Marc was quick to respond. However, he was us...

Indonesia | Jul 22 - Aug 2, 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 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