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Is there a ferry from Pam/Fam Island to Sorong?
Hi there,
I’m looking for information about a ferry that runs between Pam (or Fam) Island and Sorong every Saturday morning. We’re traveling in February–March.
It’s been tough to find precise details, especially whether it still exists!
If you have any info on this ferry, thanks in advance!
Evelyne
Sumatra and Bali in 20 days: possible with kids?
Hi there, we're planning our vacation in Indonesia. We're a family with two kids aged 11 and 14. We leave on July 26th and return on August 17th, 2026.
We initially planned to visit Bali, Komodo, and Flores, but after looking into it more, we came across Sumatra, which is less touristy... a real plus for us. However, skipping Bali might be a shame.
I was wondering if spending 12 days in Sumatra and finishing with about 7 days in Bali is a doable plan.
Thanks for your feedback!
We initially planned to visit Bali, Komodo, and Flores, but after looking into it more, we came across Sumatra, which is less touristy... a real plus for us. However, skipping Bali might be a shame.
I was wondering if spending 12 days in Sumatra and finishing with about 7 days in Bali is a doable plan.
Thanks for your feedback!
Private driver hire on Flores Island, Indonesia
Hi,
I’m planning a week-long trip with my husband to Flores Island in September 2026. Does anyone have a contact for hiring a private driver for about 5 days between Maumère and Labuan Bajo?
Thanks in advance
Cruise around the islands of Komodo
5-day cruise around Komodo
Not usually a fan of organized trips, during my stay in Labuan Bajo on Flores in May 2024, I started looking for a fisherman who could show me the islands around Komodo. At the port, I met Ari, a former freediver who knows the islands well, especially the best spots for fish and coral.
At the Bohême guest house, I proposed this outing, and one of the activity leaders was happy to join. We headed to Angel Island, where Ari took us snorkeling around the island. During this beautiful day, we appreciated his professionalism, and I suggested coming back the following year for a 5-day cruise. We had to agree on a budget and the period to consider.
Over the next year, we kept in touch via WhatsApp.
However, a month before departure, Ari told me he had lent his boat to a friend, who ran it aground on a rock, causing it to sink. No boat, no cruise! Since we had an agreement, I asked him to find another solution. His searches in the port, where everyone knows each other, turned out to be fruitful.
A certain "Captain" Kambar agreed to take us. He sometimes charters his boat for local travel agencies and could free up the requested period.
There will be six of us on board, as in the meantime, my daughter’s friend, Amandine, could join us for the cruise. Ari will act as a guide, and a mechanic will also be present. To reserve the boat for September 4th, Ari asked me to transfer a deposit of 5 million IDR to his account. After some hesitation, I decided to trust him and made the transfer. A few days later, he confirmed receipt of the amount.
In early September, we arrived in Labuan Bajo. Our first mission was to check the boat’s condition, the presence of life jackets, what we would eat, and if there were any restrictions on drinks. Everything was in order and met our expectations.
The day before departure, we met a 26-year-old Czech woman traveling alone after a stay in New Zealand. The description of our cruise excited her, and she got Ari’s number. That evening, at the restaurant, while we discussed the final preparations, Thérèsa joined us and asked if she could come along for the five-day cruise. Since she seemed like good company, I gladly accepted. However, following Indonesian custom, I negotiated firmly with Ari for a discount, and he agreed to lower the price by 2 million.
On September 4th, we set sail to explore the islands of Komodo and, above all, the seabeds, equipped with fins, masks, and snorkels. We had brought a board game for the trips between islands or for the evenings. In the end, it wasn’t used: the crossings rarely lasted more than an hour, except for two two-hour trips, and the conditions on board weren’t suitable for playing.
The first island we visited is north of Labuan Bajo: Seraya Small.
We didn’t disembark but anchored a short distance away. The coral reef, between 5 and 10 meters deep, offered visibility of 8 to 10 meters. We started with a few dives from the boat, as the water was so inviting. As with most of the upcoming sites, we were the only ones enjoying this little paradise.
Over about a kilometer along the drop-off, colorful corals and fish abound. As long as you don’t go past the rocky point on the right, the currents remain very weak, and the spot is accessible to beginners. After enjoying the sea enough, we returned to the boat, where Ari had prepared a good meal of rice, chicken, and vegetables. It was simple but excellent after all that effort.
In the afternoon, we discovered Bero Island, where it was very hot. There were fewer fish and corals than at Seraya, but the corals were on white sand, allowing for beautiful, bright photos.
