Hi there,
After visiting southern Sumatra in 2020 (Padang area, Bukkitinggi, Lake Maninjau), we’re heading north in two weeks to explore.
We’ll arrive in Medan after Singapore.
Then we plan to go to Bukit Lawang, Berastagi, and Lake Toba before finishing up on Pulau Weh.
Yeah, I know three weeks is short, but we like taking our time now that we’re in our fifties 😄.
My questions:
- Which direction should we do the loop: Medan → Bukit Lawang → Lake Toba → Medan (we’ll be traveling by taxi)?
- Can I buy the Medan/Banda Aceh flights just 10 days in advance while we’re there? Any airline to prefer?
Thanks in advance to anyone familiar with this part of the world 😊
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
This brings back old memories! I went to Berastagi (a volcano in the area) from Medan... I don’t know Bukit Lawang (a tourist trap?). After that, Lake Toba, Samosir Island, then all the way south to Sibolga... It was so long!
Then I took a boat to Nias Island. You should go—it was amazing! The houses were a bit like those of the Toraja people in Sulawesi...
I won’t be much help with the route! Things must have changed a lot—we did everything by local bus...
Yes, I know three weeks is short, but we like to take our time now that we’re in our fifties.
Banda Aceh
Do people speak highly of that area?
Maybe with the new roads and taxis, getting around is easier and faster—otherwise, there’s not really time to dawdle 😉
PS: If you go to Bukit Lawang first, then Berastagi, doesn’t that make a big detour to Lake Toba?
As we meet again, Jean Michel 😂.
So, Bukit Lawang might be a tourist trap, but we’ll be there off-season, and my goal is to spot some primates at sunrise by the river 😊. Plus, the forest there is stunning.
We’ll just pass through Banda Aceh, and Pulau Weh Island has everything we love.
Berastagi and Toba are also on the same route. Bukit is a bit out of the way, but not *too* much.
Have a great evening
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
Oh, so I’m following in your footsteps, Agnès! 😄 Thanks for the link.
I’m laughing re-reading about the era of our trips before Booking.com and all that, when we’d do door-to-door planning.
Now I’ve picked everything from my couch 😂 (but still haven’t booked anything—I need to get on that). 16 years later, accommodations have really upped their game: I found several "paradises" for 50 € a night!
For Pulau Weh, no worries if you’re not wandering around in a thong 😆. My Indian outfits will do just fine: T-shirt and knee-length shorts. I’ve read everywhere that you can swim in a bikini without any issues, but if anyone’s found otherwise, I’d love to hear about it!
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
No worries, Agnès. Remember, we’re from Landes—we always find a solution for apéro 😄. In this case, just head to a dive center and drink it from a tea cup.
Strangely, tourism makes religion blind in some places 😵.
Reminds me of Pushkar, where they brought us a big can of beer wrapped entirely in aluminum—super discreet 🤫.
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
Hi Christelle,
The feedback I’ve gotten about the Banda Aceh region hasn’t really made me want to go. I agree with Attila on this. If Pulau Weh has the same vibe, I’d avoid it if possible—you can have a great time on Nias Island instead, where the mostly animist population (like around Lake Toba and the Toraja in Sulawesi) is especially welcoming and tolerant. I’m actually surprised this island doesn’t attract more travelers.
We haven’t decided anything yet, Jean Michel, but we’re arriving and leaving from Medan, and it seems easier to get to Pulau Weh than to Nias.
And if we’re not into surfing, we love snorkelling. I don’t know if that’s possible in Nias.
I’ve read several traveler reviews, and everyone comes back enchanted from Pulau Weh: lush forest, paradise beaches, and easy scooter rental, which matters a lot to us. Some stayed in Banda Aceh and didn’t say anything terrible about it.
But it’s true you have to be respectful, and it’s far from the Saint-Tropez vibe 😄.
I’ll keep researching since no one here seems to have been there 😅.
See you soon
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
I don’t want to influence you (just sharing info), but Nias has lots of snorkeling spots, including Ture Loto Beach in the north of the island. That’s where I went, but I saw there were plenty of others. Since my visit, things may have deteriorated, but that’s the case everywhere.
In Nias, there’s so much to see and plenty of walks to do—bike rentals, etc. The island is huge...
Hi Christelle,
I’d recommend starting with Lake Toba because, on one hand, it avoids going through Medan (Indonesia’s 4th largest city), and on the other, there’s a highway from the airport all the way to Pematang Siantar. After that, the roads are smooth until Parapat, where you’ll take the ferry.
