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Marc Urban

Passionate about travel, discovering new places, new experiences to try and getting to know people are the reasons why I became a travel specialist.
I really love to be able to share all my experience and prepare unforgettable trips for those who wants to discover the Wonders of Indonesia, its great heritage and culture.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I prepare customized trips to most of the Indonesian Islands, such as, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Sulawesi, Bali, Lombok, Gili and Flores.
With various activities, local encounters, off the beaten track experiences, adventure, wildlife, gastronomy, cultural and sea activities."

How did you get involved in travel?

"I always wanted to visit the world and discover all those unknown places, I started travelling through Europe and North America when I was 16 years old, I crossed and lived through 46 countries and have been living in Indonesia for almost 10 years now."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"So many to tell ! But the very first weeks I arrived to Indonesia are the ones I will never forget. I spent my time living and going fishing with the fishermans in a small village of the East coast of Bali, leaving at 4am to open sea before sunrise with those amazing people."

Marc is part of the following groups: Indonesia Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Marc

Great holiday!
Indonesia | Apr 12 - Apr 27, 2023

N
Neville B.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Apr 28, 2023

Our driver Komang was always very helpful and professional

Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on May 01, 2023

Hi Neville and Sue,

Thank you for your feedback; we hope to see you again in Indonesia.

Best wishes,
Marc

We had a fantastic time on out rip to Bali. ...
Indonesia | Mar 12 - Mar 21, 2023

A
Alan M.
Myrtle Beach, SC | Reviewed on Mar 28, 2023

We had a fantastic time on out rip to Bali. The plan that was put together by Marc at KimKim, allowed us to do everything on our wish list (Haige a volcano at sunrise, white water rafting, great bike ride with a local guide, snorkeling and many cultural activities). Our driver that was with use throughout the trip was exceptional and all the activities were well coordinated.
Thank You for n amazing experience.

Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Apr 18, 2023

Hi Alan,

It was our pleasure to prepare the trip with you; thank you for your feedback!

We do hope to see you back in Indonesia soon!

Best wishes,
Marc

We had an amazing time in Bali. Marc helped m...
Indonesia | Mar 1 - Mar 8, 2023

Erin
Erin M.
Providence, RI | Reviewed on Mar 09, 2023

We had an amazing time in Bali. Marc helped me plan a custom trip at exactly the pace and level of investment we were looking for. The hotels he suggested were just perfection. Tejaprana in Ubud was absolutely phenomenal. I wish we could have stayed another week in that hotel alone- exactly what you picture when you think Bali and the food and staff were just beyond. Taman Sari in Pemuteran and our snorkel trip with Nyoman on West Bali Extreme were wonderful. We saw on a ton of unique things... read more

We had an amazing time in Bali. Marc helped me plan a custom trip at exactly the pace and level of investment we were looking for. The hotels he suggested were just perfection. Tejaprana in Ubud was absolutely phenomenal. I wish we could have stayed another week in that hotel alone- exactly what you picture when you think Bali and the food and staff were just beyond. Taman Sari in Pemuteran and our snorkel trip with Nyoman on West Bali Extreme were wonderful. We saw on a ton of unique things thanks to his keen eye. Marc’s suggestion of Setia for dinner was a win, best food we had on the island. And finally staying at Wapa De Ume in Sidemen left us feeling we were in a dream. Everyday our amazing driver Edi got us safely and quickly to our destinations with a smile and some insight on local culture. He got us to each ticket booth and stop we wanted to make sure we were in the right place. We spent a lot of time in his Van and it was always comfy, clean and cool with water and umbrellas if we needed. Thank you for giving us this taste of Indonesia, we know who to call when we are ready to come back!

Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Mar 23, 2023

Hi Erin,

Thank you for your feedback; it was great to prepare the trip with you; I'm glad you tried the food in Warung Setia! It is indeed a hidden gem.

We are ready to welcome you back!

