What to choose for a first summer trip to Asia: Indonesia or Thailand?

Hi there,

I’m planning my first trip to Asia next summer with my partner and our daughter, who’ll be 3 and a half at the time, for 4 weeks (maybe 5).

I’ve heard that the timing is better for visiting Indonesia, but I’m hesitant because Thailand seems more accessible, and I’m worried that traveling to Indonesia during high season might be less enjoyable and a lot more expensive due to the number of tourists. We love cultural sites as much as natural ones, and we’re big foodies. We’re not necessarily looking for luxury and tend to take our time, travel by public transport, and look for accommodations with a good value for money—though we do occasionally splurge on a high-end restaurant.

I’m also wondering when and where to buy flight tickets and how comfortable the journey will be (especially for our daughter) if we fly with Thai Airways or Garuda.

Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts and tips!

Damien

Hi there,

This long discussion is for you: https://voyageforum.com/forum/quelle-destination-privilegier-en-ete-en-asie-sud-est-d10699455/

Both Indonesia and Thailand are very budget-friendly destinations. Unless you spend most of your trip at the beach, you won’t feel much of a financial difference between high and low season.

In July and August in Thailand, you’ll get rain fairly often, but it’s rarely a real problem. Sometimes the sun disappears for a whole day, but it never rains all the time. That said, during these months, you should avoid jungle trekking and visits to national parks (some are even closed during this season). If you’re heading to the beach, make sure to pick your region carefully.

Garuda and Thai Airways are both solid airlines, so your daughter should be fine. Within the EU, Garuda only flies to Amsterdam. There aren’t any hard rules about the best time to buy tickets. Some people book almost a year in advance, while I’ve rarely bought mine more than 15 days before departure (sometimes just 3-4 days ahead) and still found better deals—but don’t follow my example. Find a happy medium between booking very early and very last-minute. And of course, consider whether it’s high or low season. Before looking for a ticket, start by clearing all cookies from your computer. Also, you’ll have a much better chance of finding better fares if you search between midnight and 4 AM (yes, in the morning...) from Monday to Thursday.

Thailand is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer (boreal) is the rainy season. Depending on the region you visit, the rains can be more or less heavy. Indonesia is in the Southern Hemisphere. For most islands (especially the most visited ones), it's the dry season, so it's the best time to go. Overall, even though you can still visit Thailand in summer, Indonesia is the better choice.

PS: If you're unsure about the climate of a destination or want more details, check out this site: Here’s Bali as an example. https://www.ou-et-quand.net/partir/quand/asie-sud-est/bali/

Hi there, For a first trip to Asia, Thailand is generally recommended—it’s a classic destination. If that works for you, on a future trip you might explore another spot in Asia—there’s plenty of choice!

If you want to visit the world’s most populous Muslim country, you’ve gotta head to Indonesia.

If you want to visit the most populous Muslim country in the world, you’ve got to go to Indonesia.

Hi there, You have a rather particular way of responding to the information requested by forum members—who were simply asking for a choice between two Asian countries. I know both countries very well: Thailand – 47 times. As for Indonesia, I’ve done two trips there and have always been fascinated by the country. The population is always welcoming at every level, even with an 80% Muslim majority.

But why not? It could be a tourist draw, don’t you think? Plus, orangutans are only found in Indonesia. You never know—it might come in handy, as long as they still exist.

I always say you should start with Thailand because it’s the most practical and easiest. But hey, that’s just my take—everyone experiences things differently.

Hi

For a first trip to Southeast Asia, Thailand is a great choice. It's accessible, easy to navigate, and offers just the right amount of culture shock (though you’ll find more authenticity elsewhere—you’ll discover that on your future trips ;))

As for the season, a little rain isn’t a big deal in this part of the world. Just know that the weather is humid, you’ll sweat *a lot*, and you’ve gotta be prepared for it :P

