Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #76  
Old 5 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Perth, Australia
Posts: 102
Now that's information ! Thanks Keith, much appreciated.
I'll try to keep this post updated when I get there.

So seems fairly easy, all things considered.

Which way are you heading now ?
__________________
Stay safe,
Boags - www.walkabout.be
Reply With Quote
  #77  
Old 5 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Cornwall, in the far southwest of England, UK
Posts: 597
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boags View Post
So seems fairly easy, all things considered.

Which way are you heading now ?
@ Boags: Nothing to it mate. This particular thread (from the start) was of huge benefit. The least I can do .. is to contribute my experience(s).

Heading now to (a) Java, Sumatra -to- Malaysia (maybe down to Sing); then Thailand, Cambodia, Laos .. Vietnam (not exactly sure about this VN excursion).

Only slight cause for concern is this: LINKY .. gulp! .. :confused1:

Then fly over the Himalayas to Nepal. Dunno whereafter that .. I'll play it by ear when I get there. Nothing fancy .. usual choice of routes back to Europe .. maybe some of Africa .. and finally, Europe, England (home).

WHAT a fantastic experience though Boags. Everyone should try it! ..

Cheers

KEITH

.
__________________
Right Way Round ...

Reply With Quote
  #78  
Old 5 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Perth, Australia
Posts: 102
Right, when I meant "easy" I was referring to the ferries though

I'd be interested to read info on the flights over Myanmar, though I'm in a 4WD not a bike, prices will be much different.

Well, keep safe mate.
__________________
Stay safe,
Boags - www.walkabout.be
Reply With Quote
  #79  
Old 11 Oct 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Sydney
Posts: 82
Border crossing experience...

Hi Keith,

Looks like you are still travelling! I thought you would be back home by now.

How did you find the border crossing from East to West Timor? Did you sail straight through, or get lots of grief about not having an invitation or some other unlikely document? Did they ask for a carnet? (and if so, did they process it?)

The process seem to vary a lot from one border crossing to the next.

I have the impression that Timor is one of the easier border crossings into Indonesia. What did you think? It gets plenty of traffic so hopefully the customs guys have got a pretty efficient routine there.

cheers
__________________
www.motoindo.com
One-way and multi-island rentals ex Bali
Reply With Quote
  #80  
Old 27 Oct 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 51
Indonesia - Malaysia

Just thought we would do a quick post about our experience getting from Sumatra - Malaysia about a week ago.
We went from Dumai to Port Klang. For everyone out there who will be doing the same, we just have one word of advice - guard yourself with a good dose of patience because it will be tested to the max!
First of all, whatever people tell you there is no way any of the ferry companies will take you as they are strictly passenger only, so you do need to find an onion boat, this is the only way. Secondly, don't bother walking around the jetty asking people if they will take your boat, they are not helpful and most of them don't have the authority to make such a decision anyway. You really do need to find an agent who can help you, alternatively go to the customs house, we found them to be the most helpful. We were in Dumai for 1 whole week trying to find a boat! It might be easier in Medan, not sure, but then you will need to get yurself back to Dumai to catch the passenger ferry as no ferries run from Medan. For more, check out this blog entry:

http://http://handfulofthrottle.blog.../10/dumai.html

Good luck!
__________________
Boy and Girl. RTW. 2 Suzuki DRZ 400s. http://handfulofthrottle.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #81  
Old 27 Oct 2011
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
Thanks for the info. At least now we know that it can be done.

However, I think you have made life unnecessarily difficult for yourself. Many others have crossed Belawan - Butterworth without any problems and I doubt it would take either a lot of patience, nor a week to do. You don't need to take the passenger ferry. In fact, I strongly recommend flying with Air Asia, 7 days a week.