Allow about 3h30 for the drive.
The roads are good, which isn’t the case between Binjai and Bukit Lawang—they’re wrecked by trucks transporting fruit for palm oil.
Thanks Eric. Perfect timing—it’s exactly what I’ve decided since my last message 😄.
After Lake Toba, we might stop in Berastagi. My plan is to head to Bukit Lawang via Namoukour.
Google Maps says it’s doable, but I trust you way more than it 😉. What do you think?
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
The best route to get to Bukit Lawang from Berastagi is the one that passes by the Sinabung volcano on the right—you’ll go past a few ghost villages along the way. Local drivers know this route well.
Hi Philippe,
Thanks for taking me back to my memories 😊.
Yes, we went to Sumatra as planned in March/April 2025, with stops at Lake Toba (4 nights), Berastagi (1 night), Bukit Lawang (3 nights), Pulau Weh (6 nights), and Singapore before and after.
What would you like to know?
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
We spent 7 days in the area renting a scooter and found some top-notch accommodations
for all budgets
a dream snorkeling spot
some stunning beaches where you’re not bothered by neighbors 😊
and a little emotion during the visit to the Banda Aceh mosque
that looked like this after the tsunami 😢
And Sharia law, you might ask? Well, as a tourist, you don’t even notice it.
In Banda Aceh, the welcome was like this
and the image I keep of the place is this one
Everywhere, women ride scooters, work, and live their lives without a guy glued to their sneakers.
I certainly wouldn’t want to be in their shoes because the rules they have to follow are probably numerous, but Indonesian Sharia law has nothing to do with Afghanistan’s.
On the other hand, it’s the perfect remedy for mass tourism 😄. Apart from a few expats who really know what’s going on, we didn’t come across a single tourist, which is becoming rare on a dream island.
But I really only recommend this destination to tolerant travelers who are ready to leave their preconceptions at home. I think you’d be a great candidate! 😉
Interested?
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
Oh wow, it looks amazing in terms of "Environment"!
1-We're getting lazier and lazier
2- Winter in the Vercors always feels a bit long...
A few relaxed hikes and some snorkeling would be perfect... From what I gather, it's not too crowded or polluted...
I guess the fact that it's still a bit tricky to get to—even if it's easier and faster now—must help keep mass tourism at bay. Good thing!
Though I'm not sure my wife would easily pull off your "costume" like in the photo ;) Is a swimsuit allowed?
Personally, I'd be up for it... What's the closest "aérodrome"? Banda Aceh, I assume?
Yes, a flight from Banda Aceh and then less than 2 hours by boat.
I tried out this kind of "outfit" for a trip to India, thinking it would be super uncomfortable, but now I’m a total fan—it’s so comfy (super loose, well-ventilated clothes where I can sit in any position without worrying about showing my underwear 😄).
For bikinis, it’s simple: not recommended in public, but locals don’t go to the beaches 😐. We’d stop at guesthouses to eat and ask if it was a problem. They always said no, and I swam every day without being hassled—guess Sharia isn’t what it used to be 😏! !
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
Aaaah, I was waiting for you, Agnès! 😄
Yes, I’ve read articles like that before.
But I’m just sharing what I saw and experienced there firsthand.
And honestly, I was really surprised by how independent women were—nothing like what I’d read from my couch!
For the rest, I don’t judge cultures that are so different from mine.
Over there, they flog people; here, we lock humans up for loooong periods just because they weren’t born in the right place!!
Personally, I’d take 100 cane strokes over months of imprisonment (yes, I know they’re called "detention centers"—sounds nicer 😒).
Anyway, if you know of a perfect country, I’m all ears! 😉
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
I don’t know why, but there are more flows of political or religious refugees heading to Europe than to Indonesia...
Personally, I’d rather not have to deal with religious extremists who don’t like anyone—not even themselves—and who destroy all the world’s beauty because they can’t dominate it.
Sharia isn’t a culture. It’s a form of oppression.
Indonesian Muslim culture used to be a mix of a soft Islam and ancestral traditions.
Now it’s turning into brainless Islamism, imported from the Arabian Peninsula—the most dangerous colonizers that exist.
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Like always, Agnès, I’m just sharing what I experienced during the 7 days we spent in the Banda Aceh province.
We were without a guide, I rode a scooter alone several times, and I didn’t come across any "brainless Islamists" (we even had beers every night—enough said 😄).
But I don’t doubt for a second that they exist!
