1.
Posted by
barrythurston
(Budding Member 14 posts)
5y
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Any experts out there on visas in and around Malaysia and Indonesia?
We are nearly 5 months into a round the world trip at the moment and planning up to Christmas when we expect to be in New Zealand
We have been into India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and into Penang via Singapore and onto Langkawi. Currently in Khoa Lak and planning on leaving Thailand for Vietnam at the end of the month. We then want to go onto Borneo and then Bali - probably a week north and south in Borneo and then about 26 days in Bali before we go back to Kuala Lumpar and then Singapore to catch a cruise to Sydney via Bali (again) and places such as Kimodo island
To be honest it hadn’t occurred to us that Indonesia covered as many islands as it does including parts of Borneo and nor did it occur that north Borneo was part of Malaysia!
We know about the 30 day free visa and the 30 day one for the 67 countries that can be extended to 60 days (for Indonesia) but just looking for a sanity check are we right to be concerned about this or are we worrying another nothing
Any advice or previous experience gratefully received!
2.
Posted by
Borisborough
(Moderator 1959 posts)
5y
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Malaysian Borneo only: Bako National Park near Kuching has proboscis monkeys, langur monkeys and others and some good hiking. Try to stay overnight. And there's an orang utan rehab centre near Kuching too (Semenggoh).
Gunung Mulu National Park is worth a couple of nights but you need a flight in and out from Miri. There are buses from Kuching to Miri, from Miri to Brunei (BSB) and then on to Kota Kinabalu. It's possible to climb Mt Kinabalu - an overnight stay at 3300metres before going to the summit for sunrise. Sepilok over by Sandakan is a great reserve and rehab centre for orang utans. And a stay in a lodge on the Kinabatangan River is a brilliant experience - wild orangs, pigmy elephants and lots more.
3.
Posted by
theo1006
(Travel Guru 676 posts)
5y
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Hi Barry,
If you have a passport of one of the 67 countries, obtaining a 30-day Visa on Arrival is hassle free, just a quick stamp in your passport.
But remember that you can only get a VoA at designated airports and seaports, not at the land border between Malaysia and Indonesia on Borneo and smaller ports.
Also, if you are thinking of extending for another 30 days, this can only be done at an immigration office in ones of the main cities. For instance on Bali in Denpasar. And you should start the application a few days before your first 30 days expire, which means you will be obliged to stay a while in a city like Denpasar. If at all possible it gives you more freedom of travel to obtain a regular 60-day visa before entering Indonesia.
Cheers,
Theo