Hey Damien, For summer (I’m thinking July/August), it’s true that Indonesia is in the middle of the dry season, so weather-wise, it’s great. In Thailand, it’s the rainy season, but that doesn’t mean it’s unbearable. It can rain heavily but often in the late afternoon, and it’s not every day either. Indonesia (Bali, Java, Lombok...) is magical, but in high season, it can get really crowded, especially in Bali. So yes, prices go up, and some places lose a bit of their charm because of the crowds. That said, you can still make it work if you go off the beaten path (avoid central Ubud or Canggu in the middle of summer, for example). Or you could just skip Bali and go somewhere else. Thailand is easier to organize—travel is simpler, the food is incredible, and people love kids. Bangkok – Chiang Mai – a few islands (Koh Samui or Koh Phangan on the east side, which are a bit drier in summer) can make a great mix of culture, nature, and beach. And it’s often cheaper, even for comfortable lodging. For flights, Thai Airways and Garuda are both solid airlines, known for their comfort and service, especially with a child. If you can get a direct flight or one with few layovers, it makes a huge difference with a little one. Try to book around November-December for the following summer—that’s when you’ll often find the best prices. Anyway, for a first trip to Asia with a young child, I’d say Thailand is the “easier” choice and still culturally super rich.

That can be a tourist argument,

In another forum, we had the example of an 18-year-old Muslim guy who came to plan a one-month itinerary from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, mainly to meet Muslims from different backgrounds and visit mosques. In his trip report posted after his return, he mentioned being thrilled with his trip.

there are orangutans only in Indonesia.

They can also be found in the other Muslim country, Malaysia, visible in three places in northern Borneo: one near Sandakan and two near Kuching.

Hi there,

As mentioned earlier, the weather is significantly better in Indonesia.

In terms of ease, both countries are pretty much equal in their most touristy areas. Thailand is more affordable than Indonesia for off-the-beaten-path spots. Thailand is doable with a rental car, which is much trickier in Indonesia.

When it comes to food, I definitely prefer Thailand—even more so if you add the "apéro" (pre-dinner drinks) factor.

For cultural sites, variety, and wildlife, I prefer Indonesia.

Price-wise, Indonesia was slightly cheaper than Thailand.

In terms of tourist crowds, the hotspots are about the same.

For hospitality, I find Thailand friendlier.

Weeks to absolutely avoid: Chinese New Year in Thailand, and Idul Fitri in Indonesia. Idul Fitri can fall in summer since it follows the Islamic calendar.

From a religious perspective, atheists and free spirits tend to feel more comfortable in Thailand. As in many Muslim-majority countries, some conservatism has taken hold in parts of Indonesia, and you can feel it. I also find the Muslim-majority areas of Thailand more austere than the rest of the country—same vibe as in Malaysia.

But Indonesia isn’t a one-religion country: Bali, Flores, and the Toraja region (for example) aren’t majority Muslim.

That’s all for now!

Hello, I’d recommend Indonesia for its climate and diversity (Indonesia is a very tolerant Muslim country where all religions are represented, and the Toraja region, for example in the Celebes Islands "Sulawesi," is predominantly Catholic... We spent a month on this island: the Toraja region is truly astonishing, with extraordinary houses and unbelievable funerals where tourists are welcome!!!). And as the best is always saved for last, there are no tourist buses and the kindness of the people is beyond real—so much so that, for the first time, we’re returning to Indonesia this September... We’ve visited Vietnam, Malaysia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia... and while the people everywhere are nice, I found Indonesia even better. Thailand is closer to Europe, and for young travelers, there’s much more nightlife, bars, and evening entertainment... (In Bangkok, you might feel a bit like you’re in Paris), which helps avoid culture shock for a first experience. The change of scenery felt more pronounced in Indonesia... but I’m 75 years old, and we stay a month in each country! It’s all a matter of taste, but it rains more in Thailand. Best regards,

When will you give any sign of life? Hope you haven't fallen ill since yesterday... 😎

Back to the weather aspect, the advantage of the rainy season is that during this period, you often come across lighting like this, which photographers usually appreciate much more than the harsh light of the dry season.

Around 2 PM inside a temple in Phetchaburi just before a June storm:

Hello everyone,

Thank you for the generosity of sharing your experiences.