In the evening, we visited Hatamin, a fishing village. The population is very young and curious about our visit. At our request, we could have watched a local dance, but it would have taken some time to organize, and we didn’t plan to return. Ari asked if we wanted to take a shower, as on the boat, we could only rinse off with a little water from a basin.
On the second day, snorkeling near Hatamin, a small paradise island with white sand like in a travel brochure. A small temple is located in the middle of the island. In the water, we saw our first small reef sharks, some clownfish, and a sergeant major fish that followed us throughout our swim. The most beautiful part to explore is opposite the beach. Many corals and fish of all colors. A sailboat was anchored a short distance away, but we didn’t see anyone except an old man who apparently lived in the temple above.
In the afternoon, we headed to the nearby island of Sabolong Besar. It’s a pretty little island with a harmonious resort made up of luxury huts that don’t spoil the landscape. In some places, the water is very clear with good visibility, and some schools of very young blacktip reef sharks swirl near the boat. There are beautiful corals on the left side of the resort and a bit of current when you approach the drop-off. Since the area to explore wasn’t very large, we had time to head to Sabolong Kecil. Then we went to the fishing village of Messah, where a Muslim celebration was taking place. There were people everywhere with many food offerings—what activity! It was like an anthill.
And at the end of the day, we anchored near Kanawa with a beautiful sunset.
On the third day, we discovered Kanawa and some hawksbill turtles. There were many colorful corals, but we didn’t stay long. During this day, the stops were close together, making it intense with four visits.
Then we arrived at Sebayur Besar with a different snorkeling approach: Ari dropped us in the current, and we drifted for over a kilometer before he came to pick us up. At first, it seemed a bit worrying to see the boat move away while we were offshore, but we were quickly carried by the current and passed almost too quickly by so many corals and fish to see. What a pleasure to drift and freedive with little effort.
The drift lasted a good hour, and we reached Siaba Island, where the water was colder. There were many boats, and we had quickly lost the habit of seeing other tourists. Visibility was average—it was a nice spot, but after the drift at Sebayur, we liked it less. Around 1 p.m., we anchored with other boats because Ari met up with some friends, and we ate heartily since the cool water had whetted our appetites.
In the afternoon, we were at Manta Point. The water was cool, and there was a lot of excitement trying to follow the giant manta rays. We managed to dive down and get close to them, but it took a lot of effort and breath because, despite their leisurely appearance, they move quite fast for us little swimmers. Here, they come to feed and then return to the depths, and it’s not always certain you’ll encounter them. We ended the day at Makassar with a two-hour sail. There was a lot of wind and swell, the boat rocked, and we hoped there wouldn’t be an engine breakdown. We had to take down the tent on the boat’s roof, which had also been used for sleeping. Makassar’s beach is pink, caused by microorganisms called foraminifera. There are many beach huts along the shore, and we were alone, though it must get busy here during the day. On the fourth day, we visited Padar Island for its viewpoint amid hordes of tourists, then headed to Rinca and its Komodo dragons. Rinca is much less crowded than Komodo, which is why we chose this visit. We saw a few and took the usual photos. In the late afternoon, we snorkeled at Pempend Island, where the sea was choppy and the water a bit murky. And on the last day, we visited Strawberry Rock, named after the reddish rock overlooking the sea. There were many corals, but the water was rough with reduced visibility, and then we went to Kelor with its tourist "bars" and the pretty viewpoint.
In conclusion, we shared amazing moments and managed to complete our program. Luckily, the weather was very kind, and not a drop of rain fell in early September, except just upon returning to the port. It’s worth noting that after five intense days in the water from morning to night, we were glad to return to dry land because we were exhausted.
My daughter and her friend were so thrilled that, in return, they developed a website for Ari to help him get known, and I can share the link if you’d like. I visit Voyage Forum from time to time, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate—I’ll answer them.
Not usually a fan of organized trips, during my stay in Labuan Bajo on Flores in May 2024, I started looking for a fisherman who could show me the islands around Komodo. At the port, I met Ari, a former freediver who knows the islands well, especially the best spots for fish and coral.
At the Bohême guest house, I proposed this outing, and one of the activity leaders was happy to join. We headed to Angel Island, where Ari took us snorkeling around the island. During this beautiful day, we appreciated his professionalism, and I suggested coming back the following year for a 5-day cruise. We had to agree on a budget and the period to consider.
Over the next year, we kept in touch via WhatsApp.
However, a month before departure, Ari told me he had lent his boat to a friend, who ran it aground on a rock, causing it to sink. No boat, no cruise! Since we had an agreement, I asked him to find another solution. His searches in the port, where everyone knows each other, turned out to be fruitful.