We did this in reverse and the only negative thing I can say is that the refrigerated ferry was the pits, plus we had to wait 2 days to catch it. (It doesn't run any more, no loss.)
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #82  
Old 27 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Cornwall, in the far southwest of England, UK
Posts: 597
Quote:
Originally Posted by ColinD View Post
Hi Keith,

Looks like you are still travelling! I thought you would be back home by now.

How did you find the border crossing from East to West Timor? Did you sail straight through, or get lots of grief about not having an invitation or some other unlikely document? Did they ask for a carnet? (and if so, did they process it?)

The process seem to vary a lot from one border crossing to the next.

I have the impression that Timor is one of the easier border crossings into Indonesia. What did you think? It gets plenty of traffic so hopefully the customs guys have got a pretty efficient routine there.

cheers
G’day Colin. Sorry to have taken so long to reply.

Here’s how the border crossing at Mota'ain between Batugade (Timor-Leste) and Atambua (West Timor) Indonesia, works:-

On the Timor-Leste side:

  • 1. First stop – go the frontier booth, fill-out a departure form and gently persuade the officer to accept it and stamp your passport, if you can wake him up.
  • 2. Then backtrack slightly to get the Carnet stamped out of the country by TL Customs.
  • 3. Have a brief interview with the frontier guards, which for us consisted of a gang of three outwardly friendly blokes who seemed a bit bored with their lot in life. A smile and an exchange of two or three jokes warmed things up and do the ‘let me pass through’ trick. They even enquired and wanted to know about our religion, which struck me as a bit unusual.
Second main stop – on to the Indonesian side of the border:

  • 4. Get the Carnet stamped into Indonesia by Indo Customs. Very friendly chaps. This was a quick and easy process.
  • 5. Complete an entry form and get your passport stamped in. We already had 60-day visas – arranged with the London Indonesian Embassy back in July – so the admission process was straightforward and a formality for us.
  • 6. Go to another booth and get interviewed by the Indo Army. Not sure why?
  • 7. Go to a smaller adjacent building; at the desk outside, get interviewed again, this time by the Indo Police. Not sure what this was all about either?
Then .. you're into Indonesia, free-and-easy.

The whole process, from start to finish, takes just over an hour – no doubt a bit longer, if you have to queue at any stage, which we didn’t.

To answer your specific questions Colin. Yes, crossing the main land border from Timor-Leste into West Timor is comparitively straightforward. The question of having an invitation or some other unlikely document did not arise. No additional costs, fees (or dare I say bribes) involved.

And to clear-up one last final point that not even the UK RAC Carnet Dept could definitively answer: Yes, you definitely do need a Carnet to get a vehicle painlessly IN and OUT of Timor-Leste. I have both stamps in my Carnet doc to prove it.

Trusting you and Suzie are both well.

All the best

K&E
__________________
Right Way Round ...

Reply With Quote
  #83  
Old 3 Nov 2011
ricktherider's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Aussie travelling through South East Asia currently living in Medan Indonesia.
Posts: 47
East to West Timor

Hi I did it hmm now 18 months ago and found the crossing even easier than that no real interviews and just a big smiley G'Day mate and after the paperwork was done I was away on both sides. Carnet is a must for anywhere in SE Asia !!!! Even though they are not technically Members Thailand and Laos ask for it. Shortly I will find out about Cambodia and I am trying to do Vietnam to so will keep you all informed. Funny but I have found Indonesia the easiest place to ride, paperwork and Carnet wise than any of the other countries so far and certainly the cheapest fuel.
Rick
Reply With Quote
  #84  
Old 3 Nov 2011
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
Quote:
Originally Posted by ricktherider View Post
Carnet is a must for anywhere in SE Asia !!!! Even though they are not technically Members Thailand and Laos ask for it.
Sorry to contradict you here, but the only countries in that region that require a carnet are Malaysia and Indonesia. (Further afield also Timor Leste.)

Although some customs officers have reportedly asked for and stamped carnets, this is of no consequence. For Thailand you MUST have a temp import permit or you will very likely run into problems when leaving. I have spent a year in Thailand, crossed in and out several times and have never been asked for a carnet.

