Hi there, I’m planning to visit the Raja Ampat Islands next June. It’s pretty tricky to organize. What’s the best gateway to get there? Do you know of any places to stay if I don’t want to go diving? Which agencies can provide information? Thanks so much for your help!
voyager c'est aller de soi même à soi même en passant par les autres.
We’re planning to go to the Raja Ampat Islands for a week in June 2012. One of Indonesia’s paradise spots!!
As you’ve probably seen online, hotels are super expensive, and homestays are pretty basic... So we found another solution on a forum: renting a traditional fishing boat and going on a "cruise" around the northern and southern islands!
The trip through this archipelago looks amazing. A local guide named Deni offers to explore the islands with the locals. He also works for Kri Eco Lodge.
The itinerary is on his website: www.rajaampatadventures.com
and you can check out photo albums on his Facebook page: Deni Rajaampat
Some nights we’ll sleep on the boat, others we’ll camp in tents on uninhabited islands.
We’ll go snorkeling, fishing, hike to waterfalls, climb hills for insane views... and visit villages to discover Papuan art.
Since the boat requires a minimum of 3 people, we need to find other adventurers to join us!!!
We’re a young couple (26 years old) from Paris & Montreal. We love new experiences, camping, sports, diving, etc.!
Our trip is planned from Sunday, June 17 to Sunday, June 24, 2012.
Apparently, the locals are excellent skippers. They have new camping gear, and the crew sets up a nice camp (and campfire) every night. We just need to bring a sheet and hiking shoes.
The price is 7 million rupiahs per person (around 580 €) for a week, all-inclusive. That covers the boat, nights (with mattresses in tents), 3 meals a day (prepared by a dedicated chef), and taxi transfers to/from the airport. It doesn’t include the mandatory "Raja Ampat Marine Park Entry" permit, which costs 500,000 rupiahs and is payable at the airport.
Sure, it’s a budget... but it’s still cheaper than a week in other lodges (around 1,200 €).
Since we’re dreaming of this trip (on a boat, adventurous, with a "small" budget), we’re posting the info in different forums hoping to find other crew members!!
Feel free to contact us if you have questions or reach out directly to guide Deni (his email is on his website).
Hi! Wow, what a great project! Actually, we're interested, especially since we'll be in Indonesia for the third time this summer, from May 1st to August 12th! But unfortunately, we had a little baby since then—he'll be 10-14 months old this summer, and this kind of expedition would be a bit too... adventurous for now with such a young baby! Hehehe. We'll have to sit this one out...
But do share the details, photos, and travel stories with us when you get back!
Hey there,
Great post and thanks for the tip! My girlfriend and I are also trying to do this kind of trip to Raja Ampat, but unfortunately our travel dates don’t line up... we’re leaving from April 7th to 20th. Still, it’s a great tip for those who aren’t diving specialists and are watching their budget. In April, Deni doesn’t have any boats available for the cruise yet... ugh... but I haven’t given up hope of going! Good luck with your search!
My girlfriend and I are planning to head to this region of Indonesia and were wondering if you’d found a full crew yet? Your trip sounds amazing, and we’d be really interested.
Hello, we're really excited to go too!! We found a couple from Lyon through VoyageForum or Le Guide du Routard—I can’t remember which... They’ve just booked their flight tickets and reserved with our local contact. So for now, it’s two couples. The crew can still be filled out with 2 or 3 more couples, so come join us!! It’s gonna be amazing!! The "cruise" will run from Sunday, June 17th to Sunday, June 24th, but because of the flights, we’ll arrive on Friday the 15th in the evening and leave on Sunday the 24th in the morning. Don’t hesitate to message me privately if you want to chat about it.
Laurence
It seems pretty "basic," but it’s a good alternative for those who don’t dive and don’t want to spend 3000 € for a week in a dive resort.
I contacted this Robben guy by email, and he responds well, but I’d love to hear from people who’ve stayed there—haven’t found much online.
Raja Ampat’s supposed to be super expensive, so when I see a homestay with 3 meals a day for 38 €, I wonder: is it like a hut with a woven coconut-leaf roof and rice and coconut for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
There are still some gray areas, especially about the exact cost of transfers between Sorong and the homestays.
I read on the site above:
* Taxi from airport to Sorong dock = 8 USD
* Cabin on the Sorong/Wasai ferry = 12 USD
* Transfer from Waisai to Mansur = 50 USD
That’s a max of 70 USD (53 €), since the 50 USD for the Waisai/Mansur transfer would be split among passengers...
that the transfer (except Sundays) costs 450 €... I can’t figure out this crazy price difference. Did I miss something? Is Sorido Bay Resort much farther from the homestays on Pulau Kri?
