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Marc Urban

Passionate about travel, discovering new places, new experiences to try and getting to know people are the reasons why I became a travel specialist.
I really love to be able to share all my experience and prepare unforgettable trips for those who wants to discover the Wonders of Indonesia, its great heritage and culture.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I prepare customized trips to most of the Indonesian Islands, such as, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Sulawesi, Bali, Lombok, Gili and Flores.
With various activities, local encounters, off the beaten track experiences, adventure, wildlife, gastronomy, cultural and sea activities."

How did you get involved in travel?

"I always wanted to visit the world and discover all those unknown places, I started travelling through Europe and North America when I was 16 years old, I crossed and lived through 46 countries and have been living in Indonesia for almost 10 years now."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"So many to tell ! But the very first weeks I arrived to Indonesia are the ones I will never forget. I spent my time living and going fishing with the fishermans in a small village of the East coast of Bali, leaving at 4am to open sea before sunrise with those amazing people."

Marc is part of the following groups: Indonesia Travel Agents, Indonesia Luxury Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Marc

Marc, and our driver Jerry were AMAZING to wo...
Indonesia | Nov 8 - Nov 16, 2025

Mariah
Mariah M.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Nov 17, 2025
Marc, and our driver Jerry were AMAZING to work with!! Flexible with changes that needed to be made, cancelation of kayak trip due to weather (swap for massage instead), and can't thank you enough for helping Jessica get her ipods back. Extremely professional, helpful, accommodating and so much more. This is my second time using KimKim and I will highly recommend to friends! All accommodations/hotels were amazing. What great atmosphere, unique and beautiful. We did upgrade to the tree... Read more

Marc, and our driver Jerry were AMAZING to work with!! Flexible with changes that needed to be made, cancelation of kayak trip due to weather (swap for massage instead), and can't thank you enough for helping Jessica get her ipods back. Extremely professional, helpful, accommodating and so much more.

This is my second time using KimKim and I will highly recommend to friends!

All accommodations/hotels were amazing. What great atmosphere, unique and beautiful. We did upgrade to the tree house at the first location. While the initial room booked would have been fine, the resort offered 50% discount for the larger room so we opted for that. For 3 people, I think the larger room is a better fit and would definitely recommend to future guests as well. The extra cost was worth it for views and space.

Hotel Reviews
Munduk Heaven Luxury Villas

Beautiful hotel, extremely nice and accommodating staff. They offered us a 50% discount to upgrade to a larger tree house room with amazing views. The extra space was well worth the $40/pp per night cost. I would recommend the larger room to others if they look at this hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Taman Sari Bali Resort & Spa
Pemuteran

We absolutely loved the character of this hotel! Outdoor bath/shower and humidity was a little interesting, but also part of the experience. The butterfly room was incredible. Having 2 rooms for 3 people was nice for space, but also a little challenging for social time. We made it work and would recommend this location to others.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Sun of Granary Resort and Villas
Ubud,Bali

Loved the boutique feel of this resort! Food was very good as well.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Akana Boutique Hotel

Great location. Pool room was wonderful. Easy walking distance to the beach.. Wish we would have had one more day here.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Munduk & Tamblingan Lake Exploration
Munduk & Tamblingan Lake Exploration
Indonesia

Loved this! Guide was great and it was wonderful to get out and explore after long travel.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sekumpul Waterfalls Adventure
Sekumpul Waterfalls Adventure
Indonesia

This was one of the highlights of our trip. LOVED THIS excursion and would highly recommend as a "must see". LOVED THIS.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkeling around Menjangan Island
Snorkeling around Menjangan Island
Indonesia

Great guide, great trip. We very much enjoyed the snorkeling. Water, island and fish were incredible and our guide took amazing photos and pictures we were able to purchase.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jatiluwih Rice Paddy Fields by eBike
Jatiluwih Rice Paddy Fields by eBike
Indonesia

LOVED this one as well! ebike was a great way to see the rice paddy fields and do something a little different. Guide was great as well.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunrise Trek to Mount Batur Summit
Sunrise Trek to Mount Batur Summit
Indonesia

I wasn't initially thrilled with the 2 am wake up for this, but this ended up being one of my favorite activities. Guide was great, and it was very rewarding.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Nov 20, 2025
Hi Mariah, Amelia, and Jess, Thank you so much for your review! I’m really glad to hear that everything went smoothly and that you had a great experience. I was happy to assist with the adjustments along the way, and I’m especially pleased we were able to quickly recover Jessica’s AirPods (not an easy task!). Jerry also enjoyed spending time with you and sends his best. It’s wonderful to know that you enjoyed the accommodations. Thank you once again for choosing KimKim and Mimpi, and for... Read more

Hi Mariah, Amelia, and Jess,

Thank you so much for your review!