I’ve been devouring your posts while starting to read a Lonely Planet guide on Indonesia. I’m still hesitating, as I mentioned, but traveling during the dry season seems easier at first glance, given my daughter’s age (2 ½ years old; I hope she doesn’t catch dengue or malaria...).

Thai cuisine is calling to my taste buds, and the ease of getting around the country, along with the more "liberal" customs, could sway my choice. However, with a little one in tow, there’s no question of diving into "excess"... We traveled to Morocco last October, and it was our first visit to a Muslim country: the austerity didn’t bother us. On the contrary, there was a very "first communion" vibe—good-natured and kind toward us. We went without alcohol for 10 days, and it didn’t hurt us at all.

The fact that people are recommending Indonesia for wildlife, cultural visits, and nature confirms my leaning toward that country. Based on your comments, I’m thinking of avoiding Bali and Lombok and maybe focusing on Java, Sumatra, and Nusa Tenggara (?). After all, it’s not always by following the well-trodden paths and visiting the must-see spots that you have the best experiences.

Since I don’t have the chance to travel for such a long time at other times of the year, I’ll probably visit Thailand during the monsoon season when my daughter is a bit older.

Keep sharing your thoughts on this—I find that subjective impressions often teach us the most.

Damien

PS: I’ve never tried buying tickets at night, but I’ll give it a shot. That said, having a child sometimes makes it impossible to book the cheapest flights (which often have the least convenient schedules...). That’s where I’ll likely spend half my budget, right?

Hi there, I think it’s a shame to skip Bali. It’s the only Hindu island in Indonesia—very green and lively, less "austere" than its neighbors—with the chance to attend many religious festivals and various shows, see beautiful temples, stroll through rice fields, and enjoy stunning landscapes. It also offers more varied food than elsewhere. That said, try to get away from the spots packed with tourists, like the beaches in the south (Kuta, Legian, etc.) and Ubud in the center. You can also visit the nearby small islands like Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida.

Morocco is a Muslim country, sure, but its people aren’t austere. And finding alcohol in Morocco is really easy—it’s even sold in supermarkets in cities where, supposedly, all the locals are Muslim and barely see any tourists...

That’s nothing like the vibe you’ll find in Malaysia, southern Thailand, or parts of Indonesia. It’s hard to explain. Kind of a race to be *more* Muslim than Muslim. A vicious spiral that leads to rejecting your roots, especially in Java (clothing, etc.). Even Indonesians themselves complain about this "race to the shallot" imported from Arabia.

--/--

Java is also very busy, but it’s where you’ll find the most stunning temples. It’s also a very densely populated island. Between Sumatra and Flores, I’d pick Flores without hesitation. I loved this island (volcanoes, landscapes, culture, beaches).

When it comes to flight tickets, it’s essential to plan the broad strokes of your trip before booking. That way, you can buy an open-jaw ticket and avoid unnecessary domestic flights—especially with a very young child. To save on airfare, it might be worth booking a round-trip to Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur, then separate tickets to reach Indonesia. Just remember: separate tickets mean longer layovers, especially on the way back, so you don’t miss flights due to delays or cancellations. (If you miss a flight on the way back, you lose the long-haul leg; on the way out, it’s just a short flight...) Ending with 2 nights in Bangkok or Singapore could be a nice way to wrap up the trip! Flights will definitely eat up a big chunk of the budget...

Thai (...) the ease of getting around the country and the more "liberal" customs might influence my choice.

It’s also very easy to get around Java using public transport. Once you leave the island, things get a little trickier, but nothing insurmountable. It only becomes really quite complicated on remote islands.

Of course, in Thailand, you can drink alcohol almost as much as you want, eat moo namtok to your heart’s content, and you don’t have to pick your accommodation based on how far it is from the muezzin if you like a full night’s sleep. But customs aren’t any more "liberal" there than in Indonesia—quite the opposite in many ways. That said, you won’t suffer from it in either country, to the point that, in my opinion, this shouldn’t be a deciding factor in choosing one over the other.

maybe focus on Java, Sumatra, and Nusa Tenggara (?).

