Kimkim Trip Reviews for Indonesia

The five of us travelled through eastern Java with two different drivers, and one train trip. Everything went smoothly, and we saw everything we wanted to. The cooking lesson, jamu making class and batik lesson were all very worthwhile - great to interact with local people. Any small problems or required rescheduling was handled swiftly by Ana at KimKim, and there was not one sour note in the whole trip.

Activity Review

Cooking class in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta

Run by a sustainable tourism organisation with lots of different activities supporting local artists and providing great experiences for visitors. The cooking class was a wonderful opportunity to meet a local who could answer a thousand questions we had about food culture and daily life in central Java.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

We had a really wonderful experience on this trip. It started with planning the trip with Marc, who helped us figure out what to do throughout our 5 day trip. Marc was really flexible in ensuring that our specific interests (historical sites, local food, swimming with a manta ray, snorkeling) were part of the plan. And it all happened (although the manta ray part cannot be guaranteed every time :)). Then, on the trip the itself, we had a fantastic driver, Jering. There were lots of nice touches from him, from the welcome flower garlands, ready availability cold water (critical in Bali), through to the discussions about culture and history, and advice on what to look for (with fascinating touches of stories to enrich the experience). And oh, he found us the perfect (and good value) durian experience that was to die for (if you can deal with the smell). I'd definitely recommend working with Marc and Jering for your next trip to Bali.

Dear KimKim Team,

I would like to thank you for the amazing experience! The whole team who took care of us was more than great. Jessica made the whole program due to all our needs and expectations. The whole trip - transfers, hotels, excursions were more than well organised. It is not our first time travelling with KimKim and definitely will not be the last!

Thank you, Team! You are amazing!

Our driver Nyoman was fantastic, always on time and always had a smile on his face. Ana was very accommodating and the places and experiences she helped us book were all fantastic. Some more insight into what happens during Nyepi and the lead up to it would have been useful so to be able to plan more effectively around it

Activity Reviews

Experience Cau Chocolate Factory

Ubud, Bali

Fabulous experience with heaps of detail included and lots of things to see, try and do. The rice planting was an unexpected bonus!

Experience Balinese Cooking Class

Ubud, Bali

Lovely activity, which included learning about Indonesian culture and not just food. So many dishes were made which was excellent to be able to try and look out for on the rest of our trip

This was such an amazing trip! It was exactly what I wanted, and Ana arranged everything perfectly - the pace, accommodations, and activities were all stellar. I had one driver for the entire trip, Wayan, who was also amazing. My specialist, Ana, even met me for a coffee one day and showed me around a bit. Couldn't recommend highly enough!

This part of our trip was simply a return from Denpasar to Jakarta and went without a hitch. Ana is great and I would happily reccommend her.

This was a return trip to Indonesia after a 10 year hiatus. We have been to Indondesia many, many times. I had not used or heard of KimKim before and so was a bit suspect and cautious, as it turns out, for no reason. I would recommend KimKim and Ana (at Shanti travel). Ana was extremely helpful in the planning of the trip. She was available for telephone consultations and created 4 different versions before we finalized the itinerary in order to accommodate each and all of our wishes. When I discovered errors in the plan she corrected them, and was available to us when we were on route. This does not mean that you as the traveller can abdicate responsibility for your travel details. There were changes in flights and times that I had to chase to ensure that we had the correct time. Ana was helpful throughout. We actually met with her in person when we were in Bali.
I was thrilled that each and all of our transfers worked. At each airport/train station/hotel (and there were lots of them) when a driver was supposed to pick us up they were there on time with a sign and /or my correct name and an appropriate vehicle. Drivers were careful and pleasant. Agung in Bali was particularly good.
With regard to the trip itself, the Kalimantan leg up the river to be with the Orangutans was wonderful. The Klotok was uber posh in an "out of Africa' glamorous way with a skilled knowledgeable naturalist guide, excellent cook, Captain and crew. We were happy to be a bit off the beaten path with our particular guide and while Camp leaky is not what it was 15 years ago i am glad to have made the trek again.
Other highlights: Paddling and hiking in the jungle with the naturalist in Munduk. Biking the rice paddies in Ubud. Making lunch the traditional way - starting by grinding the rice, and cooking over an open fire in the rice paddies. Temples on Java are well controlled now for good reason (too many people) but still fascinating as is Bromo. Lovina is beautiful and quiet and the drive over the mountains is spectacular.
Disappointments: 1.Not being able to get out to the Komodo islands as they closed the park because of weather. Ana was great in the rerouting. 2.In the rainy season in Indo the beaches are FULL of garbage as it flows down the rivers and into the ocean and onto the beaches. They have to be cleaned everyday or it is like walking through a landfill. When they are cleaned they are lovely. 3.We would give a hard pass on Jimbaran. Beach filthy, even in front of restaurants and beach clubs no one was cleaning the beach. The seafood dinner on the beach was pathetic. Did it 10 years ago and it was good - now it was really not edible and was stupidly expensive.
Overall: Indonesia has a LOT of people and a LOT of tourists and LOTs of traffic in populated areas. It is a fascinating country both culturally, historically and geographically. We love it. Go if you can and be confident getting Ana and KimKim to help you plan.

