Kimkim Trip Reviews

We had such a wonderful experience working with Alisha on our Iceland trip! Everything was so thoughtfully planned, and we especially appreciated the clear driving directions that made exploring on our own easy and stress-free. The premium puffin tour was absolutely incredible, and the kayak on the glacier lagoon was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We also loved the hiking spots she recommended—especially Mulagljúfur Canyon, with its breathtaking views of waterfalls. The hotels she selected were top-notch and perfectly located, which made each stop along the way even more enjoyable. Alisha made the whole process smooth and enjoyable, and we’re so grateful for her expertise in creating such a memorable adventure!

- How did you feel while planning the trip with me? Did you feel well-assisted?
You were very helpful and made me feel well assisted.
Were my answers punctual and clear? yes
Did I succeed in making you feel I was the right person to plan your trip?
yes, you were very helpful and kind
- How would you rate the quality of the services we provided (drivers, guides, concierge, etc.)?
excellent drivers and I loved the transport with the suv's-clean
- What was the best moment of your trip?
Seeing the pope after our tour on our last day prior to leaving Rome and Capri boat ride

Michael planned a great trip for us. It was pretty complicated, with intra-country flights, and a lot of driving. All the guides were prompt, kind, and informative (and English-speaking, which we needed). In Bogota, Michael arranged a dinner with a private chef, with a host who was very friendly and so knowledgeable about native foods and sustainability. In Pereira, we had an amazing trip/hike to the Cocura Valley and the Santa Rosa hot springs. Our guide in Guatape was flexible when we asked to re-arrange the tour a bit, and then actually climbed all 750 steps with us so she could take our picture and make sure we were all comfortable. And in Tayrona, our guide took us to some amazing local restaurants and guided us on a great hike. He also got up early and arranged our park entrance in advance so we could save time and not wait in line. And finally, in Cartagena, our guide took us to some great street food places (including a top-notch ceviche stand). We also learned about George Washington's older half-brother's role in Cartagena -- which was fascinating. Overall, we highly recommend working with Chaska.

Activity Reviews

Walking Tour & Street Food

Cartagena

Our guide was very knowledgeable on history, and took us to some great local stands.

Nueva Venecia and the stilt villages of the Ciénaga Grande (On the Way to Cartagena)

Colombia

What's great about this trip is the history and current situation in this area. It's a great cultural experience, especially with the guide we had, who was thoughtful and informative.

Hike Tayrona National Park

Colombia

The guide took time to get our wristbands for entry in advance, which gave us more time to hike. He took us on a good trail, and spotted some wildlife that we would have missed.

Tubing on Don Diego River

Colombia

We loved our lunch before the tubing. Our guide was excellent, and the local tubing person helped keep us on track.

Guatapé Day-Trip

Colombia

Filandia, Salento and Valle del Cocora

Colombia

Valle Del Cocora was outsanding - probably only needed to see one town since we weren't into shopping, but if you like shopping, doing both would be good.

Santa Rosa Hot Springs

Colombia

It was nice that the guide watched our bags while we soaked and hiked.

Tejo Game in Bogotá

Bogotá

We asked for this and weren't disappointed. If you like to play cornhole, this is the sport for you!

Bogota's Essentials (City Tour & Monserrate)

Bogotá

The guide was great and knowledgeable

Traditional Dinner - Top Chef Private Dining

Bogotá

Level of knowledge of the host and quality of the food.

We travelled to South Africa, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and Botswana for 19 days, and Anna-Marie and her team did an excellent job in planning our itinerary.

Anna-Marie was our lead planner along with her colleague, Janneke, and others.

We provided Anna-Marie with our wishlist, our requirements for accommodation, and how we like to travel in a day, and she made sure each day was planned accordingly. We were celebrating our 20th anniversary of marriage anniversary and she had made sure to convey that throughout, so we were surprised by the celebrations at all our accommodations. All our accommodations, our rides, were exceptionally well thought keeping our family's requirements in mind.

We met Anna-Marie and her family while in Cape Town for dinner, and it was great to connect with her personally. My daughter and her daughter are now friends. She was very helpful and patiently answered all the questions I had before the trip. And during the trip, she checked in with us every day to make sure everything was as planned and also gave a heads-up for the next day. Constant communication with her on the trip was very comforting. We also got the opportunity to meet Janneke for lunch one day, who was a pleasure to meet with.

We had a great trip, and a well-planned itinerary plays a big role in making it a success. We planned to go back to South Africa and will definitely reach out to Anna-Marie for that. She is great with communication and understands your requirements very well, and is always ready to work around that. Got back with us amazing experiences and a lifetime of memories, and thanks to Anna-Marie for this. Couldn't have done it any other way.

