Asia - South-East Asia Islands & Peninsula
Messages: 71,015 - Threads: 9,571
Sep 30, 2004 3:06 AM
Laszlo
last reply
May 14, 2013 12:49 AM
peterhargrave
86 replies
94,061 views
South-East Asia Islands & Peninsula FAQ
Inside this thread you'll find a collection of links to TT threads and websites about attractions, activities, travel practicalities and news about Brunei, East Timor, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, & Singapore.
Before you get reading (and posting), here's some advice from the TT team to help you find the info you need:
1. Do a TT search! At least five posters a week ask the same questions. The road is well travelled. Find those threads, add a reply (which brings the topic to the top, restarting the conversation), and then see #2.
2. Be specific. How much do you have to spend? How long is your trip? What are your interests (i.e. local culture and art, or sport, or food and drink, or none of the above). The details will help the community tailor your advice and answers.
3. Please use the right branch. This branch is intended for travel questions and resources...
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Feb 15, 2004 6:35 AM
Laszlo
last reply
Nov 14, 2012 6:13 AM
durianwriter
103 replies
39,445 views
KALIMANTAN TRAVEL TIPS
There have been a fair few questions about Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo) on this forum recently, so rather than replying each time briefly, I decided to write a longer standard post on the region.
PLANNING & INFORMATION
The First Question: Visit Malaysian Borneo or Kalimantan?
Well, which one you should choose depends on what you want and need.
Malaysian Borneo is far more visited than Kalimantan, because its attractions are well-promoted and developed for tourism, nice accomodation and food are easy to find, English is widely-spoken and getting around is fast and comfortable.
Kalimantan is rather different. If you go there you had better speak at least some Indonesian, be prepared for often slow and uncomfortable transport, basic accomodation, people who stare at you and don't speak more English than "Hello Mister!" and, most troubling...
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Jun 17, 2013 10:58 PM
pencarrow
last reply
Jun 17, 2013 10:58 PM
pencarrow
0 replies
2 views
location:
Philippines
Palawan in August
Hi,
I have three weeks in the Philippines in August, looking to spend about 10 days in Palawan.
The general idea to is fly in and out of Puerto Princesca from Manila.
Is there a better choice of airline to fly with in terms of reliability of departures? Or should I make sure I have an extra day spare in Manila before my international flight in case of delays?
Is there a better direction to do this in terms of transport options? Considering the roads and potential rain at times, i wanted to be closer to the airport to fly out than up at El Nido and come all the way back and have an unexpected delay.
Also how easy is it to boat from El Nido to Port Barton? Considering this is not apparently the high season will there be others likely to want to mkae the same trip to ... more »
Malaysian Borneo or Indonesian Sumatra?
Hello,
First of all, my apologies if I'm repeating a similar post in this forum. I checked but was unable to find anything
We have been to Thailand and Cambodia a few years ago. It was a trip with an itinerary not completely set in stone. I'd like to think we did a pretty decent job getting around. I think we're going to be pretty fle... more »
Jun 17, 2013 2:40 PM
NickOp
last reply
Jun 17, 2013 8:07 PM
westwood
1 replies
43 views
location:
Malaysia
3 weeks in Malaysia: Budget/Itinerary
Hi everyone,
I'm a solo traveller looking to hit Malaysia this July for 3 weeks. I'm a relatively experienced, though have never been backpacking, nor been to Asia. I've got about EU800 (£680, $1067) to spend, not incl. flight to KL. I've got 3 questions:
1. Would EU800 be enough for 21 days (per day EU38, £32, $51), travelling low-budget style? This should include all accommodation, food and transport. I'm alright with sleeping in dorms and taking public transport.
2. What stops should I make? I'd like to visit at least one national park (avid hiker) and one beach/island. What can I find in Malaysia that I can't find anywhere else? I've read good things about the Cameron Highlands, but wonder whether it's too established of a tourist spot. Are there any cities/villages/temples/ruins of major cultural and historical interest?
