Our experience with Kim Kim and our travel advisor, Cami was beyond our expectations. Cami customized our trip for us and provided guidance based on her experience all along the way. She was in touch from the first day of our trip planning almost daily and in the days after our trip wanting to make sure we were reminded of flights, government registration, transportation pickups, names of local guides, emergency contacts, and general information to make our tours and overall trip a great... read more
Our experience with Kim Kim and our travel advisor, Cami was beyond our expectations. Cami customized our trip for us and provided guidance based on her experience all along the way. She was in touch from the first day of our trip planning almost daily and in the days after our trip wanting to make sure we were reminded of flights, government registration, transportation pickups, names of local guides, emergency contacts, and general information to make our tours and overall trip a great experience.
Our arrival in Manila was uneventful and the Belmont Hotel was ok but not great. While the proximity to the airport was great, the customer service was lacking; it was crowded and they handled overflow by placing dining tables in the lobby. On Sunday, we had a major problem with our flight from Manila to Legazpi on Sunday on Cebu Pacific Airlines. Our flight was diverted mid-air to return to Manila due to a problem with the landing gear. We had to stay in the air to burn off fuel which was a little disconcerting. Flight announcements were not made so many onboard were nervous to say the least. Upon our safe landing in Manila (Sunday evening), none of the emergency contacts answered the phone numbers which was very frustrating. I finally was able to get through to Carmel with WhatsApp. We were directed to an area near the baggage claim where we were given vouchers from Cebu Pacific. After more than an hour and a half, they took us by bus to a cheap and disgusting hotel (Royal Bellagio Hotel). There were prostitutes on the street soliciting passengers (including our husbands) and men trying to sell Cialis. We had to wait in line for over an hour to get on the elevator (maximum capacity of 2-3) to register on the 3rd floor. We were all lined up on the outside steps and through a restaurant to board the elevator. At approximately 8:00 p.m., we finally checked in and were promised dinner that did not arrive until 11:00 pm and it was inedible. We had to be ready to leave at 4:00 a.m. to depart on bus for the airport where there was no one there to meet us and let us know our flight number – we were directed all over the airport before finally getting our boarding passes. I would highly recommend any other airline other than this one.
We let Carmel know our flight number on Monday morning and she arranged for our airport transport to Donsol. Cami was back in touch to help us rearrange our itinerary so that we didn't miss out on anything. After a really rough beginning, our visit to Donsol was wonderful. The Elysia Resort was good but clearly our most “rustic” stay. While this was on the beach, the beach left much to be desired. It was dirty and there were dogs everywhere. They barked all night long. It was difficult to adjust the room temperature, the towels were pretty bare, the beds were only okay, but the food was good in the restaurant.
In Donsol, we were taken care of by Carmel and Ariza with Bicol Beyond; both were very accommodating, but Ariza was beyond our expectations. She was personable and very hands on. We really appreciated the rearrangement of our day to Busay Falls and the ability to switch it out with a second whale shark outing – all at no additional cost. Our first rearranged outing was our dive trip to Ticao Island and the Manta Bowl. Junery Azupardo (Jun) was our divemaster and he was assisted by July. They were both very, very good and experienced divers and we felt confident we were in good hands. Our first dive was a wall off Ticao Island and it was magnificent with colorful coral. Jun took photos and videos for us and hand delivered them to us on a thumb drive at our hotel in Legazpi – that is what I call “over and beyond” service. Jun and Ariza are both very good representatives for Bicol Beyond.
Because we arrived late, Cami worked with Bicol Beyond and Ariza was on the job. She rearranged our schedule for a second whale shark outing that was staffed with a great crew (including her husband who is a Butanding Interaction Officer [BIO]) and a university student, Aldwyn Calaguing, who was researching whale sharks also was onboard. Aldwyn was able to provide us so much information about whale sharks. Both BIOs on the boat were in the water with us and pushing us along to get the best from our swim with two different whale sharks; one was approximately 6 meters long (nicknamed Notchie due to a notch in his tail) and the other nicknamed Biggie because he was between 9 and 10 meters long. It was awesome! Ariza then arranged a special lunch for us. Her husband had hand-selected two large fresh crabs and she paired them with vegetables and rice. WOW! Our tricycle drivers (Mark) were so much fun and we enjoyed them so much. This company and the entire staff was wonderful!
The firefly river was fun and relaxing and our guide, Laura was good. We were able to see a couple trees where they were swarming so that was neat to see.
