Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Douglas B]

Hello, All,

Have checked this board going back one year and found a few new places. Anyone have a recommendation for off-the-beaten-track island paradise destinations in Indonesia or Malaysia for winter 2012? I know there is a risk of rain, not a concern at this point. Thanks and Happy Chuseok!

Doug

[alwaysbeclosing100]

togean islands are #2 lonely planet pick for asia 2011.....but they are hard to get to........

[Douglas B]

Thanks for the suggestion!!

[Moldy Rutabaga]

I'm fond of Georgetown, Penang in Malaysia. Pretty little colonial city with nice architecture and shopping. Somewhat like Singapore without the prices.

The inland mountains in Bali are nice and not very touristy. You can avoid the jam-up of Kuta.

[Missihippi]

i'll second georgetown -- mostly because it was the best nightlife i found in malaysia. If you want a nice laid back paradise try the perehetian islands off the east coast..

[wishfullthinkng]

i would definitely third georgetown in penang. i had a blast there as well.

[Douglas B]

Thanks, All! Given the uncertain weather, I am leaning towards 10 days on Langkawi and 10 days in southern Phuket. I will definitely consider Penang as well. Have a great semester!

[Douglas B]

Thanks, All! Given the uncertain weather, I am leaning towards 10 days on Langkawi and 10 days in southern Phuket. I will definitely consider Penang as well. Have a great semester!

[prideofidaho]

It sounds like you have your mind made up, but I will offer a suggestion for anyone else who might be interested.

If you want something a bit adventurous, I highly recommend the northeaster bit of Kalimantan. You can fly from Jakarta to Balkpapan then connect to Tarakan, from there head to Berau and then to Darawan island to see sea turtles come out of their shells at night and help send them off into the ocean (my boyfriend and I have awesome memories of helping to catch and release the little critters who get easily distracted by the lights on the island and have a hard time finding the water). From there you can do some pretty intense dives off kakaban island (recommended for those who have done drift dives and have some experience...I nearly got lost at sea since a) I'm inexperienced, and b) I made an assumption about the dive...but it's still a great memory).

For a short trip I'd recommend flying back to Balikpapan unless you like torturing yourself with a hellish 14 hour 4WD south. But somehow I know this might appeal to other freaks.

Or, you can head north from Tarakan into Malaysia to Tawau in Sabah (Visa on Arrival = easy-peasy). From Tawau head to Sipadan for more diving or to Kinabatangan for a great jungle retreat, or to Kinebalu, or all three! Or, for some awesome trekking head to the Kelabit highlands in Sarawak. Seek out a guide called Petrus.

Enjoy

[Douglas B]

Hey, prideof idaho,

thank you so much for such an amazing message. i will certainly take that under advisement.

does winter vs. summer matter much for those destinations?

thanks again for such a detailed message.

doug

[prideofidaho]