Partant en Mars prochain, nous ne cherchons pas la beauté carte postale. Les hotels ne nous sont pas nécessaires... nous pouvons bivouaquer.
Désirant marcher en allant de petits villages de pêcheurs en ... villages de pêcheurs. Nous recherchons des îles qui restent encore très authentiques mais peuplées néanmoins d'autochtones. En existent ils encore aux Philippines ?
salut la marine a voile!! et les pinoys du forum😉😉😉😉
je sais pas si tu es d'accord mais on devrait penser a inventer le "tourisme equitable"
je m'explique
un tourisme ou tu dois amener quelque choses au peuples que tu rencontres !une culture mais aussi un echange economique qui le perdura
quelqun qui vient sans depenser ou peu dans un pays ne fais pas profiter la vie economique du pays et par de la les locaux qui travaille dans ce tissus economique !les thailandais l'ont bien compris depuis 25 ans
le philippin est accueillant il vous ouvre sa maison pour la nuit , partage son repas avec fierté , ne demandes rien en echange ! mais n'en profitez pas sous pretexte que vous avez pas beaucoup d'argent ou sous couvert d'un echange culturel
le sort de ces gens la sont dans vos mains vous pays riches
le tourisme ici est en route , le pays a besoin de vous dans le respect des us et coutumes , je sais que certains ont des budgets serres mais faites plus profiter les philippins
ce n'est as une critique , mais ca fais plusieurs fois que je vois des permanents s'offusquer a raison certaines fois et moi meme j'ai les memes reactions epidermiques certains jours
il faut que le touriste en particulier le francais vu que c'est celui la dont on parle ce jour , ne pense pas moins cher ou negocier a fond mais plutot echanges negocier 50 pesos (80 centimes d'euro sur un tricycle par exemple et se sentir floué pour cette somme est indecent et incomprehensible pour un peuple dont la grande majorité vivent avec moins de 3 euros par jour .
apprenez a juger d'une limite de negociation ! si on vous vend un coquillage 5 fois le prix c'est normal de negocier ! mais restez sur un prix final qui vous en le changeant en pesos , un prix qui vous parait juste!
pensez que ces gens et bien si il peuvent gagner un petit plus par rapport a un pinoy qui lui connait les prix et bien ca lui fera plaisir ces 10/20/50 pesos de plus et lui permettra peut etre d'acheter autre chose que des legumes pour le repas du soir
voila , juste vous dire que c'est pas parce que c'est l'asie que c'est gratuit , les gens investissent , travaillent dur aussi ici pour que vous soyez content de votre sejour tant est que l'on peut rejouir totalement un francais!!😉
on sait que vous croulez sous les taxes et impots c'est pour ca que l'on est en partie aussi la !! la vie est belle au soleil mais elle a a aussi un cout
Des retours des Philippines, Malapascua semble ressembler à ce que l'on recherche.
D'autres îles accessibles en banca du genre de Malapascua ? car apparemment villages de pêcheurs mais aussi maintenant beaucoup de touristes.
Malapascua il y aura des touristes (bien que tout est relatif à moins que tu sois allergique à ce point à toute présence touristique); c'est petit, bien pour qq jours mais pas tout un séjour.
Faire 20 heures de vol juste pour voir malapascua🤪
C'est quoi le problème avec les touristes tu peux m'expliquer?
Les philippins sont ravis d'accueillir des touristes et en ont besoin.
Vas en antarctique si tu souhaites les éviter; mais bon là bas les locaux sont des pingouins et ours polaires😄
Allez je sors à nouveau.
Lorsque tu ne sais pas où tu vas, regarde d'où tu viens (proverbe Africain)
Ni aujourd'hui ni jamais, la richesse ne suffit à classer un homme, mais aujourd'hui plus que jamais la pauvreté le déclasse (Charles Maurras)
Cette aversion pour le "touriste" vient surement du fait que beaucoup desormais se considèrent comme "aventuriers", ça sonne sans doute mieux 🤪 tu auras remarqué qu'on lit beaucoup de messages d'aventuriers qui cherchent cette fameuse ile deserte, mais avec des animations quand meme 😉 Bon au mieux ils tolèrent quelques autochtones...