Our transfer from Donsol to Legazpi was uneventful and The Marison Hotel was very nice and the staff was very welcoming. We enjoyed our trip to Camalig province and the cooking demonstration was great – I must learn how to make that dish! I think it was Pinangat? It was delicious.
Our flight to Cebu City was uneventful despite a delay on Cebu Pacific airlines. We enjoyed the Marco Polo Hotel – the breakfast buffet was great and there were dining options. Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls was great and it was strenuous. I would suggest you have your clients watch a video of the trekking. We were by far the oldest people there but we had a great time- take that, you young ones!!. Justin and Vincent were our guides. When one of our group struggled with asthma and some of the climbs, Vincent and Justin he stuck by her side, holding her hand, and floating her through some of the river areas while we went forward and jumped all the cliffs – It was great fun!!
We enjoyed our trip to Bohol. It was a nice and relaxing day scheduled after a few days of very active tours. Both our tour guides were very nice. Christine accompanied us to the seaport and was there after our day to get us back to our hotel. Marichu (she gave her name as Sarah) was wonderful giving us a lot of information about Bohol, the Targsier Sanctuary, the Chocolate Hills, and the town. It was a very nice day aided by great tour guides who were clearly very interested in our comfort and needs.
The flight from Cebu City to Puerto Princesa on Philippines Airways was uneventful and it was a better airline experience. The Hue Hotel was good-clean and comfortable, and the location close to the Robinson Mall was nice. When we got in, we decided to chill by the pool and were seated but the bar staff asked us to move while they prepared for a private party. We moved to where we were directed and after 5 minutes, they approached us again and asked us to move. They suggested a location in the sun and after finishing our drinks, we decided to leave. The way this was handled was very poor. Later, we visited the pool which is badly in need of repairs. Many tiles were missing and the edges of the plaster were sharp.
The underground river was a nice experience. Rich is a very good tour guide who clearly knows the area well. Like all our guides, he offered to take group pictures for us and we got a really good guide for the mangroves who sang to us. It was quite entertaining.
Our trip to El Nido was interesting. We had someone pick us up but were taken to a gas station where our driver and van were switched. The driver didn’t appear too engaged or interested.
El Nido was great and the Funny Lion is a great hotel. We were greeted by the hotel manager who welcomed us and offered his assistance with anything we needed. He checked on us daily. The rooms were clean and beds and pillows were great. The pool was wonderful. Our island hopping was good but we were shocked at the amount of coral that is dead or dying. I know some of this is due to Typhoon Odette but this was not the best for snorkeling. The boat crew was wonderful and attentive and they prepared two great lunches on the boat. It was great, great fun.
Overall, we really enjoyed our trip and all of the transfers, guides, and details were attended to very well by Cami who continually checked in on us.
On a scale of 1-5 with 5 being the best, we rated the hotels:
• Belmont Hotel – “3”
• Elysia Beach Resort – “2.5 to 3.0”
• Marison Hotel – “4”
• Marco Polo Hotel – “4.5”
• Funny Lion Hotel – “5” – this staff went way and beyond. The rooms were nice. The linens and towels were great. Food was good. Pool was wonderful and the outside showers, bathrooms and foot wash was really convenient and useful.
For publication (here is a condensed review but feel free to use specific information about the tour guides, tour companies and the individuals as you feel appropriate). Most of this is designed to be helpful to you in further trip planning.
We planned a trip to the Philippines with KimKim Travel and were very pleased with their services. Our agent, Cami, helped us to customize a trip specific to our wants and needs. She provided guidance based on her experience. After a couple of months in getting the itinerary finalized, flights confirmed, submittal of needed documents, and answering our many questions, she sent a comprehensive summary of our trip with emergency contacts, tour guide names, details about transfers, and suggestions for restaurants, shopping, and additional activities. She kept in touch with us almost daily and made recommendations throughout our vacation. She sent us reminders throughout our trip and provided troubleshooting when we had a canceled flight that disrupted our schedule. She and the tour companies and guides in the Philippines rearranged things for us so we were able to regroup and continue our trip with very little problem. We highly recommend KimKim and Cami Sarmiento.
Hotel Reviews
Belmont Hotel Manila
Pasay City
Belmont Hotel was ok but not great. While the proximity to the airport was great, the customer service was lacking; it was crowded and they handled overflow by placing dining tables in the lobby. A special request to use the pool in the afternoon on our last day was a major issue as check-out was at noon. After escalating our request to a manager, we were allowed to use the pool.