I loved my journey through Indonesia. Each day was filled with adventure, culture, nature and wonder. My guides Lindung, Mail, Dewa, Imam, Chae and my driver Purwa made every journey fantastic. I was always in contact with Jasmine and Raisa from Tripology and they answered every question and kept me on track for each day. I highly recommend working with this team. I look forward to more journeys with Kimkim and My Tripology.

Hotel Reviews

The Artini Dijiwa Ubud

Bali

A gorgeous hotel with lavish pool, fabulous food and attentive staff!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Ayuita, Dewi, Puspita, Pande and Heni made every day special!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Ecolodge Bukit Lawang

Bukit Lawang

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Terrario Tangkahan

North Sumatra

Fantastic location and luxurious!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

The staff was wonderful and helpful!

Cleanliness & Comfort

Samboja Lodge

Balikpapan

This was a very special place and an incredible team showed me the wonders of the orangutans, probiscis monkeys and Sun Bears. I highly recommend a visit to this mind blowing lodge!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Bintang Flores Hotel

Labuan Bajo

A perfect location with a lovely pool and kind staff! My suite was insanely perfect!

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Femi was fantastic and explained the history of Flores as well as made sure I was comfortable.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Free Time in Medan

Medan, North Sumatra

The hotel was far from Medan and so I couldn't see anything, basically stuck in a hotel

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Sunrise Hiking at Mt. Batur and Hot Spring

Indonesia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Free Time in Jakarta

Indonesia

The hotel was over 1.5 hours from Jakarta so I couldn't even see anything in Jakarta, I was basically stuck in a hotel

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Jungle Trekking in Bukit Lawang National Park

Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra

Just fabulous! I learned so much about the rain forest, its creatures and thoroughly enjoyed this experience!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Canopy Bridge and Trekking

Balikpapan

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) Departure Airport Assistance

Jakarta International Airport (CGK)

Great guide got me through the airport and to my flight. She was really wonderful!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Overnight in A Camping Tent in Bukit Lawang National Park

Bukit Lawang, North Sumatra

The chef was wonderful and the guides made this adventure so incredible

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Sungai Hitam

Balikpapan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

IMAM WAS SO BRILLIANT!

Transport

Telaga Waja Rafting

Indonesia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Bathe the Elephants

Ubud, Bali

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Indonesia

Gorgeous temple but the drive took hours to get there

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Snorkeling at Manta Point

Indonesia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Taka Makassar

Indonesia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Snorkeling in Kanawa Island

Indonesia

This wasn't organized and there was no guide

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Rangko Cave

Indonesia

This was a long drive and then boat ride, no history was given about the cave it wasn't the best

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Overnight in Bukit Lawang

Indonesia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Overnight in Tangkahan

Tangkahan, North Sumatra

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit the Elephant Sanctuary

Tangkahan, North Sumatra

I think the folks at the sanctuary need to be able to explain more about the elephants and the natural surroundings

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Morning Visit to Orangutan Island and Sunbear Sanctuary

Balikpapan

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Imam was the best guide I have ever had! Simply magical experience!