A certain "Captain" Kambar agreed to take us. He sometimes charters his boat for local travel agencies and could free up the requested period.There will be six of us on board, as in the meantime, my daughter’s friend, Amandine, could join us for the cruise. Ari will act as a guide, and a mechanic will also be present. To reserve the boat for September 4th, Ari asked me to transfer a deposit of 5 million IDR to his account. After some hesitation, I decided to trust him and made the transfer. A few days later, he confirmed receipt of the amount.
In early September, we arrived in Labuan Bajo. Our first mission was to check the boat’s condition, the presence of life jackets, what we would eat, and if there were any restrictions on drinks. Everything was in order and met our expectations.
The day before departure, we met a 26-year-old Czech woman traveling alone after a stay in New Zealand. The description of our cruise excited her, and she got Ari’s number. That evening, at the restaurant, while we discussed the final preparations, Thérèsa joined us and asked if she could come along for the five-day cruise. Since she seemed like good company, I gladly accepted. However, following Indonesian custom, I negotiated firmly with Ari for a discount, and he agreed to lower the price by 2 million.
On September 4th, we set sail to explore the islands of Komodo and, above all, the seabeds, equipped with fins, masks, and snorkels. We had brought a board game for the trips between islands or for the evenings. In the end, it wasn’t used: the crossings rarely lasted more than an hour, except for two two-hour trips, and the conditions on board weren’t suitable for playing.
The first island we visited is north of Labuan Bajo: Seraya Small.
We didn’t disembark but anchored a short distance away. The coral reef, between 5 and 10 meters deep, offered visibility of 8 to 10 meters. We started with a few dives from the boat, as the water was so inviting. As with most of the upcoming sites, we were the only ones enjoying this little paradise.
Over about a kilometer along the drop-off, colorful corals and fish abound. As long as you don’t go past the rocky point on the right, the currents remain very weak, and the spot is accessible to beginners. After enjoying the sea enough, we returned to the boat, where Ari had prepared a good meal of rice, chicken, and vegetables. It was simple but excellent after all that effort.
In the afternoon, we discovered Bero Island, where it was very hot. There were fewer fish and corals than at Seraya, but the corals were on white sand, allowing for beautiful, bright photos.
In the evening, we visited Hatamin, a fishing village. The population is very young and curious about our visit. At our request, we could have watched a local dance, but it would have taken some time to organize, and we didn’t plan to return. Ari asked if we wanted to take a shower, as on the boat, we could only rinse off with a little water from a basin.On the second day, snorkeling near Hatamin, a small paradise island with white sand like in a travel brochure. A small temple is located in the middle of the island. In the water, we saw our first small reef sharks, some clownfish, and a sergeant major fish that followed us throughout our swim. The most beautiful part to explore is opposite the beach. Many corals and fish of all colors. A sailboat was anchored a short distance away, but we didn’t see anyone except an old man who apparently lived in the temple above.
In the afternoon, we headed to the nearby island of Sabolong Besar. It’s a pretty little island with a harmonious resort made up of luxury huts that don’t spoil the landscape. In some places, the water is very clear with good visibility, and some schools of very young blacktip reef sharks swirl near the boat. There are beautiful corals on the left side of the resort and a bit of current when you approach the drop-off. Since the area to explore wasn’t very large, we had time to head to Sabolong Kecil. Then we went to the fishing village of Messah, where a Muslim celebration was taking place. There were people everywhere with many food offerings—what activity! It was like an anthill.
And at the end of the day, we anchored near Kanawa with a beautiful sunset.
On the third day, we discovered Kanawa and some hawksbill turtles. There were many colorful corals, but we didn’t stay long. During this day, the stops were close together, making it intense with four visits.
Then we arrived at Sebayur Besar with a different snorkeling approach: Ari dropped us in the current, and we drifted for over a kilometer before he came to pick us up. At first, it seemed a bit worrying to see the boat move away while we were offshore, but we were quickly carried by the current and passed almost too quickly by so many corals and fish to see. What a pleasure to drift and freedive with little effort.The drift lasted a good hour, and we reached Siaba Island, where the water was colder. There were many boats, and we had quickly lost the habit of seeing other tourists. Visibility was average—it was a nice spot, but after the drift at Sebayur, we liked it less. Around 1 p.m., we anchored with other boats because Ari met up with some friends, and we ate heartily since the cool water had whetted our appetites.