Authenticity & Character
The service was "so-so" and staff was not customer-centric. Rooms were clean, dining was okay, phones did not work, some electrical outlets did not work, and the air-conditioning could not be adjusted. Overall, I would choose a different hotel with some character and better service.
Staff
Not interested in helping or accommodating anything out of the ordinary.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable but maintenance was needed for phones and electrical outlets.
Elysia Beach Resort
Donsol
The Elysia Resort was good but clearly our most “rustic” stay. While this was on the beach, the beach left much to be desired. It was dirty and there were dogs everywhere. They barked all night long. It was difficult to adjust the room temperature, the towels were pretty bare, the beds were only okay, but the food was good in the restaurant.
Authenticity & Character
A little more luxury would be nice. It did appear that the management of the hotel was interested in cost controls more than guest comfort. A rating of 2.5 is more appropriate
Location
Proximity to our tours was great.
Staff
Staff was polite and helpful but not over the top on service.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beds were a little hard, towels were pretty thread-bare, linens were clean. A little 'up-grade' would go a long way.
The Marison Hotel
Legazpi
The Marison Hotel was very nice and the staff was very welcoming as we checked in. The rooms were comfortable and had everything we needed. The restaurant was good and all staff from bell staff, to desk clerks, to restaurant servers were all very, very good. Great view of the volcano - wish it hadn't been so cloudy!
Authenticity & Character
Very nice - standard character.
Location
Great view of the volcano.
Staff
Everyone was great.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The rooms were very clean and the beds were super comfy.
Marco Polo Plaza Cebu
Cebu City
We would rate this a "4.5". All staff was very welcoming and helpful. There were multiple dining options. The pool area was a nice place to have a late meal. Breakfast was really good and plentiful with food and selection.
Authenticity & Character
It's a large and more luxurious hotel. The dining areas were really nice.
Location
With the city being so large, it is hard to rate the location but it was close to a lot of shopping.
Staff
Service was fast and easy.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were comfortable.
Hue Hotels and Resorts Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa
The Hue Hotel was good-clean and comfortable, and the location close to the Robinson Mall was nice. When we got in, we decided to chill by the pool and were seated but the bar staff asked us to move while they prepared for a private party. We moved to where we were directed and after 5 minutes, they approached us again and asked us to move. They suggested a location in the sun and after finishing our drinks, we decided to leave. The way this was handled was very poor. We had ordered beer - San Miguel Light but got the wrong beer. We approached the bar and they provided the correct beer but we watched one of the servers putting caps back on the beers we returned - that was a little alarming! Later, we visited the pool which is badly in need of repairs. Many tiles were missing and the edges of the plaster were sharp.
Authenticity & Character
Facility needs maintenance.
Location
Great location to road and next door to a mall.
Staff
Pool bar staff needs training. All other staff was good.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Maintenance was needed.
The Funny Lion El Nido
El Nido
The Funny Lion-El Nido is a great hotel. The rating we gave was primarily due to the over-the-top service we received. From the management staff to every single employee there, it was clear we were the number one priority. We were greeted by the hotel manager who welcomed us and offered his assistance with anything we needed. We were provided with welcome and departure gifts - they weren't much but the thought was lovely. The manager checked on us daily. The Food and Beverage Manager was very attentive and was present in the restaurant and breakfast area each day. Like his manager, he was very focused on our satisfaction. The rooms were clean and beds and pillows were great. The pool was wonderful.
Authenticity & Character
The design of this hotel is really great. The pool was the center of the hotel and was beautiful. All facilities were open to the pool and fans kept everything cool and comfortable. There is a large bathroom at the end of the restaurant with showers and toilets if you want to use them as you come in from the ocean.
Location
Close to town. New facility on road where transportation was readily available.
Staff
If we could rate them a "10", we would. Their attention to our every need was just wonderful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were clean, towels were fluffy. Bedding and beds were very comfortable. Drying areas for beach clothing were available out of the front door and on the balconies.
Activity Reviews
Diving in Ticao Island
Philippines
Junery Azupardo (Jun) was our divemaster and he was assisted by July. They were both very, very good and experienced divers and we felt confident we were in good hands. Our first dive was a wall off Ticao Island and it was magnificent with colorful coral. The manta bowl was a challenging dive with some strong down currents but Jun and July made sure we were safe and taken care of. When our first dive had to be cut short, we went to the other side of the bowl, and were able to see a large manta. Jun took photos and videos for us and hand delivered them to us on a thumb drive at our hotel in Legazpi – that is what I call “over and beyond” service. Jun, July and Ariza are both very good representatives for Bicol Beyond.