Best wishes,
Marc

Java - 10 day trip
Indonesia | Feb 10 - Feb 20, 2023

Maureen
Maureen M.
Canada | Reviewed on Feb 28, 2023

We did a 10 day Java trip and it was amazing. Marc organized our drivers and hotels and activities and we loved all of it! Our drivers, Purwol and Sholi were excellent and very safe. We were well looked after and the hotels we stayed at were lovely. We climbed Mt. Ijen, Mt. Bromo and visited numerous temples. We went bike riding, experienced waterfalls and had a really fun time. Marc was excellent at helping plan and we can't say enough about how helpful he was on our trip with getting... read more

We did a 10 day Java trip and it was amazing. Marc organized our drivers and hotels and activities and we loved all of it! Our drivers, Purwol and Sholi were excellent and very safe. We were well looked after and the hotels we stayed at were lovely. We climbed Mt. Ijen, Mt. Bromo and visited numerous temples. We went bike riding, experienced waterfalls and had a really fun time. Marc was excellent at helping plan and we can't say enough about how helpful he was on our trip with getting back to us with any questions we had. He even arranged for a doctor to come to our hotel when we needed to see one. We can highly recommend Marc and Kimkim Travel. They make going on trips easy and fun!!

Hotel Review
Ijen Resort and Villas
Banyuwangi

Beautiful location. Our room was very clean and quite large. Facilities were very nice, large open restaurant and very nice staff.

Location
The views are amazing, not close to other restaurants.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Mar 23, 2023

Hi Maureen,

It was great fun to prepare the trip and share the experiences with you! We will always remember Bumbak.

Best,
Marc

Marc was great to work with in our trip plann...
Indonesia | Feb 7 - Feb 16, 2023

E
Elizabeth I.
Brockton, MA | Reviewed on Feb 23, 2023

Marc was great to work with in our trip planning. He was open to providing more options for tours or lodging if anything was not a best fit. Additionally he answered lots of questions we had about itineraries, cultural norms, and made sure we knew who would be meeting at each trip stage and provided contact information for all drivers, and hotels, etc. I would highly recommend his services to others as his Bali knowledge was extremely helpful.

Our driver Jerry was was kind and helpful... read more

Marc was great to work with in our trip planning. He was open to providing more options for tours or lodging if anything was not a best fit. Additionally he answered lots of questions we had about itineraries, cultural norms, and made sure we knew who would be meeting at each trip stage and provided contact information for all drivers, and hotels, etc. I would highly recommend his services to others as his Bali knowledge was extremely helpful.

Our driver Jerry was was kind and helpful and was flexible to adding or changing any stops or plans we had made. He was open to answering lots of questions about Bali and made us feel welcome and safe at all times.

Thank you!

Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Mar 23, 2023

Hi Elizabeth,

Thank you for your feedback! A pleasure to share my knowledge with you.

Jerry sends his best!

See you soon,
Marc

Indonesian Honeymoon!
Indonesia | Dec 28 - Jan 4, 2023

Kelsey
Kelsey S.
Lindenwold, NJ | Reviewed on Jan 12, 2023

My husband had the most amazing time in Indonesia. We got to go on so many different adventures! I will never forget the Ijen Volcano hike to the elusive blue flame. And our boat cruise around Komoda National Park to see Komodo dragons was unforgettable! We seriously did things that most people never even dream of.... And our tour guides, as always, were fabulous! read more

My husband had the most amazing time in Indonesia. We got to go on so many different adventures! I will never forget the Ijen Volcano hike to the elusive blue flame. And our boat cruise around Komoda National Park to see Komodo dragons was unforgettable! We seriously did things that most people never even dream of.... And our tour guides, as always, were fabulous!

Hotel Reviews
Plataran Bromo
Wonokitri

Absolutely incredible hotel and ride to the top of the mountain. I'll never forget our breakfast above the clouds. The views were insane. I wish we had more time there!

Authenticity & Character
Location
You can't even begin to realize where you're going until you get there!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ijen Resort and Villas
Banyuwangi

Incredible hotel and incredible views. Staff and food was amazing. I wish we had more time there!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Wapa di Ume Ubud
Ubud, Gianyar, Bali

We had the best NYE here! The NYE party at the hotel was so fun and so authentic. And we even had our own private pool in our villa. The resort grounds are to die for. Staff was amazing. Get the bubur ayam for breakfast! Best stay ever!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Private cruise trip in Komodo National Park
Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Gending Kedis
Jimbaran

Gorgeous resort. We had a two-story villa with a private pool! I wish we had more time there!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Explore Mount Bromo
Mount Bromo, East Java
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hike to the Top of Mount Ijen Volcano
Ijen, East Java

Nothing like I anticipated but worth every moment!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transfer to Ubud
Indonesia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Liveaboard Cruise: Discover Flores & Komodo
Komodo Island
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Liveaboard Cruise: Komodo dragons, beaches, snorkelling and manta rays
Komodo Island

The park is incredibly beautiful! Snorkeling was awesome.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Liveaboard Cruise - Departure Day
Indonesia
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Jan 28, 2023

Hi Kelsey,

Thank you for your feedback; we are glad that you enjoyed your trip and had a wonderful time!
It was a pleasure to prepare the trip with you both!