I’m really glad to hear that everything went smoothly and that you had a great experience. I was happy to assist with the adjustments along the way, and I’m especially pleased we were able to quickly recover Jessica’s AirPods (not an easy task!). Jerry also enjoyed spending time with you and sends his best.

It’s wonderful to know that you enjoyed the accommodations.

Thank you once again for choosing KimKim and Mimpi, and for recommending us. I truly appreciate your trust.

Best regards, and I look forward to seeing you all again soon!

Marc

As promised...top notch trip in every way
Indonesia | Oct 7 - Oct 18, 2025

Brian
Brian R.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Oct 29, 2025
As promised...top notch trip. Every detail was flawless.
The drivers were on time, accomodating and informative.
The guides on excursions (including rafting, hiking, snorkeling & biking) were outstanding
The resorts and food were fantastic.
A very luxurious vacation for an incredible value.
Read more

As promised...top notch trip. Every detail was flawless.
The drivers were on time, accomodating and informative.
The guides on excursions (including rafting, hiking, snorkeling & biking) were outstanding
The resorts and food were fantastic.
A very luxurious vacation for an incredible value.

Hotel Reviews
Samanvaya Luxury Resort & Spa Sidemen
Bali

The staff were unfailingly friendly and helpful. Loved the setting and how private and well appointed the cabins were. Even at capacity the resort never felt crowded. There were multiple choices of restaurants and pools to enjoy, and the food was delicious! There were plenty of activities, both at the resort and available in the surrounding area.

Authenticity & Character
Lush surroundings and great views of mountains and rice paddies. There was always the sound of splashing fountains -- so soothing!
Location
Beautiful views, and just a short walk to the town of Sidemen.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The beds were wonderful and we appreciated that they sprayed the room each night for mosquitos in addition to the netting. It felt very safe.
Qunci Villas Hotel
Senggigi

Our room was very comfortable with plenty of space, and the outdoor shower was a nice bonus. We particularly liked the covered front porch that looked out on the beach. The view towards the islands was beautiful. There were 3 restaurant options with different types of cuisine, so we tried them all. Food was delicious! We enjoyed dinner on the beach more than once. I particularly enjoyed the cooking class and our daughter and son-in-law enjoyed the surfing lesson right in front of the resort.

Kayumanis Jimbaran
Jimbaran

Beautiful resort with private accomodations which included an outdoor kitchen/familyroom area and a lovely little pool. It was a good place for us to gather. Our room was very comfortable and the outdoor bathroom was a treat, once we got used to the idea. Even though we were in the city (but close to the beach) there was no traffic noise until we left the grounds. I had arguably the best massage of my life in the spa!

Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms/beds were very comfortable! The cookies they provided in the sitting area were delicious!
Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Nov 05, 2025

Thank you, Brian! I’m thrilled to read your review and to know that everything went smoothly and that you enjoyed the guides, activities, and resorts throughout the trip. Your feedback means a lot to me!
I truly appreciate your trust in me, and I’ll be here whenever you’re ready for your next adventure.

Best regards,
Marc

Hey Marc thanks for a great trip. Everything ...
Indonesia | Oct 7 - Oct 18, 2025

M
Matt B.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Oct 25, 2025
Hey Marc thanks for a great trip. Everything was wonderful. From the transfers, lodging, excursions. Super smooth and seamless with no hiccups. Thanks for your help in planning a custom trip for us Read more

Hey Marc thanks for a great trip. Everything was wonderful. From the transfers, lodging, excursions. Super smooth and seamless with no hiccups. Thanks for your help in planning a custom trip for us

Activity Reviews
Cycling Tour: Gunung Sari to Lingsar
Cycling Tour: Gunung Sari to Lingsar
Indonesia

Great way to see Lombok and to have chance encounters with locals. Very scenic and easy ride

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Rafting on Telaga Waja River
Rafting on Telaga Waja River
Indonesia

Great trip with wonderful scenery Constant rapids kept it entertaining

Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Oct 27, 2025

Hi Matt,

I hope you’re doing well.