Hotel Reviews

The Winchester Hotel

Western Cape

Great location, very comfortable stay

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Chobe Game Lodge

Serondela

What a great place, very comfortable, great location

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

58 On Hume

Randburg

They gave us an upgrade to their most amazing rooms, and they had the smallest details to make it super comfortable. Food and staff were amazing. Beautiful place.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Schoone Oordt Country House

Swellendam

It is such a cozy place to be run by a family. Small details during the stay were very comforting. Highly recommend.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Knysna Hollow Country Estate

Rooms were sooo big and very comfortable.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge

Hoedspruit

Such a cozy place, the staff is exceptional and took care of our smallest requirements. My 10-year-old did not want to leave the place.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Classic Air Balloon Flight

Johannesburg

It was our first time doing an air balloon ride, the pilot was a very young lady, but very confident and knew what she was doing. We got to see Rino, and the whole experience was very smooth and comfortable.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Athens was not overcrowded in August so we really enjoyed the historical sights and wandering around the streets.
Nafplio was charming and a beautiful surprise to us, I would highly recommend a visit there.
Our sailing day was amazing and our skipper Nadine was wonderful.
The transfer driver from Athens to Nafplio and back to Athens was grumpy and rude but all other drivers and guides were great.
Our cooking experience with Savor was fabulous, we made some great food and enjoyed eating it too, the wine pairing was enjoyed too.

Hotel Reviews

Glyfada Riviera Hotel

Glyfada

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Epoch House & The Orange Shop

Nafplio Greece

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Modernist Athens

Athens

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Private Cooking Class in Nafplio

Nafplio

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Sailing Adventure in Argolis Gulf with Snorkeling & Paddleboarding

Nafplio

The boat was great and the skipper Nadine was charming, very experienced and friendly

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Sounio & Temple of Poseidon Day Trip

Athens

excellent driver and guide made this a memorable day

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We had an amazing family trip to Japan. Leny and her team were wonderful to work with from beginning to end. We asked for her to cut the original cost in half, which she managed to do and still secure us a very nice itinerary and accommodations.

All of our planned activities as well as our self guided day suggestions were a great fit for our family. It was the best vacation we have ever had with our two teenagers, who are not always an easy age to travel with or keep engaged.

The night at the ryokan in Hokone was an unforgettable traditional Japanese experience. We also loved Hotel Brighton in Kyoto as we were able to rent bicycles from the hotel and enjoy Kyoto on bike.
We especially loved all of the animals we got to encounter while in Japan. The deer in Nara, the Monkeys at Arashiyama (Kyoto) and the Otters/owls/kapibara/meerkat at the “Cute otter cafe” in Tokyo. We also really enjoyed our ramen making class in Osaka as a family and our visit to TeamLabs in Tokyo.
A couple of items that weren’t on the itinerary that we loved was going to a Giants game in Tokyo, the Kyoto Railroad Museum, and visiting the Aquarium in Osaka.
Truly a trip of a lifetime. We will certainly be using KimKim and Leny’s services for traveling again in the future. It was our first time using a service like this and I can’t even begin to thank Leny and her team enough. They made our 2 weeks in Japan together go so smoothly. They were regularly checking in and reminding us of any updates and itinerary items. All of our documents were arranged and ready for us ahead of time and all worked as expected. This experience has changed how I will travel from now on.

Hotel Reviews

Kyoto Brighton Hotel

Kyoto

The Kyoto Brighton Hotel was really nice. It was a very nice hotel and added to our great experience during our stay.

Gora Kansuiro

Hakone

The onsen in Hakone was absolutely amazing. It was a whole different experience compared to a regular hotel. Our teenage boys even agreed that it was the coolest and best part of the whole trip. It was truly great.

Activity Reviews

Self- Guided visit in Nara

Japan

Our self-guided visit in Nara was one of the highlights of the whole trip. Nara's peaceful vibe, the deer, and the giant Buddha made it an amazing experience.

Afternoon Bamboo Forest & Monkey Bike Tour

Kyoto

The Afternoon Bamboo Forest & Monkey Bike Tour in Kyoto, also known as Monkey Mountain, was awesome. It was a highlight of our trip with its fascinating encounters and rich cultural insights.

Discover Tokyo with a Local (Private)

Tokyo

The Discover Tokyo with a Local activity was enjoyable, and the guide was great, but it didn't quite fit us as it included a lot of shopping and anime districts that weren't of our interest. We would have preferred a more tailored experience with a focus on temples and shrines.