We hope to see you back in Indonesia soon!

PS: The crew from Flores sends you all the best!

Best wishes,
Marc

Amazing Indonesian Adventure
Indonesia | Dec 28 - Jan 4, 2023

Jon
Jon P.
Cherry Hill, NJ | Reviewed on Jan 05, 2023

This was an amazing adventure! We especially enjoyed all the interesting hotels we stayed along the way. A highlight to the trip was exploring the Ijen Crater and seeing Komodo dragons. The food experience was wonderful! All our guides were helpful. read more

This was an amazing adventure! We especially enjoyed all the interesting hotels we stayed along the way. A highlight to the trip was exploring the Ijen Crater and seeing Komodo dragons. The food experience was wonderful! All our guides were helpful.

Hotel Reviews
Plataran Bromo
Wonokitri

Incredible place! Would like to spend more time here.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ijen Resort and Villas
Banyuwangi

Amazing place! Would like to spend more time here

Authenticity & Character
Location
I’m
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Hike to the Top of Mount Ijen Volcano
Ijen, East Java

This was a highlight. Great guide! Excellent hike and got to see the blue flame

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Liveaboard Cruise: Komodo dragons, beaches, snorkelling and manta rays
Komodo Island

This was another highlight to our trip! Great crew on the boat!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Jan 11, 2023

Hi Jon & Kelsey,

Thank you for your review; we wish you a happy new year and we hope to see you soon back in Indonesia!

Best,
Marc

The kindest people in the world surrounded by breathtaking nature
Indonesia | Oct 20 - Nov 4, 2022

Judith
Judith D.
Belgium | Reviewed on Nov 22, 2022

When thinking back on our adventures in Indonesia only superlatives come to my mind.
First attempts to make the itinerary were done via local Belgian travel agents. Very soon I found out that these lead to the same things over and over again. But then after googling some more I found KimKim. Never heard of them before but as huge US travel fans attracted by the fact they are HQ-ed in Chicago. after indicating our preferred destination and wishes we came in contact with Marc. oh gosh, this... read more

When thinking back on our adventures in Indonesia only superlatives come to my mind.
First attempts to make the itinerary were done via local Belgian travel agents. Very soon I found out that these lead to the same things over and over again. But then after googling some more I found KimKim. Never heard of them before but as huge US travel fans attracted by the fact they are HQ-ed in Chicago. after indicating our preferred destination and wishes we came in contact with Marc. oh gosh, this was a winner!! From the first moment Marc "listened" to our wishes and was thinking with us. The connection was there from the beginning and step by step he managed to set out the lines for our itinerary. I suppose there were times when he was pulling his hair because we wanted another change, another hotel ..... He never gave us the idea he was done with it, always there to adapt and to help.
We could reach him at any time before, during and after the trip. He is a true diamond for any organization so KimKim I can only advise you to take care of this one! Good team members don't come in easily and frequently.
along our trip we were in contact and taken care of by many locals. We have talked to them for hours as we love to meet the true culture and spirit of a country. They were all good and very helpful. the most knowledgeable was definitely Lucy how thought us many things and was always a nice company.
One person stood out of the many! Jerry, our guide and driver in Bali definitely deserves to be mentioned in person. He is a true jewel to the world. To us he was one of the reasons that our time in Bali will never be forgotten! He pampered us as if he knew us for years! He was always there to lean a helping hand and go the extra mile. He handled according to every of our wishes. Even after getting back home, he asked if we arrived safely. I'm sure we will stay in contact with him and hear about his lovely family.
Reflecting today there were so many things that stood out. Our main focus was nature. We were impressed every day by what each island has to offer. from Oeran-outangs over elephants to stunning sunrises, pink beaches and sunset dances by flying foxes!
We are more than grateful that we were among the happy people having the chance in life to discover this true paradise on earth.
Though our eyes and ears were spoiled on a daily basis what will stay forever as the deepest impression was the friendliness and kindness of the Indonesian people. No matter the island, no matter the religion .... they can teach the world on how to live together. We will never forget those smiles and helping hands.
Thanks to all that made this trip a memory for life!
For those that would love to see some pictures feel free to look on instagram/ judithdebrus

Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Dec 09, 2022

Dear Judith,

Thank you very much for your feedback and all the details; it was my pleasure to prepare the itinerary together and talk about it during your trip, but mostly it was great to get to know you and your family!