Transport

Visit Tirta Empul

Indonesia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Indonesia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Cycling in Kintamani

Indonesia

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

My guide was amazing, I learned so much and a blast riding with him!

Transport

Visit the Mother Temple of Besakih

Indonesia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Tanah Lot

Indonesia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Uluwatu Temple

Indonesia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Watch Kecak Dance Performance

Indonesia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) Arrival Airport Assistance

Jakarta International Airport (CGK)

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Padar Island

Indonesia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Pink Beach

Indonesia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Komodo Island

Indonesia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Mirror Stone Cave

Indonesia

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guide did a good job explaining the cave and its natural history

Transport

Visit Amelia Sea View

Indonesia

Nothing special here

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Some challenge getting answers back in a timely manner, initial mixup in air flights days

Ana crafted the perfect boutique itinerary for a birthday trip in Java and Flores - beautiful temples, volcanoes and mountain village trek, komodo dragons and manta rays! Our local guides were wonderful and very kind, going the extra mile to show us special sites in Indonesia. Cheers to Hieronimus, Rivaldi, Udin and Veri

this is the second time I have used KimKim and have been impressed both times. One n South America and now this one in Asia. Jessica was very good at finding nice boutique hotels and unusual excursions. Her local contact in Bali was equally amazing. We had the same driver and guild for the entire week and they were also very good. Our guide Budiada was very knowledgeable and easy to understand. Our amazing driver Navya was adapt at navigating the crowed streets and always got us there safely. Thanks for an amazing trip and we will use you again.
Sam and Teressa

Hotel Reviews

The Kalyana Ubud

Ubud

Staff was extremely friendly and accomadating, The Included breakfast was good and the grounds were parklike and well maintained. Perfect little hotel.

Authenticity & Character

have kept the charm of Bali

Location

Quiet setting and on site spa was great.

Staff

very eager to provide whatever was requested

Cleanliness & Comfort

Spotless grounds

Montigo Resorts Seminyak

Badung

Great pool areas, great breakfast and very helpful staff.

Authenticity & Character

Location

short walk to beach and shopping

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) Departure Meet and Greet

Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)

meet at curb and escorted right through check in to security gate, very helpful

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Indonesia

nice maintained spot

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Experience Cooking and Arak-Making Class

Indonesia

fun experience to see how some dishes were made

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Trunyan Village

Indonesia

very unique village with unique cemetery.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit A Mask Maker

Indonesia

I was impressed by mask maker skill and preserving old method of making mask,

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Home of Local Blacksmith (Keris) Crafting

Ubud, Bali

amazing skill to make the kris daggers with minimal tools doing it the traditional way

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Tenganan Bali Aga Village

Indonesia

nice little village with glimpses of how it used to be.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Indonesia

beautiful and well managed fields, amazing

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Experience Sebatu Soul Purification Ritual

Indonesia

very special visit that is worth the many slippery steps to experience.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Indonesia

interesting but a bit of a tourist trap, but well maintained and worth the visit.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Angel Billabong

Indonesia

skipped this one

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit Kelingking Beach

Indonesia

skipped this one as well, I am checking amazing as all tours have beet to this point but can't continue without checking boxes

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit the Mother Temple of Besakih

Indonesia

quite a large complex

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Ana was amazing helping us create a personalized trip! She gave us many wonderful, local ideas and listened to us and what we were looking for. We felt so secure with settled plans and reservations and knowing that Ana was recommending things from personal experience.
She met us at our hotel to go over our itinerary one more time and assure us we could message her any time during our stay.
Our driver Rusna was delightful. He is an excellent driver and gave us so much fascinating information that we couldn't have gotten solo. He is hilarious and very kind. I felt safe having a local who could translate and knew what was going on. I also loved hearing stories about his kids.
Our whole trip was so smooth and worry-free. Thank you Kimkim for connecting us with Shanti Travel!

I really don’t know where to start!