Well, I have to say your team at KimKim is by far the absolute best!!!!You were there for us 24/7 . I only needed you a couple of times, but you were only a call away and never left me waiting. Thank you from all of us for that. Our seats at the tattoo were awesome, as were the dinner show tickets at the Merry Ploughboy. Our tour guide, Robert , on the walking tour of Edinburgh Was informative and entertaining. Our stay at The Fraser House in Inverness was by far the favorite of everyone in my group. The rooms all faced the river, so we all had a view, at the cost of our hostess, Leah giving up her own room. She was absolutely amazing, and went far above her duties by even giving some of us a ride to the train station in lieu of ordering another taxi. She prepared a delicious breakfast each morning, even on a day we had to leave super early. So very friendly and accommodating. we would recommend her Fraser House 200%.

On the downside, the Jacobite train ride was not worth the trip. It took too long to get there for a 2 hour ride in a train that was way too hot( unseasonably arm weather) no air conditioning and no open windows. The attendants went up and down the isles wit a hand held fan with water spray. But we still had fun. We also did not get to do the afternoon tea at Edinburgh castle. They claim they sent an email, however, I did not receive it. It wouldn't have mattered, we were still in flight, and trying to get to the hotel. They said last seating was 12noon due to the tattoo, we were there about 12:05, but they wouldn't seat us. They said she would check to see if anyone read the email, and if not they, would issue a refund. I would appreciate if you would follow up on that, please.

Hotel Reviews

Castle Hotel

Dublin

Staff was very helpful, but the elevator was out of service when we checked in, but the staff carried our luggage up for us. Rooms were good, plenty of room, but the tub was very high to get into and out of (no separate shower) Maybe take age into consideration when assigning rooms. The elevator was working when we left. Breakfast was great, and they offered a buffet other than full Irish breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Clontarf Castle Hotel

Dublin 3

We were impressed with this hotel. Was not what we expected as a haunted hotel, but, it had air conditioning, still gave a castle feel, and the food was delicious. Other than it's location to city center, we loved this hotel, and would have stayed the entire time.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Fraser House Inverness

Inverness

AMAZING!!!!!!!! Location was perfect. Leah, the owner was extraordinary. She accommodated our schedule, even though it was earlier than her normal hours, she helped us with reservations, recommended laces to eat and see, and even used her own vehicle to get some of us to the train station. If there is a higher than 5 * rating she deserves it....

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Royal Scots Club

Edinburgh

Authenticity & Character

Gave us a feel of history.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Cliff of Moher tour from Dublin

Dublin

Amazing views. Quite windy.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Blarney Castle, Rock of Cashel & Cork Tour from Dublin

Dublin

I've been to Blarney before, but the Rock of Cashel and Cork were new to me and I absolutely loved it. Lunch in Cork was coordinated perfectly which gave us ample time to return to the bus.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Gerry with a G was a fun driver, intent on getting everyone to the bus on time.

Transport

Guinness & Jameson Irish Experience Tour

Dublin

Tour and tasting was great.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Night out at the Merry Ploughboy + Transport, show and a meal

Dublin

Show was awesome, and everyone in the group loved it. Food was good and a great ending to a great trip.Great transportation, even dropped us off at our hotel, saving us a walk.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dublin: Afternoon Tea Vintage Bus Trip

Dublin

So much fun, we all enjoyed the food and ride. Reese, Adam, Nicole and Pat were at our beck and call.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dublin Private Walking Tour

Dublin

Ian our guide was informative and friendly

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Day out on the Jacobite Train (of Harry Potter fame)

Scotland

Too long a drive to get to for a 2 hour train ride with no air conditioning and no open windows. Mallaig would have been fun if we had more time there.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Tourkl was fun and gave us a good ride.

Transport

The Isle of Skye & Eilean Donan Castle

Inverness

The Isle of Skye was beautiful, and we got to see the fairy pool, also stopped at Talisker distillery, where we had a drink and purchased some whiskey..we stopped at Dunvegan castle instead of Eileen Donan although I don't remember why. and I think another stop was changed, one of my passengers mentioned disappointment.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour

Edinburgh

Loved the Kelpies and Sterling Castle, and Loch Lomond. Full day, lots to see.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Walking Tour of Edinburgh with a Top Local Guide

Edinburgh

Robert was great, dressed in authentic kilt, made him super easy to find at the meeting point. Very informative and entertaining. Loved him.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The trip was very well planned with all the important Iceland highlights captured. The hotels chosen for us were wonderful and well located. Our local specialist, Gummi, was so responsive at all hours and was always available when we needed him. When our whale watching trip was canceled due to weather, he replanned the day and scheduled another whale watching trip for us on another day. I would highly recommend Gummi for assistance with your Iceland adventures! And I would use Kim Kim again for locations where I wanted to explore thoroughly. Well done!

