dans les commentaires et récit de voyages , de même que dans les guides touristiques , si on parle de java un peu on met surtout l'accent sur Bali et Lombok
ma question est donc , la visite de JAVA seule vaut elle le coup ( sachant que j'ai 3 semaines fin juin début juillet ) ) , je compte le faire tranquillement ,
qu'en est il de l'ouest et du centre de Java très peu raconté ?
Oui, Java mérite le détour. Mais attention, le ramadan commence le 17 juin il me semble et il se termine après le 15 juillet.
Donc vous allez être à Java pendant une période ou beaucoup de commerces seront fermés et comme les javanis bougent pas mal à cette occasion, cela risque d'être un peu compliqué.
Je ne connais pas la côte est de Jakarta.
La plupart des plages de Java sont dangereuses et plutôt propices à la pratique du surf.
Jakarta, Jojakarta, Solo, Le Bromo, l'Ijen ( je ne connais pas ) sont des endroits à voir.
Joja a toutefois pas mal souffert d'un récent tremblement de terre et certains coins sympas ont disparus.
Les îles Karimunjawa sont aussi à voir.
J'y suis allé plusieurs foisune dizaine de jours. 3 semaines, ça me gaverai un peu. Surtout pendant le ramadan.
Bonjour ami gavatx,
J'ai adoré Java.
Mais je ne connais pas l'ouest ni le centre de l'île.
Le parc national qui est vers le Krakatoa a l'air sympa.
Comme dit plus haut, le manque à Java ce sera probablement les plages. A supposer que l'ambiance "lagon aux eaux translucides" fasse partie du programme recherché. Auquel cas il y d'autres îles plus indiquées en Indonésie. Comme Sumatra, ou Sulawesi, ou encore Flores (auquel cas pas de pb lié au ramadan). En trois semaines, et vu que tu veux le faire tranquillement, il faudra évidemment choisir l'une seulement de ces destinations.
Bonjour,
Les messages disent majoritairement les mêmes choses. Cela commence généralement par : "Je ne veux pas voir Jakarta". Au programme : train/avion pour Yogyakarta, vite, Borobudur, Bromo, au sprint. Bali? Ubud. Lombok? Gili. Flores - Komodo. Et surtout, je ne vais que dans des endroits touristiques mais je veux de l'authentique, du - presque - sans touriste garanti. Je cherche les GH pas chères et qui ne reçoivent que des touristes dans mon genre pour parachever l'expérience.
Tu n'as pas pour but de visiter tout l'archipel indonésien en dix jours. Ton projet est raisonnable et presque aussi original que si tu prévoyais de visiter Ambon ou Sumbawa😏. Tu pourras visiter des parcs inaccessibles par manque de temps et les quartiers de villes peu visités par manque de curiosité. Voir plein de volcans, des rizières, des petits villages aux rues étroites avec des maisons en bois, une végétation luxuriante... Trains et minivans permettent la visite de tout le pays à peu de frais. Les hébergements basiques des campagnes peuvent alterner avec de bons hôtels à prix corrects des villes.
Jakarta n'est pas une ville a éviter. Il y a des coins pas mal.
Par contre le quartier " routard " de Jalan Jaksa est assez déprimant.
Certains quartiers de Semarang, Surabaya sont assez agréables.
En fait, je trouve Joja moins intéressant.
Le Chateau d'eau a été restauré par un vandale, l'aménagement de l'espace autour a été réalisé par un boucher, les souterrains ont été détruits, le marché aux oiseaux a déménagé.
Reste le kraton et ses abords.
Ca fait maigre.
Pranbanam. Pourquoi pas. Mais je n'y retournerai pas.
Borrobodur. Oui.
merci d'avoir pris le temps de répondre , merci beaucoup
je n'avais pas anticipé la question du ramadan , cela mérite en effet de le prendre en compte , peut être moins présent à Bali qu'a Java , je ne sais jusqu’à quel point le ramadan va interférer sur le quotidien , à réfléchir donc peut être reporter le voyage ,
Bali est en majorité Hindouiste. Ce qui ne veut pas dire que l'île n'est pas " touchée " par les effets du ramadan.
En effet, de nombreux javanais ( non musulman ) quittent Java, où tout tourne au ralenti pour aller dans des coins où la vie continue.
Bali en fait partie.
C'est pourquoi, les hôtels augmentent leurs tarifs durant cette période.
Florès est beaucoup moins touché, car assez roots.
je ne sais jusqu’à quel point le ramadan va interférer sur le quotidien , à réfléchir donc peut être reporter le voyage ,
Ramadan est un mois pendant lequel l'Indonésien se déplace, se régale et fait la fête. A certains moments, les transports et hôtels sont très sollicités. Le jeûne n'est pas respecté de manière rigoureuse par tous mais on évite, par exemple, de boire à l'extérieur pendant la journée.
je ne sais jusqu’à quel point le ramadan va interférer sur le quotidien , à réfléchir donc peut être reporter le voyage
Le problème principal du ramadan c'est que parfois on ne trouve pas facilement un warung ouvert pour le midi.
