Highly recommend using KimKim for visits to the Philippines
Philippines | Nov 12 - Nov 18, 2023

Alison
Alison R.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Dec 10, 2023

I cannot rate KimKim’s involvement highly enough. First of all Cami who helped develop an itinerary for a group of people of varying ages and abilities, with the added complication of internal flights being cancelled late on in the preparations. The hotel selections, transportation and local drivers and guides were all fabulous and knowledgable people. We felt safe and looked after throughout and couldn’t have covered so much ground so quickly, in a such a stress-free way without all the steps being put in place for us. Out thanks go out to Ana and Jhon especially, and also to Jody. I would certainly recommend to friends.

Hotel Reviews
Belmont Hotel Manila
Pasay City

Great recommendation if travelling from T2 Manilla airport . Very busy hotel with lots of security but clean, well appointed rooms and comfy beds, great breakfasts and lovely roof top pool.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Luna
Vigan

Beautiful hotel. It was very quiet when we were there so we had the pool to ourselves. Local food. Clean , comfortable rooms and very smiley staff.

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful old building that was wonderfully restored.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Misty Lodge and Cafe
Sagada

Basic but friendly place .

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel
Banaue

Huge, state owned hotel . We were only there for a night so didn’t get to explore the pool area etc. great evening buffet, welcome drink of warm ginger tea (delicious), comfortable rooms although trying to find a socket to charge phones that wasn’t falling out the wall was tricky. The most amazing views from the balcony and perfectly situated. There was a conference of actuaries on whilst we were there (who were having tremendous fun) so a local dance and costume exhibition was put on. There are shops in the hotel which have a great range of gifts - best we saw in the Philippines - but be prepared for the unwanted badgering you get if you step within 20m of the shop entrance. They would get more sales if they let you browse in peace!

Authenticity & Character
It was one of the weirdest hotels I’ve stayed in . Hard to explain why . It felt like it had been designed in Russia and lifted up and put in the Philippine mountains!
Location
Amazing views
Staff
Desk staff were very helpful . Our packed was half an hour late and you needed a magnifying glass to find the chicken in the chicken salad sandwich.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms has seen better days but we’re clean and adequate including tea and coffee making facilities.
Activity Reviews
Sagada caving
Sagada caving
Sagada

I didn’t go on this trip but the younger members of my party did and had a great time . The guides were excellent.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great fun to be with
Transport
Sagada's Echo Valley
Sagada's Echo Valley
Sagada

I was really keen to see this and understand more about it . Involved a short hike to get there . I found this interesting but was a little underwhelmed in that there is no more to see than this.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledgeable and friendly - and concerned for well-being and safety
Transport
Banaue, Hapao and Bangaan Rice Terraces
Banaue, Hapao and Bangaan Rice Terraces
Banaue

Fabulous to see the different rice terraces, here about the history and farming practices.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Unbelievable driving by Jhon on wet, dark and rock strewn roads. Views were amazing in daylight and he took less used routes so we would get the full experience.
Batad Rice Terraces
Batad Rice Terraces
Banaue

We chose not to walk down to the terraces beyond and on to the waterfall but the younger members of our party did and loved it - although a hard, hot walk. Views from the cafe were amazing . Guides were helpful and considerate - always safety first and patient.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Cami Sarmiento
Cami
Cami Sarmiento
Local specialist in Las Vegas, NV | Replied on Dec 12, 2023

Thank you very much for your wonderful review Alison! I’m very happy to hear you and your family enjoyed your trip and the time spent with our trip leader and drivers. It was a pleasure organizing the trip for you.
Thank you again for choosing to travel with us. I look forward to helping you plan another unforgettable adventure in the future!
Cami