EVERYTHING was so amazing! Ana helped us curate such an awesome itinerary that included so many varied experiences that we still can’t believe we fit so much in two weeks! I kept pushing Ana for more and more and not once did she say “no”! She made our dream Indonesia wishlist come true!

The fun orangutan trekking was the highlight in Sumatra.

The ancient temples and melding of religions and cultures (namely Muslim Hindu and Buddhist) was heart warming in Central Java.

Hot smoking volcanoes were breathtaking in East Java. The once in a life time experience of blue flames at Mt Ijen will always stay with us.

Bali was the hub of so much colorful activity … bike rides, rice terraces, cooking classes and we even made time to be pampered in spas.

Cruising through the waters of Komodo national park gave us the opportunity to see nature at its best… thousands of flying bats, hissing Komodo dragons, dazzling coral and the calm underwater sea life!

At the end of every trip we try to pin down our favorite experience but honestly there were too many in this one to point out just one.
Many of our family members and friends have asked for our travel consultant and our itinerary!!
Very happy to share!

Marc was great to work with! We went back and forth a few times on the details of the trip and a few of the hotels before locking it in. He was very accommodating and provided valuable insights. He kept in touch from planning until we departed and checked in while we were in country.

Hotel Reviews

Tejaprana Resort & Spa

Ubud

Everyone here was very friendly and accommodating. The view from our room and the restaurant were gorgeous. Spa services were relaxing and top notch. The room was clean and comfortable. Breakfast at the hotel was very good. Only downfall was location as there wasn’t much walkable but nothing was to far by car.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Beautiful views but not walkable

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Munduk Moding Plantation - CHSE Certified

Gobleg

Love this hotel. Truly a 5 star experience with amazing service, great food and fun activities on site. The location provides a cooler temperature but the property promises amazing views. The staff goes above and beyond to provide exceptional service. Even though it’s cooler and damp the bugs were well managed and bug spray is provided.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Menjangan Dynasty Resort - CHSE Certified

Pejarakan

If you enjoy camping then you will love these yurts. Cute and comfortable. It is a single room with only a screen dividing the bed from the toilet and while it was air it doesn’t do much during the day due to the screens and not being enclosed. However the access and view and the beach is beautiful and the staff is friendly. Service at the restaurant is great. This is a location you come to relax on the beach or at the pool.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Mutiara Bali Boutique Resort Villas & Spa

Nice hotel within walking distance to shops and restaurants. Mosquitos were by far the worst at this hotel. Staff was friendly but not very informative or helpful. Room was ok, felt It could be cleaner and the bathroom doesn’t have AC only the sleeping area. At night there were monkey ir some type of animal jumping on our roof and rummaging through the out door kitchen.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Snorkeling around Menjangan Island

Indonesia

Amazing coral reef. We had 2 guides, 1 for snorkel and 1 for diving. Both were great and pointed out many different fish. The boat could use a little TLC and the lunch was was questionable from a temp control stand point. But the overall experience was great.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Visit a local market & enjoy a cooking class

Ubud, Bali

Amazing experience with welcoming host. This was a great class, very engaging and everyone got to participate and learn.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Sunrise Trek to Mount Batur Summit

Indonesia

This is a hard hike. We didn’t realize you are able to take a motor bike from the parking area half way and then hike the rest of the way. We hiked from the parking lot, but wish we would have known we could take a bike half way.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Cultural Immersion and traditions at Rumah Desa

Indonesia

What a beautiful property and wonderful experience with the healer. We got to tour the property, make offerings, have a welcome drink and lunch. The Healing ceremony was incredible.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Kecak Dance Performance

Indonesia

A fun and unique experience. It was cool to see the dancers and hear the story in Balinese. This does take place outside so can be rather warm and you sit on stone benches.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Balinese massage

Indonesia

Spa services at hotels except in Seminyak were great.

