Kimkim Trip Reviews for Indonesia

4.8
Based on 141 ratings
Read 141 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip to Indonesia on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

Spectacular 2-week journey covering three major Indonesian islands
Indonesia | May 11 - May 25, 2025

Lev
Lev T.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jun 07, 2025
We had an amazing trip! Our itinerary covered three major Indonesian islands, Java, Sulawesi, and Bali, and it allowed us to learn about rich and diverse Indonesian culture, history and people from many different angles. Marc, our tour specialist, was very helpful at all stages of tour planning and execution, very flexible, easy to reach at all times by phone/text/zoom. At some point we decided to change the original itinerary by skipping the Java volcano climbs and proposed to replace them... Read more

We had an amazing trip! Our itinerary covered three major Indonesian islands, Java, Sulawesi, and Bali, and it allowed us to learn about rich and diverse Indonesian culture, history and people from many different angles. Marc, our tour specialist, was very helpful at all stages of tour planning and execution, very flexible, easy to reach at all times by phone/text/zoom. At some point we decided to change the original itinerary by skipping the Java volcano climbs and proposed to replace them with a 4-day visit to Sulawesi with its incredible Bugis and Toraja villages. Marc was very supportive of this idea and quickly re-arranged our tour, which required quite significant changes and a slew of new bookings of hotels, flights, guides, local transportation, etc. Just before the trip we learned that Borobudur and Prambanan temples would be closed on two out of three days that we were supposed to spend there (I wish we knew about it earlier, before we booked our flights so we could change the dates). So, we had to rearrange our itinerary to accommodate this circumstance. Again, Marc was very helpful in fixing this issue. We were generally very happy with the hotels that Marc booked for us, they were comfortable, clean, located in beautiful surroundings and had a boutique feel to them. The only partial exception was our last hotel in Bali, Sun of Granary Resort. While beautifully located among rice fields, with helpful staff, our rooms for some reason were rather humid (with damp smell and a little damp linen), and our air conditioning wasn't able to cure this problem. Of course, the weather in Indonesia is generally very humid, but in all other hotels we did not encountered this issue. Our tour guides in Java (Fakikh) and Sulawesi (Robi) were excellent, very knowledgeable, enthusiastic, with good grasp of English. The tour guide in Bali (Sridana) was OK, but less engaging, perhaps partially because his English was sometimes difficult to understand. On the other hand, Sridana was punctual and took good care of us. The drivers on all three islands were excellent, it was important since driving in Indonesia is not easy to say the least. I am a good driver, but I would not risk driving there myself.

To summarize, overall our trip was a very pleasant and memorable experience, and we certainly recommend Marc as your customized tour operator.

Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Jun 10, 2025

Hi Lev and friends,

Thank you very much for your thoughtful and detailed review. I truly appreciate it. It was a pleasure planning the trip with you all and making the necessary adjustments along the way.

I hope we’ll have the chance to work together again on a future trip, perhaps exploring other islands in Indonesia. There’s still plenty more to discover.

All the best,
Marc

P.S. – I found a good pilaf (or plov) near my place.

Experiencing Bali as a traveler, not a tourist!
Indonesia | May 18 - May 24, 2025

CRISTINA
CRISTINA S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Jun 02, 2025
We just got back from trip to Bali, The Island of Gods - Nature and Culture experience.
Marc was our Kimkim local specialist. We wanted to avoid the crowded tourist locations, explore the Balinese culture, and interact with locals. He listened to what we hoped to experience on this trip and made recommendations. The communication was fantastic. Bali is 12 hours ahead of Boston, so the messaging feature in the Kimkim app was easy and efficient.
Marc crafted a very special time on the...
Read more

We just got back from trip to Bali, The Island of Gods - Nature and Culture experience.
Marc was our Kimkim local specialist. We wanted to avoid the crowded tourist locations, explore the Balinese culture, and interact with locals. He listened to what we hoped to experience on this trip and made recommendations. The communication was fantastic. Bali is 12 hours ahead of Boston, so the messaging feature in the Kimkim app was easy and efficient.
Marc crafted a very special time on the island. We stayed at 3 different locations, learning about the beautiful Balinese culture, enjoying delicious food along the way, and staying in amazing hotels. We went SCUBA diving, toured rice fields, spent half a day in a Balinese family compound for a cooking lesson, visited temples, biked the backroads, and hiked through tropical forests to waterfalls. There is so much beauty in Bali.
Our drivers from Edi and Cula were the best. They were friendly, professional, and knowledgeable.
The best thing about Kimkim is the local travel specialists. They are available for you every step of the way.

Hotel Reviews
Munduk Heaven Luxury Villas

Beautiful views and a great restaurant. We slept well and woke up to the sounds of the tropical birds. The fresh juice at the restaurant is a MUST. We enjoyed every meal. Our spa experience was lovely, the massages were so relaxing. It really does feel like heaven, especially as you watch the clouds roll in just beneath you as you have a cocktail on the deck of the restaurant.

Authenticity & Character
The design and architecture is amazing. Lush, tropical plants surround you.
Location
It is located on top of a mountain, away from the crowded tourist beach resorts. Such beautiful views.
Staff
Each person we came across was friendly and professional. They went over and beyond to makes sure everything was wonderful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Menjangan Dynasty Resort - CHSE Certified
Pejarakan

All the villas are steps from the beach. It is located on the north/west coast of Bali, away from the crowds. I tried "Snake Fruit" for the first tie. Delicious! Huge pool, a gorgeous restaurant. The rooms are spacious and we slept well.

Authenticity & Character
They call it glamping because you stay in your own bungalow. It truly feels like a luxury hotel. Surrounded by lush, troical trees and plants. The design of the lobby is amazing.
Location
Right on the beach. Perfect for relaxing, snorkeling and diving! Away from the crowded beach resorts ner the airport, this place to located on th north/west side of the island.
Staff
Everyone was friendly, professional and knowledgeable.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Tejaprana Resort & Spa
Bali

This place is a hidden paradise.

Authenticity & Character
Gorgeous Balinese design.
Location
It's right next to Ubud, but it seems miles and miles away. Built on the edge of a canyon, the view is amazing. The restaurant feels like an amazing treehouse. The food is delicious. Nice pool. (we also enjoyed our personal splash pool on the balcony).
Staff
From the front desk, to the restaurant. Everyone was friendly, professional, and knowledgeable.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Jun 04, 2025
Thank you for your review, Cristina! It was truly a pleasure to prepare this journey with the four of you. I'm really happy to hear that the experience matched your hopes, from the dives and hikes to the peaceful moments with local families and the incredible food. Bali has so much beauty to share, and it means a lot to know that you were able to connect with both nature and the culture in such a meaningful way. I'll also pass along your kind words to Edi and Cula — they’ll be thrilled to... Read more

Thank you for your review, Cristina! It was truly a pleasure to prepare this journey with the four of you.

I'm really happy to hear that the experience matched your hopes, from the dives and hikes to the peaceful moments with local families and the incredible food. Bali has so much beauty to share, and it means a lot to know that you were able to connect with both nature and the culture in such a meaningful way.

I'll also pass along your kind words to Edi and Cula — they’ll be thrilled to know they helped make your trip so memorable.

Thanks again for traveling with us — it was truly a pleasure from start to finish!

Warm regards,
Marc

Amazing trip! We'll be back!
Indonesia | May 8 - May 17, 2025

McKenna
McKenna B.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on May 20, 2025
What an amazing trip!! Thank you for all of your help crafting such a memorable experience. The Klotok boat in Borneo was really special. We had an amazing crew and cook, the food was so good! Our guide, Deka was so knowledgeable and fun 😊 In Bali, the canoe and trekking day was definitely a highlight! It was great to learn more about the organization and learn more about environmental efforts happening in Bali. Our guide, Ojan (I think that was his name?) was so good!! He packed an... Read more

What an amazing trip!! Thank you for all of your help crafting such a memorable experience.

