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!
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.
Hi there,
We’re thinking of spending a month in the Philippines at the end of February and the beginning of March. What’s the tourist crowd like during that time—is it super busy? We’re not really used to booking accommodations, transport, etc., in advance.
Thanks in advance!
Hi,
Is it useful to rent a car from Puerto Princesa to get to El Nido? Are there any nice stops along the way?
I read that once you arrive in El Nido, most of the beaches and sights are accessed by boat, so I'm wondering if this rental is really worth it...
Thanks for your help
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.
I’m planning to go to Koh Lipe.
Do you know a good site to book a boat ticket from Phuket?
And if you’ve visited any nice islands around Koh Lipe, I’d love to hear about them.
I’d like to go diving.
Thanks
Hi,
We're heading out at the end of the year to join family in Cebu. We're planning to spend a week in the area but are struggling to choose between these 3 islands... Ideally, we'd like to have 2 bases to explore two of them. Have any of you visited all three, and which would you recommend? We're into snorkeling, beautiful excursions, and would also love to connect with locals. And ideally, do all that without too much logistical hassle 😅
Thanks for your experiences/tips!
I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan of markets. No matter where I go, in every country or city I visit, I won’t leave without having seen one. I’m mostly talking about food markets. I love the smells, the colors, and watching people from all walks of life stroll around. It’s like a mirror of a country’s culture, and I love soaking it all in.
Thai markets are particularly appealing to me. In my province, there are so many. Maybe more than elsewhere—I’m not sure—but every day, you can find a "Talat Nat." These are traveling markets that set up in specific places on specific days. They only stay open for a few hours. Some attract more shoppers than others because they have more stalls and a wider variety of products. Sometimes, they’re set up in pretty unusual spots: temples, roadside, even on train tracks...
On top of these, there are also markets in the city that stay open all day.
I’d love for you to share your photos of markets, local product stalls, and why not, let’s talk about gastronomy and cuisine too!
I’ll start with my favorite market—it’s 8 kilometers from my place and happens every Tuesday from 2 PM to 5 PM. I never miss a Tuesday unless there’s a downpour... 😉 It’s located in the countryside, in a village famous for its coffee (ThamSing), and inside the grounds of a slightly unusual temple. It’s easy to get to—over the past 10 years, the roads have been paved, which wasn’t the case before and made the trip a bit risky when it rained...
In the first two photos, you’ll see the temple courtyard on a normal day, without the market.
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
We’re planning to spend two full days in Phnom Penh next January.
We really love markets, and I’d love to know which one you think is the most interesting in the capital? The Central Market (Psar Thmei) and the Russian Market are often mentioned.
Thanks in advance for your tips.
Have a great day,
I’m planning our summer vacation for August 2027.
We’re a family of 4, and here’s what I had in mind:
- Arrival in Surabaya (one or two stops, including Jakarta). 6 nights on Java Island (private driver, nights split between Bromo and Yogyakarta)
Budget airline.
- 7 nights in Bali: 4 in Ubud, 3 in Amed (with a rental car)
- And a 3-night stopover in Singapore.
During my trip to Thailand, I’ll be spending 2 nights at Tonsai Beach, near Ao Nang Beach, close to Krabi. Tonsai Beach is only accessible by boat, so I was wondering where I could safely leave my car at Ao Nang Beach for 48 hours?
Alternatively, at Ao Nam Mao Beach (on the other side), if there are shuttles to Tonsai Beach.
We’re planning a two-week trip to the Philippines in August (unfortunately, we don’t have a choice on the dates...) and we’ve seen, especially through many posts here, that a large part of the Philippines is advised against visiting. However, some areas might still be okay for this month.
Based on that, we’re considering the following itinerary:
• D1–D2: Flight from France to Manila, overnight transit in Manila.
• D3–D5: Camiguin — beaches, Mantigue, White Island, and a volcanic tour (staying at Balai sa Baibai)
• D6–D9: Anda — beach, snorkeling, rice terraces, Can-Umantad Falls, Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, waterfalls, and adventure activities (staying at Anda White Beach Resort)
• D10–D14: Siquijor — snorkeling, whale shark excursion in Oslob if possible, Apo Island, and sunset fishing (staying at Coco Grove Beach Resort)
• D15–D16: Return via Cebu and Manila, then international flight back to France.
