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... more »

Mentawai Island Trip

Hi Guys,
http://www.mentawaisurftravel.com/ is the only company owned and operated by a local indigenous Mentawaian. You get THE BEST PRICE, the BEST SERVICE, and you will be supporting the LOCAL COMMUNITY into the bargain.

We are fully licensed and registered, and know all local government officials for a smooth trip. You have the choice of basing yourself in a Surf Camp http://www.mentawaisurftravel.com/?cat=9 or on one of the Surf Charter boat http://www.mentawaisurftravel.com/?cat=10 There are waves for all levels of ability - from learner to intermediate through to advanced surfer. Whatever your level, we can get you onto a wave that suits you! At the best price!

Surfing is the main activity MST caters for. However big game fishing is also available and is highly recommended as a quality once-in-a-lifetime extension to your time in the Mentawai Islands. The... more »

Ambon

Situation in Ambon

Has anyone been to Ambon or Maluku recently? What is the situation there
as regards any communal conflicts.

Haze warning

The Singapore PSI pollution index has hit 290 at 9pm - a record. The previous worst case was in 1997, when it reached 226. This was also up from 190 at 8pm and they seem to be holding back the 10pm figure! This situation is expected to last at least until the weekend, when some rain will hopefully bring some relief. Using fire to clear forests in Sumatra is causing all this.

http://www.nea.gov.sg/psi/

Hay fever?

I live in western Europe, where it's currently hay fever season. I am moderately affected by it and am wondering if I should plan on bringing my medication with me to Indonesia for the months of July and August or if it's not an issue there. Thanks!

Siberut and Sumatra

Hi there

We are going in July to visit Sumatra for 3/52 - 2 of us.
Main destination supposed to be Siberut - 7-10 days there.
There is not much information online about it.
I know about ferries Monday and Thursday and back the next day.
What about the new ferry - Gambolo - does it go to the same port on Siberut?
If not would it be easy to find local guide there as well?
Is it better to find a guide in Padang or on Siberut after arrival?
After back from Siberut there is not much time left :)
Plan is - Bukkittingi - Lake Toba and Bukit Lawang at the end - all together about 10/7...
Is it worth to change something to go to Kerinci - climbing the top and the lake nearby - 3-4/7?
Any help regarding itinerary and trekking would be appreciated :)

Regards

Piotr Bulacz

Edited by: piotbula more »

Travel pictures

Hi Ladies and Gentleman,

I'm japanese and currently i'm living my life in South east asia.
I'm doing frequent travelling across the region right now,
and i hope my pictures can inspire people out there to travel and see the world!
if anyone is interested,
please do visit my instagram : Hawkerbernadette

I just started out using instagram,i'll post more world travel pictures in the near future!
Dont let the travel bug bites!

Train Jakarta - Yogya August 4

Hello,

We are planning out trip to Indonesia in August since already last year.

We want to go by train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta on August 4. Therefore we asked our contact person in Jakarta to organize 2 tickets for us as soon as they are on sell.

Unfortunately we noticed that this person was not reliable as he did not buy the tickets. Now we see that all trains are fully booked. We are (and were) aware that they get sold out really soon due to Idul fitri.

Does anyone know any possibilty to get 2 train tickets for this date?
Maybe some agency has some tickets on stock or someone does not need his tickets for this date?

We were really looking forward to go by train as this was the highlight of the trip for my boyfriend (he loves trains. :-) ). The problem is that we really have to go on this special date even if we know about the problems with transport ... more »