In the afternoon, we were at Manta Point. The water was cool, and there was a lot of excitement trying to follow the giant manta rays. We managed to dive down and get close to them, but it took a lot of effort and breath because, despite their leisurely appearance, they move quite fast for us little swimmers. Here, they come to feed and then return to the depths, and it’s not always certain you’ll encounter them. We ended the day at Makassar with a two-hour sail. There was a lot of wind and swell, the boat rocked, and we hoped there wouldn’t be an engine breakdown. We had to take down the tent on the boat’s roof, which had also been used for sleeping. Makassar’s beach is pink, caused by microorganisms called foraminifera. There are many beach huts along the shore, and we were alone, though it must get busy here during the day. On the fourth day, we visited Padar Island for its viewpoint amid hordes of tourists, then headed to Rinca and its Komodo dragons. Rinca is much less crowded than Komodo, which is why we chose this visit. We saw a few and took the usual photos. In the late afternoon, we snorkeled at Pempend Island, where the sea was choppy and the water a bit murky. And on the last day, we visited Strawberry Rock, named after the reddish rock overlooking the sea. There were many corals, but the water was rough with reduced visibility, and then we went to Kelor with its tourist "bars" and the pretty viewpoint.
In conclusion, we shared amazing moments and managed to complete our program. Luckily, the weather was very kind, and not a drop of rain fell in early September, except just upon returning to the port. It’s worth noting that after five intense days in the water from morning to night, we were glad to return to dry land because we were exhausted.
My daughter and her friend were so thrilled that, in return, they developed a website for Ari to help him get known, and I can share the link if you’d like. I visit Voyage Forum from time to time, so if you have any questions, don’t hesitate—I’ll answer them.
Your thoughts on Gili Gede for snorkeling and hotels
Hi there,
we’re planning to spend a month in Lombok in July 2026 and would love to hear your thoughts on Gili Gede.
We really enjoy snorkeling, preferably from the beach (so we don’t have to rely on renting a boat). On the side, we also love short hikes of a few hours—like to waterfalls or through rice fields (max 5–6 hours round trip). We’d like to stay in small family-run hotels away from the crowds (but with a pool, since our kids love spending their evenings there).
Do you think Gili Gede checks at least 2 of these 3 boxes (snorkeling + small family-run hotels away from the crowds)? Would you recommend a better spot in Lombok that ticks all 3 boxes?
Thanks so much in advance! Fanny
We really enjoy snorkeling, preferably from the beach (so we don’t have to rely on renting a boat). On the side, we also love short hikes of a few hours—like to waterfalls or through rice fields (max 5–6 hours round trip). We’d like to stay in small family-run hotels away from the crowds (but with a pool, since our kids love spending their evenings there).
Do you think Gili Gede checks at least 2 of these 3 boxes (snorkeling + small family-run hotels away from the crowds)? Would you recommend a better spot in Lombok that ticks all 3 boxes?
Thanks so much in advance! Fanny
Where to stay in the Togian Islands?
Hi everyone,
I’ve been browsing accommodation sites for the Togian Islands for a few days now.
It’s a bit overwhelming—there are so many options and islands—so I was wondering what the forum members’ favorite spots have been.
We’ll be there for 5-6 days, and we’ll be making the crossing (Gorontalo -> Ampana or the other way around, not sure yet). I’m thinking it might be possible to stop in Bomba or Kadidiri and then Malenge?
We’re looking for simple places to stay—we’re not into luxury resorts. Small beach bungalows would be amazing. Also, one of my kids wants to get their diving certification, so if there’s an option with an accessible dive center, that’d be a plus (though not a must—priority is the scenery, proximity to magical spots, and an authentic vibe).
Thanks for your tips—I’m looking forward to reading your replies!
It’s a bit overwhelming—there are so many options and islands—so I was wondering what the forum members’ favorite spots have been.
We’ll be there for 5-6 days, and we’ll be making the crossing (Gorontalo -> Ampana or the other way around, not sure yet). I’m thinking it might be possible to stop in Bomba or Kadidiri and then Malenge?
We’re looking for simple places to stay—we’re not into luxury resorts. Small beach bungalows would be amazing. Also, one of my kids wants to get their diving certification, so if there’s an option with an accessible dive center, that’d be a plus (though not a must—priority is the scenery, proximity to magical spots, and an authentic vibe).
Thanks for your tips—I’m looking forward to reading your replies!
Flores or Sulawesi? Can't decide!
Hi everyone,
First post in years on the forum—I’m so happy it’s back up and running!
I’ve been wrestling with this question for weeks now: Flores or Sulawesi?
I’m leaving in July for 24 days, followed by 2 weeks around Makassar/Wakatobi for work. For the first part, I’m traveling with my family (my partner + 3 kids aged 6 to 14).