We’ll be two families of four with kids over 20...
I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether this itinerary is feasible, and I’m open to suggestions for other islands or activities from those who know the destination well.
Thanks for your help! :slight_smile:
Hi everyone.
I’m heading to Malaysia for five weeks over the holiday season.
I just found out that tourists can pay by QR code like locals (street food, small shops) to avoid using cash.
This works with apps like Wise or TNG eWallet.
Has anyone tried this system before?
Hi there,
We’re planning a backpacking trip to Northern Malaysia and northern Sumatra in February/March 2027. It’ll be our first time in these areas (we’re pretty familiar with the rest of Asia). Thanks in advance for your favorite spots and diving recommendations! It’s still very open-ended—we haven’t set anything in stone yet.
Thanks,
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!
Hello fellow travelers, and thanks to everyone for keeping this blog alive!
It’s my turn to ask a question.
For our trip to Laos next year, I’m torn between using a local agency or organizing everything myself with the Lonely Planet guide and tips from VoyageForum.
If I plan it myself, will I still be able to find French-speaking guides on the spot or book excursions in advance?
Thanks for sharing your experiences, and if you have any recommendations for local agencies—just for excursions or even transportation—that’d be great!
Sylvie
Cinefil67
Hello,
I’m planning a trip to Vietnam with my partner, and we’re considering Ha Giang in October-November for 4 days on-site to do the loop by bus, since we’re not old enough to ride motorbikes.
I see there are sleeper buses—how does that work for sleeping at night, meals, etc.? And what are the rates per person for these 4 days and nights?
Then there’s Sapa—what’s the most practical way to travel between the two, or should we return to Hanoi?
I’d love recommendations for simple but decent hotels and any other tips you have.
Thanks so much! !
We’re 49 years old, love beautiful landscapes, meeting locals, discovering local food and traditions, and we avoid overly touristy places.
We enjoy hiking, cycling, running, and diving.
This is our first time in Thailand (my husband knows Bangkok).
We arrive on Friday, November 13th in Bangkok (city visit) and return on Friday, November 27th.
We’re considering heading south (possibly toward Krabi) from the 14th to the 18th to enjoy the beautiful beaches, go diving, and see Khao Sok...
Then back to Bangkok and on to Kanchanaburi to see the Sai Yok Noi waterfalls, followed by a bike visit to Ayutthaya.
From there, we’d take an overnight train to the north: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the Lantern Festival from November 21st to 25th.
On the 26th, we’d take a flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok (city visit), and on the 27th, we have our flight back to France.
Does this itinerary seem too packed?
Should we remove some things to avoid feeling rushed and fully enjoy the trip?
Do you recommend anything other than Krabi?
Hello.
We’re joining our daughter in Ho Chi Minh City for Christmas—she’s studying there. There’ll be five of us adults, and we couldn’t choose our travel dates, so some flights are fixed. I’ve sketched out the following route, but I’m not sure if it all makes sense. This is our fourth trip to Asia (Thailand twice, Lombok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore). We often travel on a budget, love authentic spots, and enjoy meeting locals (we’ve done volunteer work and homestays).
18/12: Two of us arrive in HCMC
20/12: Head to Hanoi, where the boys land
20/12 to 23 or 24: Hanoi and day trips around—still deciding
23 or 24 to 26: Phu Quoc, so we can head south and spend Christmas by the beach (one son is crazy about the sea and fishing)
27 to 30: Mekong Delta, stopping in Ha Tien, Chau Doc, and another spot to get back to Ho Chi Minh City
1/1: Return flight to France.
What do you think of this plan—is it doable or totally unrealistic? Any recommendations for a one- or two-day trip from Hanoi (Phu Long, Mai Chau), or is it better to stick around the city?
Thanks in advance for your insights.
I’m planning a 28-day trip to the Philippines starting in the second half of April, and I’m skipping all the super touristy spots.
I’ve got some ideas, but they’re still a bit vague and scattered, and I’d love your help and tips to finalize my itinerary.