All three are worth visiting, but there’s no way you could see all three in just 5 weeks (unless you rent a helicopter for the whole trip—count on $1,500 per hour, with empty return legs billed extra). Realistically, without rushing too much, you could spend about 2 months in Sumatra, 6 weeks in Java, and 10 weeks exploring the Lesser Sunda Islands (Nusa Tenggara). In short, trying to visit more than 2 islands in 5 weeks would be completely unreasonable. In Thailand, you could easily spend 2 months without rushing, or even longer if you include beach time. In 5 weeks, you’d have enough time to do something really great both on and off the tourist trail.

I’m thinking of avoiding Bali and Lombok and maybe focusing on Java, Sumatra, and Nusa Tenggara (?).

If you want to avoid Bali and Lombok, here are the direct flights from Java to the Lesser Sunda Islands (not all are daily): Jakarta-Kupang Surabaya-Kupang Surabaya-Tembolaka Jakarta-Labuhan Bajo Surabaya-Labuhan Bajo That’s it. No direct flights from Sumatra to the Lesser Sunda Islands.

I’ve never tried buying tickets at night, but I’ll give it a shot. That said, having a child sometimes makes it impossible to book the cheapest flights (which often have the least convenient schedules...).

The flights offered at night are the same as those during the day. Just make sure to clear your cookies between search sessions, or the price of a flight will never drop.

That said, you won’t suffer in either of the two countries—so much so that, in my opinion, this shouldn’t be a deciding factor for one over the other.

Banda Aceh enforces Sharia law...

but customs there certainly aren’t more "liberal" than in Indonesia; in fact, it’s the opposite in many ways.

Possible, but the traveler is just passing through. What matters is the overall impression.

I don’t get a sense of sadness when I look at Thais (except in the south) or Moroccans. I can feel it in Indonesia.

Bali. It's the only Hindu island in Indonesia,

That’s what I was told when I arrived in Bedugul, confidently picking a losmen at random upon arrival... But by the first night, I’d learned the hard way that this town has a mosque (possibly the only one on the island 😡) right next door. And on top of that, it was Nyepi, so I was stuck there for 2 days!...

More closely monitored customs in Thailand? I'm curious...

More monitored customs in Thailand? I’m curious...

For example, lèse-majesté is a crime. Anyone, Thai or not, intentionally or not, who speaks or acts negatively toward the royal family (current or past) or its image can end up in prison for several years. Keep in mind that Thais have a strong culture of reporting—you won’t have any friends left if you criticize the royal family...

A few examples of how you can get into trouble: - Looking at a photo of the king (they’re absolutely everywhere, inside all kinds of buildings, including private ones, and outside) with a mocking or condescending expression, or pointing at it. - Asking, even innocently, why the princess (one of the late king’s daughters) isn’t married or why some other family member conveniently died in the tsunami. Generally, avoid "nosy" or "leading" questions. - Stepping on a banknote or poking a hole in it to make a stack—because, guess what, the king’s face is on it (though you can still handle money normally; no need to kneel with your hands clasped above your head before using it...).

In general, to avoid any missteps, **never** bring up the "royal family" in any way while you’re there. Unless it’s to flatter them—but make sure you get the approach right.

Things that don’t directly concern you but exist: - Schoolchildren who, every morning at 8 AM from the age of 6, are gathered in a near-military stance before class to be drilled all year about how the king and his family are good and beyond criticism, how Thailand is basically the only great place to live, by far... And a few other nonsense ideas of the same kind, always backed by arguments we’d find questionable. Every. Single. Day.

- Civil servants who are frowned upon by their superiors if they travel abroad during their vacations: they already live in such a wonderful country, so why the need to see elsewhere? Plus, they’re at the country’s service even on holiday—it’s their duty (I sound sarcastic, but in Thailand, a civil servant *can* actually be called in to work during their leave, and they’d better have a very good reason to refuse).

- Women who smoke are seen as... well, you can imagine.

- People with physical or mental disabilities are often kept out of sight; it’s considered shameful to bring them out in public. In shopping malls, the free wheelchairs aren’t for them—they’re for the elderly so they don’t get tired while spending money.