Keep in touch, and hopefully see you soon!

Best wishes,
Marc

Overall, I really enjoyed my visit to Indones...
Indonesia | Oct 10 - Oct 25, 2022

J
Jane T.
Kensington, NY | Reviewed on Nov 01, 2022

Overall, I really enjoyed my visit to Indonesia. Being a first time visitor, I thought I saw a good intersection of the country. My favorite places were the jungles of Sumatra, seeing the volcanoes around Mt. Bromo and just relaxing at the beach.

What I would improve is some of the sequencing. The first half of the trip was pretty aggressive, with early wake ups at 1-3AM to get a sunrise. With varying weather conditions, some of this was less than ideal. I also had some flight... read more

Overall, I really enjoyed my visit to Indonesia. Being a first time visitor, I thought I saw a good intersection of the country. My favorite places were the jungles of Sumatra, seeing the volcanoes around Mt. Bromo and just relaxing at the beach.

What I would improve is some of the sequencing. The first half of the trip was pretty aggressive, with early wake ups at 1-3AM to get a sunrise. With varying weather conditions, some of this was less than ideal. I also had some flight cancellations causing a lot of last minute running around. Marc was great at changing the schedule for the latter half of the trip to accomodate though.

In addition, some hotels although listed as 4 star, were definitely not as great. Definitely do your research if you're looking for better accommodations.

Hotel Reviews
Ecolodge Bukit Lawang
Bukit Lawang

Great experience and food!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
FM7 Resort Hotel Jakarta
Tangerang, Banten

The hotel had a lot of guests that were knocking on people's doors late in the night. The food was sub-par with no real Indonesian food in the hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta - MGallery Collection
Yogyakarta

Food at breakfast was great. The location was also great, however the hotel quality was lacking. The couches were stained and the bathroom had a lot of black grout.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Plataran Bromo
Wonokitri

Loved this hotel. The overall space was beautiful. Service was incredible and it was easy to arrange services.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mimpi Resort Menjangan - CHSE Certified
Pejarakan

I loved Mimpi. The rooms were really unique. The food was great and the location for snorkeling was also amazing.

Bangsring Breeze
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Sun of Granary
Gianyar – Bali

I had an ant infestation in this hotel and had to get things cleaned and my room moved. It was also off of Ubud center.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
La Joya Biu Biu Resort
Jimbaran

Overall great stay. The food was catered to more of a western audience though.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Trek in the jungle - Meet the Orangutans
Indonesia
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Borobudur Temple
Yogyakarta

Couldn't go to the top. I wish we knew this ahead of the trip!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Prambanan Temple Complex
Yogyakarta

Couldn't go to the top, I wish I knew this ahead of the trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Mount Bromo
Mount Bromo, East Java
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hike to the Top of Mount Ijen Volcano
Ijen, East Java

Got rained out although we hiked to the top. It was the right decision to turn around, but a bit of a shame.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkeling around Menjangan Island
Indonesia
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Transfer to Ubud
Indonesia
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit a local market & enjoy a cooking class
Ubud, Bali
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cultural Immersion and traditions at Rumah Desa
Indonesia
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Nov 21, 2022

Dear Jane,

Thank you for your feedback; the first part of the trip could indeed be a bit strong due to the times and early mornings; I do hope it was worth the experience and glad that you could also rest at the end of the beachside.

Best,
Marc

The trip was excellent. The planning was smart.
Indonesia | Oct 10 - Oct 24, 2022

A
Avi S.
Cupertino, CA | Reviewed on Oct 31, 2022

The trip was excellent. The planning was smart and thoughtful. Marc suggested traveling to Sumatra which was a good call. He suggested doing the activities in the first part of the trip and allowing for some days to rest at the end. He was right. We needed to rest on the last day after all the interesting activities that we experienced along the way.
Marc booked us into great hotels and planned an interesting trip that included Urang Utan watching in Sumatra, Volcano climbing in Java,... read more

The trip was excellent. The planning was smart and thoughtful. Marc suggested traveling to Sumatra which was a good call. He suggested doing the activities in the first part of the trip and allowing for some days to rest at the end. He was right. We needed to rest on the last day after all the interesting activities that we experienced along the way.
Marc booked us into great hotels and planned an interesting trip that included Urang Utan watching in Sumatra, Volcano climbing in Java, visiting Unesco world heritage temples, snorkeling, and learning how villagers in Bali live.
The teams on the ground were punctual and reliable. They showed up on time

Marc was flexible and helped us reschedule the trip due to a family emergency two months prior to our departure. He also helped us deal with a last-minute cancelation of an internal flight by adjusting the schedule and hotel reservations.