Quality of Experience
The wall was beautiful and our dive team was really attentive. They went above and beyond.
Food
Wow! We really didn't expect such a great meal.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jun and July - you have to have good dive masters - they were familiar with the locations and our safety and comfort was their priority.
Transport
Boat crew was very helpful.
Ariza arranged our schedule for a second whale shark outing that was staffed with a great crew (including her husband who is a Butanding Interaction Officer [BIO]) and a university student, Aldwyn Calaguing, who was researching whale sharks also was onboard. Aldwyn was able to provide us so much information about whale sharks. Both BIOs on the boat were in the water with us and pushing us along to get the best from our swim with two different whale sharks; one was approximately 6 meters long (nicknamed Notchie due to a notch in his tail) and the other nicknamed Biggie because he was between 9 and 10 meters long. It was awesome! Ariza then arranged a special lunch for us. Her husband had hand-selected two large fresh crabs and she paired them with vegetables and rice. WOW! Our tricycle drivers (Mark) were so much fun and we enjoyed them so much. This company and the entire staff was wonderful!
Quality of Experience
An experienced crew focused on giving us the best experience possible.
Food
Ariza arranged for a fresh crab lunch - it was delicious!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Staffed by licensed Butanding Interaction Officers [BIO]) and a university student, Aldwyn Calaguing, who was researching whale sharks. Arranged by Ariza with Bicol Beyond who was so hands on and arranged for a fantastic lunch for us.
Transport
Boat and crew were great!
Fun and relaxing. We found an area where the fireflies were swarming and it was interesting to see the synchronization.
Quality of Experience
Pretty and relaxing
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Laura was very nice.
Transport
Picked up on time; back to hotel afterward. Easy and close.
Busay Waterfalls Adventure
Philippines
Not applicable - we canceled this tour.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls
Cebu City
Canyoneering in Kawasan Falls was great and it was strenuous. I would suggest you have your clients watch a video of the trekking. We were by far the oldest people there but we had a great time- take that, you young ones!!. Justin and Vincent were our guides. When one of our group struggled with asthma and some of the climbs, Vincent and Justin he stuck by her side, holding her hand, and floating her through some of the river areas while we went forward and jumped all the cliffs – It was great fun!!
Quality of Experience
Great scenery, good exercise, fun!
Food
Freshly prepared - healthy
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Justin and Vincent were great.
Bohol Island Day Tour from Cebu
Philippines
We enjoyed our trip to Bohol. It was a nice and relaxing day scheduled after a few days of very active tours. Both our tour guides were very nice. Christine accompanied us to the seaport and was there after our day to get us back to our hotel. Marichu (she gave her name as Sarah) was wonderful giving us a lot of information about Bohol, the Tarsier Sanctuary, the Chocolate Hills, and the town. It was a very nice day aided by great tour guides who were clearly very interested in our comfort and needs.
Quality of Experience
Relaxing day following a very physical prior several days.
Food
Very good food, nice restaurant!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
All tour guides were knowledgeable and very customer oriented
Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Tour
Philippines
The underground river was a nice experience. Rich is a very good tour guide who clearly knows the area well. Like all our guides, he offered to take group pictures for us and we got a really good guide for the mangroves who sang to us. It was quite entertaining.
Quality of Experience
The caves were beautiful
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Rich was a great guide! Friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable.
Island Hopping in El Nido - Tour B
El Nido
Our island hopping was good but we were shocked at the amount of coral that is dead or dying. I know some of this is due to Typhoon Odette but this was not the best for snorkeling. The boat crew was wonderful and attentive and they prepared two great lunches on the boat. It was great, great fun.
Quality of Experience
Mike was really a great guide and he and the boat crew were very attentive.
Food
It was delicious and freshly prepared just for us. What a spread they put on.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
So very nice - all of them.
Transport
Boat crew was great
Island hopping in El Nido - Tour A
El Nido
Our island hopping was good but we were shocked at the amount of coral that is dead or dying. I know some of this is due to Typhoon Odette but this was not the best for snorkeling. The boat crew was wonderful and attentive and they prepared two great lunches on the boat. It was great, great fun.
Food
Awesome lunch prepared fresh on the boat. We even had fruit carved beautifully.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mike and the boat crew were great!
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