Here’s the 8 AM assembly at Tha Song Yang school:

True, it’s not dull!

On one hand, I agree with Attila in the sense that if you don’t live in the country, you can easily (pretend to) ignore these little horrors and enjoy the change of scenery with a selfishly naive tourist mindset—whether we like it or not, that’s what we are.

On the other hand, I also think there’s a tendency these days to demonize everything related to Islam, while you don’t have to look to Muslim countries for examples of the worst human rights violations (which, by the way, seem to be on the rise in Western countries too...).

In reply to this message from Songsam:

More monitored customs in Thailand? I’m curious...

For example, the crime of lèse-majesté exists. Anyone, Thai or not, intentionally or not, who speaks or acts negatively toward the royal family (current or past) or its image can end up in prison for several years. On that note, don’t forget that Thais have a strong sense of snitching—you won’t have any friends left if you criticize the royal family... A few examples where you can get into trouble: - Looking at a photo of the king (they’re absolutely everywhere, both inside all kinds of buildings, including private ones, and outside) with a mocking or condescending expression, or pointing at it. - Asking, even innocently, why the princess (one of the former king’s daughters) isn’t married or why some other family member conveniently died in the tsunami. Generally, avoid asking "indiscreet" or "leading" questions. - Stepping on a banknote or poking a hole in it to make a stack because—guess what—the king’s image is on it (but you can still handle money normally, no need to kneel with your hands joined above your head before using it...).

Generally, to avoid any blunders, never bring up the "royal family" topic in any way while you’re there. Unless it’s to flatter them, but make sure you get the approach right.

Things that don’t directly concern you but exist: - Schoolchildren who, every morning at 8 a.m. from the age of 6, are gathered in a near-military stance before class to be drilled all year about how the king and his family are good and beyond criticism, how Thailand is basically the only country worth living in, by far... And a few other bits of nonsense along the same lines, always backed by arguments we’d consider dubious. Every. Single. Day.

- Civil servants who are frowned upon by their superiors if they travel abroad during their leave: they already live in such a wonderful country, so why the need to see elsewhere? And anyway, they’re at the country’s service even on vacation—it’s their duty (I sound sarcastic, but in Thailand, a civil servant can actually be called to work during their leave, and it’s best to have a very good reason to refuse).

- Women who smoke being seen as *insert derogatory term here*

- People with physical or mental disabilities who are discouraged from leaving the house—it’s probably too shameful. In shopping malls, the free wheelchairs aren’t for them but for the elderly so they don’t get tired while spending money.

All these "hassles" are, let’s say, common in many Asian countries. Few actually escape them—not Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam, or Cambodia... But it rarely affects foreign tourists.

which we currently tend to demonize everything related to Islam,

Islamists aren’t helping...

And the French have fought against the Catholic religion and have almost succeeded in getting rid of it. It’s not to see a new head of the hydra emerge.

Living in a Muslim country, for an atheist, is a bit like living in a mental prison.

It’s impossible to be yourself there.

As a tourist, this mental prison only lasts a few moments. The other benefits of travel make the pill easier to swallow.

For the unfortunate atheists in Indonesia, Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, or Malaysia, it’s another story. All they have left are social networks to connect with people who think like them.

Personally, I’d choose exile.

When it comes to flight tickets, it's essential to have the main outline of your trip planned before booking them. This way, you can buy an open-jaw ticket and save yourself a lot of fatigue.

Let’s say I decide to land in Jakarta, travel to Yogyakarta, then fly to Flores, and on the way back, spend 2 nights in Singapore or Bangkok as you suggest: which flights should I book and how? (In advance or on the spot? With one airline or several?)

Let's say I decide to land in Jakarta and go to Yogyakarta

To clarify for the answer: would you travel from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, or take a direct route?

Flores isn’t the most internationally connected island.

Kuala Lumpur is currently the only alternative, and it’s not a very exciting one.

That’d mean a Belgium–Jakarta round trip via Kuala Lumpur–Belgium.