Thank you very much for your review! It was a real pleasure to help plan this amazing trip with all of you.

Best regards,
Marc

Fantastic Bali and Komodo adventure
Indonesia | Aug 20 - Sep 4, 2025

Andrea
Andrea B.
Italy | Reviewed on Sep 05, 2025
Marc and KimKim organized just a perfect 14 days tour of Bali and Komodo! We loved everything: the accomodations, the tours and all all the guides were just amazing. Read more

Marc and KimKim organized just a perfect 14 days tour of Bali and Komodo!

We loved everything: the accomodations, the tours and all all the guides were just amazing.

Hotel Reviews
Munduk Heaven Luxury Villas

Peaceful hotel in a stunning location, perfect for 3-4 relaxing days in the Munduk area.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Sun of Granary
Gianyar – Bali

Beautiful and cozy hotel in the middle of the rice fields, just outside Ubud

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sudamala Resort, Seraya, Flores
Labuan Bajo

Great location, with beautiful sunrise and sunset views, fantastic snorkeling and excellent food.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lumbini Luxury villas

The bedroom villas are amazing, and the hotel itself is very nice in terms of structure and facilities. Food and cleanliness to be improved

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Sekumpul Waterfalls Adventure
Sekumpul Waterfalls Adventure
Indonesia

Very nice excursion in the wild; the waterfalls are beautiful and "enjoyable"

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cultural Immersion and traditions at Rumah Desa
Cultural Immersion and traditions at Rumah Desa
Indonesia

We had low expectations, and we were pleasently surprised. The house that hosted us is fantastic, and we reallyfelt immersed for a few hours in the Balinese lifestyle, far from the chaos of the turistic locations

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunrise Trek to Mount Batur Summit
Sunrise Trek to Mount Batur Summit
Indonesia

The view from the top in amazing, and definetely worth the effort!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Liveaboard Cruise: Discover Flores & Komodo
Liveaboard Cruise: Discover Flores & Komodo
Komodo Island

Fantastic day with many highlights: the views of Palau Padar, the Komodo dragons, the pink beach and the amazin Gili Lawa.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Sep 09, 2025

Thank you, Andrea & Carlotta!

I’m really happy to hear that you enjoyed the accommodations, the tours, and especially the time with our guides. They always love sharing their knowledge and culture, and it means a lot to know it made your trip special. It was a real pleasure helping you discover Bali and Komodo, and I hope you’ll keep great memories of this experience for a long time.

All the best,
Marc

Fabulous time in Indonesia, expertly organised.
Indonesia | Jul 22 - Aug 8, 2025

Jago
Jago r.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025
We have just had a fabulous time in Indonesia. The whole process before and during the holiday was expertly run by Marc who understood what we were wanting and adjusted the itinerary to accommodate our preferences. The trip planning was very smooth and he provided all the information we could possibly need, including guide contact details, WhatsApp contacts throughout the trip and helpful photos of pick up points etc.
We had several domestic flights booked and on each change over, the...
Read more

We have just had a fabulous time in Indonesia. The whole process before and during the holiday was expertly run by Marc who understood what we were wanting and adjusted the itinerary to accommodate our preferences. The trip planning was very smooth and he provided all the information we could possibly need, including guide contact details, WhatsApp contacts throughout the trip and helpful photos of pick up points etc.
We had several domestic flights booked and on each change over, the drivers and guides were there as expected and the transfers were seamless. The transfer cars were excellent and the hotels he had arranged were absolutely as expected from his information and were really good. Throughout the trip, the English speaking drivers/guides helped keep us informed on pick up times, plans and optional excursions and opportunities.
When there were travel changes - the airlines adjusted some timings while we were there - Marc kept us informed by WhatsApp so we knew exactly what was happening. The fast boat from Lombok to Bali was threatened with being cancelled due to weather and Marc kept on top of the situation, keeping us up to date, and had alternatives planned in case it did not go. Thankfully it did and there were no issues. It was great to have his local knowledge and experience on tap like that.