It’s just that the reality on the ground is way more nuanced than the image portrayed of this part of the world.
But if you’ve read or seen it on TV, you probably know more than I do.
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
But there’s no need to agree or disagree, Agnès.
I’m not saying Islamic extremism doesn’t exist—I’m just saying I didn’t feel it more there than anywhere else, whether in Indonesia or in Casamance, where I just came from. The reality on the ground is far less black-and-white than what we’re told.
And since, for me, being a bit naive is a quality LOL, I’ll pile on with June, the manager of "our" guesthouse "made in Sharia" 😄
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
Your photos really made me feel it.
That’s why we’ll never agree on the topic of religious pressure.
And if there isn’t any, does that mean all those people being publicly whipped is just theater, something made up?
Would you recommend the destination to a gay couple?
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Really Agnès, you’re not reading what I write, and I’m not trying to "sell" you anything 😅.
I’m not in denial about this Islamic extremism—I’m just saying I didn’t see it with my own eyes while I was there, which isn’t the same thing.
And I wouldn’t recommend this destination to overly affectionate couples (gay or straight), women in mini shorts, "vacationers," or... well, I wouldn’t recommend it to many people, actually 😅—except to Djalma and those whose curiosity about difference outweighs their preconceptions
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
Those last words don’t make any sense at all.
There’s no bias since even you advise against the destination for people who’d want to come as they are.
That just shows there’s an issue.😇
Édifices religieux : concours de photos amical d'août 2026
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Definition of 'a priori': "based on information prior to experience."
So there are those who’ve read things and will never go there, and those who prefer to see for themselves if the reality on the ground matches what they’ve been told.
That’s all I wanted to say
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
So there are those who have read things and will never go there, and there are those who prefer to see for themselves if the reality on the ground matches what they’ve been told.
That’s all I wanted to say.
Yeah, just like in every aspect of life, it’s the experience—the actual lived reality—that really matters.
Besides, strange customs and traditions we might call barbaric aren’t exclusive to any one religion. They exist among peoples we not long ago still labeled as primitive.
With the globalization of lifestyles and modernism, all of that will fade away quickly. We might even celebrate that—if the dark, unhealthy side of religion didn’t drag its vital, luminous energy down into the abyss with it. Hard to explain that to people who only rely on their brains and rational intelligence to understand life.
Some travel just to see beautiful landscapes and take nice photos… and to enjoy a drink on a terrace with a view. The local population, with their religion, festivals, and customs? If they didn’t exist—or if we could avoid them—it’d be ideal. I once heard someone say: Corsica would be so beautiful… without the Corsicans!
There are those who prefer not to fund extremism, and those who prefer to think about the people who don’t have the choice to live their lives as they’d like where they live.
Besides, you haven’t convinced me that what’s written in various newspapers I’ve read on sites like Amnesty International, or the testimonies of people living there, isn’t reality. My own experience in Indonesia also tips the scales. 🙂
I think we’ve covered the topic thoroughly—we won’t convince each other.
Still, our exchange will have the benefit of showing readers of this thread the different sides of this Potemkin village that is Pulau Weh.
This case isn’t unique, by the way.
To attract tourists and their money, a few exceptions to the dictatorial program are always welcome.
(I felt like I was interning at LFi—it was pretty funny. 😄)
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Ah, thanks Jean Michel—I thought I’d lost my French, but you totally got what I meant! 😉
The upside of a destination like this, beyond being wild and untouched, is that the few other tourists you meet "speak the same language" as us: they’re more about curiosity and understanding what they see than judging it.
But I’m kinda glad Islam is so demonized in France (even though it’s so diverse) because right now, it’s the only thing keeping mass tourism out of these stunning places.
Just got back from Gambia/Casamance, where I spent a few days hanging out with "Muslim Rastas" (that’s how they describe themselves!).
Sure, they don’t drink alcohol... but man, do they smoke marijuana! 😂 !
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
Living among a population, sharing good times with the people you meet, and approving of a country's politics or religious rules are two very different things in my eyes. If we had to take those factors into account, we'd never go anywhere. In the US—a civilized country—death row inmates wait in prison for 15 years for their execution, which is constantly postponed... they also execute the mentally ill and minors...
Between going to Pulau Weh or an all-inclusive in the Maldives, my choice is quick... yet the rules governing those two places are quite similar.
The fear of being arrested, kidnapped, or falling victim to a terrorist attack—I get it... I now avoid certain countries I visited without worry when I was younger.