I recommend Kimkim and Marc, the local agent in Indonesia. I would use Kimkim as my trip planning platform in the future.

Hotel Reviews
Ecolodge Bukit Lawang
Bukit Lawang

Nice hotel next to the jungle.

Authenticity & Character
The hotel rooms were comfortable and in line with nature.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta - MGallery Collection
Yogyakarta

This hotel is historic and in the center of the city. The rooms were nice and clean. The bathroom in our room needed a little fix so we called a maintenance person for help.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Jiwa Jawa bromo

great location, close to the mountain. The room was nice with a nice view.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ijen Resort and Villas
Banyuwangi

Nice resort with a nice restaurant. Great place in nature.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Adi Assri Beach Resort & Spa - CHSE Certified
Pemuteran, Bali

Great location with nice rooms. Nice swimming pool and access to the beach. The room had an outdoor/indoor shower which is fun to take shower under the sky. Easy access to the snorkeling site and to good restaurants in the nearby village. Note: The Airconditioner could be better. We had to call maintenance to adjust it. The hotel is close to a mosque, and we were called for prayer at 4:50 am.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Sun of Granary
Gianyar – Bali

Great rooms, great stuff, and a nice dinner place. We had local artists perform every night of our stay.

Authenticity & Character
Location
out of the city among rice paddies.
Staff
shared with us their life and were very attentive.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sudamala Resort, Sanur
Sanur Kauh, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali

The hotel is in a nice location and is in a secluded area. It is within walking distance from restaurants, shops, and the beach.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Trek in the jungle - Meet the Orangutans
Indonesia

A great tour guide helped us spot wild life, including monkies and orang utans.

Quality of Experience
The guide was informative and showed us the nature
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
All were great
Transport
Visit Borobudur Temple
Yogyakarta
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Prambanan Temple Complex
Yogyakarta
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Explore Mount Bromo
Mount Bromo, East Java

The weather was not good on the day that we visited but never the less it was a good experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
I wish we had a guide on this section of the trip and not only a driver to understand what we are seeing.
Transport
Hike to the Top of Mount Ijen Volcano
Ijen, East Java

The guide was great and took us to the best location possible. He gave us information to understand the mountain and its significance.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkeling around Menjangan Island
Indonesia

The location and guides were great. snorkeling was broken into two sessions of 45 minutes in two sites.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
A very good guide explained and took care of us during the session. He also took pictures and shared them with us.
Transport
Transfer to Ubud
Indonesia

Nice trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit a local market & enjoy a cooking class
Ubud, Bali

Nice experience

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cultural Immersion and traditions at Rumah Desa
Indonesia

Very nice visit with good explanations. We learned a lot and also experienced life in a village.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mountain bike from Batur to Ubud
Indonesia

The cycling was supposed to be easy. However, a few factors caused it to be more challenging than expected. 1. Most of the ride was downhill and required us to hold the brakes. 2. Part of the ride was on roads (and not only on paths between rice paddies). The roads were busy, and we were not ready for it.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Tibumana waterfall
Ubud, Bali

A short walk, a short waterfall, and not so impressive.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Nov 21, 2022

Dear Avi and Anat,

I do love that you enjoyed Sumatra, one of my favorite places in Indonesia!

Thank you very much for your feedback and recommendation!

Best wishes,
Marc

Beautiful, memorable time spent in Indonesia
Indonesia | Oct 16 - Oct 21, 2022

L
Linda S.
Darien, CT | Reviewed on Oct 22, 2022

Marc Urban, specialist and coordinator for my recent Indonesian travel is exceptional. I would rate him with additional stars. Marc went above and beyond throughout our planning process, addressing all the details, particular interests and needs. Marc is an exceptional and attentive communicator. Many thanks to him for a beautiful time spent in Indonesia. And thanks to guides Dian and Budi for teaching me so much. As well as, drivers Rifky and Edi. Their kindness is immeasurable. This is my... read more

Marc Urban, specialist and coordinator for my recent Indonesian travel is exceptional. I would rate him with additional stars. Marc went above and beyond throughout our planning process, addressing all the details, particular interests and needs. Marc is an exceptional and attentive communicator. Many thanks to him for a beautiful time spent in Indonesia. And thanks to guides Dian and Budi for teaching me so much. As well as, drivers Rifky and Edi. Their kindness is immeasurable. This is my second experience traveling via KimKim. It’s the way to go with custom travel.