I’ve had a long-time dream of Komodo, but I’m worried it’s become super touristy... though the crossing to Maumere still sounds amazing. I’m also not thrilled about all the internal flights.
On the other hand, since I’ll be in Sulawesi anyway, I’m thinking a crossing from Gorontalo to Luwuk via the Togians (maybe even a few days in Banggai) + a detour to Toraja (which I visited 10 years ago) could be an incredible trip too.
For my family, this is their first trip to Indonesia, so I’d love it to feel *mythic* ;).
Any advice is welcome—I’m really struggling to decide! I know it’s a choice between two great options...
Thanks!
I’ve been wrestling with this question for weeks now: Flores or Sulawesi?
I’m leaving in July for 24 days, followed by 2 weeks around Makassar/Wakatobi for work. For the first part, I’m traveling with my family (my partner + 3 kids aged 6 to 14).
I’ve had a long-time dream of Komodo, but I’m worried it’s become super touristy... though the crossing to Maumere still sounds amazing. I’m also not thrilled about all the internal flights.
On the other hand, since I’ll be in Sulawesi anyway, I’m thinking a crossing from Gorontalo to Luwuk via the Togians (maybe even a few days in Banggai) + a detour to Toraja (which I visited 10 years ago) could be an incredible trip too.
For my family, this is their first trip to Indonesia, so I’d love it to feel *mythic* ;).
Any advice is welcome—I’m really struggling to decide! I know it’s a choice between two great options...
Thanks!
Indonesia itinerary tips for wildlife and nature in spring
Hi there,
We’re planning a 17-day trip to Indonesia starting on April 22nd and would love to hear your suggestions. We’re looking for itinerary ideas or places to see monkeys, birds, and beautiful rice terraces, as well as interesting natural spots like lakes or waterfalls. We’d also like to avoid overly long distances and limit ourselves to a maximum of one internal flight. For the last three days, we’d love to end the trip on a stunning beach with the chance to swim with manta rays. If you have any recommendations, must-see spots, or experiences not to miss, we’d be thrilled to hear them. Thanks in advance for your help! 😊
We’re planning a 17-day trip to Indonesia starting on April 22nd and would love to hear your suggestions. We’re looking for itinerary ideas or places to see monkeys, birds, and beautiful rice terraces, as well as interesting natural spots like lakes or waterfalls. We’d also like to avoid overly long distances and limit ourselves to a maximum of one internal flight. For the last three days, we’d love to end the trip on a stunning beach with the chance to swim with manta rays. If you have any recommendations, must-see spots, or experiences not to miss, we’d be thrilled to hear them. Thanks in advance for your help! 😊
2-week itinerary for Indonesia with kids
Hi everyone,
We’re planning to visit a small part of Indonesia in October 2026 with our kids (8 years old).
Ideally, do you think it’s possible to visit Kinabatangan (3 days), Yogyakarta or Borobudur, and finish with some beginner snorkeling on the Gili Islands in 2 weeks?
Thanks for your valuable feedback! 😊
Naturist center in Bali
Hi there,
I saw on the naturist vacations website that there’s a naturist center in Bondalem. That site doesn’t seem to have been active for a long time. Do any of you know it? Is it still open? Thanks for your replies,
Best regards,
I saw on the naturist vacations website that there’s a naturist center in Bondalem. That site doesn’t seem to have been active for a long time. Do any of you know it? Is it still open? Thanks for your replies,
Best regards,
Travel companions for Bali, Lombok, Gili, East Timor, and the Moluccas Islands
Hello,
I’m leaving between December 15 and 20, 2025, for about three months, with a first stop in Bali—but as short as possible because it’s way too touristy 😅
I’d like to head to the Moluccas Islands via East Timor. And also see what comes up along the way—Lombok, Gili, Flores… As this little route unfolds, nothing’s set in stone or booked in advance 😊
The advantage of Timor and the Moluccas is that the climate is different from the rest of Indonesia, so less rain.
Nothing’s fixed or booked ahead—just going with the flow, following encounters, everyone’s desires, and enjoying places that aren’t too touristy yet.
Beaches, snorkeling, hiking, and chilling out… Just enjoying life, really 😊
Interested? Get in touch—I’d love to chat about it! 😍
I’m leaving between December 15 and 20, 2025, for about three months, with a first stop in Bali—but as short as possible because it’s way too touristy 😅
I’d like to head to the Moluccas Islands via East Timor. And also see what comes up along the way—Lombok, Gili, Flores… As this little route unfolds, nothing’s set in stone or booked in advance 😊
The advantage of Timor and the Moluccas is that the climate is different from the rest of Indonesia, so less rain.
