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Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers  

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It’s the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you’re interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.

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Reviews

Some good some bad…

Some parts of this trip were great. But like the previous reviewer the accommodation on the boat really let it down. The ppl in the cabins had a much better time as they were able to sleep. I read the trip notes and understood it to be shared bunk rooms with communal bathrooms. But it’s double cabins that have private bathrooms. No shared facilities, no where to store your stuff and sleeping on the deck was ok until the boat moved both nights (around 1am – 5am). Making it incredibly noisy, windy and cold on deck. If I understood this I doubt I would of booked this trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Elly was a great group leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Leeches… in Sumatra even though I was wearing walking shoes, trousers and socks they still got me. I would take gaiters or thicker socks next time.

Exotic trip with a few flaws

The itinerary for this trip was remarkable – saw oragutans and Komodo dragons in the wild, snorkeled, and enjoyed touring around Bali and the various islands. Did the Gili Trawangan extension and went scuba diving there. And Elly was a wonderful tour guide. However, there were some downsides, including the boat in the Komodo islands and some of the other transportation. The boat itself was not very comfortable, and actually a little dangerous in certain regards. The boat was not set up to accommodate the number of people on the tour, so was at times crowded and uncomfortable in the common area. There wasn’t just an option to sleep on the deck, but a requirement for a few people, as there were not enough cabins to accommodate the entire group. And when those deck sleepers needed to use a restroom in the middle of the night, they had to barge in to one of the cabins in the dark – no restrooms on the boat except inside the few cabins. The dining table where they served all the food buffet-style was crammed in a small room, with the stairs leading down to a couple of the cabins right alongside of the table -as you were getting your food, it would have been extremely easy to fall down them if you weren’t very careful. The refrigerator with all of our drinks was very often blocked by people sitting at the table, so there was major shuffling to do you when you wanted to get a drink. There was a low railing around the boat, which in rough seas would have been very easy to fall overboard.
there was only one support skiff with the boat that could only take half of us ashore at a time, so getting everyone onshore took forever. The local guide that accompanied us on the Komodo boat trip was not very good. He didn’t do any kind of assessment of everyone’s snorkeling abilities but instead took off on the first snorkel in a strong current, and didn’t look back to see if everyone was following, or try to keep the group together. People fell way behind and because there was only one skiff, that skiff couldn’t (nor ever intended to, it seemed) stay with the snorkelers. People were scattered over a large area in the water and in some cases, were told to just wait in the water when the first half of the group had already filled the skiff for the return trip to the big boat. It was a situation ripe with the potential for disaster. And the guide wasn’t around to stay with the people who had to remain in the water waiting. And if you wanted to jump in and swim off the big boat, the ladder was so high in the water that it was very difficult to get back on the boat – and there was no safety line deployed behind the boat to make it any easier, or safer, to get to the boat.

Other transportation was disappointing. The small group of us that went on the Gili Island extension had to wait over an hour at port the ferry terminal, after arriving back in Bali, for the driver to show up to transport people to the airport for thir flights. I stayed a couple extra nights in Bali before going home, and the driver that was supposed to transport me from the hotel to the airport never showed up at all – the hotel had to make alternate arrangements for me.

In closing, it was a wonderful, adventerous trip, but Exodus has some work to do to make it a little safer and comfortable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing an orangutan up close!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Elly was great. She had to deal with some interesting personalities on the trip, and did a great job accomodating everyone's needs.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be aware that hiking through the jungle in Sumatra is more strenuous than the description in the itinerary, the boat in the Komodos is challenging, and Gili Trawangan isn't quite the "tropical paradise" they wax poetic about in the itinerary description. While the water is absolutely beautiful and the scuba diving was nice, the island itself isn't nearly as lush and tropical as described. Still worth the visit, but not what I expected based on the description.

What an amazing adventure with a great bunch of people.

I had booked this trip to visit Indonesia and see the Komodo dragons which did not disappoint. On the whole the trip was very well organised and the guide was exceptional.
However both the outgoing flight and transfer at Kuala Lumper and the return flight had very tight connection times. I have given some feedback to Malasian airlines as I do not feel that I should have had to run through a very large airport with bus transfer between international and domestic terminals to make my connection. The airline, knowing many ( at least 20) people needed this connection, should either have put on direct transport or guaranteed the flight be held to allow us to confortably get to the flight. Whilst reasonably fit,at 65 I expect this even without a 7Kg backpack I would struggle!!!
I also feel a little more time to acclimatise to the humidity and rest after the long journey before the first hike in the Jungle would have benefitted some of the group including myself. The Ecolodge at Bukit Lawang was anything but eco other than cold water which could easily heated by means of solar panels non of us could find anything eco about it. Whilst it was convenient for the jungle there were many other hotels close by that may have had better washing facilities. All the group felt a warm shower with sufficient water to actually wash, rather than a dribble , would have welcomed us to Indonesian heat better than this lodge.
On return to Medan there was bearly time to enjoy the pool at that hotel and to enable more sleep and avoid another early start, I wonder if there is not an airport hotel that would be more suitable.
There was one American lady on this trip who did not have the fitness required to be able to complete the trip without putting others at risk. Her deafness also caused some issues as she would rudely overtalk the leader and failed on many occasions to hear the istructions needed and Elly would constantly have to repeat them.

Most Inspirational Moment

I really enjoyed the time we spent on the boat. The snorkelling with clear clean waters and corals in a better condition than I have previously seen were amazing. To see the Komodo dragons, that have been protected for a significant amount of time ensuring their protection was inspiring, showing that humans can sustain wildlife when the correct measures are put in place. The indonesian people also inspired me.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Elly was a fantastic leader a friendly caring individual with a positive outlook and always finding a solution to any problems we may have. I would fully recomend her ever vote for her as leader of the year.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the travel notes given by Exodus and prepare accordingly! Whilst this seems obvious it still amazes me that people do not always have the correct equipment and level of fitness required.