Quality of Experience

Marc was excellent to work with. He followed my specific requests. I had a last minute change because Ubud was very touristy. Instead, I wanted to spend more time at the beach and it worked well. Nusa Dua is definitely the clean beach area and nice hotels. I am vegan so it was easy to get the best fried rice and stir fry including the best tofu/tempe. Jerry, the local driver was amazing. Jerry was very knowledgeable, humble, flexible, friendly, and very kind. If I were to do it all over again, I would have stayed in Nusa Dua. The mountain bike ride was awesome, excellent local guide and safe ride with a tasty lunch. The cooking class was the best with the locals and delicious (he also shared the recipe with me). The ridge walk hike was a workout as it was at least 31 degrees Celsius; highly recommend it in Ubud. Also, hostels are really nice so this is cheaper and a nicer way to meet people. It was tough to meet people as I was the only person on the tour and not many solo travelers. It would be great for the hotels to have a social hour at the pool to meet people from all over. Highly recommend Marc and Jerry. Overall, a great and fun trip.

Hotel Reviews

Green field Ubud

Ubud

Central hotel in the town center. No social hour at the pool. Friendly and very kind staff. Great food at their restaurant. Close to bars, shops, and restaurants.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Jimbaran Bay Beach Resort & Spa - CHSE Certified

Kedonganan

The staff was so sweet and accommodating. Delicious food at the restaurant and fifth floor (lounge). The beach had a lot of garbage and stray dogs but the sunrise/sunset were beautiful. This hotel also needs to have a social hour so people can meet from all over!!! Prices were cheap.

Authenticity & Character

Location

not centrally located.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Cultural Immersion and traditions at Rumah Desa

Indonesia

Learning about the culture, history, and religion was fascinating. The local guide was awesome and the cooking class made my day.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Mountain bike from Batur to Ubud

Indonesia

The infinity guide was lots of fun. A bummer it was only 2 people and still it was awesome. Made good stops for nice photos! Lunch was delicious too.

Quality of Experience

Food

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Our local specialist, Jessica was incredible. She gave great suggestions, booked all the right spots, and took into account our feedback too. Our trip to Indonesia was one for the books and would highly recommend booking through KimKim and Jessica for trips to Indonesia!

We had such an incredible trip! Marc answered every question we had and was so helpful throughout the planning process. I had a lot of things to work through while planning and Marc was very patient and checked in throughout to see if we needed any help. He also helped us book our last flight getting into Indonesia, which took some stress off of us.
We cannot say enough great things about our driver, Dinar. He was so kind and taught us a lot about Ubud and Seminyak as he brought us places, and also made additional recommendations, such as visiting a wood-carving business, that we hadn't originally planned. He provided cold water for us each morning for our drives, which was greatly appreciated. He was super easy to contact and made our trip to Indonesia so smooth. We would not have survived the driving without him!
The accommodations were so beautiful as well. The staff were so friendly at each of the places we stayed and they went above and beyond and decorated our rooms with signs and flowers for our honeymoon.
We are so thankful to have booked through Kimkim and will be booking again with them in the future!

Marc did a great job in planning this trip and dealing with the flight changes that were necessary. Everything went very smoothly. Our guide on the Super Deluxe Klotok, Jeffrey was very knowledgable especially about the birds and monkeys we saw. The boat crew were excellent and went out of their way to point out birds and animals along the way and Cookie made very tasty meals.

Just returned home from our longest international and fourth trip using KimKim. It was truly a pleasurable experience! Marco put together a fantastic trip and was extremely helpful when we needed to make a couple of changes ( one change in a room, and another to our itinerary). All of the guides we had were amazing, and our two main drivers, Putu and Sifel) went above and beyond. Our experiences of hiking Mt. Ijen, river rafting, biking, snorkeling, trekking etc. were all very delightful and are highly recommended. Thank you KimKim for employing quality people and delivering a quality experience for us. We will continue to use KimKim for our travels.

It was a most perfect trip to Bali. We visited Ubud, Munduk, Nusa Lembongan and Jumberan and KimKim was a huge help. Thanks to Marc who was patient with our every request and gave us enough information to make good choices. You will see much more detail in the reviews of Kim and Wendi who were our master Bali planners. Their reviews speak more specifically to the success of the trip they planned with Marc's guidance.
We would recommend using KimKim to any traveler.