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Philippines - Indonesia - Sumatra - Moluccas Islands Trip December 2024

Discussion started by Kimberley131 on 2024-11-29

8 replies

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Philippines - Indonesia - Sumatra - Moluccas Islands Trip December 2024

Kimberley131 · 2024-11-29

Hi there! Looking to head off by the end of this year, no later than between December 10th and 15th, for the Philippines. Any recommendations for regions like the Batanes Islands and Mindanao, away from mass tourism and off the beaten path?

Plan: Beaches, snorkeling, diving, hiking, and visiting the most interesting sites depending on each person’s preferences (I’m not really into old stones but more about nature, jungle, flora, and fauna).

When? Between December 10th and 15th, but no later than December 15th–17th.

Where? Northern Philippines, starting with a few days of beach and relaxation to recharge after the bad weather and winter in France. Then, off to trek in northern Luzon with its stunning rice terraces, followed by the Batanes Islands, which are the epitome of off-the-beaten-path destinations. After that, we’d head down to the Balicas Islands, where you can swim with turtles and where tourism is minimal due to very limited hotel infrastructure (accommodation is in tents by the sea). Next up: the island of Mindanao.

Depending on time and everyone’s interests, we could continue to Sumatra and then the Moluccas Islands, which, unlike the rest of Indonesia, are much less affected by the monsoon.

With whom?

Someone who’s already traveled and hiked beyond just their imagination and dreams . Independent and resourceful (I’m looking for a travel partner, not a tourist to guide). Good-humored and adaptable. Loving adventure and eager to explore off the beaten path.

I’ve traveled a lot and I’m a fan of the unexpected (go where the wind takes you).

If you see yourself in these few lines, it would be a great pleasure to share this new adventure with you for a few days or weeks.... This is just a rough plan I’m proposing, and it can be adjusted based on everyone’s preferences.

Philippines - Indonesia - Sumatra - Moluccas Islands trip December 2024

Sofisonsec · 2024-11-30

Hi Kimberley131,

I’ve been to the Philippines twice, but for diving. I was thinking of going back in March, but have you looked into the different islands you want to visit? They’ve just been hit by 5 typhoons in a row, and there’s been a lot of damage. Personally, I wouldn’t go this year because the marine environments have really changed.

Philippines - Indonesia - Sumatra - Moluccas Islands Trip December 2024

Kimberley131 · 2024-11-30

Hi Kimberley131,

I’ve been to the Philippines twice, but for diving. I was planning to go back in March, but have you really looked into the different islands you want to visit? They’ve just been hit by five typhoons in a row, and there’s been a lot of damage. Personally, I wouldn’t go this year because the marine life has really taken a hit.

Hi Sophie, It’s really kind of you to take the time to warn me about the damage from the typhoons, but I actually have friends in the Philippines who I sent my rough itinerary to, and they gave me the green light. You know, it’s a bit like in France with flooding—some regions get hit over and over, while others stay relatively untouched. For me, it hasn’t been too bad.

Anyway, I hope you have amazing dives if you go in March, and thanks again!

Philippines - Indonesia - Sumatra - Moluccas Islands Trip December 2024

Sofisonsec · 2024-12-01

Nice! Enjoy your trip! 😉

Philippines - Indonesia - Sumatra - Moluccas Islands Trip December 2024

Djalma · 2024-12-01

And depending on time and everyone's preferences, continue or not to Sumatra and then the Moluccas Islands, which, unlike the rest of Indonesia, are much less touristy spots

Hi,

How do you plan to get to the Moluccas from the Philippines?

Philippines - Indonesia - Sumatra - Moluccas Islands trip December 2024

Kimberley131 · 2024-12-01

And depending on time and everyone's preferences, continue or not to Sumatra and then the Moluccas Islands, which, unlike the rest of Indonesia, are much less touristy places

Hi,

How do you plan to get to the Moluccas from the Philippines?

Good evening, I’m thinking of going by canoe or swimming 😂 You can charter a plane, I don’t know yet ☹️ Maybe you could take me there? 😊

Philippines to Indonesia – Sumatra & the Moluccas Islands Trip December 2024

Djalma · 2024-12-01

I’m thinking of going by canoe or swimming there...

By sea, huh... The Celebes Sea is full of pirates!

Maybe you could take me along?

How much time have you roughly planned for your trip?

More seriously, to get from the Philippines to the Moluccas, you’ll need to go back through Manila to Jakarta... then catch another flight to the Moluccas with at least one stop. But I think there might be flights from Manila to KL to Medan (Sumatra).

Philippines - Indonesia - Sumatra - Moluccas Islands trip December 2024

Jallanne · 2025-01-20

hi there Did your trip work out? Or have you changed your departure plans?

Philippines - Indonesia - Sumatra - Moluccas Islands Trip December 2024

Kimberley131 · 2025-01-20

Good evening, Did your trip work out? Or have you rescheduled your departure?

Hello, Yes, I left on January 15th and I’m currently in the Philippines, near Alaminos, before heading to the rice terraces in Banaue.

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