A domestic flight from Surabaya to Labuan Bajo and another from Labuan Bajo to Kuala Lumpur.

Another domestic flight on Flores itself seems essential given how slow the overland trips are and the current lack of inter-island flights to Maumere or Ende.

This site is useful for checking direct flight options: flightconnections.com

Book in advance! !

I don’t know yet, but let’s say I won’t linger in Jakarta. Let’s also say I want to start my trip in Flores and finish in Java.

I don’t know yet, but let’s say I don’t linger in Jakarta. Let’s also say I want to start my trip in Flores and finish in Java.

Via Kuala Lumpur: Kuala Lumpur-Labuan Bajo (3x/week on AirAsia) Labuan Bajo-Maumere (3x/week on Wings Air) overland Labuan Bajo-Denpasar (6 to 9 daily flights on several airlines) overland Yogyakarta-Kuala Lumpur (twice daily on AirAsia, 2x/week on Malaysian)

- Visit the Labuan Bajo area on the first pass - Cross Flores from east to west in 12 to 16 days, depending on whether you want to do beaches and snorkeling. - Fly from Labuan Bajo to Denpasar rather than Surabaya since eastern Java has things to see, so it’ll be smarter to land in Bali and then continue by bus + ferry to Banyuwangi. The first flight from Labuan Bajo arrives in Denpasar at 9:55 AM (AirAsia), so you *could* connect straight to Banyuwangi, but that’d be a long travel day—better to spend a transit night in southern Bali. - Cross Java from Banyuwangi to Yogyakarta at a relaxed pace in 8 to 14 days, depending on the number of stops. - The two weekly flights from Yogyakarta to K.L. would let you book an intercontinental open-jaw ticket: Paris-K.L. outbound, Yogyakarta-Paris return, all on Malaysian. But I don’t think it’s worth it (Malaysian only flies to Paris twice a day from Europe, and just two weekly flights from Yogya to K.L. leave little timing flexibility). Might as well book a regular round-trip ticket from Europe to K.L.

I’ll come back later with an attempt at a Singapore option.

If you're starting with Flores, your entry point into Indonesia can't be Jakarta...

Jakarta as an entry or exit point is only worth it if you're crossing Java from west to east.

- crossing Java from Baniuwanggi to Yogyakarta at a relaxed pace in 8 to 14 days, depending on the number of stops

This is the "Bali" part of Java... But the idea was more about traveling a bit off the tourist trail.

That said, I preferred this part over the Yog to Bandung stretch... Though Lufthansa’s delays plus Idul Fitri played a big role in that.

Thanks so much!

I’ll need to tweak this draft a bit since my starting point is Brussels. It’s easier for me to leave Europe from Brussels or Amsterdam Schiphol (quick Eurostar train connection from Brussels).

Also, as Attila suggested, I’ll struggle to do layovers before or after a flight to/from Europe (KL, BKK, or SIN...) without stopping for 2 nights to let my daughter burn off some energy... (She’s amazing, but there are limits—like 15 hours of flying straight!)

Anyway, I’ve got a great framework to start my research.

I don’t know yet, but let’s say I don’t linger in Jakarta. Let’s also say I want to start my trip in Flores and finish in Java.

Via Singapore: Singapore-Lombok 4x/week on Scoot Lombok-Labuan Bajo daily on Wings Air (only in summer, it seems) Then, same as the Kuala Lumpur option above until Yogyakarta Yogyakarta-Singapore daily on Scoot

- In Lombok, the layover between the two flights on different airlines is only 40 minutes—way too short, so it’s better to plan an overnight transit there (the flight from SGP isn’t daily anyway) - Since Scoot is a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, it’ll probably be possible to book an open-jaw ticket: Europe-Lombok outbound, Yogyakarta-Europe return. Singapore Airlines serves Brussels 4x/week, Amsterdam daily, and Paris twice daily.

But it was more about a trip a bit off the tourist trail.

In my suggestion, it’s not about visiting Bali but just spending one transit night there—or even none at all.

I’d struggle to do layovers before or after a flight to/from Europe (KL, BGK, or SGP...) without stopping for 2 nights to let my daughter burn off some energy...

