We found the whole kimkim experience very good - very easy to find expert help on our chosen location and Cami provided expert advice and prompt assistance with all our queries while helping us to organise the perfect itinerary.
On our first day, the snorkelling trip to Anilao, our drivers, John and Ana were the best - so organised for all eventualities, kind and helpful. From an anticipated two hour round trip, they gamely took on an overnight 10-hour drive after we changed our mind about taking an overnight bus. We felt safe and looked after throughout, even after experiencing some unexpected road diversions which prolonged our drive considerably. They were incredible throughout, so calm and very kind, returning my daughter's sunglasses to the hotel several days after the drive when they found she had left them in the car. Thank you so much John and Ana!
The Anilao trip was a great introduction to diving off a boat into the sea. We had an expert guide in Alan who helped me -with my nervousness of the open sea - to try snorkelling - which introduced a whole sea world to me.
Jodie, our expert guide on the Banaue leg was wonderfully knowledgeable about the area, the rice terraces and the local community, of which he is a member. He helped us up and down some tricky (for us oldies) paths through the rice terraces and got us back in one piece. He took us to some amazing sites. After a hiccup with the airline (last minute cancelled flight), he made sure we were driven back to Manila in good time to make the rearranged flight. Jodie was all-round amazing!
The next leg, at El Nido was wonderful for different reasons. we had a lovely hotel, great staff, very kind and helpful again when we experienced another cancelled flight. Joel (and the team) at the Funny Lion was particularly helpful, making sure we had a laptop to help us find alternative flights at short notice (less than 14 hours from the original scheduled flight).
The trips themselves at El Nido were brilliant, we went island hopping on local boats with a great team led by Capt Mike and his expert photographer, Dodoy! We loved every aspect - the swimming, cave exploring, swimming in the (not so) secret lagoon and kayaking. Each day, we experienced the most delicious lunch on board the ship. Really wonderful experience. Thanks so much to Capt Mike and his team, and great fishing skills!
Bohol was great too - very different with excursions to see the Tarsiers and the Chocolate Hills and the lunch on board the Boat raft. Our guide, Gigi, was very knowledgeable and had brought a raft of interesting local items to illustrate and explain the island. The trip to see the dolphins the following day was wonderful - never to be forgotten sight of the dolphins and turtles and followed by another lavish lunch on board.
The Amorita resort was very relaxing - just what we wanted at the end of the trip with a wonderful spa which my daughter and I made the most of - perfect.
All in all, a trip of a lifetime - plus we managed to set aside the final day for a quick tour of Manila and Intramuros and the largest mall in Asia - MOA - one very happy daughter!
Thanks so mcuh Cami, we will be recommending kimkim and you to everyone!
Kind regards
Kiran Khosla and family
Hotel Reviews
Belmont Hotel Manila
Pasay City
Hotel was conveniently located close to the airport. Staff were very helpful with our left luggage.
Authenticity & Character
Not much as it is designed to be a functional hotel close to the airport.
Location
close to airport.
Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel
Banaue
A lot of history to the hotel, Functional and clean.
Authenticity & Character
It's a former youth hostel from the 50s/60's - and still has that vibe in its decor and service
Location
Amazing location looking over the rice terraces and valley. great views
Staff
Very kind and helpful, allowed us to go to our room to rest after a long drive and before the day's tour started.
Cleanliness & Comfort
all was clean and comfortable!. Hotel could benefit from some air conditioning and modernised plumbing but that was also part of its charm!
The Funny Lion El Nido
El Nido
Hotel was wonderful - great facilities, staff, pool and restaurant. wonderful cocktails!
Authenticity & Character
lovely clean modern design with local materials.
Location
Close to the main street in El Nido but slightly apart from it which made the hotel peaceful and quiet after a hard day's sailing and touring. Still close to the beach.
Staff
Joel and all the hotel team were kind, welcoming and helpful throughout, nothing was too much trouble.
Cleanliness & Comfort
all was perfect!
Great hotel and resort with all the amenities and facilities needed for a relaxing stay - great restaurant, bar and spa and pools as well as access to beach.
Location
Next to the beach - direct access to beautiful beach from hotel. Stunning views of the sun setting over the beach!
Staff
everyone made great effort to make our stay wonderful. Loved the housekeeping staff and enjoyed the towel modelling (swans, elephants) each day.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean hotel, great bar and excellent service in all the public areas.
Activity Reviews
Anilao Snorkeling Day Tour
Manila
See review in introduction.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
See earlier review in introduction
Transport
The car was very comfortable with lots of space to stretch on long overnight journey and the drivers were the best - John and Ana - see earlier review for details.
Banaue, Hapao and Bangaan Rice Terraces
Banaue
See earlier review.
One suggestion - a part of this trip through he rice terraces involved walking a narrow path which was quite high and which for someone who is scared of heights, could be challenging. I would suggest that this is flagged to prospective visitors.
Quality of Experience
See earlier review in intro for Jodie's expertise and helpfulness.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
See earlier review
Transport
Very quick, fast and safe driving
Island Hopping in El Nido - Tour B
El Nido
See earlier review for details (in introduction)
Quality of Experience
see earlier section
Food
see earlier review of meals on boat - amazing.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
see introduction for full review
Transport
see earlier section for full review
Island hopping in El Nido - Tour A
El Nido
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Dolphin Spotting and Snorkeling in Balicasag Island
Philippines
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bohol Island Day Tour
Philippines
Guides, Drivers and Staff