If you’ve got any firsthand experience, I’d love to hear it.
Hello Ebbe, we also found those homestays after some research. Unfortunately, we had negative feedback and it didn’t make us want to stay there... Very basic beds (on the floor), questionable food hygiene (some people got sick), and every little move or activity is charged—plus Robben takes a commission on everything. That’s the gist of what some travelers told me! So, we opted for a boat in "local cruise" mode with Deni (you can find him on Facebook as "Deni Rajaampat"). We’re going next June.
Good luck with your research.
Laurence
Yeah, I knew about that site. I checked it out, but it didn’t really excite me... especially since on top of the stay price, you have to add boat trips, and you’re basically a captive audience. Plus, the fact that prices are rarely displayed in rupiah says a lot about the local mentality 🙁
I think Laurence and David’s option is the best way to explore the archipelago, even though this Deni guy charges three times the normal price for a boat charter in Indonesia (you should budget around one million per day on average to charter a decent-sized boat—I paid around that in Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Komodo). Of course, fuel is way more expensive in Papua, but still, Deni’s itinerary isn’t very long since he doesn’t seem to go to Misool... The idea of sharing with other travelers helps ease the pain, but I’m sure that if you speak a little Indonesian, plan for two days of "wear-them-down" negotiation, and pay for fuel separately, you can get a much better deal. For this kind of project, the internet is reassuring, but I don’t think it’s the best way to negotiate a price with an Indonesian.
But the project is still really cool—I’m not trying to badmouth it, just sharing my opinion as a cheap traveler 🙂
Size of a boat at 1 million per day (I’d negotiated fuel included this time)
Watch out for running aground on the coral when it’s low tide 😏
Between Sorong and Waisai, there are two public ferries: a fast one (3h - 120,000 IDR/person) and a slow wooden one (6h - 70,000 IDR/person).
A room in Waisai costs at least 200,000 IDR.
To charter a "long boat" (which can hold up to 14 people in calm seas), you have to get up at 4 AM and go to the market (if I understood correctly). The average rate is 2 million IDR per day, not including fuel.
To get to Wayag, you need 400 liters of fuel, according to the author, with a liter costing around 10,000 IDR.
At the end, he explains his calculation based on 4 people, but I didn’t quite get it—maybe someone’s better at Bahasa and math than I am
he says that for 4 people it’s only 4.7 million total—so if there are 5 or 10 of you, it’s even cheaper (per person)... So what are you waiting for???
Anyway, the 500,000 IDR tax per person just to set foot there...
Hi there, I just saw your post—I got back from Indonesia a week ago and spent 12 days diving in Raja Ampat on an amazing boat: www.thearenui.com. Just so you know, it’s absolutely incredible—unbelievable marine life—you’re going to love it if you can dive. It’s definitely worth it because it’s one of the top five diving spots in the world. Even for snorkeling, there’s a ton to see.
I landed in Sorong. The best way to get there is to fly from Jakarta with Lion Air via Ambon and connect in Ambon for a flight to Sorong (bookable online at lionair.co.id). Just a heads-up: there’s only one flight per day, leaving Jakarta at 1:30 AM from Terminal T1—modern, brand-new plane (avoid Merpati). Make sure to allow plenty of time to change planes in Jakarta. Indonesians can be unpredictable, and I almost missed my flight because my KUL-CGK flight was delayed by over 3 hours! I had just 30 minutes to clear immigration and switch terminals, when you usually need at least 1.5 hours. It was a real miracle I made it!
The place is amazing—islands everywhere with (deserted) beaches. You’ll feel like Robinson Crusoe. Some villages are so remote that it takes 1–2 days by boat to reach Sorong (the town itself isn’t worth visiting).
Important: don’t forget malaria protection—it’s essential—and wear a T-shirt in the water to avoid sunburn.
For the return trip to Bali via Makassar (avoid Merpati flights), take ExpressAir and connect in Makassar (3.5-hour layover, no problem). Then fly to Bali with Garuda (bookable online).
The ExpressAir flight has to be booked through an agent—it’s not available online.
We’re reopening this thread because we’re looking for 2 travel companions for a 7-day boat tour in the Raja Ampat Islands! It’s with Deni, the same tour we discussed in this thread last year! 🙂
My boyfriend and I are heading back to Indonesia next summer for the second time. He’s 24, I’m 23, and we’re backpacking. We love discovering stunning natural landscapes and more remote spots... and we really want to visit the amazing Raja Ampat Islands!! It’s a simple boat, and we’ll mostly sleep on the boat and sometimes in tents on the islands!
For the boat tour to happen, we need a minimum of 3 people... so we’re looking for other travelers who’d like to join us. The boat tour would be from June 1st to 7th, 2013, but the dates are flexible and could also be the following week, from June 7th to 14th.