3. Borneo: always wanted to go, but is it feasi...
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Jun 17, 2013 11:40 AM
souladventurer
last reply
Jun 17, 2013 10:06 PM
putriduyung
2 replies
79 views
location:
Indonesia
Sulawesi Trip Review
Hello,
This was a business trip and as such may only help travelers who find themselves in off the path places. I did visit the Tana Toraja area. I was traveling with a colleague who speaks Bahasa.
I flew into Makassar on Lion Air, it is a two hour flight and the airport must be somewhat new.
We stayed at Singgasana Hotel for 570k Rupiah per night. I cannot recommend this hotel due to lack of hot water, terrible restaurant (we had to have some meetings at it), and a/c that was the coldest anywhere in the world for me and therefore unusable. It is a pleasant enough town to walk around but I only had an hour and a half of free time.
We were driven to Palopo via Pare-Pare. We stopped for site visits but I estimate about 8-9 hours of driving time. We stayed a few nights in Wisata Agro which I recommend as it was quite and comfortable and reasonable at 360k Rupiah per night....
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Jun 17, 2013 10:53 AM
shadowlord
last reply
Jun 17, 2013 8:16 PM
putriduyung
4 replies
118 views
location:
Indonesia
Volcanoes at Bali
I have been dreaming a visit to volcano.
I know best volcanoes in Indonesia are not at Bali, but do you know is there any good volcano that can be visited??
I am going to Bali for 10 days at february 2014. Please, fellow travelers, give me some advise about visiting volcanoes.
Jun 17, 2013 10:06 AM
tony008
last reply
Jun 17, 2013 3:14 PM
rightandwrong
2 replies
54 views
location:
Indonesia
From Makasar to Ambon
Hi;
Does anyone know wich Airline flighs from Makassar to Ambon.
Thanks in advance
Jun 17, 2013 9:44 AM
michaelinsf
last reply
Jun 17, 2013 9:38 PM
putriduyung
2 replies
54 views
location:
Indonesia
Lore Lindu National Park trek
I'm planning to visit Indonesia as a single traveler and I'm considering including a short trek in Lore Lindu National Park in central Sulawesi. The Lonely Planet Guide says it's a wonderful place for trekking and the megaliths are intriguing but I've never done anything like this and it definitely stretches my boundaries. It appears I can fly to Palu, meet a guide, trek for a few days, and end in Palu or Tetena, then continue on to Ranetapao or Makassar. Has anyone trekked at Lore Lindu? Any advice? Any suggestions regarding finding a guide? Any problems to avoid? Many thanks!!
Jun 17, 2013 7:17 AM
ChrisCourteau
last reply
Jun 17, 2013 7:17 AM
ChrisCourteau
0 replies
24 views
location:
Malaysia
Security Update in Northern Sabah
Hi,
I'm currently planning a trip to Borneo in August, and I was wondering how is the actual situation in the Northern / Eastern part of the Sabah State.
It's extremely difficult to get clear info since march, after the Attack from Philippines's Guys.
So, anyone for a good Update please ...?
I'm supposed to go to SUKAU Lodge along the Kinabatangan River, and then to the Tabin Wildlife Reserve...
thank you very much, all intel will be much appreciated..
Chris
Jun 17, 2013 7:13 AM
deborahj
last reply
Jun 17, 2013 6:25 PM
johnney
4 replies
113 views
location:
Indonesia
Changing US Dollars in Java...
Hi!
I'm here in Java for the first time and had brought with me some nice new clean dollar notes as reserve cash. Today i went into a bank to change $100 and was unable to so due to the fact that here in Java they only change dollar notes with an HK serial number which i really thought was incredible! I tried another two banks and they both said the same thing. I was told by the various banks that i could change the dollars with a money-changer which is what i'm going to do tomorrow but i would have prefered to change it in a bank. I found it all rather curious!
Ciao!
Jun 17, 2013 7:09 AM
travelsnap
last reply
Jun 17, 2013 10:24 AM
johnney
1 replies
53 views
location:
Indonesia
Mid-range$ island combo quest snorkeling + wild life
Hello
I was wondering if anyone can recommend some places in Indonesia that have great snorkeling from the beach with no need of a boat and that also has primates and exotic birds to see on the island or area right around the place.