Hotel Review
Wapa di Ume Ubud
Ubud, Gianyar, Bali

Beautiful natural grounds, calming environment. Accommodation was spacious, bright, clean and inviting. Bed had an attached mosquito net/curtain, which made it very attractive. Breakfast was exceptional.

Authenticity & Character
Everything.
Location
The hotel is set within a natural environment.
Staff
Welcoming, kind, helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Exceptional!
Local specialist: Marc Urban
Marc
Marc Urban
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Nov 21, 2022

Hi Linda,

Thank you for your feedback, it was an absolute pleasure to prepare the itinerary with you, but mostly it was great to get to know you.

See you soon for more adventures,

Stay well!
Marc

Both our drivers were excellent. The hotels w...
Indonesia | Oct 5 - Oct 11, 2022

Chris
Chris S.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Oct 12, 2022

Both our drivers were excellent. The hotels were lovely except the ibis in Surabaya which was fine. The Plataran hotel at bromo was fabulous. The M-gallery at solo was lovely although many of the things we tried to order (drinks and food) were not available as it was getting back on its feet post Covid. The M-gallery in Yogyakarta was also lovely and seemed to have everything we ordered. Its location is great as it’s near the Main Street. It was expensive though as tax and service were not... read more

Both our drivers were excellent. The hotels were lovely except the ibis in Surabaya which was fine. The Plataran hotel at bromo was fabulous. The M-gallery at solo was lovely although many of the things we tried to order (drinks and food) were not available as it was getting back on its feet post Covid. The M-gallery in Yogyakarta was also lovely and seemed to have everything we ordered. Its location is great as it’s near the Main Street. It was expensive though as tax and service were not included in its prices. The sunrise at bromo was great. The temples near Solo were lovely albeit not as spectacular is the ones near Yogyakarta. You need cash for tipping and some guidance on this might be helpful. You also need cash for visa on arrival. The traffic in the cities is very bad. Not as bad as Hanoi but progress is slow. Motorways work well. We bought some excellent batik at very good prices in solo and an artwork batik in Yogyakarta. We really enjoyed all the arranged tours.

Hotel Reviews
Plataran Bromo
Wonokitri

Lovely hotel. Very beautiful and classy. Great service.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ibis Surabaya city center

It’s did what it said on the tin. But nothing outstanding.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Royal Surakarta Heritage - MGallery Collection
Authenticity & Character
Looked much older than it was but done so well it added to the experience.
Location
Beautiful hotel.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Grand Dafam Signature International Airport Yogyakarta

Great brand new hotel. Lovely view from out north facing room. Really nice staff. Still awaiting an alcohol licence so we could not order the cocktails we wanted.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Perfect for the airport. Free transfer. At 5 am.
Staff
They provided us with a hot pack up breakfast with coffee at 5 am. Lovely check in staff too. Really helpful. New hotel so some staff appeared to be still being trained. But everybody was great.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta - MGallery Collection
Yogyakarta

Lovely hotel near the best shopping and eating street.

Authenticity & Character
Looked fabulously traditional despite being fairly new. Felt authentic.
Location
Short walk to great street food and restaurants, bars and shops. Near railway station.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Explore Mount Bromo
Mount Bromo, East Java
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bumpy. Early start but great trip.
Sukuh & Cetoh Temple
Solo

Long but interesting drive. Very nice fairly small temples.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Taman Sari and the underground mosque
Yogyakarta

Really nice palace. Sadly underground mosque closed due to Covid hangover.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sultan Palace
Yogyakarta

Lovely palace. But mostly exhibitions showing the life of Sultans.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Prambanan Temple Complex
Yogyakarta

Like a smaller older Angkor Wat.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Puppet & Batik making
Yogyakarta

Lovey quality of craftsmanship. We bought a beautiful batik created by our guide. No pressure to buy which is nice.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Visit Borobudur Temple
Yogyakarta

Quite a long way from Yogyakarta in terms of travel time. But it’s an amazing Buddhist temple. Sadly you can’t go into the temple post Covid but still fabulous to walk around.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Marc Urban