We really hope to find some travel companions :) It would be an AMAZING experience!!!
If you’re interested, you can reply to this message or send me a private email.
Hey Lolo from the Islands,
I’ve tried digging into these options several times—the prices are absolutely staggering, and the situation in Papua is tense with tourists.
Few offers with decent accommodations at reasonable prices. However, luxury cruises on wooden boats (like SeaTrek) are really well-regarded, and friends who’ve done them found it sublime (and safe).
With the recent fuel price hikes, there are protests everywhere and inter-religious conflicts, like in the Moluccas.
Recently, 50 sticks of dynamite were stolen, and a prison in Aceh was set on fire (100 terrorists escaped)—this isn’t going to make security in Indonesia any easier.
Security here is getting worse and worse... makes me wonder if I’ll stay.
See you soon, I hope...
About Raja Ampat: Lazslo-the-know-it-all (but it's true he knows everything) who's active on Lonely Planet says you can rough it. The trick is speaking Indonesian, having time to negotiate a boat with a fisherman, and above all, not going through the Indonesians who know how to use the internet. But I'm getting pretty good at this sport, having used this technique in places without tourist infrastructure like the Banggai Islands, Taka Bonerate, or even the Taman National of the 8 Pulau on West Sumbawa (not far from your place—it's worth the trip!).
I'm thinking of putting together a small group of 5-6 for Raja Ampat (like Cacaouète mentioned earlier in the discussion), but the plan's been postponed because I'll probably have to fight my employer to keep my annualized part-time schedule (and the 4 months of vacation that come with it).
As for safety, is it really that bad?? It's crazy, I don't hear anything about it where I live (in... beep... to avoid someone saying the word), but I have to say, unlike you, I'm not living there year-round. On the other hand, the problems in Kuta—yeah, I hear about those a lot. Maybe that'll save Lombok from being overdeveloped, but if it's making you wonder whether you'll stay, that's worrying.
I passed through Kuta last winter (but just for one night!) and I'll be back in Lombok next winter (in July-August—even if I'm working, I think I'm better off in my little village than in the overcrowded beach resorts of Bali-Lombok 😉).
Okay, I'll stop there—with this little detour, we're gonna get the self-appointed moderators all worked up again.
Hey, the 8 Pulau national park—I can’t see where it is; I’ll take a closer look.
Yeah, you only really notice the security issues when you live there because it’s a build-up of daily vandalism and pressure from these mafia-like groups on all tourist activities (loads of "historic" expats have already left). The vibe! Otherwise, it’s still a stunning region.
Uhhh, religious conflicts in Indonesia? Where?
Are you referring to the ones in the Moluccas between 1999 and 2003?
I'm in Indonesia right now, and there are no conflicts—just a few protests about fuel, but nothing to worry about. Maybe there are a couple of tensions where you are in Lombok, but that’s normal for Lombok and hasn’t changed. As for problems in tourist areas, yeah, but first, that’s nothing new, second, no one’s forced to go there, and third, it’s a drop in the bucket compared to the size of the country.
As for the prison break, it wasn’t in Aceh but in North Sumatra if I’m not mistaken (the news said "Sumatera Utara," which means North Sumatra), and it was prisoners of all kinds who escaped, not just terrorists (plus, Indonesian "terrorists" aren’t like Bin Laden or Mullah Omar—anyone who knows the country gets what I mean ;-)). Note that the police have already recaptured most of them. Where did you get your wrong info from?
In Papua, the situation is the same as always—the Papuans don’t like Indonesians, but they’re cool with us.
Dude, don’t post stuff like this—you’re misleading people!!!!
And God knows I’m critical of Indonesia, but you’ve gotta be objective...
In the Indonesian media, they were talking about around ten Indonesian terrorists, five of whom had been recaptured! The others are common criminals—I imagine there’s a bunch of joint smokers and scooter thieves in the mix, basically dangerous types 😎 ... That said, many conflicts are kept quiet: last year in Solo, things got really heated against the FPI, with 3 deaths and 3 days of tension—just a few brief mentions in the papers ...
Oh wow, that’s too bad of course, but it’s only three deaths—it happens all the time in Indonesia. When they burn a Shiite mosque, when they catch a few thieves, when one village carries out a punitive expedition against another, it’s just everyday life in this country.
It’s nothing compared to the tens of thousands of deaths during the civil war in the Moluccas, the atrocities committed during East Timor’s independence, or those in Aceh during the GAM era, not to mention Papua.
Oh, and speaking of atrocities—Wiranto is running in the presidential elections! I saw his new ad yesterday: a Muslim hat on his head and "in sha’a Allah" on his lips. It was hilarious, given who he is!!! In his old ad, he was dressed as a karateka—what a man!!!