There are no words to describe the perfection of how well this trip was planned by the Kim Kim team! Summer and Coriama were beyond helpful every step of the way! Every detail was thoughtfully curated for our family and could not be more thankful for the work you all put in!
Our tour and guides were amazing! Christina in Seville, Caesar and Marga in Mallorca- wonderful, knowledgeable, special people!!! They were all very kind and had fun with our family!
All the accommodations were excellent. The staff at the Madrid Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá hotel were especially impressive. Thank you so much. We look forward to our next adventure through Kim Kim!

Hotel Reviews

Melia Palma Bay

Palma de Mallorca

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Casa Romana Hotel Boutique

Sevilla

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá

Madrid

Fabulous hotel! Lovely accommodations! Extraordinary staff!! Thank you all so much!

Authenticity & Character

The staff are lovely and kind. I didn’t want to leave! From the check in process, concierge assistance, restaurant staff, the food, the room service, and turn down service details- all amazing! And extra shout out to the staff that helped my daughter with translation assistance to the train station due to a lost item. I could not be more thankful. Thank you all so much!

Location

Perfect location in Madrid- walkable to various restaurants and shops. Beautiful rooftop view!

Staff

Wonderful!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Wonderful!

Activity Reviews

Self-Guided Tapas Walk in Malasaña

Madrid

Quality of Experience

Private Valldemossa & Sóller Excursion

Spain

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Self-Guided Beach Day in Mallorca

Mallorca

Quality of Experience

Family-Friendly Palma de Mallorca City Walk

Mallorca

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Flamenco, City & Tapas Experience

Seville

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Self-Guided Alcazar and Cathedral of Seville

Seville

Quality of Experience

Self-Guided Local Market Trip

Seville

Quality of Experience

Private History & Culture Walk

Seville

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Self-Guided Walk around the Historic Center

Madrid

Quality of Experience

We loved the trip from start to finish. Matias was very helpful during the planning process. Available to answer questions and steer us towards activities we sought. Jorge, our guide on site, was wonderful. Smart, kind, patient. The landscapes were out of this world. We loved all.

We LOVED our experience with KimKim!
Paul made the planning process very easy and catered to all of our very specific requests. Our tour guide Robert was so personable and very knowledgable, which made our tours educational and fun. We felt like it was a perfect mix of adventure, culture, sight-seeing, and experiencing new things. There were also some surprises included that made our trip even more special. We would definitely recommend traveling through kimkim!

Hotel Reviews

Napo Cultural Center

Quito

We loved staying here! It was such an incredible experience to be able to stay with members of the Kichwa community. We felt very well taken care of during our stay.

Holiday Inn Express Quito

Quito

This hotel was perfect for us! It was clean, safe, and comfortable.

Activity Reviews

Day trip to Mindo

Quito

Feeding the hummingbirds and holding the butterflies was beautiful!

Wayusada - Transfer to Coca - Flight to Quito

Ecuador

Indigenous community - Canoe ride - Night walk

Yasuni National Park

The canoe ride was incredible!! We saw so much wildlife and had so much fun.

Parrot clay lick - Indigenous community - Observation Tower

Yasuni National Park

Arrival to Coca, transfer to rainforest lodge, rainforest hike

Ecuador

Hot Springs of Papallacta

Ecuador

Very relaxing, we really liked spending time here.

Visit the "Middle of the World"

Ecuador

I loved how interactive this was. We learned a lot!

Quito City Tour

Ecuador

So fun to learn about the history of Quito and to get to experience the food and culture!

Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Crater Lake

Quito

Amazing!

The trip was wonderful. Full marks to Liz, Desert & Delta and all the guides. Very well planned, executed, luxury service that at world standards.

Hotel Reviews

Chobe Game Lodge

Serondela

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Camp Moremi

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Camp Okavango

Okavango Delta

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Savuti Safari Lodge

The best game lodge of out trip

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Victoria Falls River Lodge

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Okavango Game Drive (Private)

Okavango Delta

We were self-guided TMB. We are grateful with private rooms along the trip. The booklet is helpful. The off line navigation works most of time. Overall we really, really enjoyed the trip. we definitely will do more trips in the future with Kimkim.

Activity Review

Walking day : Champex - Bovine/Fenêtre d’Arpette - Trient

Champex

The hut we stayed, Redais d’Arpelle, located about 1.4 miles outside Champex-Lac town. It added additional uphill hike. It is too far away.