Nothing’s fixed or booked ahead—just going with the flow, following encounters, everyone’s desires, and enjoying places that aren’t too touristy yet.
Beaches, snorkeling, hiking, and chilling out… Just enjoying life, really 😊
Interested? Get in touch—I’d love to chat about it! 😍
Are kids welcome on boats and in homestays in Indonesia?
Hi there, we're planning a 3-week trip to Indonesia in October 2026 with our kids, who’ll be 5 and a half and 3 and a half years old.
We’re thinking of visiting Komodo—maybe on a cruise—Sulawesi, and Raja Ampat.
We were wondering if it’s doable with young kids? Are they welcome on boats? In homestays?
We’re not the type to shy away from traveling with our kids, but since it *is* pretty far off the beaten path, we’ve got some questions.
Thanks in advance for your feedback! !
Working in Bali
Hi there,
I’ve been living in Bali for a month now, but unfortunately on a VOA visa. I’m looking for a European company that’s set up in Indonesia. I’m in electrotechnical maintenance—air conditioning, cold rooms, 220V/380V electricity. I’ve been a tradesperson for 3 months and can bring my full professional toolkit. If anyone’s interested, let me know!
You can send me a message.
Best regards,
Anyone in Bali in December? :)
Hi everyone,
I’ll be in Bali from December 8th to the 29th, traveling solo. If anyone’s interested in exploring the island together for a bit, I’d love that—just drop me a message!
Nicolas
I’ll be in Bali from December 8th to the 29th, traveling solo. If anyone’s interested in exploring the island together for a bit, I’d love that—just drop me a message!
Nicolas
Are the Celebes and Togian Islands still exceptional destinations?
Hey everyone,
I travel quite a bit, and I’m here to share my thoughts about an upcoming trip to Indonesia, specifically the Togian Islands.
I’m planning to go for 3 or 4 weeks in July-August and looking for a sunny destination that’s not too expensive (flights + cost of living), with varied points of interest. About fifteen years ago, I had planned a trip to the Togian Islands, but it didn’t happen, so I’m revisiting this destination (Sulawesi, Toraja country) + maybe others? Given that in Indonesia, I’ve already done volcanoes in Java, Bali, part of Lombok, and the Gili Islands. The issue is that I’ve read some posts about the plastic waste problems around the Togians, and it seems like they’re not the paradise islands they once were.
So, I have a few questions: I’d love to hear recent feedback from travelers who’ve been to the Togians to get an objective opinion (?) or if you’d recommend other paradise-like islands in Indonesia (not overcrowded).
If you confirm that it’s still an exceptional destination, what did you pair it with? The Moluccas and which islands in particular? Or Flores/Komodo? For my part, I don’t scuba dive—just snorkeling.
Finally, if you have other dream-island destinations (affordable and sunny), I’m all ears.
Thanks in advance!
I’m planning to go for 3 or 4 weeks in July-August and looking for a sunny destination that’s not too expensive (flights + cost of living), with varied points of interest. About fifteen years ago, I had planned a trip to the Togian Islands, but it didn’t happen, so I’m revisiting this destination (Sulawesi, Toraja country) + maybe others? Given that in Indonesia, I’ve already done volcanoes in Java, Bali, part of Lombok, and the Gili Islands. The issue is that I’ve read some posts about the plastic waste problems around the Togians, and it seems like they’re not the paradise islands they once were.
So, I have a few questions: I’d love to hear recent feedback from travelers who’ve been to the Togians to get an objective opinion (?) or if you’d recommend other paradise-like islands in Indonesia (not overcrowded).
If you confirm that it’s still an exceptional destination, what did you pair it with? The Moluccas and which islands in particular? Or Flores/Komodo? For my part, I don’t scuba dive—just snorkeling.
Finally, if you have other dream-island destinations (affordable and sunny), I’m all ears.
Thanks in advance!
4 weeks in Bali, Java, and Sulawesi
We’re a couple in our sixties and spent four weeks in Indonesia during October 2025.
First, we got all the necessary documents—Indonesian visa, Bali-specific visa, and customs forms—from specialized Indonesian websites. You *can* get them on arrival, but it takes a lot of time.
Unfortunately, we chose to spend the first six days of our trip in Ubud and Amed, on Bali, which we bitterly regretted. You can arrive in Indonesia without going through Bali—this island is overcrowded with tourists, cars, and scooters, and it’s home to 4,400,000 people despite being smaller than Corsica. The locals are very kind, helpful, and friendly, and the food is good, but everything is geared toward tourists—nothing feels truly authentic. At least in the parts of Bali we visited: Sanur in the south (where we spent three days before flying back to France), Ubud, and Amed. The north of the island might be more interesting, but we didn’t go there.