For this trip, I’m mostly looking for architecture, ancestral homes, cultural discoveries, local crafts, exceptional natural sites, and islands with beautiful, less crowded beaches—especially avoiding international tourists.
So here are my ideas, and I’d really appreciate your advice:
1- Surigao del Sur, if security allows: the Enchanted River in Hinatuan and Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City.
2- Iloilo City, Bacolod, Silay
3- The Heritage Town of Taal
4- Banaue and Batad
5- Romblon Island (Bonbon Beach and the marble workshops in Romblon town)
6- Bolinao Falls and Hundred Islands in Pangasinan
7- Baguio, Vigan, Laoag, and Pagudpud (Saud Beach and/or Blue Lagoon)
8- Guimaras Island, Samal Island, and Dinagat Island
I know logistically it’s impossible to cover all the spots I’ve listed in 28 days, which is why I’m counting on your advice to drop a few destinations that might not be worth the detour and highlight the must-sees.
Thanks in advance
Hi,
We're planning to visit this region as a couple for a few days during our trip to Vietnam.
What should we do with 3 to 4 days there, and how can we get around to the different spots?
Should we return to Sapa every day or stay in different places each night?
Any tips on accommodations, dining, and must-see sites?
Also, advice on traveling from Hanoi to Sapa.
Thanks so much for helping us prepare for this autumn 2027 trip!
Hi there,
We're planning a little trip along the west side, visiting KL, Malacca, then heading up to Penang and ending with a few days at the beach.
The most common option would be to finish the stay in Langkawi. My question: are there other spots with beautiful beaches on this coast where we could spend 4 to 5 days?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
I’d like to know if it’s possible (and reasonable) to travel directly between Battambang and Kampot?
From what I’ve gathered, all the buses between these two destinations go back through Phnom Penh, which means we’d have to spend an extra night there in the middle of our trip. That’s not ideal for us.
Hello, South Sulawesi loop: Makassar-Ramang Ramang-Rantepao-Sengkang-Lake Tempe-Bira. Which direction should I take for this loop, starting and ending in Makassar?
Public transport preferred, and about 3 weeks in total.
Any nice homestays? And tips for solo travel?
Thanks, Françoise
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there,
After a stay in Hua Hin and before another in Chiang Mai, I’d like to break up the trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai into several stops. I’ve found bus and train routes on Maps, but I’m stuck on the connection between Ban Rai / Uthai Thani and then Nakhon Sawan (bus for the latter).
Does anyone have any idea where I could find info, maybe via Route 333?
I know my question isn’t super general or exciting, but if you can help, thanks!
I’d like to do a kind of personal retreat this winter and I’m looking for a destination near the sea (preferably an island) that’s quiet. Is that possible in Thailand, or should I consider another destination?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Dayi
This September, my partner and I are heading to North Sulawesi for 3 weeks. Our international flight is with Malaysia Airlines, departing from Paris. We have a layover in KL, then fly to Denpasar, followed by a domestic flight from Denpasar to Manado. We land in Bali Denpasar on 05/09 around 12:00 PM, and our flight to Manado is on 07/09 at 1:30 AM. The plan was to have at least one night (from the 5th to the 6th of September) between our international flight and our flight to Manado, just to recharge a bit since we're not 20 anymore 😛. My question is, given the very short stop in Bali (a day and a half), is it better to stay in Denpasar rather than go to Ubud for the night? I’ve been to Bali before, and from what I remember, even though the distances are short, transfers take a long time because of the extremely heavy traffic—but I was there in July, not September. I’m not sure if that makes a big difference?
If the answer is "it’s better to stay in Denpasar," are there any nice places to visit? There’s very little feedback about the city since tourists usually don’t stick around.
Thanks in advance for your replies.
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Off on an adventure to Java (and a bit of Bali)
Banggai Islands (Sulawesi)
Cruise around the islands of Komodo
3 weeks in Bali in 2025
A little piece of Sulawesi with the family: Rantepao and Selayar
Sumatra: Off the Beaten Path in Asia
Polynesia: How to choose between the Society Islands, Tuamotu, and the Marquesas?
A Few Days in Turkmenistan from Uzbekistan
