Thoughtful Exploration of Komodo and Yogyakar...

Indonesia | Apr 4 - Apr 12, 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 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