Will you tell us about Senegal? When you mention the rastas, one country comes to mind: Belize]😉
Yeah, that’s right, same here Jean Michel.
To be honest, I’d planned to tell you all about Sumatra, but given the vibe, I’ll hold off 😅.
Casamance might go down better, though—with its Islam that’s pretty tolerant of drugs and prostitution 😏.
(Belize has already caught my eye, but we’ve never taken the plunge!)
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
Let's stop the forum wars, it's really ridiculous.
good evening, you mention the Casamance region, which apparently has relaxed morals.
Both in Indonesia and Malaysia don’t touch anything related to drugs and stay as far away from that as possible.
I’m writing this for people who don’t know—otherwise, it’s heavy prison sentences.
Yes, Mathews, good point to clarify. We just stuck with rum instead of ganja 😅.
It’s not that I don’t feel like it sometimes when I see their state of "zen," but I don’t mess with that abroad—I have zero desire to end up on French TV from some "exotic" jail!
Le monde est comme un miroir, si tu lui souris, il te sourit aussi!
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Je pense qu'il faut que j'enlève un jour quelque part, si je pars du samedi au samedi, ou du dimanche au dimanche. A Kratie, peut-être? à PP? et je rate le trajet en bateau que tout le monde conseille (SR-Battambang), mais je ne vois pas où le caser. Sauf à faire un PP-PP en commençant par l'est, laisser tomber Kratie ou vraiment juste une nuit, puis SR, puis PP).
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Je lis qu'il y a beaucoup de monde à SR entre Noël et Nouvel An, je peux aussi faire le circuit dans l'autre sens. Mais je trouvais plus facile de me familiariser avec le pays en arrivant en territoire touristique, je me trompe peut-être...
Merci pour vos conseils et avis!
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.
Bonjour je souhaite diviser mon séjour en 2 parties soit 15 jours à phuket et 15 jours sur krabi. Savez-vous si je peux louer une voiture et la rendre a krabi lors de mon retour en France
Merci de vos retours
Bon dimanche
Martine
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 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 trip to Vietnam in February, specifically Da Nang and Hoi An.
Does anyone know a French-speaking guide in the area?
Thanks for your help
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,
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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?
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Hi there,
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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.
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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,
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 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,
From Malacca to get to Jerantut, is it better to go back to KL and take a bus from there, or take a bus to Tampin and then a train? Any feedback on the "Jungle Train"? (duration, price, comfort, etc.). Thanks
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.
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Flores and then Bali at the end of September.
We’ve already visited both but this time, once we’re in Labuan Bajo, we’d like to take a boat to the Komodo Islands to see the famous Komodo dragons.
I don’t want to sleep on the boat—just a day trip would be perfect.
Does anyone know a reliable and friendly provider to recommend?
Thanks in advance, and have a great summer!
Summer seems to be the best time weather-wise for Bali.
And since summer’s when we can take a long trip, let’s go for Bali... even though we know it’ll be *packed* with people!
So we’ll steer clear of the island’s south...
Our current plan (19 days on the ground, 7 stops):
- 4 Nights (3 days) in Ubud
2 days for rice terraces / activities (Tegallalang, Campuhan Ridge, Monkey Forest, Bird Park, coffee plantation, market (?), dance "pestacle," cooking class and/or spa)
1 day with a driver for the Temples (Pura Gunung Kawi, Tirta Empul Spring, Pura Mengening, Goa Gajah...)
- 2 nights in Sidemen (1 day for Pura Kehen + Batur Caldera + Pura Besakih and 1 day to relax in the rice terraces)
- 3 nights on Gili Meno (Rest and beaches) from Padangbai
- 2 nights in Amed (1 day from Padangbai with the Abang rice terrace and Tirta Gangga baths, and the next day a boat tour in Amed)
- 4 nights in Pemuteran (1 day for transfer and rest, 1 day to visit Kawah Ijen, and 2 days of snorkeling at Menjangan Island)
- 2 nights in Munduk (1 day with the Dayang rice terrace and the 3-waterfall hike, 1 day at Pura Ulun Danu Bratan)
- 2 nights in Jatiluwih (1 day in the rice terraces, and on the last day, we’ll stop by Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi and Pura Tanah Lot before catching our red-eye flight).
Accommodations in homestays or hotels.
Transportation to be arranged on-site with the lodgings (?)
Boat to Gili Meno to book in advance (?)
Kawah Ijen excursion to plan ahead (?)—check with the homestay (?)