After Bali, we headed to Yogyakarta, on Java, to explore the city and, most importantly, visit the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan.
It’s like going from a hyper-touristy universe to a world with almost no tourists. When you walk around the city, you barely see any tourists—the people are very approachable and happy to chat. As for Borobudur and Prambanan, they’re an absolute must on this trip. You *can* visit both temples in one day, including seeing Borobudur at sunrise. We split the visits over two days. We booked Borobudur the day before on the official site, which offers specific visiting times. For Prambanan, we bought the ticket and hired a guide on-site.
We spent four days on Java before flying to Sulawesi, also called Celebes. Makassar, the island’s capital, was just a stopover between flights, but we had time to admire the beautiful new mosque at sunset. Then, we spent four days in Toraja country, another highlight of the trip, visiting cemeteries and attending a funeral ceremony with around 600 people near Rantepao. We experienced truly unique and extraordinary moments. Above Toraja country, a few hours’ drive away, lies the Bada Valley and its megaliths—the tallest is 4.8 meters high, and there are about fifteen scattered across the rice fields. We saw five of them. There were a few tourists in Toraja, but in Bada, we were alone. Unforgettable memories, stunning landscapes, and always-smiling, kind, approachable people.
To wrap up the trip, we spent five nights in the Togian Islands, north of the Bada Valley, alone in a resort with three bungalows. The view was a white-sand beach and the nearby coral reef, complete with colorful fish, turtles, dolphins, and sharks.
After eleven nights in Sulawesi, we returned to Bali. Our last nights were in Sanur, a beach town with all-inclusive hotels (we stayed in an Airbnb), restaurants serving beef bourguignon, and tourists who don’t really go to Indonesia—they just go to Bali.
Practical tip: download Grab, the local Uber—it’s super handy. This year, we opted for an eSIM, which is also very convenient. You can buy it in France and activate it when you arrive at the airport.
I’m happy to answer any questions!
PS: Despite my mixed feelings about Bali, it *can* still be a travel destination—but Indonesia has so much more to offer! Marc
First, we got all the necessary documents—Indonesian visa, Bali-specific visa, and customs forms—from specialized Indonesian websites. You *can* get them on arrival, but it takes a lot of time.
Unfortunately, we chose to spend the first six days of our trip in Ubud and Amed, on Bali, which we bitterly regretted. You can arrive in Indonesia without going through Bali—this island is overcrowded with tourists, cars, and scooters, and it’s home to 4,400,000 people despite being smaller than Corsica. The locals are very kind, helpful, and friendly, and the food is good, but everything is geared toward tourists—nothing feels truly authentic. At least in the parts of Bali we visited: Sanur in the south (where we spent three days before flying back to France), Ubud, and Amed. The north of the island might be more interesting, but we didn’t go there.
After Bali, we headed to Yogyakarta, on Java, to explore the city and, most importantly, visit the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan.
It’s like going from a hyper-touristy universe to a world with almost no tourists. When you walk around the city, you barely see any tourists—the people are very approachable and happy to chat. As for Borobudur and Prambanan, they’re an absolute must on this trip. You *can* visit both temples in one day, including seeing Borobudur at sunrise. We split the visits over two days. We booked Borobudur the day before on the official site, which offers specific visiting times. For Prambanan, we bought the ticket and hired a guide on-site.
We spent four days on Java before flying to Sulawesi, also called Celebes. Makassar, the island’s capital, was just a stopover between flights, but we had time to admire the beautiful new mosque at sunset. Then, we spent four days in Toraja country, another highlight of the trip, visiting cemeteries and attending a funeral ceremony with around 600 people near Rantepao. We experienced truly unique and extraordinary moments. Above Toraja country, a few hours’ drive away, lies the Bada Valley and its megaliths—the tallest is 4.8 meters high, and there are about fifteen scattered across the rice fields. We saw five of them. There were a few tourists in Toraja, but in Bada, we were alone. Unforgettable memories, stunning landscapes, and always-smiling, kind, approachable people.
To wrap up the trip, we spent five nights in the Togian Islands, north of the Bada Valley, alone in a resort with three bungalows. The view was a white-sand beach and the nearby coral reef, complete with colorful fish, turtles, dolphins, and sharks.
After eleven nights in Sulawesi, we returned to Bali. Our last nights were in Sanur, a beach town with all-inclusive hotels (we stayed in an Airbnb), restaurants serving beef bourguignon, and tourists who don’t really go to Indonesia—they just go to Bali.