The Klotok boat in Borneo was really special. We had an amazing crew and cook, the food was so good! Our guide, Deka was so knowledgeable and fun 😊

In Bali, the canoe and trekking day was definitely a highlight! It was great to learn more about the organization and learn more about environmental efforts happening in Bali. Our guide, Ojan (I think that was his name?) was so good!! He packed an incredible, sustainable lunch that his auntie made us 😍 It was so fun to have a day where we got off the beaten path, we didn't see any other tourists during our adventure! So special.

The biking excursion was also really fun. Our guides took great care of us and it was really special to get to go back their home and learn more about the Bali culture after the ride. Loved the waterfall and canyon after the ride! A note: this biking was not good for beginner riders!

Our driver Made was also great!! He was very friendly and knew of great spots to show us along the way 😊

Hotel Reviews
Jakarta Airport Hotel
Jakarta

A simple, convenient option! Nothing special, but made our early morning journey doable! Also, I got the in room massage after my flight and it was reasonably priced and a great quality!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Right above the domestic terminal
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Klotok Boat - Standard
Central Kalimantan

We had a great experience on the Klotok boat! We loved our entire crew and our guide was amazing. The food was delicious, exceeded expectations. We saw so many animals because we stayed on the boat! Definitely hot and buggy, but worth it for our incredible experience!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Adiwana Suweta
Bali

This hotel was the definition of luxury. I loved our balcony to read in the afternoons between activities, the bathroom was luxurious, and the staff were incredibly accommodating. The free breakfast every morning was a great way to start the day!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Kejora Suites Sanur
Sanur

This was a great hotel! We only stayed here one night, so a bit difficult to compare. But the restaurant attached was nice, it was a quick 5 minute walk to the beach, and our room was nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
5 minute walk to the beach
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Experience Borneo Cruise Day 1
Experience Borneo Cruise Day 1
Indonesia

So fun to go to the feeding stations! Deka, our guide, was amazing! He was so knowledgeable about the wildlife, the culture, and we really enjoyed getting to know him. Yuni was the best cook, every single meal was so delicious!! Our boat was clean and had everything we needed! It even had a flush toilet and a shower! The wildlife we got to see were truly amazing. 5 different kinds of primates and countless birds!! Deka was amazing in helping us identify the species for our species count 😊

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Experience Taman Beji Griya - Healing Experiences
Experience Taman Beji Griya - Healing Experiences
Indonesia

This was a really special cultural experience!! Our guide was great at the ceremony and the entire morning was amazing! I'm so grateful we got to experience this 💛

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Canoe & Trekking at Bratan Lake
Canoe & Trekking at Bratan Lake
Indonesia

Wow! This was a highlight for me. I loved the organization that we got to work with in this day. Our guide Ojan (I think?) was so sweet and knowledgeable about all of the plants. Loved that this truly felt off the beaten path, we hardly saw anyone else except for the people living in the village. Really great lunch we are in the forest, and a lovely canoe ride. The trek was really fun through the jungle.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cycling Tour through Tegallalang
Cycling Tour through Tegallalang
Ubud, Bali

This was another great experience for us. The guides were incredibly eager to help make our experience the best it could be. Note: the biking is not great for beginners, it helps to be comfortable on a bike! The lunch at the waterfall and canyon was beautiful! We loved getting to enjoy dessert in their home. That was really special to be able to learn about their culture and way of life. I also loved being able to make my own offering basket!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Experience Borneo Cruise Day 2
Experience Borneo Cruise Day 2
Indonesia

Same as first day

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Experience Borneo Cruise Day 3
Experience Borneo Cruise Day 3
Indonesia

See first day review

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Yuqqa Macdalena

So many memories. This trip was nothing short...
Indonesia | Apr 26 - May 12, 2025

VICTOR
VICTOR D.
Singapore | Reviewed on May 13, 2025

So many memories. This trip was nothing short of exceptional. Borobudur, Mt. Bromo and Mt. Ijen, waterfalls, beaches, immersion in local culture, white water rafting and cycling in the rice fields (under torrential rain!) — all amazing experiences. All our guides were awesome, and all the accommodations great, perhaps with the exception of Jiwa Jawa Bromo which was just ok.

Thanks so much to Marc for having planned it so well, and for standing by for all our questions and requests along the way.

We’ll be back to Indonesia soon for sure!

Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on May 14, 2025

Thank you for your review and thoughtful feedback, Victor!

It was a pleasure planning this adventure with you and staying in touch throughout your trip, filled with memorable experiences—from Borobudur to Mt. Bromo and Ijen, cultural encounters, and even cycling in the rain!

Looking forward to welcoming you back to Indonesia soon for more unforgettable adventures.

Best regards,
Marc

We had a wonderful trip to Indonesia coveri...
Indonesia | May 3 - May 10, 2025

S
Shweta L.
India | Reviewed on May 12, 2025
We had a wonderful trip to Indonesia covering destinations (Yogakarta to Mt Bromo to Kaliburu to West Bali).All was well planned,organised by Caroline and the Internal team of Kimkim.A special 🙏 Thanks to both Tata and Agung who helped us locally to visit all beautiful temples and tourist places. Read more

We had a wonderful trip to Indonesia covering destinations (Yogakarta to Mt Bromo to Kaliburu to West Bali).All was well planned,organised by Caroline and the Internal team of Kimkim.A special 🙏 Thanks to both Tata and Agung who helped us locally to visit all beautiful temples and tourist places.

Hotel Reviews
Dusun Jogja Village Inn
Yogyakarta
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Puri Dajuma
Pekutatan
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bromo Terrace Hotel & Resto
Jawa Timur
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Margo Utomo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Visit Borobudur Temple
Visit Borobudur Temple
Yogyakarta
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Prambanan Temple and see Ramayana Show
Visit Prambanan Temple and see Ramayana Show
Yogyakarta
Quality of Experience
Quality of Experience
Food
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transport
Local specialist: Caroline Mauriès

Incredible Trip
Indonesia | Apr 27 - May 11, 2025

Shari
Shari T.
San Diego, CA | Reviewed on May 12, 2025

I don’t think I could’ve asked for a better trip. This was an amazing trip and I enjoyed every second of it. This wasn’t only a cultural experience but also spiritual along with excitement and adventure . Priscilla did a great job helping me plan this incredible trip and Deta helped me all the way through . They were both so accommodating with all my needs and requests. The drivers and tour guides were so nice and kind and I felt very safe during the whole trip.

Local specialist: Priscilla Puteri
Priscilla
Priscilla Puteri
Local specialist in Jakarta | Replied on May 15, 2025

Hi Shari,

Your kind words truly touched us, thank you so much Shari! We hope the memories you created in Indonesia will always bring a smile whenever you look back on them :)

Stay happy and healthy! And know that you always have friends here in sunny Indonesia :) We are always ready to welcome you back and help you discover even more of what our country has to offer.

With warmest regards,
Priscilla

Very nice trip to Bali and Lombok
Indonesia | Apr 23 - May 7, 2025

Zvonko
Zvonko D.
Slovenia | Reviewed on May 11, 2025
This was another very nice trip arranged by Kimkim. Overall impression was really good; everything was well organized, and the level of activities was just appropriate for our taste and our capabilities. And yes, we were quite lucky with the weather. We just stayed in three hotels during our 14 nights trip, which proved to be a good decision as transportation is one of the weak points, especially on Bali. All three hotels were exceptional, but the most we liked Tejaprana Resort & Spa... Read more

This was another very nice trip arranged by Kimkim. Overall impression was really good; everything was well organized, and the level of activities was just appropriate for our taste and our capabilities. And yes, we were quite lucky with the weather.