All the options I’m suggesting via KL or SGP would allow for that.

I wanted to say that the eastern part of Java is like Bali—very touristy. (Kawa Ijen, Bromo, Yog)

I wanted to say that the Java part is like Bali, very touristy. (Kawa Ijen, Bromo, Yog)

He’s got to go somewhere anyway, and he’s already ruling out Bali and Lombok*, which isn’t bad...

* which, however, isn’t that touristy once you leave the beaches.

There are as many possibilities as there are Indonesian islands...😉

There are as many possibilities as there are Indonesian islands...😉

For now, he hasn’t said for sure which country will be the destination, especially since in Asia there’s more than just Thailand and Indonesia. Plus, he still has plenty of time to think about it...

4 favorite spots in Indonesia: Toraja country in Sulawesi. It's a shame that nowadays, like everywhere in Asia, corrugated iron has replaced palm leaves on the roofs of houses. Total change of scenery. https://www.baliautrement.com/paystoraja.htm Nias Island off the coast of Sumatra. Same vibe. Siberut Island: Mentawai country. Same vibe. And of course, Bali! Even if over-tourism has really changed things.

With a child, I wouldn’t go to Siberut or Nias Island but to Makassar (in Sulawesi). From there, I’d take a bus to Rantepao and spend a few days there. There are plenty of interesting villages to visit in the surrounding area, and the region is stunning. After that, I’d finish my trip in Bali by taking a flight from Makassar to Denpasar.

Good evening,

I’ll definitely let all this simmer for a while...

One thing I wasn’t expecting is the number of flights we’d have to take. If we go with either of the suggested itineraries, I think this’ll be the most I’ve ever flown in my life! Are these flights long? Expensive? Are the boarding procedures similar to what we’re used to in Europe?

Another question: if we stop in Singapore, are there any good deals on accommodation?

Have a great weekend.

Damien

Yesterday at lunchtime on France 2, there was a nice little report on Green Canyon, in southern Java. Gotta admit, it looked really tempting.

https://www.franceinfo.fr/monde/indonesie-le-canyon-vert-un-endroit-a-la-beaute-preservee_6582303.html

Flights aren’t very long if the islands aren’t far apart and weren’t very expensive. Between distant islands, a connection may be necessary, which significantly increases the duration.

Bali and Jakarta have a standard airport. On less touristy islands, it’s more of an airstrip than an airport.

The main issue was their unpredictability with certain airlines and the delays. Maybe things have improved since then?

The only easily doable island combo without taking another flight is the classic Java–Bali or Bali–Lombok route. Less classic: all of Java + Bali.

There are also cruises (more or less rustic on small boats) that let you return to Bali or Lombok from Flores, allowing you to connect these islands without flying again.

The archipelago is vast, which is why it’s hard to avoid taking another flight during a trip.

Thanks Attila.

Another question is nagging me: if my little one catches something like dengue or malaria on the island of Flores, right in the middle of our trip, is there a way to quickly reach a modern, well-equipped hospital?

Indonesia isn’t the country with the most modern infrastructure.

For a trip with virtually zero risk, it’s best to stick to Bali and other major tourist hubs with private clinics.

However, Flores and Java aren’t remote islands with no infrastructure at all. And international insurance companies offer online consultations.

What I’d be more concerned about are serious accidents, heart attacks, strokes, or other age-related illnesses—these seem more critical than malaria, which doesn’t require advanced medical facilities and can be managed without immediate care.

I’d be more worried about an elderly traveler than a child in this case.

On the food front, I’ve never gotten sick in Indonesia, even though I’m usually pretty sensitive to that...

Hello,

The thing I wasn’t expecting was the number of flights I’d have to take.