Hotel Reviews
FM7 Resort Hotel Jakarta
Tangerang, Banten

Very comfortable clean airport hotel with excellent pool. Confusing restaurant options with no clear hotel floorplan offered, but we worked it out!

Authenticity & Character
no need - just a practical airport hotel
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta - MGallery Collection
Yogyakarta

This is a lovely hotel, with excellent facilities right in the heart of Yogykarta. The old building is very attractive, the rooms extremely comfortable and quiet, the pool area a lovely place to relax.

Authenticity & Character
beautiful old building
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Katamaran Resort

Very modern, upmarket hotel in a fabulous setting, making full use of the location with an excellent pool and outdoors area.

Authenticity & Character
the outdoor area and views from the rooms over the beach and sunsets over the volcanoes of Bali
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Puri Wirata Dive Resort and Spa
Amed, Karangasem, Bali

Great hotel and location with comfortable rooms, we had a roof terrace to enjoy the stunning views. Diving centre on site was excellent and the snorkelling directly off the beach was excellent, slightly difficult to access but once in, amazing coral, turtles etc.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The dive centre we used is right on site. PADI 5 star
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Akana Boutique Hotel

We had one night here - lovely hotel right in the heart of Sanur.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
they made us breakfast boxes to take as we left for the airport before the breakfast started
Cleanliness & Comfort
Liveaboard in Komodo

The boat was great for the family as it had a lovely sun deck but more importantly, a great shaded relaxation area. The food was superb throughout and we were treated extremely well by the staff on board, always with a broad smile and nothing was too much trouble.

Authenticity & Character
The local crew on board were typical of the Indonesians we met through our trip - friendly and helpful and always smiling and cheerful.
Location
the trip itinerary through the islands took in all we could have wanted.
Staff
as above - friendly and helpful and always smiling and cheerful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Liveaboard Cruise: Discover Flores & Komodo
Liveaboard Cruise: Discover Flores & Komodo
Komodo Island

We had 3 days on board the boat and the whole Flores and Komodo area is breathtaking. It is very different from any region we have visited before and a stunning area to visit. Under water is equally amazing with stunning living corals. The Komodo dragons were at the end of the mating season so largely hidden away but we did see a big male who clearly was well fed and docile and a smaller female. The was a small young dragon on the beach and it was walking around which was nice. A short hike up to see the sunset was picturesque but clearly on the itinerary of everyone so crowded.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Merapi 4x4
Yogyakarta

Despite clouds covering the volcano, the day was great fun. The jeeps were open top and added to the experience and the drivers and guides we had were keen to keep us entertained. The boys particularly enjoyed driving round an off road course through a rocky river bed.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Prambanan: Indonesia’s Largest Shivaite Temple Complex
Prambanan: Indonesia’s Largest Shivaite Temple Complex
Yogyakarta

The temples are being restored currently and our local guide told us how this process was proceeding as well as taking us into the ones which were accessible. The whole setting is peaceful and picturesque.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jomblang cave
Indonesia

As we drove up a very rough track in the middle of no where we were uncertain of what to expect. The welcome and briefing was very professional an then we were taken to the rope system that they lower you in on, two at a time. This was nerve wracking but exciting and added a lot to the visit with the 60m descent. The caves themselves are fascinating and the light shaft in the main cave dramatic. Be aware it is muddy++, they give you boots.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Borobudur: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Borobudur: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Yogyakarta

We chose not to go onto the temple, on advice about the conservation of it, but it is still very dramatic and impressive. The whole area around it is very peaceful and well kept

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Family trek Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfalls
Family trek Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfalls
Indonesia

We had a lovely drive getting there and then a straightforward walk along the river to the waterfalls that are very impressive, with opportunity to swim and shower under them, only the edges mind you as very powerful! There were lots of people there as it was a weekend and the locals were enjoying it too. This meant our boys were asked for lots of photos which they find amusing! The local village visit also really shows a different pace and lifestyle, completely removed from the modern pace. Lunch was overlooking the waterfalls in an idyllic setting.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunset Cruise & Beach Barbecue in Amed
Sunset Cruise & Beach Barbecue in Amed
Amed, Bali