We just stayed in three hotels during our 14 nights trip, which proved to be a good decision as transportation is one of the weak points, especially on Bali. All three hotels were exceptional, but the most we liked Tejaprana Resort & Spa in Ubud.

We like to praise Marc for the planning process. After we gave Marc our traveling details and basic wishes, he generated initial trip plan amazingly quickly, but we were not completely satisfied with it. We proposed several changes, but Marc was politely persistent and give us clear arguments why proposed changes might not be so good idea. We are glad that at the end we accepted originally proposed plan with only one minor change, as this proved to be optimal! Just one example: we insisted to see also Kuta beach on Bali, but this fairly short excursion from Ubud to Uluwatu temple, Kuta beach and back to Ubud took us nearly eight(!) hours of driving, as commuting in Bali is a serious problem.

We like to summarize that all involved guides and drivers on both islands were prompt, polite and knowledgeable.
We like to thank the complete involved team to arrange really nice trip for us.

Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on May 13, 2025
Thank you for your review and detailed feedback, Zvonko! I'm really pleased that the trip went well and that the itinerary suited your travel style and expectations. As you mentioned, traffic in Bali can be quite challenging—despite the island’s size, travel times can be unexpectedly long, especially around Ubud, Kuta, and the southern coast. That’s why I always try to design routes that minimize long transfers, even if some destinations seem nearby on the map. It was a real pleasure... Read more

Thank you for your review and detailed feedback, Zvonko!

I'm really pleased that the trip went well and that the itinerary suited your travel style and expectations.

As you mentioned, traffic in Bali can be quite challenging—despite the island’s size, travel times can be unexpectedly long, especially around Ubud, Kuta, and the southern coast. That’s why I always try to design routes that minimize long transfers, even if some destinations seem nearby on the map.

It was a real pleasure planning this journey with you. Thank you for placing your trust in me and in our team. I truly appreciate it, and I hope to welcome you back to Indonesia in the future!

Best regards,
Marc

Great Trip
Indonesia | Apr 8 - Apr 23, 2025

F
Frank B.
Honolulu, HI | Reviewed on May 02, 2025
All of the sites, hotels and tours that we did were great. Our driver was very skillful dealing with the Bali traffic. We would not recommend driving a car or motor bike in Bali especially in the more urban areas. Our guide was very knowledgeable and attentive. We could tell that he knows English well but his thick accent made it difficult for us to always follow his conversation. Overall a great well planed trip and a good value. Read more

All of the sites, hotels and tours that we did were great. Our driver was very skillful dealing with the Bali traffic. We would not recommend driving a car or motor bike in Bali especially in the more urban areas. Our guide was very knowledgeable and attentive. We could tell that he knows English well but his thick accent made it difficult for us to always follow his conversation. Overall a great well planed trip and a good value.

Activity Reviews
Visit Komodo Island
Visit Komodo Island
Indonesia

The visit to Komodo Island was a bit disappointing because I expected to see the Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat, but instead, it felt staged. It was part of an all-day trip, and while seeing the dragons was exciting, I wish it had been more authentic and in-depth.

Snorkeling in Kanawa Island
Snorkeling in Kanawa Island
Indonesia

The snorkeling at Manta Point was not as impressive as I had hoped. The location just didn't live up to my expectations for a great snorkeling spot, but the surrounding islands were beautiful and cruising around them was quite enjoyable.

Sunrise Hiking at Mt. Batur
Sunrise Hiking at Mt. Batur
Indonesia

The sunrise hike up Mt. Batur was definitely a highlight of our trip. The climb was challenging, but the view from the top was worth every step.

Local specialist: Priscilla Puteri
Priscilla
Priscilla Puteri
Local specialist in Jakarta | Replied on May 02, 2025

Hi Frank,

Thank you for your kind words, it truly means so much to us! We hope the experiences and memories you’ve made will always bring a smile when you think of them :)

Stay happy and healthy! And know that you always have friends here in sunny Indonesia :) We are always ready to welcome you back and help you discover even more of what our country has to offer.

With warmest regards,
Priscilla

Yogyakarta to Bali 10 day trip
Indonesia | Mar 30 - Apr 9, 2025

Rosemary
Rosemary G.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Apr 30, 2025
Planning this trip was a bit difficult at first as we wanted a few things different than the Kimkim standard itinerary of a Yogyakarta to Bali trip in the defined amount of time that we had. It was frustrating at first as I assume that is not the way this company usually works. Finally, things got worked out and we had an easy trip with lovely drivers, Tata and Agung. They would stop when we asked them to and both made sure we were comfortable and their driving was safe. Yugga was very sweet... Read more

Planning this trip was a bit difficult at first as we wanted a few things different than the Kimkim standard itinerary of a Yogyakarta to Bali trip in the defined amount of time that we had. It was frustrating at first as I assume that is not the way this company usually works. Finally, things got worked out and we had an easy trip with lovely drivers, Tata and Agung. They would stop when we asked them to and both made sure we were comfortable and their driving was safe. Yugga was very sweet and checked in on us frequently, she found us lovely places to stay when they were available, only one place seemed really basic but we also booked late. The beach hotel of our excursion was like staying in a small slice of heaven. Tours were organized well and we would have private guides.
Overall, the service was good. You just have to be firm on asking for what you want. Expense wise, you do pay quite a bit more than planning it yourself but for some, that adds ease to a trip.

Hotel Reviews
The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta - MGallery Collection
Yogyakarta

A lovely hotel, great and friendly staff, beautiful surroundings. They upgraded our rooms and they were adjoining. The food was excellent, both breakfast and dinners.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to the train station
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were comfortable and the rooms were very clean.
Artha Cottages Tumpak Sewu
Lumajang

A basic room. Small hotel restaurant for dinner was our only option and the food though limited was good.

Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Aston Jember Hotel & Conference Center
Jember

Great hotel, clean, comfortable. The only downside was that the poolside restaurant was out of many of the food selections.

Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
Taman Sari Bali Resort & Spa
Pemuteran

This place was amazing. We had our own villa with private gardens and swimming pool. King size beds. Breakfast and dinner with our toes in the sand. So happy we pushed for a second night here.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nadira Bali Resort & Villa

Wonderful staff, rooms were great, clean and comfortable, pretty gardens, a private pool. Great breakfast. A jungle view.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lava View Lodge Hotel

Not fancy but what we expected with our location. It's rustic look fit the surroundings Staff kept breakfast going for us due to our tour delay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ketapang Indah Hotel
Banyuwangi

Great huge hotel. Clean and comfortable, big shared pool. Really good food for dinner and breakfast. Staff was helpful and kind. Can I just say, as it's a shared pool in a Muslim country, that bikinis seemed really inappropriate. Something to think about.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sunrise Trek to Mount Bromo
Sunrise Trek to Mount Bromo
Mount Bromo, East Java

It was Idul Fitri so very busy. We missed our Mt. Bromo climb due to a 4 hour jeep delay. Drivers let out customers in the middle of the road and won't move until their customers return. It was crazy. On the good side, the delay allowed us to see the view as the clouds cleared. They really need a better system. Jeeps get incredibly uncomfortable after 2 hours.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Free Day - Pemuteran with driver
Free Day - Pemuteran with driver
Pemuteran, Bali

We arranged an all day birding tour with Made Surya Bird Tours. Made was wonderful, instantly knew birds in flight and by calls. He took us to multiple places where we would see birds we most wanted to see. He even found owls for us. In one day, we saw over 40 new species of birds. It was a fantastic day. https://birdinginbali.blogspot.com/?m=1

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Prambanan Temple
Visit Prambanan Temple
Yogyakarta
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Borobudur Temple
Visit Borobudur Temple
Yogyakarta
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Tumpak Sewu
Visit Tumpak Sewu
Indonesia

Beautiful waterfall. Lots of steps and climbing but very doable if you can do that. All the talk about really slippery can be true but our guide told us where to walk and it wasn't an issue at all.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Yuqqa Macdalena
Yuqqa
Yuqqa Macdalena
Local specialist in Bali, Indonesia | Replied on May 02, 2025
Hi Rosemary, Thank you for your feedback and for sharing your travel experience with us!
I'm glad to hear that your trip went smoothly and that you enjoyed the company of our lovely drivers, Tata and Agung — especially given the special crowd during the long holiday season.
Your travel dates coincided with the Ied National Holiday, a period that is quite uncommon for international travelers. For us, it also posed some challenges, such as the limited availability of drivers due to the... Read more

Hi Rosemary,

Thank you for your feedback and for sharing your travel experience with us!
I'm glad to hear that your trip went smoothly and that you enjoyed the company of our lovely drivers, Tata and Agung — especially given the special crowd during the long holiday season.