Le but de notre voyage n'est pas de me considérer "aventuriers" mais d'aller dans une région qui n'est pas "touristique" car le rapport avec les autochtones n'est absolument pas le même (ceci nous l'avons constaté par nous mêmes). Même en birmanie par exemple, il y a les incontournables "circuits" et il y a ceux qui sont autorisés mais que les touristes ne fréquentent pas à cause d'absence d'hotels ...
Salut Yannick,
Totalement d'accord avec toi et je signe la chartre Tourisme équitable.
Les philippines me donnent beaucoup et aussi je paye toujours le juste prix .il ne sert a rien de mégoter!
Les prix en général sont vraiment bas et nous ne sommes jamais à100 pesos pret!
Je connais beaucoup de gens sur Cebu qui ne gagnent que 3000php par mois pour 10 heures de travail journalier et plus de 6 jours sur 7 car le day off n'est pas toujours respecté!!
Comment on peut marchander avec ces gens là!!
Dans le petit village ou j'ai l'habitude de séjourner;il m'arrive de louer une petite moto à des filipins qui ne me connaissent meme pas .pour 300/350 php;ils me confient sans probleme leur bien (des années de salaire).Par correction meme si le réservoir est vide, je rends toujours l'engin avec le plein! et en état!
des petites choses qui font plaisir!!!
Depuis deux ans , je parrainne les études d'une jeune filipina pour essayer de lui assurer un avenir meilleur en obtenant un bon job et élever une petite famillle!
Donner c'est aussi se faire plaisir!
Soyons ou tachons d'etre exemplaires!
Meilleures amitiés
tu as ma signature morale!LOL😄
Navigator646
Ah oui cette fameuse aversion pour le touriste... C'est peut-être typiquement français, je ne sais pas. En tout cas on a peut-être un peu trop cette culture "guide du routard" qui, sous prétexte d'authenticité, nous invite fortement à éviter le touriste quand bien même on en est un soi-même... Maintenant il suffit d'avoir un sac à dos et 3 piqûres de moustiques pour se voir attribuer le label "routard", trop drôle !!! Ils ont de bons tuyaux dans ce guide mais perso le message générale me fatigue vite. A chercher systématiquement l'originalité ça devient grotesque et prétentieux...
2 raisons peut-être pour éviter les touristes :
- avoir un coin tranquille, éviter les circuits classiques, ok ça se comprend.
- considérer qu'on est plus apte à comprendre les spécificités du pays que les touristes lambda et donc qu'il nous faut emprunter d'autres voies parce qu'on est soi même un original et donc que l'on vaut mieux que les autres etc etc... Ca c'est souvent sous entendus dans les forums... 😉
Manille c'est authentique, plein de philippins qui en ont rien à foutre que tu sois touriste, routard, paumé ou businessman.
En plus c'est typiquement philippins : les embouteillages, les cris, le bruit, les enfants des rues, les marchands à la sauvette, les "bidonvilles"...
On peut aussi faire de trés belle rencontre et vraiment y connaître le coeur des philippines !
Les taxis vont vous scrooker comme si vous étiez de la famille !
En plus c'est vraiment pas carte postale (sauf peut etre un peu roxas avenue)
......................
Vas en antarctique si tu souhaites les éviter; mais bon là bas les locaux sont des pingouins et ours polaires😄
..................................
Ni l' un ni l'autre......
Des manchots, oui, des pingouins, non.
Et des ours arctiques, à moins qu' ils ne soient là en vacances......
messieurs messieurs !! revenons au fil de notre post originel
oui mon ami gerdan tu peux rencontrer des pinoy ou pinay partout manille ou province qui seront tres heureux de parler d'echanger des histoires avec toi pas de soucis le peuple philippin dans sa totalité est tres accueillant envers l'etranger et ne connais pas le racisme dur et pur qui fait le desespoir de nos civilisations dites evoluees
juste rester vous meme echanger , partager et offrez car ils vont s'endetter pour vous faire plaisir un repas innhabituel sera servi pour votre venue ! donc remercier au quintuple meme si ils vont refuser !! restez humains c'est a dire vous meme !!
bon voyage parmi le peuple pinoy que nous aimons beaucoup nous les pinoys d'adoptions!!