Thanks for your thoughts/comments to help us explore this destination...
After reading and researching, we're planning the following stops in Cambodia in January 2027:
- Phnom Penh
- Kampong Cham
- Kratie
- Siem Reap
- Battambang
- Kampot (round trip)
I'm wondering about the direction of these stops, which could also influence our international flights.
Either a round trip from Phnom Penh in the order above.
Or landing in Siem Reap with the following order:
This second option would save us the Battambang - PP - Kampot trip but means doing a round trip to Battambang from Siem Reap and placing the "highlight of the trip" (Angkor) at the beginning of our stay.
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.
However, I’m not quite 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 some walks and/or things to see in Kampong Thom?
Hi there,
We’re planning to travel from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang next November.
We’d like to take a slow boat from Chiang Khong—or rather from Huay Xai in Laos—with an overnight stop in Pakbeng.
Could you let us know if the boat still leaves Huay Xai in the late morning? If so, what time roughly, and what’s the price for the trip?
Thanks for your help!
Alod
We (3 adults: 68, 65, and 25 years old) are just back from a short trip to the Philippines, and I’d like to share a little summary of our journey. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who contributes to this forum about this destination and answers the questions of those who aren’t familiar with it. I should also mention that my comments are personal and don’t reflect anyone else’s opinions. Since I don’t have any literary or photographic talent, I’ll stick to the facts and share a few details about the sights, hotels, and restaurants.
Preparations:
We chose this destination in December and quickly booked our flight tickets (540 € with Turkish Airlines) for a departure on February 16 and return on March 5, 2019. We then contacted two French-speaking tour operators based in Manila, asking them to put together an itinerary based on our wishes (places to visit, type of accommodation) and our budget. We wanted to see the rice terraces in northern Luzon, the hanging coffins in Sagada, before flying to the Visayas (Bohol, Siquijor, etc.), and the Taal Volcano, while limiting our nights in Manila as much as possible. In the end, we opted for Alize, whose itinerary and quote matched our request almost perfectly. Our exchanges helped us refine our circuit.
International flights:
The round-trip flights went smoothly. Turkish Airlines, while not at the level of Asian or Gulf airlines, does the job just fine.
Day 1:
We landed on time (6:15 PM) on Monday, February 16, at Terminal 3. We exchanged our euros (near the car rental counters), and I can confirm the exchange rate was very good. On the way to the St. Giles Hotel (decent and affordable for a transit night), we got our first glimpse of Manila’s dense traffic. The Makati district, where our hotel was located, offers a wide choice of restaurants, so we grabbed a quick bite to recover from the trip.
Day 2:
This day was dedicated to transferring to Banaue. Fortunately, we had a comfortable van and an excellent driver for this journey, which took all day (8 to 9 hours with stops). We got a taste of driving in the Philippines—and it’s terrifying. You wouldn’t want to drive on these roads. The first thing that struck us was the relatively good condition of the roads and the cleanliness (a change from other Southeast Asian countries). This impression lasted throughout our trip. Around 6 PM, we checked into our room at the Banaue Hotel (large, charm-free, but with a beautiful view of the rice terraces).
Day 3:
With the help of a local guide, we took a jeepney to Batad. And then—wow! The rice terraces form an amphitheater overlooking the small village. Under the sun, it’s simply spectacular and breathtaking! Even though we’re familiar with rice terraces (Sapa, Bali, Thailand, etc.), we were dazzled by so much beauty. We spent the day walking along the terrace walls. This place is timeless and fully deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. However, we returned to the hotel exhausted (due to our ages and lack of exercise). We had dinner with our driver at the Las Vegas restaurant in the center of Banaue. The meal was decent, cheap, and the Filipino owner played the guitar to accompany our dinner.
Day 4:
Today, our driver took us to Sagada. The mountain road offered spectacular landscapes (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Along the way, we stopped in Bontoc to visit the small but interesting anthropological museum. It features old photos and various objects from the Ifugao tribes, as well as a reconstruction of primitive dwellings.
We then went on a short hike in Sagada with a very friendly local guide who explained the region’s funeral rites. The walk started at the communal cemetery before reaching “Echo Valley,” where we saw the first coffins hanging on the cliff. We continued to the “Underground River” and a small waterfall, ending our journey in the “Lumiang Cave” burial cave. All in all, this day was very interesting. On the way back, we made a few photo stops.
In the evening, on our driver’s recommendation, we ate at the “Bistro,” a French enclave in the center of Banaue (good pizza, roasted quail, homemade fries).