Your travel dates coincided with the Ied National Holiday, a period that is quite uncommon for international travelers. For us, it also posed some challenges, such as the limited availability of drivers due to the national celebrations. This time of year typically sees extremely high local travel activity, making destinations and routes particularly crowded. That’s why we usually recommend avoiding it, or preparing for extra planning and flexibility.

We sincerely appreciate your understanding and will take your experience into account to continue improving how we advise and organize trips during peak local holidays. Your input truly helps us grow — thank you again!

Sunny greetings from Bali,
Yuqqa

I could not have been happier with our tour t...
Indonesia | Mar 30 - Apr 9, 2025

Tracey
Tracey L.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Apr 14, 2025
I could not have been happier with our tour that Yuqqa Macdalena planned for my friends and I! We toured through Java and Bali for 11 days and saw so many magical places including waterfalls, sunrises, mountains, craters, sunsets, temples. We traveled by train and traveled by car. Yuqqa’s guidance was so valuable we felt secure in every situation. Our driver, Agung Ardika, made sure that we arrived at every activity in time and he gave us information about the area we were in and he stopped... Read more

I could not have been happier with our tour that Yuqqa Macdalena planned for my friends and I! We toured through Java and Bali for 11 days and saw so many magical places including waterfalls, sunrises, mountains, craters, sunsets, temples. We traveled by train and traveled by car. Yuqqa’s guidance was so valuable we felt secure in every situation. Our driver, Agung Ardika, made sure that we arrived at every activity in time and he gave us information about the area we were in and he stopped at areas of interest to us. We had many lovely guides and were pleased with each of them.

Hotel Reviews
The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta - MGallery Collection
YOGYAKARTA

We loved this hotel, great staff, location and food.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lava View Lodge Hotel

Perfect location for our Mount Bromo hike.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Artha Cottages Tumpak Sewu
Lumajang
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Aston Jember Hotel & Conference Center
Jember
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ketapang Indah Hotel
Banyuwangi
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Taman Sari Bali Resort & Spa
Pemuteran

This was an amazing location. We had a private villa with our own pool and fountains with koi swimming around in the pond. Birds visited the garden throughout the day, this was a peaceful bonus to our stay. The rooms were spacious, beautiful, and elegant. We were blown away when they told us that the entire garden was our space. We would all love to come back to this exceptional location.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nadira Bali Resort & Villa

Such a beautiful location, we arrived when the clouds broke open and gave us a good dousing with mountain rain! The rooms were lively as was the pool! The staff greeted us with umbrellas and fresh juice! Beautiful area. The food was lovely, staff wonderful, just amazing.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Lol
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Yuqqa Macdalena
Yuqqa
Yuqqa Macdalena
Local specialist in Bali, Indonesia | Replied on Apr 16, 2025
Hello Tracey, Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear that you and your friends had such a magical time exploring Java and Bali 🌿✨ It was a real joy planning your trip, and I’m glad you felt well taken care of throughout. I’ll definitely pass your lovely feedback on to Agung and the rest of the team! If Indonesia calls you again—perhaps to off-the-beaten-path gems like Sumatra, Sulawesi, Lombok, Komodo or Sumba—or another Java & Bali trip, I’d be more than happy to... Read more

Hello Tracey,

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear that you and your friends had such a magical time exploring Java and Bali 🌿✨

It was a real joy planning your trip, and I’m glad you felt well taken care of throughout. I’ll definitely pass your lovely feedback on to Agung and the rest of the team!

If Indonesia calls you again—perhaps to off-the-beaten-path gems like Sumatra, Sulawesi, Lombok, Komodo or Sumba—or another Java & Bali trip, I’d be more than happy to help you plan another unforgettable adventure.

Wishing you a wonderful day!

Sunny greetings from Bali,
Yuqqa

Thoughtful Exploration of Komodo and Yogyakar...
Indonesia | Apr 4 - Apr 12, 2025

Owen
Owen B.
Peoria, IL | Reviewed on Apr 14, 2025
Thoughtful Exploration of Komodo and Yogyakarta, but Disjointed Planning Our recent journey through Indonesia with KimKim featured some outstanding highlights—particularly in Komodo and Yogyakarta—but ultimately fell short of the seamless and well-curated experience we’ve come to expect from the platform. We began in Bali, where things got off to a shaky start. Although we were met at the airport by both a guide and a driver, we were simply dropped off at our hotel with no further guidance... Read more

Thoughtful Exploration of Komodo and Yogyakarta, but Disjointed Planning

Our recent journey through Indonesia with KimKim featured some outstanding highlights—particularly in Komodo and Yogyakarta—but ultimately fell short of the seamless and well-curated experience we’ve come to expect from the platform.

We began in Bali, where things got off to a shaky start. Although we were met at the airport by both a guide and a driver, we were simply dropped off at our hotel with no further guidance or suggestions for the rest of the day. The following day we had a driver (who was friendly and helpful) but no guide, and were again left to plan our own itinerary. We visited Uluwatu Temple, much of which was unfortunately closed and underwhelming, and Padang Padang Beach, which was uncomfortably crowded. A stop at a luwak coffee plantation ended up being a nice surprise—albeit a bit touristy—but overall, we felt that Bali lacked the thoughtful planning and local insight we were hoping for. In hindsight, we would have preferred to skip it entirely and focus more on Komodo and Yogyakarta.

Komodo, in contrast, was a true standout. Our guide was exceptional, and the experiences—from trekking to see Komodo dragons to snorkeling with manta rays and turtles—were unforgettable. We also loved visiting waterfalls and caves, all of which felt immersive and well-curated.

Yogyakarta offered a mixed experience. Borobudur was beautiful, though we unfortunately purchased the wrong ticket and were unable to access the upper levels to view the carvings. Candi Rejo was a delightful visit, and Prambanan was another high point, enhanced by an excellent guide. The cooking class, while fun, felt somewhat underwhelming. Our visit to the Ramayana Ballet was disappointing—it felt overly touristy and amateurish, with low-quality food. Ironically, we discovered a much more authentic and high-quality ballet performance at the Kraton the following day (after our official itinerary had ended), which made us wish our original tour had included this instead. Fortunately, our local guide in Yogyakarta was incredibly knowledgeable and brought a lot of insight and depth to our experience.

While we appreciated many aspects of this trip, we felt that overall planning could have been stronger. Communication from our specialist, Marc, was inconsistent, and there seemed to be a lack of alignment between him and the local guides. We encountered several discrepancies—such as starting times that didn’t match—and often felt unclear about the daily agenda. In previous trips with KimKim, we've valued the daily suggestions and tailored support from our specialists, which were largely missing here.

More importantly, one of the reasons we turn to KimKim is for thoughtful, curated travel that helps us avoid crowds and overly touristy experiences. Unfortunately, this trip included several stops that felt like classic tourist traps. A more customized and locally-informed itinerary would have made a significant difference. With more attentive planning and better communication, this could have been a truly exceptional trip.