On the other hand, I see you’re still keeping up with life back home from afar—alhamdulillah! :-))))
I won’t dive into the debate, though—my specialty is more about islands 😛
It makes sense, Pierre, that you don’t know these 8 *Pulau*—that’s their future name. The government, in partnership with a Swedish green entrepreneur, has launched a dual Eco Region project: Tanjung Ringgit http://tanjungringgit.com and, just across the way on the Sumbawa side, the 8 islands: http://eightislands.co.id.
Speaking of Tanjung Ringgit, which I’ve studied more closely, the project seems really innovative and interesting. The goal is to create large green regions based on eco-management and sustainable development. They’re talking about sustainable tourism, eco-architecture, permaculture, energy self-sufficiency, and involving local communities through cooperatives, etc. The project is well thought out, and right now, they’re looking for people to jump into this adventure… so, food for thought 😉
The downside is that travelers like me probably won’t be able to go there anymore, since the accommodations will likely be pretty high-end. But if that’s what it takes to protect these areas from being overrun by big hotel chains, well… I won’t restart the endless debate about the effects of tourism "development," but selfishly speaking, I’m pretty happy to have this kind of project near my future home instead of marinas, shopping malls, amusement parks, and massive hotel complexes.
Anyway… since these islands are turning toward tourism, I can start lifting the "secret."
I’m gonna go a little off-topic here… Sorry about that 😊
These islands are located off the coast of Poto Tano.
Pulau Kenawa is the most well-known. It’s mostly visited by locals who come to spend their Sundays there, so it’s the dirtiest of them all, with the usual trash you’d expect in places frequented by locals.
That doesn’t stop the island from being gorgeous, both above:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/...82640_52102515_n.jpg
These last two islands are better known because the Perama Y cruise boats make a short stop there. For these two, which are further away, we didn’t leave from Poto Tano but from a small Bajau village right across. I remember, it was a Friday 😎
I don’t see where these islands are.
I went to Pulau Moyo a while back, but that was ages ago. Back then, there was just the rangers' building with 2-3 rooms—uhhh, let’s say *very* basic—plus a crappy little kitchen area where you could cook your own meals. At the other end of the island, there was a super-luxury hotel where, according to local legends, Michael Jackson himself had stayed—by helicopter, no less.
But no sign of eight islands.
The ones you’re talking about are on the east side, heading toward Flores? Because in Sumbawa, apart from Moyo, there are only islands to the east, right?
Though I didn’t go to the southern part...
That eco-project thing—yeah, we’ll see. Most of the ones I’ve seen so far were "eco" in name only, but there are exceptions.
Oh, and good news, which will make Momo happy if he’s reading: the FPI is still up to its usual antics in its crusade against "immorality" (the people’s, because when it comes to the government’s immorality and institutional corruption, they’re silent). But they got into trouble today, and their goons are in a bit of a mess because two women died because of them. We’ll see how this plays out, but the government dug up an old law saying that ormas (mass organizations) aren’t allowed to act as police. Poor FPI!
No no, nothing to do with Pulau Moyo, Naps 🙂
You should check out the small islands right in front of Poto Tano (Sumbawa Barat) on Google Earth.
The Eco-Region project is solid. It’s led by John Higson, a Swede who’s done this before, but there’s definitely a risk that local officials will mess things up trying to make as much money as possible along the way... and also the locals themselves, who might struggle to get on board with such a concept...
Oh yeah, I know this area—it's gorgeous, but there's not a drop of water within 20 km, good luck developing tourism there. Plus, the land is owned by a mobster involved in scandals in Jakarta. It’s not gonna be easy.
I saw some land supposedly for sale in the area a while back, but I was advised against it. We’ll see. I prefer the Sumbawa project—it’s an island that’s really worth the detour.
I think water will be much less of an issue than in Sumbawa, given the proximity to Mount Rinjani.
The land status issue remains, but given the size (nearly 400 hectares), I think there’s a lease agreement (contracted with the mafia—quite possible). I can confirm that you should absolutely avoid buying anything by the sea there.
This project is located around Pantai Tangsi, a pink beach that’s been buzzing on the Indonesian internet for two years. It’s only busy on Sundays. A few tour guides are starting to take their clients there (but not many, since it’s far from everything). You can also go on your own—it’s a bit of a hassle if you don’t know the area, but it’s doable. There are a lot of scooter accidents just before reaching the beach; the path down is a real trial course.