Day 5:
Today was a transfer day. To limit fatigue and nights in Manila, our tour operator arranged a flight from Clark to Tagbilaran (Bohol), saving us 2 to 3 hours of driving. But to catch our flight, we had to leave very early: 5:30 AM. Our kind driver dropped us off on time at the airport. To use it, we had to pay a 150 PHP tax per person. The Philippine Airlines flight (15 minutes) left early and was far from full. Upon arrival, we were taken to the Loboc River Hotel, on the banks of the river of the same name. A very charming lodge lost in a tropical garden. We stayed in a stilt cottage overlooking the river. We relaxed a bit in the lovely pool. This place is really great—the staff is charming, and the food is excellent for a reasonable price.
Day 6:
This day was dedicated to exploring Bohol. The program was classic, starting with the tarsier sanctuary. We saw a few specimens in a small garden, each pointed out by a staff member. It was both good and disappointing because the animals were in pseudo-freedom in a small enclosure. Then we went to the “Chocolate Hills” and climbed 240 steps to admire the panoramic view of the hills—but by 10 AM, it was crowded. On the way back, we stopped at the butterfly garden, which was uninteresting: tiny, with few butterflies. We consoled ourselves by photographing beautiful flowers. To please our teen, we stopped at the Loboc Eco Tourism Adventure Park and crossed the river lying down, suspended from a steel cable (300 PHP). Finally, we had the traditional lunch-cruise on the Loboc River. It was a factory-like experience, and the meal was unremarkable. The only good thing was the singer on each boat and the lush vegetation. Afterward, we visited colonial churches and the cathedral, remnants of the Spanish presence, before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved dip in the pool. Note that for those interested, there’s an arena near the hotel where cockfights are held every Sunday—something Filipinos are passionate (if not obsessed) about.
Day 8:
Very early departure for the port. We boarded a *banca* in search of dolphins. After about an hour of sailing, we were lucky enough to spot around a hundred dolphins. Our boat then headed to the small and charming island of Pamilacan. After a walk through the little village, we came across locals traditionally building a boat. They told us it takes about a month to finish their outrigger boat. Then we had to choose our snorkeling spot between the coral garden, the fish park, and the turtle enclosure. Note that a fee is charged for each spot: 150 PHP per place and per person. It felt a bit like we were being ripped off, especially since the spots weren’t amazing—we’d see much better on Apo for much less. We had lunch on the island at one of the many small eateries (350 PHP per person).
Days 9 and 10:
On our return, we were taken to the Bohol Sea Resort on Panglao Island, where we stayed for 2 nights. It’s a small, recent establishment in a quiet corner of the island. It’s relaxing—maybe a bit too much. It has a nice pool and access to Danao Beach, but the view is blocked by a flotilla of boats. We didn’t try their diving school. The meals were good. If we had to do it again, we’d skip this stop to spend more time in Negros.
Days 11 and 12:
We took a fast ferry (Ocean Jet) from Tagbilaran port to Dumaguete and were taken to the Thalatta Resort, about 20 km away near Zamboanguita. We stayed there for 2 nights. Let’s just say it was our favorite. It’s a small place facing Apo Island. The rooms are simple, and the pool, nestled in a magnificent tropical garden, is fantastic. The staff is friendly, and the meals are very good. The hotel has its own diving center (snorkeling gear provided) and its own boats. We booked the Apo Island excursion: 1,350 PHP per person, including lunch. It was incredible: magnificent corals, colorful fish, and turtles of all sizes. The crew was endlessly kind and didn’t hesitate to dive to guide us to the best spots. In short, a perfect day. This site is ranked among the top 5 diving spots in the Philippines.
Since we were lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday morning, we explored the surprising Malapay Market, a 10-minute walk from our hotel. You’ll find numerous stalls selling vegetables, fruits, live or dried fish, and handicrafts. Enclosures are set up for selling livestock (calves, zebu, pigs). There are also restaurants. We were lucky to see two pigs roasted traditionally on a spit. There are few Europeans, and the people are warm. A great moment.
We left this beautiful place with regret because we didn’t have time to visit the island or go swimming with whale sharks.
Days 12 to 15:
From Dumaguete port, we took a short crossing (1 hour with Ocean Jet) to Siquijor Island to reach the Coco Grove Beach Resort. A beautiful hotel nestled in a spacious tropical garden. Several restaurants and bars, 4 pools. Despite the size of the place, it remains intimate. You can snorkel (corals and fish) right in front of the beautiful beach. We stayed in a very pleasant duplex suite. For those interested, there’s a spa and a diving center. You can also take the Apo Island excursion (offered at 1,950 PHP).
