How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Exceptional, marvellous, went way out of her way to make our stay enjoyable and informative. She introduced us to many of the local dishes and frequently bought us (at her expense) snacks and fruits so we could try them out. Could not ask for a sweeter and lovelier tour guide.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Double check with London before departure regarding the CORRECT hotel meeting point in Medan and the local agent. Both were wrong on our information sheet (and the other passengers too) causing great stress upon arrival at the hotel to be told they knew nothing of us or of an Explore booking. Very shoddy administrative service from this point of view and we had to call London to sort it out from Sumatra!

Do you have anything else to add?

More attention to be given to the administrative communications with clients to ensure correct meeting point data. Avoid Lovina Beach - dull ! Accommodation and transport were very good with the exception of Fendi hotel in Java which was unable to provide a decent breakfast and we had to make our own beds!

I think this must have been one of the best tours I have been on.  The landscapes were so beautiful and the people lovely.  The temple complexes were magnificent considering that they have been rebuilt from scratch with no plans!  What I and my husband most enjoyed were the village walks.  They went through the most beautiful scenic farmland but it was very steep in places.  The guide Eddy was very good and considerate.He really loves his country and this shone through.  The Ramayana ballet is a must for everyone.  Throughout the whole trip there was a variety of activities and accomodation, but towards the end we personally were a bit templed out.  Also at the Besakih temple complex there were alot of 'sharks' and I wouldn't recommend getting split up from the group. (JV - 7th May 2011)

One of the highlights of the holiday for me was the wonderful friendliness of the local people both in Java and in Bali. As a keen photographer I was delighted to find locals queueing to have their photos taken. 

Some of the scenery was spectacular particularly that in the vicinity of the many volcanos.  I loved the walks, particularly the longer one in Bali where we walked through rice fields, local villages and a little jungle with some super opportunities to observe and photograph local wildlife.  The standard of accommodation was pleasingly better than I expected.  The food was good and varied, particularly in Bali but be prepared for some very hot days and a couple of long travel days.  Other than that, a very good holiday and a great experience interacting with the local people. (JV -10th september 2011)

Some airlines, like the one that crosses the atlantic are OK, but Malasian Airlines are towards the top of the pile and so the journey was less arduous for my old bones. I love the whole thing about Asia and Indonesia and it doesn't disappoint There is the hussle and bustle but not so much as Indian cities, there is culture and there is Durian, try it, to me it tastes like mild pickled onions with the texture of thick cold custard. It is truly an acquired taste. Then there is the gamalan music, that jangle of percussion instruments which, if you listen carefully, works in just the same way as a western orchestra.

My favourite has to be the wooden instruments, they just conjour up the calm of the countryside and chillin' with a bunch of little bananas in a shady spot.  The highlight of this trip was the climb up and views from the top of Kawah Ijen [OK the smell was pretty strong if you stood in the wrong place but its volcanic and active so.....]. 

After a steep climb, about 3km up an average 1:6 gradient i thought i did well to maintain the back marker position but the experience was as much about the journey as the view from the top. [See 'Human Planet part 5] 

I could't help wondering how this compared to Mt Bromo, I doubt I'll never know but I feel sure this was better so thank you mother nature for your timely intervention triggering Bromo's activity. We did drive past it but sight of the rim was obstructed by cloud and ash. 

The second highlight was the 4 hour walk from Kastala to Tenganan on Bali. A bit hot and sticky especially through the jungly bit of the walk but worth every step, the local guide was excellent as were the refreshments half way through [with a toilet to die for....in Indonesia] with the farmer almost blinded by cataracts playing the local music on a gamelan angklung [bamboo zylophone]. Brilliant.  And the people, I can say 'hello' in several languages but i've never been to  a place where the town and countryside people appear to enjoy a brief exchange of words like 'hello'  'how are you' 'I'm good thanks' 'goodbye' as much as here. My recommendation.... learn a few phrases before you go, its an easy language with simple syntax [not at all like english] and make the people smile and engage with you. (JV -4th June 2011)

This was a great introduction to Indonesia for me, I had the most amazing time; the islands are truly beautiful. Throughout Java very few tourists it's so unspoilt, not too many in Bali either. Amazing ancient temples - Hindu Prambanan dedicated to Brahma, Shiva & Vishnu, and the Buddhist Borododur with its multiple levels of life until reaching Nirvana at the top.  In Wonosobo in the Dieng Plateau area, we visited a local home hosted by Hankie, he has a collection of masks, knives, musical instruments, his home resembled a small museum it was really interesting. The locals gave a performance that included a small child being eaten by a demon! the whole village turned out to see the show and it was a great opportunity to meet them, they made us feel very welcome. Mount Bromo sat in a gigantic caldera alongside Mount Batoc & Mount Pananjakan the whole scene is absolutely spectacular and the walks around the area give breath-taking scenes at every turn. Lovina beach is practically deserted; opportunities for trips to spot dolphins or snorkelling. We had a fantastic fish BBQ on the beach by the local fisherman and some great music played by the locals. I was charmed by the amount of myticism & spirtualism on both islands. (JV - 6th May 2010)

A fascinating tour representing exceptional value.Fantastic guide. Trip highlight Mount Bromo at dawn. Hotel standard was really good, far better than expected considering price paid. (JV- 2009)

A fantastic combination of ancient temples and active volcanoes! The temple complex of Borobodur is really indescribable and no pictures can do it justice. It really has to be seen to be believed. By contrast, watching sunrise over Mount Bromo was an almost mystical event - and if you ever wondered where old Land Cruisers end up this will answer the question - as the sun slowly illuminates more and more of the volcanoes in this crater. Looking into the smoking crater of Mount Bromo later that day in a thunderstorm was an experience not to be forgotten if not actually recommended. This part of the tour certainly requires warm clothing which is a bit of a shock after the temperatures in the low lands. The people are very friendly - and want their picture taken with you - and the food excellent. If you want scenery, history, culture and fun this is highly recommended. (JV- 4th July 2010)

Mount Bromo, truly amazing. Take some warm cloth for Mount Bromo and an umbrella.  Weather can be very different when travelling through Java. Borobudur lives up to expectations but be prepared for the crowd. (JV- 4th July 2010)