Practical tip: download Grab, the local Uber—it’s super handy. This year, we opted for an eSIM, which is also very convenient. You can buy it in France and activate it when you arrive at the airport.
I’m happy to answer any questions!
PS: Despite my mixed feelings about Bali, it *can* still be a travel destination—but Indonesia has so much more to offer! Marc
Anyone know the provider Bali Rêve?
Hi everyone,
I’m trying to make sure this provider is reliable—they organize private tours in Bali with French-speaking guides. I’m currently in touch with them for a 15-day/14-night trip in May 2026.
If you’ve heard of them, I’d really appreciate your feedback—it’ll help put my mind at ease (or not...).
Looking forward to your replies,
Is it possible not to book in advance for a trip to Sulawesi in July-August with kids?
Hi there,
We’re planning a solid six-week trip (July/August) to Sulawesi with our two kids, aged 5 and 7.
I’ve been browsing various forums and have a lot of questions:
Can we "improvise"? We love traveling without planning every step, going with the flow based on fatigue, encounters, and discoveries. So, can we book NO accommodations in advance (except maybe our arrival in Makassar)? On the Togian Islands—is that possible? Same question—can we "improvise" local transport like buses, taxis, or scooter rentals, and book flight tickets (e.g., Makassar-Luwuk) or ferry tickets just a few days ahead? Is it safe enough to travel by scooter for day trips with the kids? Do they generally have child-sized helmets available? We’re struggling to map out an itinerary. Our priorities are hiking (trekking) in the Mamasa Valley and Toraja region, and seeing at least one volcano. Then, of course, we’d love to enjoy the water—easy snorkeling. The Togian Islands look dreamy, but are they the best for "easy" snorkeling (from the beach) with young kids? The journey there is long, too. The Banggai Islands look amazing—could they be a good alternative to the Togian Islands (where finding accommodation might be trickier)? Any feedback?
Other questions: My oldest is crazy about crystals and geology. Has anyone explored the karst region north of Makassar? I also just learned there’s a volcano in the Togian Islands—Una Una (Colo Volcano). Any feedback on that?
Thanks so much for your insights!
Can we "improvise"? We love traveling without planning every step, going with the flow based on fatigue, encounters, and discoveries. So, can we book NO accommodations in advance (except maybe our arrival in Makassar)? On the Togian Islands—is that possible? Same question—can we "improvise" local transport like buses, taxis, or scooter rentals, and book flight tickets (e.g., Makassar-Luwuk) or ferry tickets just a few days ahead? Is it safe enough to travel by scooter for day trips with the kids? Do they generally have child-sized helmets available? We’re struggling to map out an itinerary. Our priorities are hiking (trekking) in the Mamasa Valley and Toraja region, and seeing at least one volcano. Then, of course, we’d love to enjoy the water—easy snorkeling. The Togian Islands look dreamy, but are they the best for "easy" snorkeling (from the beach) with young kids? The journey there is long, too. The Banggai Islands look amazing—could they be a good alternative to the Togian Islands (where finding accommodation might be trickier)? Any feedback?
Other questions: My oldest is crazy about crystals and geology. Has anyone explored the karst region north of Makassar? I also just learned there’s a volcano in the Togian Islands—Una Una (Colo Volcano). Any feedback on that?
Thanks so much for your insights!
Planning 3 weeks in Sulawesi
My kids are dreaming of discovering Indonesia this summer—they’ll be celebrating their 15th and 20th birthdays! For the occasion, I was thinking of Sulawesi, a bit farther from Bali’s crowds.
I usually plan my trips myself, but I’ll admit I’m a little lost when it comes to transportation and logistics. We’d be there for about 18 days.
I’ve looked into guided tours, but the prices are pretty high. North or south for 3 weeks? Anyone have any firsthand experience to share?
I usually plan my trips myself, but I’ll admit I’m a little lost when it comes to transportation and logistics. We’d be there for about 18 days.
I’ve looked into guided tours, but the prices are pretty high. North or south for 3 weeks? Anyone have any firsthand experience to share?
Visiting Fam and Rufas Islands from Gam and Mansuar
hi there
I’m planning a trip focused mainly on snorkeling and diving in Raja Ampat, covering two islands: Gam and Mansuar.
I’d also like to spend a few days on Fam and Rufas Islands. Is it cheaper to depart from Gam or Mansuar? Do you have any info on the budget I should expect?
If you’ve got any great tips, I’d love to hear them!
Thanks in advance