Regarding the 8 Eighlands project on Sumbawa, it seems to have just started—the site is still pretty empty. Now’s the time to visit. You’ll need to charter a boat from the fishing village just behind Poto Tano port and bring camping gear since there’s no accommodation. The campsite is nice: http://500px.com/photo/3964692
Further south on Sumbawa, there’s also the Maluk-Sekongkang area with stunning beaches. The town of Maluk and its karaoke scene is pretty sketchy, but the surrounding area is gorgeous, with a special mention for Jelenga Beach (a few kilometers north of Maluk). You can stay in very nice and affordable bungalows there (don’t expect to make friends if you can’t hold a conversation about the last—or next—surf session. Even Rumaji, who could get a pile of rocks talking, didn’t manage).
I can only wish the Swede good luck—he’s gonna need it.
Because whether it’s Sumbawa, Lombok, or anywhere else, this country isn’t a walk in the park for a foreigner trying to set something up. Even for locals, it’s not exactly straightforward.
As long as it stays small-scale, it’s manageable—just gotta grease a few palms at the municipality, the mosque, or the church, and you’re good. But as soon as things grow, it’s a whole different story. There’s always some mustachioed guy lurking around looking to take his cut.
That irrigation project sounds serious, though:
"A survey on the dam’s potential was conducted in 1978, followed by a technical study and an environmental impact analysis in 2009."
31 years between the two studies—that’s what I call *speedy*…
"The project would be completed within the next five years."
Yeah, just like the road from Jayapura to Wamena, which has been on maps for at least 15 years but still doesn’t exist on the ground.
I’m taking bets, personally—I’m putting 1000 € down that their project won’t be ready by the stated year. Lolo, you in? You putting 1000 € on the table? :-))
"cost an estimated Rp 800 billion (US$92.8 million)."
Ahhh, now *that’s* good news—I can already see the mustaches twitching. There’s money to be made!!!
The eight islands—yeah, I know where they are. It’s a pretty rugged region, and it’s not my favorite spot in the country. What’s the deal with the coral reefs?
Yes, the coral reefs are still well preserved down there (compared to the rest of the region).
I wouldn’t bet on it 😉
But I think we shouldn’t compare Indonesia from the 80s-90s to the country it is now.
In less than five years, the country has become a hotspot for foreign investors, and economic growth is strong. Every year, I see the changes, and through the rising cost of my trips, I can tell just how fast they’re catching up. Of course, the country started from a very low base, so not everything will happen overnight (I’ll add a selfish "thank goodness"—if it modernizes too quickly, there won’t be much left to see). Poverty is still present, but it’s decreasing (in Lombok, it’s obvious).
I had the chance to visit the industrial zone in Surabaya. It’s a non-stop ballet of trucks. You see dozens of brand-new companies, often European brands. While in France, a factory closes every day, over there, one opens daily in an industrial zone that must stretch at least 100 km.
An Indonesian middle class is emerging. Its consumption will drive the country forward. Multinationals are already competing for this new middle class (see the business press)—L’Oréal and Renault have just made massive investments in Indonesia.
All this to say that the money that was so lacking for infrastructure until very recently is becoming less and less of an issue. Economists estimate that by 2030, Indonesia will be the world’s 6th-largest economy... ahead of Germany.
They’re still poorly organized and corrupt, that’s for sure and won’t change anytime soon, so I agree that the 5-year timeline might not be met. But the 1978–2009 gap won’t happen again. Of course, remote places like Wamena won’t be the first to benefit from infrastructure modernization, but check out Lombok’s road network in 2007 vs. 2013—it feels like a leap into another century (even if we’re not yet at wide 4-lane highways with speed cameras... phew!). Same for airports: they’re building tons of new ones (which annoys me because more and more little paradises are becoming accessible), and they’re also doubling the capacity of existing ones.
Indonesia as the 6th economic power by 2030? Do you believe that?
Personally, the predictions from economists and other analysts—those clowns who say, "Yes, this year we forecast 2.37% growth and a 9.92% unemployment rate. But next year, growth will rise to 3.46% and unemployment to 10.05%. In 30 years, oil reserves will have dropped by 42.34%, and OPEC production will have halved"—have always made me laugh. Their grand predictions usually turn out to be wrong, but everyone forgets, and what matters is the announcement effect at the time.
Let’s be serious—6th place, right behind Germany? So who’d be ahead of them? The US, China, Japan, Germany, and one more? What a joke!!!
It’s like those economists who say India’s going to eat our lunch. They should go take a look...
That said, Indonesia *is* moving, yeah, but not *that* much.
First, prices.
They’ve just returned to pre-currency crisis levels. Back then, the country was expensive—more than Thailand, for example. We enjoyed low prices for years, but that’s over; back to square one. And let’s not forget all the speculation and scams, because there’s no reason the country should be this expensive. Just one example: gas is cheaper than in Thailand, but transportation costs more. Go figure...
The roads.