Laos is a little different. Technically, you need a paper issued at the border, but I have entered and left twice without it. I wouldn't bother with it, esp. since it costs money and time and is only valid for 2 weeks.

You can enter Malaysia from Thailand without a carnet. We and others did. However, I strongly recommend insurance for both Malaysia and Thailand.

Hmm, we have strayed off-topic.
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #85  
Old 21 Jul 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Perth, Australia
Posts: 102
Back to the topic

Just my update on the ferries Est to West, with a 4wd, thought it might help.

Timur to Flores
From : Kupang
To : Larantuka
Frequency : twice a week, check for weather updates. Mondays and Thursdays.
Price : 1.170.000rp
Note : be there the day before, sleep on the docks. Boat is overcrowded and having bought a ticket does not mean necessarily you will board.
Length : 16 to 20h

Flores to Sumbawa
From : Labuhan Bajo
To : Sape
Frequency : once a day, tickets sells at 7AM, board at 8AM.
Price : 847.000rp
Note : there is a 10.000rp fee to register the car, then 837.000rp for the actual ticket.
Length : 8h

Sumbawa to Lombok
From : Pototano (Poto Tano)
To : Labuhan Lombok
Frequency : every hour, 24/7.
Price : 378.000rp
Note : last ATM is in Alas, 25km from Pototano.

I will keep this one updated with the info as I go.

PS : there are toilets on each ship, but don't expect comfort. Food and bevvies are sold at high price. Be the first to board and get comfy as soon as you can, bring a mat if you need sleeping on the floor. Or in your car of you can. Music non stop, don't expect much sleep, but it's fun and the trukkies are pretty cool.
Reply With Quote
  #86  
Old 21 Jul 2012
Pumbaa's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: On our bicycles, probably pushing up a hill!
Posts: 435
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boags View Post
Back to the topic

Just my update on the ferries Est to West, with a 4wd, thought it might help.

Timur to Flores
From : Kupang
To : Larantuka
Frequency : twice a week, check for weather updates. Mondays and Thursdays.
Price : 1.170.000rp
Note : be there the day before, sleep on the docks. Boat is overcrowded and having bought a ticket does not mean necessarily you will board.
Length : 16 to 20h

Flores to Sumbawa
From : Labuhan Bajo
To : Sape
Frequency : once a day, tickets sells at 7AM, board at 8AM.
Price : 847.000rp
Note : there is a 10.000rp fee to register the car, then 837.000rp for the actual ticket.
Length : 8h

Sumbawa to Lombok
From : Pototano (Poto Tano)
To : Labuhan Lombok
Frequency : every hour, 24/7.
Price : 378.000rp
Note : last ATM is in Alas, 25km from Pototano.

I will keep this one updated with the info as I go.

PS : there are toilets on each ship, but don't expect comfort. Food and bevvies are sold at high price. Be the first to board and get comfy as soon as you can, bring a mat if you need sleeping on the floor. Or in your car of you can. Music non stop, don't expect much sleep, but it's fun and the trukkies are pretty cool.
Hey Boags

Where are you now in Indonesia? We are in Java, will be in Yogyakarta in a week or so.

No doubt you will catch up to us if you coming from the east - we're on bicycles!
Cheers
__________________
Jacques & Mandy with Pumbaa II
www.seeyouwhenwegetthere.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Indonesian visa...Whas Appening.??? tnt go east West and South Asia 0 1 Jan 2008 00:50
Indonesian 60visa from Darwin Silktrailie West and South Asia 4 18 Sep 2007 09:58
Ferries Bobo Iceland 18 6 Dec 2006 16:36
The ferries again kitkat SOUTH AMERICA 0 26 Nov 2002 07:51
Med ferries Jasper North Africa 4 15 Mar 2002 08:36

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:36.