Hotel Reviews
Lumbini Luxury villas

Outstanding hotel although a ways from the beach. There is a shuttle although we did not try it. Private pool was outstanding.

Authenticity & Character
Felt very unique. Loved the pool.
Location
Good although not near some of the famous areas like Kuta
Staff
Friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great beds, outstanding private pool
Sudamala Resort, Komodo, Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo

Great place although it did have a large number of families which may have been difficult for some.

Authenticity & Character
Very authentic and unique. Great food!
Location
Beautiful sunsets, not too far from town. Bay was too cloudy for snorkeling nearby.
Staff
Friendly, Amazing masseuse!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great character, spotless
d'Omah Hotel Yogya
Sewon

Great hotel but very loud due to prayers, roosters, etc.

Authenticity & Character
Great food, Cool village life.
Location
Little bit far from the town center and sights such as borobodur and prambatan.
Staff
Friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Little bit worn. Sometimes felt a bit dirty. Private pool was satisfactory.
Activity Reviews
Rangko Cave
Labuan Bajo

Good but must get very busy during the summer. Did especially love the waterfall and I think it's worth the special trip. The visit to the village was so-so.

Quality of Experience
Cool Cave but could see it getting really busy during the summer.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Outstanding Guide! Funny, charismatic, and authentic.
Transport
Great Driver, very comfy
Day tour Highlights of Komodo national Park
Day tour Highlights of Komodo national Park
Indonesia

One of the best experiences ever! Loved seeing the Komotos, the Mantas, and the turtles. Skip the Pink Beach and see if you can swim other places.

Quality of Experience
Seeing the Komodo dragons and the Mantas!
Food
Lunch was so-so.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Amazing guide. Authentic, Charismatic, and charming
Transport
Loved the fast boat.
Borobudur: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Borobudur: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Yogyakarta

Beautiful and historic wonder of the world. Our guide was amazing!

Quality of Experience
Would have been nice to go inside
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledgeable, great cultural insight
Transport
Easy
Experience the Ramayana Ballet
Experience the Ramayana Ballet
Yogyakarta

Very touristy and amateur. Felt like a community production. Food was poor quality, exclusively tourists, mostly large groups. Not worth going to.

Quality of Experience
Amateur and touristy
Food
Okay buffet style but not very unique.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Not much our guide could add
Transport
Easy
Explore Traditional Javanese Villages
Explore Traditional Javanese Villages
Indonesia

Delicious lunch and a cool look into the world of the Javanese village. Did not feel exploitative. Carriage ride was cool as well.

Quality of Experience
Felt authentic
Food
Delicious
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Great guide
Transport
Easy
Prambanan: Indonesia’s Largest Shivaite Temple Complex
Prambanan: Indonesia’s Largest Shivaite Temple Complex
Yogyakarta

Outstanding with spectacular views. Cool historical bas relief carvings.

Quality of Experience
Cool to see and very special
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Amazing guide, Very knowledgeable.
Transport
Easy
Cooking class - the heart of Jogja
Cooking class - the heart of Jogja
Yogyakarta

Fun but could probably have been better.

Quality of Experience
Cool to learn cooking but did not feel quite as full as it could have been.
Food
Delicious food.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Helpful but did not speak english, has not really taught this much before
Transport
Easy, in hotel
Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on May 03, 2025
Hi Owen and friends, First of all, I want to sincerely thank you for choosing to travel with us and for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review. I truly appreciate both your kind words about the highlights of your trip and your constructive feedback regarding the areas that didn’t meet your expectations. I’d like to take this opportunity to respond to your comments—both to provide some context and, where needed, to take full responsibility for anything that could have... Read more

Hi Owen and friends,

First of all, I want to sincerely thank you for choosing to travel with us and for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review. I truly appreciate both your kind words about the highlights of your trip and your constructive feedback regarding the areas that didn’t meet your expectations. I’d like to take this opportunity to respond to your comments—both to provide some context and, where needed, to take full responsibility for anything that could have been clearer or better coordinated.

Your arrival and the first days in Bali:

I completely understand your disappointment with the initial days in Bali. These days were designed as a gentle landing after your long journey, with a driver but no guide service included, allowing you time to rest and explore at your own pace. This was outlined in the proposal and itinerary, and the listed activities were intended as suggestions. That said, I recognize that I could have done more to set expectations more clearly and offer more proactive recommendations to help you make the most of your free time.

Your visit to Uluwatu and Padang Padang:

Thank you for sharing your impressions. While these sites can be beautiful, they are often very crowded, depending on the time of day and season. I generally recommend minimizing time in South Bali’s most touristy areas (like Kuta and Seminyak).

I also want to clarify that we intentionally arranged your accommodation in Jimbaran, rather than Kuta, because Jimbaran offers a more peaceful atmosphere and retains a stronger local identity, far from the mass tourism and overdevelopment that have impacted other parts of the south.
That said, I regret not communicating this approach more explicitly. Had I known you were seeking an even more immersive cultural experience, I would have suggested a very different itinerary focused on inland traditional villages, temple ceremonies, and time with one of our cultural guides.

Komodo – a true highlight:

I'm thrilled to hear that your time in Komodo was a standout experience!

Yogyakarta – a mix of highs and areas for improvement:

Thank you for your detailed feedback. I’d like to clarify a few key points:

- Borobudur access: Current regulations around visiting the upper levels of Borobudur are indeed complex and change frequently. Your itinerary clearly stated that your ticket included access to the surrounding grounds only. This reflects a strong commitment to sustainability and heritage preservation. Although limited access to the upper levels has recently been reintroduced, it requires a special ticket with strict quotas and timed entry. We have chosen not to include this by default, to support conservation efforts and discourage last-minute add-ons that can contribute to the temple’s erosion.

- Ramayana Ballet: I’m sorry the ballet performance did not meet your expectations. I always strive to book the most authentic version available, but the venue rotates between locations such as the Prambanan Open-Air Theater, Purawisata, and occasionally the Kraton, depending on the day and season. On the date of your visit, the most authentic option was not available.

- Candi Rejo and Prambanan: I’m delighted to hear that these visits—and especially your local guide—left a positive impression. Our team is deeply passionate about their work.

Communication and itinerary adjustments:

I want to address your concerns regarding communication and alignment. When preparing trips, my philosophy is to build a structure that allows for flexibility, enabling drivers and guides to adapt to local conditions such as ceremonies, weather, or even your energy levels. In Indonesia, time and plans tend to flow a little differently, and I try to reflect that reality in how we operate. I maintain daily contact with the ground team and empower them to adjust plans when needed, always with your experience in mind. However, I completely understand that these adjustments may have felt uncoordinated without clearer real-time updates from me.

I truly value your honest feedback, and I take it to heart. My goal is always to design trips that are authentic, meaningful, and tailored to each traveler, steering away from mass tourism and offering more personalized, enriching experiences.

That’s why I always provide my direct number to all travelers. You’re welcome to text or call me anytime during your trip if you need suggestions, want to clarify details, or if anything comes up that I can help with. I want to be available to make sure your experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Thank you again for your valuable input. Despite the challenges, I hope the beauty of Indonesia—and the people you encountered along the way—left you with lasting memories.

Best wishes,
Marc

Bali and Komodo Island. Had the best time! We...
Indonesia | Mar 24 - Apr 4, 2025

M
Mary P.
Canada | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2025
Bali and Komodo Island. Had the best time! Well organized trip. Read more

Bali and Komodo Island. Had the best time! Well organized trip.

Hotel Review
Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Bali

Mandapa was heaven on earth! Best service and stunning views.