Still, with an archipelago, no stopover in Jakarta or Bali, a choice of a remote island, and two islands on two different time zones, you *should* have seen that coming with that kind of itinerary. That said, in Indonesia, you can also travel from North Sumatra all the way to East Flores entirely by bus and daily ferries—it’s just a matter of time. In Denpasar, some bus companies can even take you straight to Labuhan Bajo in one go, crossing Lombok and Sumbawa with the three necessary ferry crossings. Count on about 3 days. There’s also the option Attila mentioned: a 3- to 4-day boat trip from Labuhan Bajo to Lombok, ranging from rustic to more comfortable, with planned picnic stops and snorkeling on "dream" beaches that are isolated and inaccessible by road.

If we follow one of the two proposed routes, I think I’ll have taken more flights in my life than ever before! Are these flights long?

Aside from the intercontinental flight, the shortest is Labuhan Bajo-Maumere (1h), and the longest is Kuala Lumpur-Labuhan Bajo (3h40). On remote islands more than anywhere else, flights can be delayed or canceled.

Expensive?

Aside from the intercontinental flight, all the airlines mentioned are low-cost carriers. Except for the Labuhan Bajo-Denpasar route, which offers both low-cost and Garuda options, these are the only choices for each leg. Most, if not all, of these flights will be low-cost since there’s no alternative, so it’ll be cheaper than if everything were on regular airlines. But when you add it all up, you’ll still need to budget a relatively comfortable amount for airfare.

Are the boarding procedures similar to what we know in Europe?

In Europe or the E.U.? The procedures differ there. In Asia, the rules are the same as anywhere outside the E.U.

Another question: if we go through Singapore, are there any good deals for accommodation?

I don’t know, but it’s a good question since Singapore is expensive compared to the rest of Southeast Asia.

On the island of Flores, right in the middle of our route, is there a way to quickly reach a modern, well-equipped hospital?

No. For that, stick to Java or choose Thailand.

Yesterday at lunchtime on France 2, there was a nice little report on Green Canyon, in southern Java. I have to admit, it looked really tempting.

https://www.franceinfo.fr/monde/indonesie-le-canyon-vert-un-endroit-a-la-beaute-preservee_6582303.html

"Southern" Java—now that’s precise, given the shape of the island 😉...

In practice, people refer to the regions as West Java (or Occidental Java), Central Java, or East Java (or Oriental Java), which in the local language officially and administratively are Jawa Barat, Tengah, and Timur.

The "Green Canyon" (better known by this name outside Indonesia) is located in West Java, near the border with Central Java. The best base for visiting it is Pangandaran, which also has beaches. The whole area is a pleasant stop, well-known to those who—rightly so—explore the western part of Java, while many others just rush through a Yogyakarta/Bromo/Ijen marathon in 5-6 days before zooming off to Bali.

Your link works, but I couldn’t get the video to play. I did manage to watch it another way.

It's interesting because when you get into the practical details, new factors come up (routes, infrastructure) that might influence my choice.

all this put together will still mean you’ll need to budget a relatively comfortable "airfare" amount

Just for the "local" flights (from KL or SG onwards), how much could that roughly be per person? Do these flights also need to be booked in advance, or are the prices the same if you book on the spot?

In Europe or within the E.U.? The procedures differ there. In Asia, the rules are the same as anywhere outside the E.U.

I’m not sure, but from a practical standpoint, if I leave Belgium for southern Italy (a 2.5-hour flight), it takes up the whole day (even more so with a child who doesn’t have an adult’s patience and needs breaks). In the morning, we get ready. In the early afternoon, we head to the station to take a bus to the airport, where we make sure to arrive at least 2 hours early to comfortably go through security and handle any unexpected delays (like crowds). The flight leaves in the late afternoon (5–6 PM). We arrive in the evening (8–9 PM), and by the time we get to our accommodation, it’s nighttime. If that’s the case, all these flights would mean spending a week traveling out of the five planned. Am I misjudging this, or is that realistic?

FYI, I just mentioned you in Gange today at 4:36 PM in this thread: https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=10776732;live=1;#10776732

Thanks. I’ll go read what he wrote.

If I don’t want to go to Bali, it’s also because I’m afraid of ending up in a landscape like this (see photo here: https://www.rtbf.be/article/le-petrole-contre-notre-sante-discussions-tendues-autour-du-traite-sur-le-plastique-discute-a-geneve-11587247)