We spent our days relaxing between the pool and the beach. In the evening, the sunsets over Negros and Apo were stunning.
We booked an island tour with a comfortable tricycle from the hotel (1,500 PHP). The circuit was classic and allowed us to go around the island. We discovered beaches, the famous 400-year-old ficus tree with its enormous roots, and its equally famous foot bath with its cleaning fish. Then we visited the St. Isidore Convent before heading to the Cambugahay waterfalls and their four pools. The setting is idyllic, and the water is surprisingly good—we had a lot of fun swimming. We had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the island, where you can see Apo, Cebu, and Negros. In the end, Siquijor turned out to be a real little tropical paradise.
Since the hotel restaurants were expensive, we dined at nearby establishments: Fuego (clean, good—excellent raw fish—and quiet), Chekesch (louder), and the very pleasant Baha Bar, which brews its own beer and offers more refined cuisine.
Days 15 to 16:
We left at dawn to return to Dumaguete and its airport by ferry. We had breakfast at the Coco Grande Hotel, an annex of the previous one. The Philippine Airlines flight went smoothly. A driver took us to the town of Taal. We stayed at Paradores Del Castillo, right in the heart of the old town. It’s a charming old house with only 6 rooms. The various rooms are decorated with antiques—a real little museum. The garden is pleasant and opens onto the town.
It’s an old early 19th-century house converted into a hotel, beautifully arranged with 6 rooms in the heart of the city. The restaurant in the garden is very pleasant and offers a panoramic view.
We visited an old Spanish house before heading to the beautiful Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Philippines. A mass was in progress, allowing us to gauge the Filipinos’ fervor before we could visit. When we left, it was dark, and we could admire the illuminated building. We ended our evening by exploring the night market with its many fruit and skewer stalls. A nice surprise.
In the morning, we were taken to the shores of Taal Lake, an ancient caldera where a second volcano has formed in the middle of the lake, which in turn contains another lake. We boarded a *banca* to reach the island in the middle of the lake. This was followed by an uphill walk, made difficult by the high temperature (36°C) and the dust on the path. The dust was worsened by the many horses carrying (or bringing back) the less courageous. To illustrate the difficulty of the climb, the trail is marked by the Stations of the Cross and its 14 stations. We were panting while our guide trotted far ahead. Our effort was rewarded when we reached the summit and its viewpoints over the inner lake and the surroundings. The wisps of smoke seen here and there confirmed we were on an active volcano. Inside the lake, there are supposedly 45 small volcanoes, one of which emerged during its last eruption in 1911.
On the way back, we had lunch by the lake before returning to Manila and the Bayleaf Hotel, whose main merit is its location in the Intramuros district. In the late afternoon, we walked along the walls of the old city.
We had dinner on the hotel’s panoramic terrace overlooking the city and the bay.
Day 17:
Last day! Our tour operator joined us for a tour of the Intramuros district. He enriched the visit with comments on the history, geopolitics, and economy of the Philippines. We visited the Manila Cathedral, destroyed 7 times in the past (6 earthquakes and the 1945 bombing). It’s beautiful, and its stained glass is magnificent. We couldn’t enter the San Agustin Church, the oldest Catholic building in Manila. We passed by the memorial to the Battle of Manila, which claimed over 100,000 lives. We visited the area around Casa Manila, which was closed on Monday, and had a drink at Barbara’s cabaret, located in a historic house. A very enriching morning.
Then we went to the Mall of Asia, the world’s largest shopping mall, to buy some souvenirs (Kultura store) before being taken to the airport. We exchanged our last pesos at the buying rate right after check-in.
The return flight went smoothly. We regretted not being able to use the facilities of Istanbul’s new airport, as its opening was delayed by another month.
Finances:
In the end, we spent 1,640 € for the international flights, 4,200 € for the stay (hotels, visits, various transports) with the agency (whose professionalism we can only praise), and about 700 € for meals, tips, and souvenirs.
Summary:
Luckily, we had beautiful weather throughout our stay, with temperatures between 26 and 35°C. Discovering the Philippines was a wonderful experience. The diversity of the landscapes, the kindness of the Filipinos, the cleanliness, and the truly delicious fruits (especially pineapples and mangoes). We were never harassed, unlike in many touristy countries. On the other hand, the food, though generally cheap, wasn’t exceptional.