En fait c'est variable selon les régions, et selon les milieux, par exemple à Aceh dans les villes et les villages il faut éviter de boire en public, mais dès qu'on est sur une île isolée c'est différent : les gens qui s'occupaient des bungalows ou autres ne se privaient pas de manger, fumer, boire, parfois picoler, etc.
"On le fera plus tard" qu'ils disaient 😄
Une autre période qui peut pose pb c'est la fin du ramadan (vacances du hari raya) = transports et hébergements bookés, rivières et plages bondées, etc.
Je dis "poser pb", mais on y était l'an dernier pendant ces deux périodes et on y sera aussi cette année...le ramadan ça n'empêche pas de voyager en Indo...
Question piège ?
J'adore les bateaux et le port de pinisis de Jakarta est pour moi un must, devant Paotere de U.P. le port de Surabaya et Banyuwanggi et Cat Ba.
Ces bateaux d'un autre âge et l'ambiance qui y règne ont fait que suis resté 2 jours. J'y serais resté quelques jours de plus, mais nous sommes 2...😕
Comme j'aime bien dessiner et peindre, j'ai eu de quoi m'occuper et remplir mon carnet de croquis.
Le quartier qui le jouxte le port est pas mal. C'est un peu crade et dangereux ( il y avait eu une grosse explosion de gaz quelques jours avant ) mais c'est très vivant ( pour les survivants ). J'adore ce genre de quartier.
Le quartier restauré près du port n'est pas une réussite ( pour moi ) mais je me souviens d'un quartier pas très loin avec de vieux entrepôts, assez plaisant.
De plus, il y avait un super restaurant. Cadre et cuisine super.
Rare pour moi, car je trouve la cuisine javanaise ( celle servie dans les petits restos ) grasse et assez quelquonque. Jalan Jaksa est un très bon exemple de cette mauvaise cuisine. La cuisine javanais a bonne réputation, mais à l'aune de ce que je connais, je la trouve injustifiée.
Idem quartier avec une vieille église hollandaise et quelques maisons de l'époque de la Vogt. Je ne vais pas vous dire où. Simplement, nous avons pasé une AM agréable.
En ce qui concerne la pollution nous avons dû tomber "une semaine sans ".
C'est sûr, c'est hyper urbanisé, le trafic est incroyable, mais nous avons certainement séjourné à Jakarta pendant une période "clean ".
Je précise que ma femme est Analyste Sensorielle et qu'elle est très sensible à la pollution.😉
Elle est capable de décomposer une odeur avec tous ces composants chimiques. 🤪, mais à Jakarta elle a été assez calme.😉
Je suis retourné plusieurs fois à Java, mais pas à Jakarta.
donc le ramadam ne pose pas de problème particulier , si ce n'est que cela coïncide avec les vacances qu'elle soit indonésienne ou européenne et autres .....l'augmentation des tarifs dans les hôtels , la difficultés pour les transports , évidemment tout cela se gère mais peut être préférable de partir en septembre ou juin si possible ?
j'ai aussi vu Flores et regardé les vols intérieurs depuis Jakarta , cela semble une île vraiment intéressante aussi ...PEUT ETRE PLUS CALME et qui parait très belle , mais on irait partout si on pouvait !!!!!!
Aucun piège ! C'est que je ne connais pas bien Jakarta et le seul endroit que j'avais aimé est en effet ce port avec les beaux bateaux en bois.
Merci pour tes infos je les aurai en tête pour notre prochain passage là bas 🙂
Non le ramadan ne coïncide pas avec les vacances : elles viennent après, c'est justement la rupture du jeûne qui s'accompagne d'une semaine de vacances pour tous les Indonésiens.
Flores est très belle mais très différente de l'Indonésie côté Ouest de l'archipel. Pas seulement parce que c'est une île chrétienne, mais aussi du fait du climat et donc de la végétation moins luxuriante par exemple.
De manière générale juin ou septembre c'est mieux car il y a moins de monde.
Comme indiqué, ce n'est pas un mois de vacances, c'est une période festive durant laquelle certains prennent des congés.
Flores a l'air attirante, mais elle offre moins de confort pour le voyageur. Elle est plus petite, sèche comme toutes les îles à l'est de Bali, transports, routes et hôtellerie sont nettement moins développés qu'à Java. Généralement, la visite de 8/10 jours (+ Komodo et Rinca) est combinée avec celle d'une une autre île.
Salut Narbonne 11,
J'ai un billet A/R pour Jakarta et suis un peu dans ta réflexion. Pas forcement attirés par le trip voyage de noces, nous pensons rester sur Java 15 jours.
Au final qu'as tu fait ? Ta réponse nous permettrait d'avancer dans l'organisation .. ou pas ... !
Dis moi
bonsoir
savez-vous si il est possible de louer une voiture avec chauffeur à la journée à karimun jawa pour visiter l'ile nous sommes une famille de 4?
merci d'avance de votre aide
dANILO
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.
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...