Salut Yannick,
Totalement d'accord avec toi et je signe la chartre Tourisme équitable moi aussi!
Au 22 février (soir) avec ma fille Maéva (8ans). Pour les dauphins et les baleines...Debout 5h00 ça va être très dur !!
Désolé je n'aime pas le Pastis🙁 ...je viendrai avec le Champagne ou le Chouchen 😊!
Ah je n'oublierai pas "lepetit" 😏😛😏
noz vat ! kenavo
Marc
pas de soucis !! laisses tomber le souchen et le champagne , amenes plutot un saucisson un camembert(sous cloche) ou un brebis !!
pour les baleines il y en a plus a panglao depuis longtemps ils les ont mangees !! un requin baleine passe de temps en temps sur alona ou kalipayan mais faut etre la au bon moment!!
les dauphins oui tu les vois au large de pamilacan et au large de balicasag ils nt leurs routes dans le coin
Bon envol Yapen64 au paradis des dauphins et des baleines, nous n'oublierons jamais ta gentillesse et tes posts toujours "équitables"
Salut à toi Yannick de la part de toute la communauté !
Yannick de BOHOL nous a quitté d' une crise cardiaque, il y a quelques années déjà. Il ne nous réjouira plus par ces merveilleux posts toujours à la défense du peuple Philippin. Salut à toi l'artiste !
Nous sommes sur bohol actuellement et nous aimerions aller en bateau pour la journée sur l’ile de Pamilacan. Qui connaît le tarif pour une location de bateau…
Savez vous s il y a des plages sur l île de busuenga faisable en scooter depuis coron city? Sinon mise à part les tours organisés, y a t il des navettes qui…
Je sais que l'Espagnol est peu parlé aux philippines Mais, par hasard, ne reste t'il pas une ïîe où l'Espagnol soit encore bien vivace? Comme le Portuguais…
Je pars vivre à la fin du mois sur l'île de Negros, et plus précisement à Bacolod mais avec des déplacements à Cadiz. Bien que les consignes du forum demandent…
hello à tous. Je vais partir en solo en février et je vous place une idée de mon voyage. Celà tient il la route?
ps: je ne suis pas amateur de plages
J1 Départ le 17 février 2027
J2 arrivée Kuala lumpur- balade chinatown et tours petronas
J3 : kuala lumpur : marché chow kit, batu caves, little india, centre ville bukit bintang
J4 : bus vers Malacca tot matin. Balade dans Malacca aprem et soir
J5 : encore 2 à 3h dans Malacca au matin puis retour bus vers Kuala lumpur. Zone merdeka square. Loger chinatown
J6 : trajet bus vers kuala tahan. Night tour
J7 : le matin : rando canopy, bukit terisek. L’aprem : vers lata berkoh
J8 et J9 : trek 2j ds la jungle du parc taman negara
J10 : vers Cameron highlands
J11 : matin rando dans les plantations. L’aprem à définir
J12 : le matin : excursion a mossy forest et plantation sungei. Aprem bus vers Ipoh
J13 : matin : zone mirror lake/ sam poh temple. L’aprem: balade au centre de Ipoh
J14 : matin train vers Penang. Aprem : balade georgetown
J15 : matin penang hill et temple keh loh. Aprem: Georgetown
J16: bus vers butterfly garden et spice garden. Fin aprem : temples birman et thai
J17: matin envol vers Singapour. Aprem: chinatown et tour de la baie
J18 : matin zone gardens by the bay. Aprem : boat quay- clarke quay- kampong glam
J19 : matin : zone the ridges et botanical garden. Aprem: little india et retour Chinatown avant vol retour de 23h15
J20 : arrivée matin
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 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.
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...
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