Authenticity & Character
The views and service was spectacular.
Location
Rainforest Bliss.
Staff
Excellent service.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Spotless rooms.
Local specialist: Myriam Benmhaya

I can’t thank Yuqqa enough for organizing suc...
Indonesia | Mar 9 - Mar 17, 2025

D
Daniela O.
India | Reviewed on Mar 25, 2025
I can’t thank Yuqqa enough for organizing such an incredible trip to Bali! From the lush jungles of Ubud to the serene beaches of Sanur, every detail was perfectly arranged.

She listened to my preferences and curated an itinerary that balanced adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. The accommodations were fantastic, transportation was seamless, and their local recommendations made the trip unforgettable.

What stood out the most was her responsiveness and...
Read more

I can’t thank Yuqqa enough for organizing such an incredible trip to Bali! From the lush jungles of Ubud to the serene beaches of Sanur, every detail was perfectly arranged.

She listened to my preferences and curated an itinerary that balanced adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. The accommodations were fantastic, transportation was seamless, and their local recommendations made the trip unforgettable.

What stood out the most was her responsiveness and professionalism—anytime I had a question or needed adjustments, they were quick to assist. Thanks to them, I experienced Bali stress-free and made memories that will last a lifetime.

If you’re planning a trip to Bali, I highly recommend Yuqqa. She truly went above and beyond!

Hotel Reviews
Arya Villas Ubud
Ubud

I recently stayed at Arya Villas and had an absolute wonderful experience. What stood out was the food, every meal was delicious and thoughtfully prepared.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Puri Santrian
Denpasar

Great resort to stay at, must have been the time of year but it was very quiet and peaceful. The staff, room, and food were all fantastic - I had such a great experience.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Yuqqa Macdalena
Yuqqa
Yuqqa Macdalena
Local specialist in Bali, Indonesia | Replied on Mar 26, 2025
Dear Daniela, Wow! Your kind words truly made my day! 🌿✨ It was an absolute pleasure helping you craft your Bali adventure, and I’m so happy to hear that you loved every moment—from the jungles of Ubud to the peaceful beaches of Sanur. It means so much to know that the itinerary felt like the perfect balance for you and that my recommendations added to the magic of your trip. I always strive to make every journey stress-free and unforgettable, so knowing that everything ran smoothly makes... Read more

Dear Daniela,

Wow! Your kind words truly made my day! 🌿✨ It was an absolute pleasure helping you craft your Bali adventure, and I’m so happy to hear that you loved every moment—from the jungles of Ubud to the peaceful beaches of Sanur.

It means so much to know that the itinerary felt like the perfect balance for you and that my recommendations added to the magic of your trip. I always strive to make every journey stress-free and unforgettable, so knowing that everything ran smoothly makes me incredibly happy!

Thank you for your trust and for sharing your experience so beautifully. If Bali ever calls you back—or if you’re dreaming of another adventure off the beaten path, like Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi, Sumba, Lombok, or Komodo—I’d love to help you plan another unforgettable journey!

Wishing you many more amazing adventures ahead! 💛

Warmest regards,
Yuqqa 🌺

I stumbled across KimKim- now I am a fan!
Indonesia | Mar 12 - Mar 21, 2025

Ulrike
Ulrike S.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 22, 2025
I stumbled across KimKim online when I started to look for ideas for a 2- week
Trip across some Indonesian Islands. Since I had limited time for planning and knew nothing about where to go (except that we wanted to end in Bali to see some friends), I thought I’d see what they would come up with. I put down a few things about our preferred type of travel and Jessica came back to us after 24 hours with an amazing itinerary, that felt totally like us and was extremely reasonable. First time I...
Read more

I stumbled across KimKim online when I started to look for ideas for a 2- week
Trip across some Indonesian Islands. Since I had limited time for planning and knew nothing about where to go (except that we wanted to end in Bali to see some friends), I thought I’d see what they would come up with. I put down a few things about our preferred type of travel and Jessica came back to us after 24 hours with an amazing itinerary, that felt totally like us and was extremely reasonable. First time I had ever used a travel service in over 40 years of traveling across Europe and North and South America.
It was a wonderful experience. Every detail was beautifully selected and smoothly executed on the ground by our fabulous, punctual drivers ( Dian in Java and Asink in Lombok) and knowledgeable guide, Anam.
Our travel time fell during Ramadan, which caused some closures, but everyone on the team, from the guides to the ground staff in Jakarta, thought on their feet and offered other, equally amazing experiences. And, we often had places to ourselves!
Having every detail taken care of ( including moving hotel rooms to an upgraded one when we encountered a problem), meant we could just enjoy ourselves without care. What a gift!
Thank you.🙏

Hotel Reviews
Amata Borobudur Resort
Jawa Tengah

We only spend one night at this beautiful place. Very comfortable and serene.

Authenticity & Character
Villas were traditionally built and fit into the surroundings
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Dusun Jogja Village Inn
Yogyakarta

We felt very comfortable here. Lovely room ( junior suite) and relaxing pool and seating areas away from the busy streets around us.

Authenticity & Character
Feels like old-time Yogya- perhaps a little tired, but charming!
Location
Easy to walk to amazing restaurants
Staff
Really excellent and wonderful staff all around.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean, but a little run down. The restaurant served delicious Soto Ayam for breakfast, but would recommend to eat dinner elsewhere
Rajavilla Lombok Resort
West Lombok

Beautiful location and rooms, plus lovely grounds

Authenticity & Character
Plantings and settings seem naturally fitting into the landscape
Location
Sunsets!
Staff
Friendly and personable, after only a single encounter.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Perfect and pristine. We were there during 2 days of storms and rains- but everything was being cared for
Activity Reviews
Visit Jomblang Cave
Visit Jomblang Cave
Yogyakarta

Absolutely stunning and fun!

Quality of Experience
Even though we had never done anything like this, we felt safe and that we could totally enjoy the activities.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Excellent and expert. The operators were patient and helpful and also waited down below until everyone’s a chance to get awesome photos
Transport
Secret Gili Snorkeling
Secret Gili Snorkeling
Indonesia

We had to abort the trip on day one because of storms, but had a fabulous time on day 2. Great experience on the boat, snorkeling ( saw many fishes and beautiful coral), and relaxing at lunch and on the little island. Fabulous lunch !!

Quality of Experience
Wonderful all around. The fresh fish Oceanside was perfect! Enjoyed it with a beer!!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was so patient with us snorkeling- showed us where to go and attracted the fishies so we could touch them. Also he collected some beautiful shells and coral for us to take home
Transport
Private boat and good equipment
Visit Prambanan Temple
Visit Prambanan Temple
Indonesia

Remarkable temple complex with a fascinating history that was visible at every turn. Lived that we were free to explore at our pace with our own guide, not a prescribed tour. Seeing the Ramayana story in the stone carvings was really beautiful

Quality of Experience
Exceptional Site with a fascinating history and story
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Anam really shined with his knowledge and stories!
Transport
Klipoh Village Andong Tour
Klipoh Village Andong Tour
Magelang

We enjoyed going along the quieter lanes through the villages- initially we were on a large road ( I guess this could not be avoided), which was a bit unnerving

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly and funny! And we loved Henri, the horse!
Watch Ramayana Dance Show
Watch Ramayana Dance Show
Yogyakarta

Beautifully danced with the backdrop of the Temple. The fire displays were spectacular! Then we all rushed indoors for the end due to a sudden downpour!