Since this country is so vast, we might return in the near future.
Though I’m not a specialist on this destination, I’m happy to answer your questions based on my experience.
So, my flight tickets have just been booked for a trip to Cambodia from November 4th to 27th, 2025.
I’ll be traveling solo and want to explore this amazing country while getting a bit off the beaten path.
I’m arriving in Phnom Penh and also departing from Phnom Penh.
My goal is to travel as much as possible by bus and scooter.
What itinerary would you recommend?
What are the must-do things?
I’m open to all tips and info.
Thanks in advance for your help and responses.
We got back enchanted from a 6-week trip to Cambodia!
Our itinerary: Kampot - Kampong Chhnang - Battambang - Siem Reap - Kampong Cham - Sen Monorom (Mondulkiri) - Banlung (Ratanakiri) - Kratie - Kampong Thom - Phnom Penh.
We traveled by bus, minivan, boat (between Battambang and Siem Reap), overnight bus, scooter, tuk-tuk, and rickshaw for shorter distances. We stayed in guesthouses, homestays, and even in the jungle during a trek.
While the Angkor temples are fabulous, it’s the people you should visit Cambodia for—the "Land of Smiles" truly lives up to its nickname! Tourists gather in Angkor but are quite rare elsewhere, even though the country is easy to travel around.
I won’t describe our trip in detail but instead highlight a few favorite moments.
From Kampot, don’t hesitate to head out around 6 AM to see the fishermen return and their wives selling their catch (just 10 minutes away by the coast). Guaranteed picturesque!
In Battambang, known for its food scene, we discovered a cooking class with Smokin’ Pot (authentic Khmer cooking class). They pick you up from your guesthouse to shop for ingredients (we made fish amok and beef lok lak) at their village market, then cook and eat together. A private class—just the two of us! They also send the recipes via WhatsApp as a PDF. +855 12 821 400
In Siem Reap, I can recommend a francophone tuk-tuk driver who was very attentive to our wishes. We visited tourist spots but also more remote villages and local grilled-pork restaurants with him. He’s a wealth of information about local life, and chatting with him was a real pleasure—we left with regret! You can reach him on WhatsApp: Vung Hem, +855 96 614 0146.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Mondulkiri. Don’t expect a super dense jungle—it looks more like a forest similar to ours. But Nara, our Bunong ethnic guide, made the experience adventurous and ultimately very immersive! WhatsApp +855 86 630 489
Bee Bee’s Chalets homestay: If you pass through Banlung in Ratanakiri, we *loved* this family and their budget-friendly bungalows. Playing Uno, enjoying Nita’s cooking (ask for her fish amok—amazing!), it was a true homestay experience! Contact Nita on WhatsApp: +855 88 818 5525.
In Kratie, rent a scooter and follow the Mekong north for 40 km at your own pace. Being so close to the locals was a treat! Same goes for heading south if you have time.
Kampong Thom: Head 25 km out to visit the pre-Angkorian temples of Sambor Prei Kuk. Around a hundred monuments spread across three sites… and hardly anyone there!
A few practical tips:
Though prices are often listed in dollars, you can always pay in riels (1 USD = 4000 riels), which is what we preferred.
PassApp: An app to book tuk-tuks or rickshaws (and most importantly, know the price upfront).
Virak Buntham: A bus company connecting several cities, bookable online.
Feel free to ask me questions about places, accommodations, etc.—I’d be happy to answer!
We’re planning our second trip to Thailand (2 weeks on-site, late April/early May) as a family with our 5- and 7-year-olds.
On our first trip, we visited Bangkok, Ayutthaya, the River Kwai, Koh Lipe, Koh Phi Phi, and Khao Lak. We especially loved Koh Phi Phi for its limestone cliffs and lush vegetation, as well as Koh Lipe for its crystal-clear waters and snorkeling.
This time, I’m thinking of spending 7 days on the islands. I was considering Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. We’d like some scenery, snorkeling right from the beach, and a bit of atmosphere—but not too much (just enough to grab dinner in the evening).
For the other part of the trip, we’re torn between Chiang Mai and Khao Sok. One or the other… or both? We don’t want to rush, but we’re really nature-focused, so we won’t be hitting too many temples…
for all budgets
a dream snorkeling spot
some stunning beaches where you’re not bothered by neighbors 😊
and a little emotion during the visit to the Banda Aceh mosque
that looked like this after the tsunami 😢
and the image I keep of the place is this one