Quality of Experience

we are very fortunately to have best weather we could ask for.

We had a great trip. My granddaughters and I were constantly amazed by the first class hotels and the outstanding guides. We enjoyed all the activities, from learning about the history and culture to the hike and bike ride in Lapland. The guides were uniformly well informed, personable, spoke excellent English, willing to answer any question. Finland and Estonia are beautiful countries with impressive infrastructure and good examples of well-functioning democracies. The sauna in the country and campfire with Sami and Finish legends was a great capstone for a superb trip. Lilla was very responsive and helpful as our overall trip guide. Thank you. David Entin

Hotel Reviews

Hobo Hotel

Helsinki

Hobo Hotel in Helsinki exceeded our expectations and was one of the best hotels we've ever stayed in. Everything about it was top-notch, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay there. The breakfast offered was particularly incredible, with a wide range of healthy options that my granddaughters loved.

Cru Hotel

Tallinn

The hotel in Old Town, Tallinn was quite unique. The building had historical charm, and our room was surprisingly spacious. An unexpected perk was having a sauna in the bathroom, which was a delightful surprise. The overall experience at this hotel was pleasant, despite its older feel.

Activity Review

Cultural e-fatbike Tour

Rovaniemi

The Cultural e-fatbike Tour in Lapland was a bit underwhelming. While the concept of riding fat-tire electric bikes was exciting, the guide's English was not as strong as others we experienced. Also, since it's harder to communicate during a bike ride, we couldn't engage as much as we'd like. Nevertheless, the guide proved to be wonderful during a subsequent hiking tour, which reassured us of his abilities.

We really enjoyed the trip. All the hotels were lovely and quite nice for our family. The locations in the cities were central and we had no trouble getting around. Parking is a bit tough in spain for a "big" car and quite pricey sometimes.
The car we had was limit in trunk size (BMW X2 coupe with 4 medium luggage). We managed to fit everything with a bit of a puzzle.

The guides in Barcelona were great. We really enjoyed the cooking class (paella). The city tour in Bilbao was good and the bike tour in San Sebastian was perfect to appreciate the city.

The Andorra hotel was great but a bit out of the way. It was very calm. We went to Ordino Arcalis for a hike and it was spectacular. We also took the train to Vall de Nuria which was also memorable.

Thanks for your help in planning this trip. We did things we wouldn't have thought without you.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Activity Reviews

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

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: 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: 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Noga perfectly planned 3.5 days in Iceland.

Hotel Review

Hotel Von

Reykjavik

Dirty bathrooms and noisy on the street side. Minimal bedrooms but beds are comfortable.

Authenticity & Character

Location

On main street so close to everything

Staff

Not friendly

Cleanliness & Comfort

Black mold in the shower

Activity Reviews

Sky Lagoon Experience - Saman

Reykjavík

Quality of Experience

Loved the 7 steps. Very clean facility

Víðgelmir Lava Cave Experience

Iceland

Really amazing so not to be missed

Transport

Had our own car. Easy to get anywhere

Solheimajokull Glacier Hike

South Coast

Really cool to walk on ice

Quality of Experience

We had some youngsters who were there to take selfies so we didn’t get far

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Skogafoss Waterfall

Iceland

Too crowded.

Quality of Experience

Snæfellsnes Day Trip

Reykjavík

Fantastic guide.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore Reykjavík

Reykjavík

Quality of Experience

Eline helped us organise our trip to Norway. She was very good at listening to us and adapting the plans to what we wanted. Jacob from the bookingvteam was also very helpful.
We had a great trip and Eline made the booking process very easy.

I found the guides were very friendly and informative. Th e travel arrangements made it very easy to get from a to b and accommodations very satisfactory. Thank you.

Hotel Reviews

Candeo Hotels Osaka The Tower

Osaka

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Cross Hotel Kyoto

Kyoto

Family Friendliness

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier

Tokyo

Nice room, close to station, outstanding breakfast. Bit pricey in the lounge.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Review

Tokyo City Exploration ( private group ) & Sumo show with chanko nabe lunch ( join in, small group )

Tokyo

Very entertaining. Good food

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Hi Camélia and Team Kimkim,
We had an amazing Trip in Vietnam thanks to your wonderful Tour Guides ( Mr. Cuong/ Tay/ and John.
Everything was well set up Plus the Tour guide was very patient/ kind/ respectful and responded to all our needs on the GO.
Sincerely recommend KimKim and his Local Team.
Best Regards
,
Bea &Jean Marx