Quality of Experience
Surprising, beautiful and moving!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Totally smooth transition when the dancers and audience had to hurry inside because of rain
Watch the Sunrise from Punthuk Setumbu
Watch the Sunrise from Punthuk Setumbu
Yogyakarta

Easy walk up stairs and a wonderful experience

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Visit Keraton Yogyakarta (Yogyakarta's Palace)
Visit Keraton Yogyakarta (Yogyakarta's Palace)
Indonesia

Happy we went, as it rounded out our trip to Yogya- telling us a bit about the current affairs. But not our favorite part.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
It was good to go With our guide Anam, who was open to all Our questions!
Visit Borobudur Temple
Visit Borobudur Temple
Indonesia

Awe inspiring place and well Worth a visit. Didn’t love the being minded and restraints imposed by the rules of the tour guides ( eg, had only 20 minutes to explore on our own).

Quality of Experience
It’s an amazing site! And I loved the lotus flowers
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Taman Sari Water Palace
Visit Taman Sari Water Palace
Yogyakarta

This was not the favorite part of our trip. Felt a bit weird to be in a place where someone was peeping at bathing women to choose whom to bed next…

Watch Shadow Puppet Performance
Watch Shadow Puppet Performance
Yogyakarta

Because of Ramadan, there was no performance, but we watched how the shadow puppets were made And that was super interesting and cool! Also the museum oneself was very interesting ( the old part)

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Responded to Ramadan closure to still give us an extraordinary experience with the shadow puppets and visit the museum
Visit Batik Bantul Village and Batik Workshop
Visit Batik Bantul Village and Batik Workshop
Yogyakarta

Beautiful workshop and fun activity. I Lived that it was a coop with the work of Many artists visible

Quality of Experience
Everything was made for us to have a good time!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Patient and kind!
Local specialist: Jessica Soenandar
Jessica
Jessica Soenandar
Local specialist in Jakarta | Replied on Mar 25, 2025
Dear Ulrike, Reading your review truly made my day! I’m so happy that you had an effortless and memorable journey, which is what we always aim for :) It was such a pleasure working with you and crafting this experience for you and David! Dian, Asink, and Anam will be so touched to hear your kind words—they are indeed such an incredible team, and I’m thrilled they helped make your trip special. Traveling during Ramadan can come with surprises, but I love that you embraced the alternative... Read more

Dear Ulrike,

Reading your review truly made my day! I’m so happy that you had an effortless and memorable journey, which is what we always aim for :) It was such a pleasure working with you and crafting this experience for you and David!

Dian, Asink, and Anam will be so touched to hear your kind words—they are indeed such an incredible team, and I’m thrilled they helped make your trip special. Traveling during Ramadan can come with surprises, but I love that you embraced the alternative experiences and even found some peaceful moments with places all to yourself!

Thank you for trusting me (and KimKim) with your travels, especially after 40 years of planning your own adventures!

Wishing you many more amazing travels ahead!

Warm regards,
Jessica

We had a fantastic time in Indonesia. Specia...
Indonesia | Mar 2 - Mar 16, 2025

S
Spencer Z.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Mar 19, 2025
We had a fantastic time in Indonesia. Special thanks to Yuqqa. Everything went smoothly. In Medan we had Joel to guide us and the time in the jungle was amazing in Bukit Lewang. Ronie our expert guide in the jungle helped us to see Orangatans and Tomas monkeys. He also found giant ants for us and they were amazing and BIG!! In Bali our driver Roosna was great. Our VW buggy driver Dan was also great and we had a great exploration of Bali and even visited a family owned coffee... Read more

We had a fantastic time in Indonesia. Special thanks to Yuqqa. Everything went smoothly. In Medan we had Joel to guide us and the time in the jungle was amazing in Bukit Lewang. Ronie our expert guide in the jungle helped us to see Orangatans and Tomas monkeys. He also found giant ants for us and they were amazing and BIG!! In Bali our driver Roosna was great. Our VW buggy driver Dan was also great and we had a great exploration of Bali and even visited a family owned coffee plantation and drank Luak coffee and it was good. Our whole 31 day trip of Asia was fantastic and specifically Indonesia was a memory I will never forget. We even got a Balinese massage which made me sore for days. It was great.

Local specialist: Yuqqa Macdalena
Yuqqa
Yuqqa Macdalena
Local specialist in Bali, Indonesia | Replied on Mar 19, 2025
Dear Spencer, Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 It truly warms my heart to hear that Indonesia was such a special highlight of your incredible 31-day journey through Asia. Joel and Ronie will be thrilled to know how much you enjoyed your time in Bukit Lawang—encountering orangutans (and those giant ants! 🐜) must have been unforgettable. And in Bali, Rusna and Dan clearly made sure you had an amazing experience, from VW buggy explorations to savoring Luwak coffee. I love how you... Read more

Dear Spencer,

Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 It truly warms my heart to hear that Indonesia was such a special highlight of your incredible 31-day journey through Asia.

Joel and Ronie will be thrilled to know how much you enjoyed your time in Bukit Lawang—encountering orangutans (and those giant ants! 🐜) must have been unforgettable. And in Bali, Rusna and Dan clearly made sure you had an amazing experience, from VW buggy explorations to savoring Luwak coffee.

I love how you embraced every moment, even the intense Balinese massage aftermath! 😆 Thank you for trusting me with your adventure—it was an absolute pleasure planning this trip for you. I’d love to help you explore even more of Indonesia in the future!

Wishing you all the best and sending warm tropical greetings from Bali,
Yuqqa 🌿✨

Our guide was excellent and very flexible. Pl...
Indonesia | Feb 14 - Feb 19, 2025

R
Raj P.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Feb 27, 2025
Our guide was excellent and very flexible. Planned well all the activities on time and helped us in exchange of our currency and loaning Rupea when we did not have local currency. The driver and the guide were very helpful and friendly.
Marc coordinated all our planning and his communication is excellent . We had an excellent trip. Thank you all .
Read more

Our guide was excellent and very flexible. Planned well all the activities on time and helped us in exchange of our currency and loaning Rupea when we did not have local currency. The driver and the guide were very helpful and friendly.
Marc coordinated all our planning and his communication is excellent . We had an excellent trip. Thank you all .

Hotel Review
Candi Beach Resort and Spa - CHSE Certified
Bali

Very well maintained and friendly staff .

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Mar 05, 2025

Thank you for your review, Raj! It was a pleasure planning this trip with you and Jothi.

We're delighted you had a great experience and truly hope to welcome you both back to Indonesia in the future!

Best regards,
Marc

10 Day North Sumatra Tour
Indonesia | Jan 21 - Jan 30, 2025

Richard
Richard K.
Australia | Reviewed on Feb 05, 2025
Joe was great and full of excellent information. He made the interactions with our local guides very easy and ensured our trip ran smoothly and we were always taken care of at all times. Our driver ‘Dragon’ Ergon was a very safe and gave us great confidence with his calm nature putting us at ease in the hectic roads. He went above and beyond to ensure we had a comfortable time on the Sumatran roads.
We had several local tour guides and all were great with their local knowledge and always...
Read more

Joe was great and full of excellent information. He made the interactions with our local guides very easy and ensured our trip ran smoothly and we were always taken care of at all times.

Our driver ‘Dragon’ Ergon was a very safe and gave us great confidence with his calm nature putting us at ease in the hectic roads. He went above and beyond to ensure we had a comfortable time on the Sumatran roads.
We had several local tour guides and all were great with their local knowledge and always ensured we were looked after.

Activity Review
Trek in Gunung Leuser National Park
Trek in Gunung Leuser National Park
Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra

We couldn’t have gotten any luckier with our guide and the animals we saw. Our guide had amazing knowledge of the local wildlife was fantastic. His ability to quietly traverse the jungle and spot various animals was an amazing site to see. I’d highly recommend this jungle trek.