Yeah, they’re building them, and it’s not new. But we’ll see in a few years what’s left of those roads. Half—or more—of the budget gets embezzled, and they work with what’s left: a very thin layer of asphalt that’ll develop potholes in no time. I’ve seen it in quite a few parts of this beautiful country, and if we remember in, say, 2-3 years, we’ll be talking about the roads in Lombok again. Though if it becomes super touristy, they’ll make an effort with the roads—not because they’ll steal less, but because they’ll have a bigger budget (which could’ve been used for other islands, but that’s the least of the mustachioed crooks’ worries).
Foreign investments.
That’s not new either—more like the day before yesterday, pre-currency crisis. Back then, they were investing like crazy: cheap, near-slave labor, plenty of raw materials—everything big corporations love. Then came the crisis, the bombs, the war in the Moluccas, and the big shots pulled out. Now that the country’s more stable, they’re coming back. Totally normal. Unfortunately, locals only get the crumbs because wages are still miserable.
The middle class.
Here, I agree with you, and I’m in a good position to know—my partner’s part of it. When I met her, she already had her BlackBerry, her computer, her laptop, her motorbike, etc. There *is* growth, no denying it—it’s the Asian miracle, as economists like to say. Malls are packed, people are buying, buying, buying.
Okay, but the roots remain: the "I-don’t-give-a-damn" attitude and corruption aren’t going anywhere. And despite all the flashy achievements, if you look closer, it’s just a facade—everything’s been thrown together. So yeah, things are evolving, but chaotically and only on the surface. Because Indonesia’s economic growth has nothing to do with China’s. Anyone who’s been to China sees what a real emerging economic power looks like. In China, people work hard, and they work *right*. Indonesia? Uh… not really. They’re just riding the wave of Asian growth.
A quick example? In China, they have a super-dense, well-organized rail network. In Indonesia, train collisions are super common—due to negligence, sure, but also because people steal the rails to sell them later.
Just read the papers or watch TV (which my partner and her mom force on me daily) to see that Indonesia hasn’t changed *that* much. And of course, religion doesn’t help—quite the opposite.
So, the emergence of a middle class? Yes. A little less poverty? Yes, and that’s great. But that’s about it...
Though for us, it *is* changing, as you pointed out—everything’s getting more expensive. Except the services are still the same: *yang penting cepat kaya* (the important thing is to get rich fast), as they say!!!
For the rest, as a friend once said:
the world is turning into one big supermarket...
Foreign investments.
That also isn’t new—well, it’s more like from the day before yesterday, back in the pre-monetary crisis era. Back then, investments were pouring in: cheap exploited labor, plenty of raw materials—everything big companies needed to be happy. Then came the crisis, the bombs, the war in the Moluccas, and the big shots pulled out. Now that the country’s more stable, they’re coming back, which is totally normal. Unfortunately, the locals only get the crumbs because wages are still miserably low.
Yeah, I agree with all of that, but it’ll bring in a lot of money to develop infrastructure.
After that, Indonesians aren’t as hardworking as the Chinese, maybe. Not in the palm oil fields, at least.
In China, they have a super dense and well-organized rail network. In Indonesia, train collisions are super frequent—due to negligence, of course, but also because people steal the rails to resell them.
Indonesia just isn’t made for rail, too many earthquakes. Look at the huge success of Lion Air.
Let’s be serious—6th place, just behind Germany?
Nope. *Ahead* 😎
But with, let’s admit it, a population five times larger and twice as young. Of course, the « I-don’t-give-a-damn » attitude and corruption won’t disappear overnight, but we’re talking about 15-year forecasts here.
Naps, you’re touching on one of my favorite topics, but we’re really going off-topic... This prophecy seems totally realistic to me, but there are unknowns: natural disasters, attacks, and... if the Chinese manage to make the Yuan replace the dollar (which is doomed to collapse). In that case, I agree with you—the Indonesians will just have to ride the wave coming from the South China Sea ;-)
Optimism is beautiful!!!
The 6th? Starting from the bottom?:-)
So they're going to do better than Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Gulf countries, Europe, Canada, Australia, New Zealand?
Thanks Lolo for this laugh, I'm still chuckling while writing these lines!!
It reminds me of something I read in an Indonesian Islamo-fascist magazine (Hidayat, to name it), namely that the 1997 monetary crisis was created by the West because Indonesia was about to become a superpower (in English in the text) and the white people were afraid.
You see, there are visionaries in Indonesia too, except that 16 years later, Sister Anne still doesn’t see anything coming...
But yeah, I know, predictions for 2030, the art of analysts not getting their feet wet. So in 17 years. Funny, this year marks 17 years since I’ve known the country. Well, I don’t see them taking the 6th spot—Indonesia in 2013 isn’t even at the ankles of Malaysia or Singapore in 1996...
