through a tropical forest (guaranteed memories and laughs, though she might curse me at the time) and showing her some karst landscapes.
I’ve been to Thailand before, but it was 15 years ago...
The idea is to give her a taste of Bangkok for 1 or 2 nights, a few days on an island (but which one...?), a tropical forest excursion with 1 or 2 nights on-site (Khao Sok?), and then back to Bangkok.
For the "main" island, even after reading the *Guide du Routard*, I’m still undecided. It’s hard to find a place that ticks all the boxes without feeling as crowded as the French Riviera in August: Koh Lanta? Khao Lak (though it’s not an island)? Koh Tao (I could maybe get my PADI certification, but I’m afraid she’d get bored, and it might be better to save that for a solo trip)? Koh Yao Yai (I worry we’d be bored in the evenings)? What a dilemma!
Thank you if you’ve read this far! Feel free to share any advice—it’ll all be warmly welcomed.
Here’s a rough outline of the itinerary (I’d rather skip a night in Bangkok if needed):
· Saturday, February 6, 2027: departure (overnight flight)
· Sunday, February 7, 2027: arrival at 3 PM, probably at the hotel by 6 PM, evening in Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Monday, February 8, 2027: day in Bangkok (Wat Pho and a floating market?) (overnight in Bangkok)
· Tuesday, February 9, 2027: travel to Koh Lanta or another island (flight to Phuket or Krabi?) (overnight on island "x")
· Wednesday, February 10, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Thursday, February 11, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Friday, February 12, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Saturday, February 13, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Sunday, February 14, 2027: beach and walks (overnight on island "x")
· Monday, February 15, 2027: travel to Khao Sok—nighttime excursion to Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Tuesday, February 16, 2027: exploration and hike in Khao Sok (overnight in Khao Sok)
· Wednesday, February 17, 2027: return trip to Bangkok (overnight in Bangkok)
· Thursday, February 18, 2027: return flight to Paris at noon
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?????