I would also be interested in some mid-range resorts on these places described above between 60-100USD$ per night ... but not a 250-350USD$ per day resort.That would be too high.
To snorkel and see wild life around me in a quiet peaceful place.
Sumatra: Mentawai... but can never find much info on this place as it is primarily geared to surfers. Seems hard to get to also. Does have endemic primates though....but snorkeling? don't know. Every time I look up this place it only talks about surfing and the culture and some rare excursions.Nothing about snorkeling. Anyone been there who can share?
Kalimantan has Derawan but wild life on land?.
...
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Jun 17, 2013 6:19 AM
Samrah
last reply
Jun 17, 2013 6:19 AM
Samrah
0 replies
33 views
location:
Indonesia
Anyone know where I can buy a bottle of wine in Yogyakarta?
Hi All, just a quick question as spelt out in the title! Anyone know where I can buy a bottle of wine in Yogya?
I've tried Carrefour but they don't seem to sell alcohol... or at least I have never been able to find it and have asked.
I've been here for a while and have a visitor so want to celebrate. Living out of the centre and not too familiar with the shops there so don't know where I could get some from.
Thanks!
lombok praya airport taxi to Kuta, lombok charges 2013
Hi, I am currently on Lombok having arrived here by taxi from the airport at Lombok praya and thought i would inform others of transport between Kuta and the airport.
1. there are taxis (offical rank inside arrivals) for 70,000 IDR for a car to take you to Kuta (30 minutes ride).
2. It is possible to negoitate a slightly smaller price for a car 65,000 IDR for the car outside if you inform/ remind the taxi drivers outside that the offical taxi is 70,000 IDR.
3. take the drivers phone number which you use from the airport and arrange a collection for the return journey if going back to the airport because currently the Co-operation of taxis in Kuta are monopolising the return journey and infact any journey from Kuta and are charging inflated prices.
4. For 1 person it is 60,000 to the airport, but for 2 people its 120,000.
if anyone knows any more information on how to get back...
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Jun 17, 2013 3:58 AM
Linacg
last reply
Jun 17, 2013 6:04 PM
Linacg
4 replies
106 views
location:
Indonesia
FLORES, Indonesia. Islands question
I am going to Flores for 10 days in August, flying in to Ende, leaving from Labuan Bajo.
2 nights in Ende, 2 nights in Bajawa.
I really want to spend 3 nights chilling out on a tropical beach somewhere.
Should I go to Riung - 17 Islands? is it worth it?
If you think yes, can you get to Labuan Bajo via Reo and Lampe, rather than going back to Ruteng.
Or should I go to an island off Labuan Bajo for a bit of paradise? Or even a beach on the outskirts of Lab Baj?
Either way, whatever your recommendation, any tips on beach places to stay would also be really welcome.
Ideally, being very spoilt, I would love to be able to snorkel right off the beach if possible.
And lastly one more question, travel on busses, on a haul of about 5 hrs +, presumably they do make pit stops along the way? Or would you think a Kjang is a better option/
Your help is appreciated, Thanks
Edited b...
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Jun 17, 2013 3:55 AM
happycampa
last reply
Jun 17, 2013 10:12 PM
johnney
1 replies
42 views
location:
Malaysia
ACCOMMODATION
KISS, wher is a good palce to stay in KL, central area
Jun 17, 2013 3:00 AM
bai3feng1
last reply
Jun 17, 2013 5:34 AM
bai3feng1
5 replies
137 views
location:
Indonesia
Morning Call to Prayer during Ramadan
I'll be traveling in Indonesia during Ramadan and am wondering about the timing of the Call to Prayer broadcast from the Mosques in the morning.
I've read on-line that each day starts with one at about 4:45 a.m. and another at about 6:00 a.m. Would like to know if there will be additional such religious announcements because of the season.
My specific reason for asking is that I'm considering a hotel in Yogyakarta which has two mosques quite nearby, and this could be a factor in deciding where to stay. I have the greatest respect for the Muslim Religion, but am not sure I want to wake up quite that early.
Thanks.
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