China, that’s another story. They want to become the bosses, and they’re putting in the effort. Both from the government, which wants to develop the country and turn it into a modern state (not the case in Indonesia, where the government has no long-term vision—the unwritten rule is to fill their pockets now, work as little as possible, and make political decisions that are stupider than the last), and from the population, which plays along (not the case in Indonesia either—I’m not saying they don’t work, but let’s just say the climatic, cultural, and religious factors aren’t the same).
Whether the yuan replaces the dollar, I don’t know, but I think East Asia, with its Chinese engine, might just give Western arrogance a good kick in the pants—and honestly, it’ll serve us right. But definitely not thanks to the Indonesians!!!!
By the way, I just asked my girlfriend what she thinks about the 6th spot, and she kinda agrees—she said "boleh":-))
Good news, by the way, which will please Momo if he’s reading us: the FPI continues to cause trouble in its crusade against immorality (the people’s, because when it comes to the government’s immorality and institutional corruption, they don’t say a word). But today they got a real beating, and their goons are caught up in a nasty mess because two women died because of them. Let’s see how this plays out, but the government has dug up an old law saying that ormas (civilian groups) aren’t allowed to take the place of the police. Poor FPI!
Thanks, guys—this is a really interesting discussion! A bit off-topic, sure, but it belongs here because it raises an underlying question: will low-budget travelers and backpackers still have a place in Indonesia in a few years?
...
As for the FPI, I’m keeping an eye on it, but without much hope. The government’s threats to dissolve this bunch of lunatics are endless. The police want to take back control of the streets and stop Islamist raids? In other cities, they *escort* them! And it’s on the ideological front that they should be fought—reminding them they’re not the only ones in the world, that fasting properly (or not) is a personal matter, not their business. But on that front? Crickets!
For the latest events, I think they didn’t run into locals but rather "gangsters"...
Ah, there you are at last—took you long enough to chime in on this one!!!
Yeah, it’s those gangsters who refused the FPI monkeys’ diktat. And if I had to choose, I’m not sure who’s worse.
Of course, the ideological battleground is where they need to be fought, but it’s far from a done deal given how much of the population is still steeped in bigotry.
You’d see it, Momo (though you already have, but just saying), they’re really going all in right now...
On another note, seen on TV these past few days:
1-How to make palm sugar (gula merah) using coconut water and soap or detergent,
2-How to mix cooking oil with diesel.
But don’t try this at home, of course—the TV channel disclaims all responsibility in case of copycats ;-)
As for the budget plan, the answer’s simple:
Just like before the monetary crisis, when there were few budget travelers in the country, in 2013 it’s the same story. Lately, I’ve met quite a few travelers—not just budget ones, either—who’ve told me Indonesia’s over: too expensive and lousy service. They’re heading to Thailand instead, and honestly, I get it...
Oh, Momo, I’m still waiting for your enlightened take on number 6.
Not the prisoner from the show, but the 6th economic power...
Number 6? Both of your analyses are well-argued, but hey, don’t get mad at me 😎, I’d lean more toward Lolo’s take... Namely that Indonesia is going to become huge: which doesn’t mean it’ll be as rich and well-organized as Germany, but definitely powerful! ... But we’ll see, it’s true that with so much corruption and such lousy infrastructure, it’s a long shot!!
PS/ Were you in Indo when the FACEBOOK hitman scandal happened??? There were tons of Indonesian hitman FACEBOOK pages... 50 juta to take someone out (around 4,000 - 4,500 €)...
Okay, no stories, two against one for number 6.
I’ll put 1000 € on the table that they won’t make it—any takers?
Indonesia’s gonna get a little richer, sure, but it won’t go far, or at least not as far as 6. For real change, there’d need to be a shift in mentality. That shift is happening among the younger, educated generations in Java, but it’ll take more than 17 years before it spreads… Because their parents are still holding onto a good dose of religious-government brainwashing, and let’s not even talk about those in the countryside.
Hitmen on Fakebook? No, I hadn’t heard, but my cop friend says she knew. And she didn’t tell me, the sneaky thing!!! Though she’s not exactly looking for trouble to stir things up in her country—I’ve got enough of that on my plate already!!
But now she tells me it was on Blogspot or WordPress, like:
pembunuhbayaran.blogspot.com
But then she tells me it was on Blogspot or WordPress, like:
pembunuhbayaran.blogspot.com
If the Wolflarsen sperm bank doesn’t work out, that’s what I wanna do 🏴☠️!!! And sometimes I work for free!!!
I don’t get the 1000 € thing... Actually, I have no idea... Hard to predict the future of a country this chaotic!