We went out in a local trimaran boat and got a lovely view of the coast and sunset over the volcano. We had drinks on board and a peaceful fun trip up and down the coast and then drifted while the sun set. Back at the beach, a table had been set and a BBQ of fresh fish and seafood with veggies and rice was prepared for us, ending a lovely evening.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Liveaboard Cruise: Komodo dragons, beaches, snorkelling and manta rays
Liveaboard Cruise: Komodo dragons, beaches, snorkelling and manta rays
Komodo Island

We managed to see a manta ray - apparently rare at the time of year we visited, so we were thrilled with that. The snorkelling itself was breathtaking with great coral, turtles everywhere and we saw a black tip reef shark.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Liveaboard Cruise: Makassar reef, snorkeling in Gili Lawa
Liveaboard Cruise: Makassar reef, snorkeling in Gili Lawa
Indonesia

More amazing snorkelling and cruising around beautiful islands so a lovely relaxing experience The fruit bats leaving their island at sunset was amazing, the numbers of them made for a dramatic, once in a lifetime view.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Liveaboard Cruise - Departure Day
Liveaboard Cruise - Departure Day
Indonesia

a morning snorkel was followed by a short trip back to port. As the flight had been moved later, Marc arranged with our guide to do a trip to the local cave and this was an added bonus as it is a dramatic scene deep in the cliffs amongst lovely forest with very few people there.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Opin, our guide throughout the whole trip in Komodo and on the boat was such a nice man and so interesting and interested to know about us. He also learnt to play Uno with us one evening. He made the trip really special
Transport
Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Aug 22, 2025
Thank you, Jago and Family! It was an absolute pleasure helping you plan and follow your trip through Indonesia. I’m happy to hear that everything went smoothly and that you felt supported throughout the journey. That’s exactly what I aim for. I’m glad you enjoyed the itinerary, the hotels, and the seamless transfers, and that my local tips and updates came in handy along the way. Indonesia has so much to offer, so I hope this trip has left you with plenty of wonderful memories, and maybe... Read more

Thank you, Jago and Family!

It was an absolute pleasure helping you plan and follow your trip through Indonesia. I’m happy to hear that everything went smoothly and that you felt supported throughout the journey. That’s exactly what I aim for.

I’m glad you enjoyed the itinerary, the hotels, and the seamless transfers, and that my local tips and updates came in handy along the way. Indonesia has so much to offer, so I hope this trip has left you with plenty of wonderful memories, and maybe even inspiration for a future adventure!

Wishing you all the best and hoping to welcome you back here someday for more exploring.

Best regards,
Marc

Marc was quick to respond. However, he was us...
Indonesia | Jul 22 - Aug 2, 2025

ashley
ashley c.
Lebanon, NH | Reviewed on Aug 03, 2025
Marc was quick to respond. However, he was usually defensive instead of validating. We loved our activities, but usually that was due to the guides. They would organize the day to best fit the schedule, instead of following the KimKim itinerary. The write up of the itinerary that I printed and brought was awful. There were too many fluffy desrciptive words instead of the facts. Marc also wrote up the whole planned itinerary, and then the second half of the day was an entire separate... Read more

Marc was quick to respond. However, he was usually defensive instead of validating. We loved our activities, but usually that was due to the guides. They would organize the day to best fit the schedule, instead of following the KimKim itinerary. The write up of the itinerary that I printed and brought was awful. There were too many fluffy desrciptive words instead of the facts. Marc also wrote up the whole planned itinerary, and then the second half of the day was an entire separate itinerary. Poorly written. There was a day our guide just canceled the waterfall as he said there was zero chance there was enough time. We got the airport 4 hours before our flight. Poor planning. I also told Marc numerous times that we wanted animals, like on Sumatra- tigers, elephants and orangutans. Marc said no. Perhaps this is Marc's own feelings but it is not KimKims, as I have done animal adventures in past with KimKim. Thank goodness the guides were so great, as they would change Marc's itinerary to make it work better, with distances and timing. Really, his itinerary write up was terrible. It should just be facts- 1. What time pick up. 2. what to wear. 3. what to bring. 4. length of activities and drive times. 5. what time home.

Hotel Reviews
Lumbini Luxury villas

Marc chose the worst hotel in all of Bali for us to stay at. Why in the world would he choose a hotel that is not even on the beach. There are tons of great hotels on the water, and this one was not one of them.