Quality of Experience
The guide put the animals before anything, ensuring we were safe but let the animals roam freely.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was I great source of knowledge and ensured we got to see as much as possible.
Local specialist: Yuqqa Macdalena
Yuqqa
Yuqqa Macdalena
Local specialist in Bali, Indonesia | Replied on Feb 11, 2025
Hi Richard, Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience! I am very happy to hear that our Sumatra Guide Joe and the other local guides made your journey through North Sumatra smooth and enjoyable. It’s wonderful to know that our driver Ergon's calm and safe driving helped you feel at ease on Sumatra’s roads! 🚗 Your jungle trek in Gunung Leuser sounds absolutely incredible! We are so happy that you had such an amazing guide and were able to see so... Read more

Hi Richard,

Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience! I am very happy to hear that our Sumatra Guide Joe and the other local guides made your journey through North Sumatra smooth and enjoyable. It’s wonderful to know that our driver Ergon's calm and safe driving helped you feel at ease on Sumatra’s roads! 🚗

Your jungle trek in Gunung Leuser sounds absolutely incredible! We are so happy that you had such an amazing guide and were able to see so much wildlife. There’s nothing quite like quietly moving through the jungle and witnessing nature in its purest form. 🌿🐒✨

It was a pleasure helping you with this adventure, and I’d love to help with any future trips to Indonesia! Wishing you many more amazing travel experiences ahead.

Best regards,
Yuqqa
Travel Specialist for Indonesia

We had an awesome trip and a phenomenal guide...
Indonesia | Jan 19 - Jan 27, 2025

B
Barbara H.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jan 28, 2025

We had an awesome trip and a phenomenal guide!

Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Feb 07, 2025

Thank you for your review, Barbara. We hope to see you again in Indonesia.

Thanks for making our holiday amazing.
Indonesia | Dec 19 - Jan 2, 2025

Lisa
Lisa T.
Burleson, TX | Reviewed on Jan 19, 2025
We loved the experience with Kim
Kim. I do think we had a few too many stops and would have preferred more days in Raja Ampat and Ubud. The diving was fantastic and Ubud had so many things to do. I would definitely suggest including how long the travel days are and mention the traffic. It’s hard to have a 7 or 8am start time the day after a long travel day. That means being up at 5 or 6 to get dressed and have breakfast. I say this about our travel day from Raja Ampat to Yogyakarta. ...
Read more

We loved the experience with Kim
Kim. I do think we had a few too many stops and would have preferred more days in Raja Ampat and Ubud. The diving was fantastic and Ubud had so many things to do. I would definitely suggest including how long the travel days are and mention the traffic. It’s hard to have a 7 or 8am start time the day after a long travel day. That means being up at 5 or 6 to get dressed and have breakfast. I say this about our travel day from Raja Ampat to Yogyakarta. We left at 7am and got to our hotel at almost 10pm. I do believe that Yogyakarta should have been cut out of my itinerary but our drivers and tour guides were amazing. In fact all of our tour guides, drivers and hotels were fantastic! Amazing, actually. I am so very pleased and will highly recommend Kim Kim to friends. Pricilla was exceptional and so was Kaisa. Thanks for making our holiday amazing.

Hotel Reviews
Papua Paradise Eco Resort
Papua Barat

This resort was our favorite place we stayed during our Indonesia trip. The service was 5 star. The welcome song, the food, bartender and drinks, housekeeping, dive shop and the owners made this such a special holiday for my son and I.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Kalyana Ubud
Ubud

Gorgeous resort and friendly staff. They were out of wine and champs that was the only thing missing

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta - MGallery Collection
Yogyakarta

Very charming hotel and great staff. We were here for Christmas and it was decorated so beautiful. The breakfast buffets were impressive and delicious. The bar staff were awesome and the Spa services were exceptional. Loved it!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort
Nusa Dua

This hotel was very American. Lots of restaurants to choose from and they offer free shuttles to the mall and beach. Very clean and spacious rooms, the breakfast buffet was huge and the food was delicious. We spent NYE here and they had a DJ with dancing and champagne toast at midnight. I do have to give a shout out to the bar staff and entertainment staff, they all went above and beyond Excellent customer service all the way around

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Jakarta City Tour
Jakarta City Tour
Indonesia

We had a little too much jet lag to really enjoy this tour. The market was a bit narrow and scared me but with a lot of people. I chose it to do the monument tour due to the crowds as well. The temple we went to was very small and in a not so nice part of town. We’ve been to temples and this one was not impressive at all. The restaurant for lunch was nice. We chose not to sit through the puppet show. Our favorite part was New China Town and Golf Island We ended up spending our last day on Golf Island

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Free Time in Raja Ampat
Free Time in Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat

Loved the resort

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Free Time in Yogyakarta
Free Time in Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta

This was a 14 hour travel day We chose to skip the rappel which was the whole reason to go to Yogyakarta. It requires an early pick up and we just needed to rest. There should have been a flight that took us from Sorong to Yogyakarta but instead we had a layover back in Jakarta which someone should have taken into account.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Visit Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Indonesia

Cool place

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Diving in Raja Ampat
Diving in Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat

Great dive shop Excellent customer service Great dive locations

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Dinner at Rama Shinta Garden Resto
Dinner at Rama Shinta Garden Resto
Yogyakarta

Beautiful dinner Food was just average but the view was amazing

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Experience Cooking Class
Experience Cooking Class
Indonesia

10/10 highly recommend Great excursion We loved the farm and our cooking experience Definitely a must

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Go on an ATV Ride
Go on an ATV Ride
Indonesia

We have been on a lot of ATV excursions and this by far was our favorite Must do!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Tegallalang Rice Terrace
Visit Tegallalang Rice Terrace
Indonesia

Gorgeous place We really enjoyed the activities

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Spa at Taksu Spa Ubud
Spa at Taksu Spa Ubud
Indonesia

This was a beautiful spa and we loved our services here. They also have a restaurant but we did not go. We opted for a little bar in the corner to people watch and enjoy a martini. Highly recommend spa treatment here

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Priscilla Puteri
Priscilla
Priscilla Puteri
Local specialist in Jakarta | Replied on Jan 31, 2025

Hi Lisa,

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story about your trip. It means the world to us to know you enjoyed your time here in Indonesia. We hope the experiences and memories you made will bring a smile to your face whenever you think of them :D

Stay happy and healthy! And know that you always have friends here in sunny Indonesia :) We are always ready to welcome you back and help you discover even more of what our country has to offer.

With warmest regards,
Priscilla

Hiking with Komodos!
Indonesia | Nov 22 - Dec 1, 2024

Nancy
Nancy P.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Dec 24, 2024
Ana helped us plan the perfect adventure in Indonesia. Originally, we had only planned to visit Bali but after discovering our love of wildlife and nature, she recommended a stop in Flores and a boat trip to Komodo Island. Hiking Komodo island with a private guide right as the park opened allowed us to beat the big tourist groups and see eight dragons! We snorkeled with 6 ft manta rays and watched thousands of bats leave 'Bat Island' at sunset. Tony was an excellent guide and the crew on... Read more

Ana helped us plan the perfect adventure in Indonesia. Originally, we had only planned to visit Bali but after discovering our love of wildlife and nature, she recommended a stop in Flores and a boat trip to Komodo Island. Hiking Komodo island with a private guide right as the park opened allowed us to beat the big tourist groups and see eight dragons! We snorkeled with 6 ft manta rays and watched thousands of bats leave 'Bat Island' at sunset. Tony was an excellent guide and the crew on our private boat shepherded us safely from island to island as well as fed us well! In Bali, our driver Tut was the best. He patiently and safely drove us to our many adventures - white water rafting, Mt. Batu hike, hot springs, coffee plantation, beaches. Our one day convertible VW safari with Putu exploring the temples and waterfalls around Ubud was a fun way to see the area. KimKim was easy to work with, exceeded our expectations and provided great value for the money. We are traveling to Singapore for business this spring and plan to use thier services to plan a side trip to Borneo!

Local specialist: Ana Bicanic

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