So they’re going to do better than Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Gulf countries, Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand?
You’re forgetting the population factor—I wasn’t talking about GDP per capita. 6th behind China, the US, Japan, Brazil, and Russia (and I’d add the Eurozone if it still exists). Boleh boleh :-)
Yeah, Madame Naps doesn’t dare bet with her man anymore—she loses every time.
But it’s all good, between Momo and you, I’ll make 2,000 euros.
We’ll see what that’s worth in 17 years, though. Lately, I’ve heard a lot of predictions that sound just like the ones from your economists:
in 20 years, it’ll be us giving them massages.
Not gonna lie, I’d be fine with that—if it happens, I’ll become a scammer-guide for Indonesians. And as soon as I see one, I’ll yell:
helloooooo bapakkkkkkkkk dark skin!!!!!
Well, they call us *bule*, which is an insult-mockery about our skin color (like calling someone a "lemon face" or "negro," not exactly nice), so I’m getting my revenge...
Back to your 6th point, I got that it wasn’t just random—it’s like China overtaking Japan because they’ve got 12 times the population.
But still, there’s China, India (another powerhouse, but with 1.3 billion people), Russia, the US, and others—so no, I don’t buy the 6th one...
Go ahead and practice killing because I told Larsenette about my plan and it only kinda made her laugh, given the price of a life on Facebook I'm having second thoughts.
Otherwise, did you see that with the drop in oil reserves, the government is getting more interested in nuclear power? If we consider the seismic risk and the proverbial seriousness of Indian workers, I’d say we’re definitely third... right behind Ukraine and Japan.
Anyway, I hope I’m wrong. After all, there’s no reason economists (those so-called experts who’ve never seen a single crisis coming since they’ve existed) should be the only ones talking nonsense.
Il y a trois sortes d’hommes : les vivants,
les morts, et ceux qui vont sur la mer.
Aristote (parait il)
From what I heard, they’d dropped the nuclear idea because some realized Indonesia wasn’t ready in terms of workforce!! Don’t tell me they’re still considering it? If they are, I can totally see them as #1, ahead of Ukraine and Japan! "Quick, quick, it’s Purnomo—he just tossed his leftover ayam goreng into the nuclear reactor!" ... I can just picture it ...🏴☠️
Given the budgets allocated for a nuclear power plant, it’s no surprise some people insist—it represents a bunch of little student... outings to blow off steam from their overworked lives, right?
And in the game of predictions, I’d lean more toward Naps, but right now I only have a phone to express myself and a bunch of Indonesians in a trance causing chaos in my room.
Gotta take action before I get overwhelmed.
Il y a trois sortes d’hommes : les vivants,
les morts, et ceux qui vont sur la mer.
Aristote (parait il)
As for number 3, I kinda agree with you, though you shouldn’t underestimate them—they could totally fight for first place!!!!!
I don’t know about nuclear in 2013, but a few years back they’d given up on it.
Mind you, in India, which is also well-placed, there are loads of power plants, and they’re running.
But the workforce is foreign—makes you wonder why...
Good luck with your Indonesians, Wolf. My flatmate just arrived with Naps Junior and turned on the damn TV, so I’m half-overwhelmed too...
I think Fukushima had cooled their enthusiasm, but that’s all in the past now.
Hopefully, it’s not just empty talk, otherwise it’s a done deal—NOMOR SATU!!!
Indonesia menang lagi!
Yeah, it must be tough to keep things under control. I can just picture the nuclear technician showing up thinking they’d have an easy time of it.
Il y a trois sortes d’hommes : les vivants,
les morts, et ceux qui vont sur la mer.
Aristote (parait il)
Activités aquatiques en voyage › Indonésie · 2 replies
Je part faire une croisière plongée avec "Mermaid Liveabord" à Raja Ampat en Avril 2015... Pouvez vous m'indiquer une compagnie aérienne pratique et pas trop…
Activités aquatiques en voyage › Indonésie · 6 replies
Je m'appel Paul j'habite à Paris je suis un passionné de canoë-kayak et d'aventure. Mon collègue et moi-même avons l'intention d'organiser une expédition de 3…
Attention à une certaine Miss Harbour sur le port de Ampana. Elle vend des tickets de bateau, ferry... NE RIEN LUI ACHETER! Partant de ampana en direction des…
Dans le cadre de notre Tour du Monde, nous comptons nous arrêter à Flores et faire une croisière autoru des iles Komodo. Auriez-vous des agences à nous…
Les iles moluques sont elles envisgaeables en aout avec la meteo? qqun a t il fait cette experience ces dernieres années? (le site eastindonesia conseille le…
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.
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?
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
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,
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! 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
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 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,
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.
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...
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,
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.
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.