Tejaprana Resort & Spa
Bali

The massage therapists were terrible. There was a damp, musty smell in hotel room.

Katamaran Resort
Plataran Bromo
Wonokitri
The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta - MGallery Collection
YOGYAKARTA
Activity Reviews
Kecak Dance Performance
Kecak Dance Performance
Indonesia

Our guide had us arrive exactly 1 hour before the dance. The seats are terribly uncomfortable and we were sitting in the beating sun. No need to arrive until 5:55. We loved the tour of Uluwatu Temple. Thank god our guide was so great and kept us safe from the monkeys. Padang-Padang Beach was fine, the surf lesson was fun, but it was ridiculous with all the people. I have to assume, if we had stayed at the hotel on one of the pretty beaches, then we would not have been around 100s of people.

Rafting on the Ayung River – Adventure in Bali's Tropical Heart
Rafting on the Ayung River – Adventure in Bali's Tropical Heart
Indonesia

This was fun!

Munduk & Tamblingan Lake Exploration
Munduk & Tamblingan Lake Exploration
Indonesia

We also went to the rice terraces. This was a great day. Again, Marc did a terrible job letting us know what to bring, wear, leave, the duration of the day etc.

Cycling Adventure  from Kintamani to Ubud
Cycling Adventure from Kintamani to Ubud
Indonesia

This was so fun! Mount Batur was totally fogged in, so we had no view, but the biking was great fun. This day we also did the cleansing ritual. we loved it. this is definitely something that should always be included in the Ubud itinerary.

Waterfall Exploration and Traditional Sasak Village Visit
Waterfall Exploration and Traditional Sasak Village Visit
Indonesia

We loved the walk to the waterfalls. we even did the weird tube ride back down. I didn't really enjoy the Sasak Village tour. We felt like we were at a zoo.

Boat trip and snorkeling around the Gilis island (Meno, Air)
Boat trip and snorkeling around the Gilis island (Meno, Air)
Indonesia

We loved this day. we loved our guide and driver. the 2 boys running the little boat were awesome. again, they took us on the tour that made the most sense, but was totally different then Marc's write up.

Sunrise from the Mount Bromo Caldera
Sunrise from the Mount Bromo Caldera
Indonesia

We loved this! our guide and driver were great. we loved the 1978 Land Cruisers. Again- the itinerary write up was all wrong. Marc told us to be ready at 5. Our guide laughed and said- not possible, I will pick you up at 2:30. We loved this day, because of our guide and drive. Marc really needs to work on how he writes up the itineraries.

Prambanan: Indonesia’s Largest Shivaite Temple Complex
Prambanan: Indonesia’s Largest Shivaite Temple Complex
Yogyakarta

This was great and so was Sewu Temple, which, thank god our guide was so great to take us here too, as it was not on itinerary.

Borobudur: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Borobudur: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Yogyakarta

Huge mistake by Marc, he booked us a ticket for just the outside. No one in the whole world would go to Borobudur and not hike the stairs to the top. In future it should always be booked to hike. It turned in to a pain for our guide, as I had to then by our tickets to the top- which are actually combo tickets, then our guide had to go find us money to give the refund back. Makes zero sense what Marc did.

Yogyakarta Street Food Tour
Yogyakarta Street Food Tour
Yogyakarta
Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Aug 11, 2025
Hi Ashley, Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed review. I genuinely appreciate your feedback and the opportunity to address your concerns. While I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed many of the activities and had positive experiences with the guides, I’m truly sorry to hear that certain parts of the trip didn’t meet your expectations. Let me go through your points one by one to offer some context and clarification. Itinerary and Communication
I understand that the itinerary...
Read more

Hi Ashley,

Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed review. I genuinely appreciate your feedback and the opportunity to address your concerns. While I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed many of the activities and had positive experiences with the guides, I’m truly sorry to hear that certain parts of the trip didn’t meet your expectations.

Let me go through your points one by one to offer some context and clarification.

Itinerary and Communication
I understand that the itinerary format was not what you were hoping for. We aim to make our itineraries both informative and inspiring, but I now see that you would have preferred a more structured and factual layout. Your suggestions on providing clearer points, such as what to wear, bring, and estimated drive times, are helpful, and I will incorporate this into future trips for travelers who prefer that style.

