We had the most amazing trip to Indonesia.
Priscilla put together a perfect itinerary that incorporated our wishes of balancing historical, adventure, cultural and scenic aspects.
My husband and I took the trip with our 11-year-old grandson. We hopped between 4 Islands and had 5 inter-Indonesian flights in 11 days. We wanted to see as much as we could but knew two weeks would be our limit if travelling with a younger person.
We experienced the Borobudur & Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta, Java with a private guide.
Balikpapan was another wonderful stop. Our primary goal of the trip was to see the Orangutans. Our itinerary made the most of our time in Borneo. We saw the Orangutans, Sunbears, climbed the Canopy Suspension Bridge, trekked the rain forest, took a boat down the Sungai Hitam/Black River, and saw Proboscis monkeys, a couple of Pythons, and thoroughly enjoyed the tranquil and beauty of the various mangroves and palms. We were so fortunate to have had one of the caregivers of Samboja Lestari as our guide.
We then flew to Bali and enjoyed the beautiful cities of Ubud & Seminyak. We had a relaxing massage at our hotel and then kicked it up a notch to explore the area with our most amazing guide (Budi). Budi is a wonderfully kind, respectful, knowledgeable man who paid extra special attention to our grandson. I am sure he is the perfect father to his sons, and we LOVED him and LOVED having him as our guide!
We saw the Tegallang Rice Terrace, Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace, Bathed the Elephants, took a Farm to Table cooking class and visited the Uluwatu Temple where we were able to watch a traditional Balinese (Kecak Dance).
Our last stop before making our way back to Jakarta and home was spending some time in Labuan Bajo, Flores. We wanted to see the prehistoric looking, large lizards - Komodo Dragons. Priscilla arranged for a hotel pick up, boat group tour, to see, the incredible views of Padar Island, Pink Beach, and Taka Makassar Island. We were fortunate enough to have seen two Komodo Dragons and thoroughly enjoyed our two stops that allowed us the opportunity to enjoy snorkeling.
Priscilla looked after every little detail of our trip. She tapped into our needs and executed them perfectly. She coordinated the tours, guides, transfers, and flights within the country, and the whole journey was seamless. We had an on-ground support person (Janice,) through WhatsApp, which worked out flawlessly for communication if needed.it was our first-time using Kim.Kim but will definitely not be our last. Our experience was FANTASTIC!
Hotel Reviews
Anara Airport Hotel
Jakarta
A hotel right in the airport. Perfect, beautiful and a wonderful breakfast.
The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta - MGallery Collection
Yogyakarta
Built in the 1918's, once a mansion now a gorgeous hotel. The decor is stunning. Staff is wonderful and the breakfast is scrumptious.
Very friendly staff. A perfect location to see the orangutans. Nothing fancy but it suited our needs completely.
Very pretty grounds, amazing spa treatments, friendly and helpful staff and very convenient restaurant. Clean and lovely.
Kanvaz Village Resort Seminyak
Bali
A beautiful, clean hotel, very nicely located. The breakfast were wonderful and the pool was really nice to relax and enjoy some down time. Lovely staff.
Sudamala Resort, Komodo, Labuan Bajo
Labuan Bajo
Beautiful ocean view. Very friendly staff.
This hotel was quite dated. The lobby was beautiful, breakfast was good, staff was friendly and helpful. I think the rooms could use an update and I didn't feel the room cleaning was up to my standards.
Activity Reviews
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) Arrival Airport Assistance
Jakarta International Airport (CGK)
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Visit Borobudur Temple
Indonesia
This temple is amazing and a must see. The size is incredible and knowing that it is the largest Buddhist Temple in the world is fascinating.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Visit Prambanan Temple
Indonesia
We were a little late in the day to see this up close but even from a distance it looked incredible.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Visit Ubud Palace
Indonesia
Nice to see this modest Palace in the heart of the city. Worth a stop.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transfer from Yogyakarta (YIA) to Balikpapan (BPN) via Orangutan Island and Sunbear Sanctuary
Indonesia
We stayed at the Samjoba Lodge which was walking distance to Orangutan Island. So much care is taken to look after the Orangutans and try to rehabilitate them. The Sunbears are much smaller than we thought. A beautiful experience!!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Visit Sungai Hitam
Balikpapan
We really enjoyed the tranquil small boat ride down the Sungai Hitam. We were so fortunate to see a family of Proboscis monkeys and a couple of Pythons.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Canopy Bridge and Trekking
Balikpapan
Great view from the Canopy Bridge and we really enjoyed the trekking. Not that difficult but a lot to see.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Afternoon Visit to Orangutan Island and Sunbear Sanctuary
Balikpapan
Never seen Sunbears. The are much smaller than what we thought.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Visit Tegallalang Rice Terrace
Indonesia
Beautiful views and really interesting.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Visit Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Indonesia
Loved this. The monkeys were cheeky and super active. Very fun!!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bathe the Elephants
Ubud, Bali
Our grandson loves this. The elephants are very well looked after and seem very happy.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Farm to Table Cooking Class
Indonesia
This was one of our favorite experiences. They instructor was fun and funny and we learned a lot and had a wonderful feast. Loved this!!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Visit Uluwatu Temple
Indonesia
Very pretty views. The temple is quite far away but pretty spectacular.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Watch Kecak Dance Performance
Indonesia
Very interesting watching this. All acapella chanting. Definitely worth seeing.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Visit Padar Island
Indonesia
The view from the top was probably the most spectacular view I have ever seen. A little bit of a hike but definitely worth it.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Visit Pink Beach
Indonesia
I have never seen red coral before that turns a beach pink.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Visit Komodo Island
Indonesia
Very cool that we were able to two Komodo Dragons.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Visit Taka Makassar
Indonesia
Beautiful!! The depths of the water were incredible with all the different colors.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