That said, I did send a detailed travel guide before your trip, which includes packing advice, daily tips, and other logistical notes. I understand that I could have emphasized its importance more clearly.

Sumatra and Wildlife
You clearly expressed your interest in seeing animals like tigers, elephants, and orangutans. My decision not to include Sumatra was not based on personal opinion, but on logistics. With three major islands already included in your 12-day itinerary, adding Sumatra would have required significant additional travel time, including at least two more flights and long transfers. This would have impacted your time on the ground, something I understood you wanted to avoid.

As for wildlife, while orangutan sightings can be arranged, spotting tigers in Sumatra is extremely rare, even after weeks in the jungle. I felt it was important to give you realistic expectations rather than overpromise on something that is never guaranteed.

Daily Planning and Flexibility
I understand that you were looking for precise pick-up times, activity durations, and return times. I shared a daily schedule including pick-up times, but due to the nature of travel in Indonesia—unpredictable traffic, ceremonies, and weather—we give guides the flexibility to adjust the plan when necessary. This flexibility is part of the experience and ensures things run smoothly on the ground.

Our guides and drivers are selected with care, and I work closely with them. Many of the adjustments they made were not against the plan, but in alignment with our shared goal of delivering the best possible experience. I’m glad you appreciated their support.

Waterfall Day in Java
The waterfall visit was included based on your request to keep days full and active. Unfortunately, due to time limitations that day, the guide decided to skip it. I agree this could have been communicated more clearly in advance, and I’m sorry it led to disappointment.

Lumbini Villas in Jimbaran
Staying multiple nights at Lumbini Villas was not part of my original plan. I adjusted the itinerary based on your request to stay longer after expressing how much you liked it. I regret that the final experience did not meet your expectations.

Jimbaran Beach Hammocks
I’m sorry I couldn’t arrange beach hammocks on short notice. These are provided by local vendors, usually on a walk-in basis. Some restaurants offer them complimentary if you order food or drinks, but they’re not something we can pre-book, especially with requests made the evening before.

Borobudur Temple Access
Your itinerary clearly stated that standard entry does not include access to the upper levels, and that a separate, limited ticket is required to climb the temple. These tickets must be booked well in advance online, and often sell out quickly during high season. I’m sorry this wasn’t clearer at the time or that it caused stress during the visit.

Sasak Village and Waterfalls
Not all travelers enjoy the cultural visit to the Sasak Village, and I understand your point of view. That said, I’m glad you enjoyed the walk to the waterfalls and even tried the tubing experience.

Mount Bromo Sunrise
The planned pick-up time was 3:00 am and was shared in advance. If your guide proposed a 2:30 am start, it was likely due to increased traffic during high season. Arriving earlier ensures better access and viewing conditions. I’m happy the experience itself lived up to expectations.

Snorkeling around the Gilis
I’m glad this day was a highlight. We schedule this experience regularly, and guides often adapt the route depending on currents and conditions to ensure the best experience.

Rafting and Cycling
I’m happy to hear that these experiences were enjoyable.. As for the cycling tour, the view of Mount Batur is never guaranteed due to fog, but I’m glad the activity itself was fun.

Prambanan and Sewu Temples
The visit to Sewu Temple was not added spontaneously by the guide; it was included by me as part of the plan. I sometimes choose to include these “surprise” elements, as they add depth to the experience and are fully covered by our agency.

Munduk and Tamblingan
Due to traffic and changes in pace, it is difficult to provide exact return times for longer excursions. While I did provide a general guideline, I understand that having more precise information on what to bring and wear would have helped.

Kecak Dance and Uluwatu Visit
Seats at the Kecak performance are first-come, first-served, and arriving early is usually essential to get a good view, especially during high season. The dance is also timed to coincide with the sunset, which is a highlight of the experience. As for beach crowds, most beaches in southern Bali are busy during peak season. Staying at a hotel on a quieter beach would require being in a less central area.

While I wish the trip had met your expectations in every way, I also recognize where I could have communicated better. I’ll continue to refine how I share information and structure itineraries, especially for travelers who prefer clarity over flexibility.

I hope that the moments you enjoyed, thanks to the guides, the scenery, and the activities, will stay with you.

Thank you again for traveling with us, and I wish you the very best in your future journeys.

Best regards,
Marc

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

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

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