Primates & Dragons of Indonesia

It was a great trip. Exceeded all my expectations.Our guide Elly was brilliant and always on hand if we needed anything. The local guides that were used on various parts of the trip were also very good. On the 2 days spent in the forest in Bukit Lawang we saw Orang Utans within 20 minutes of leaving our lodge. Getting fresh local fruit in the middle of the jungle was a very welcome treat. Possibly the juiciest pineapple i have ever eaten. On the boat trip to Komodo and Rinca Islands the food was very good and fresh. Sleeping on the deck of the boat was great. Saw about 15 Komodo’s over the visits to the two Islands. the snorkelling off the both on numerous occasions was brilliant. Crystal clear waters where we saw loads of turtles and fish to rival the Barrier Reef. Bring an underwater camera, I didn’t and i’m sorry i didn’t. The only slight gripe i have was the walk to the volcano/lava fields. In my opinion this was a waste of time. Elly had asked us if anyone wanted to try Durian fruit. A few of us said yes, so Elly stopped at a stall selling it. Trying Durian fruit has been on my bucket list for a long time. It tastes as disgusting as it smells but I’m glad i tried it. Overall it was a great trip and one i would highly recommend.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Orang Utans and the Komodo Dragons. Also seeing turtles while snorkelling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Elly is a great guide. Always there if we needed us. The local guides we used during the trip were also great.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Bring good walking boots/shoes for the jungle. It had rained during the night we were in Bukit Lawang and the jungle floor was very slippery underfoot. If you intend to go snorkelling bring an underwater camera/go pro.

Fantastic

From beginning to end this trip was one wow moment after another. The trip itinerary is well structured into 4 parts, all quite different. Trekking the jungle in Bukit Lawang and being lucky to see so many orangutan was unbelievably moving. The two very different stays in the chilled out beach town of Sanur and Ubud with its monkey forest (not on the itinerary but a must to visit). Flores islands were just stunning, loved the two nights sleeping on deck quite literally under the stars. The unexpected highlight of this trip was probably the snorkelling ….never have I seen such a variety of fish, corals and abundance of life underwater.

Most Inspirational Moment

So many moments, the very human like and curious orangutans, being charged at by a 3 meter long male Komodo, the tranquility of the temples and the peace just sitting on deck watching the sunrise in the mornings. The walk up the hill on Padar was worth every step to watch sunsetting over the islands.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ely is one of the best. She guided us efficiently and effortlessly through many flights, journeys and experiences over the 14 days. Her enthusiasm never faltered even keeping us company on what should have been her rest days. Her concern for our safety was paramount even sitting in the tender boat watch over us whilst snorkelling. Ely made the trip the fantastic experience it was.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Long trousers a must for the jungle, be prepared because these leech get everywhere!

Inspirational Indonesia

I have been on several wildlife trips with Exodus and I think this is probably , all things considered the best one that I have been on when taking into account the wonderful support of the guide Elly and the great crew on the boat . The variety of activities on offer, the locations, the food and the hotel accommodation all had a part to play in contributing to that recommendation.

Most Inspirational Moment

For me as an interested amateur wildlife photographer I have to say that the most inspirational moment was getting such great shots of the orangutans in Sumatra. Wildlife can never be guaranteed but we were very lucky to see as may as we did . I also got some wonderFul shots of the Komodo dragons and Thomas leaf monkeys.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Elly was a fantastic leader and was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about her country and its nature. Nothing was too much trouble for her and she was always concerned about our well being. Elly always took us to great restaurants that she had checked out beforehand. .

Advice for Potential Travellers

I bought my visa on arrival at Medan airport with no problems whatsoever. I chose to change some currency before I got there and was able to pay in IDR though I think a colleague paid in euros. There is a fair bit of climbing both in the jungle and temples so a walking stick(s) are handy . I was provided with a bamboo stick for the jungle. I only went on 3 hour walks into the jungle . I heard that the 6 hour walk was considerably more strenuous with not much more to be gained in terms of wildlife sitings.

Exceptionally good adventure holiday

I’ve been lucky enough to travel on many small group adventure holidays over the years, and this is one of the absolute best. It features a well designed itinerary that balances activity and rest, an exceptional tour leader, and wonderful settings for wildlife viewing, scenery and culture. Although some of the walks are on the challenging side (at least if you’re unfit like I am), the days of travelling provide a good opportunity to rest up and to reflect on what you’ve seen. I finished the trip feeling both that I’d seen and done a lot, and that I was rested and had been able to relax – not something I find with many holidays where it’s either one or the other! The variety is exceptional, feeling like several holidays in one and yet all integrated well into an overall package. The standard of the accommodation and food was also really good. I’d very highly recommend the trip to anyone who enjoys this type of holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing manta rays close up underwater was the absolute highlight for me, but also seeing orangutans and gibbons in the wild and all of the time on the boat were wonderful experiences.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Elly was a truly exceptional group leader who is surely deserving of formal recognition from a tour leader awards programme. Very well organised, caring, helpful, great communication skills, assertive enough to get things done but never anything other than kind to everyone. She knew the trip inside out and made every element run smoothly - there was nothing she hadn't anticipated and sorted. On our free days she accompanied us for free on walking tours of the relevant places, something that is not required of a tour leader and was done entirely out of her own goodwill. She managed a difficult situation when one of our group fell seriously ill and had to be hospitalised, ensuring that he and his wife were supported even when they were on a different island, whilst also delivering the itinerary for everyone else to a high standard. This must have been extremely hard for her but she never gave any sign of it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't underestimate the toll that the heat and humidity of the jungle will take on you, particularly when combined with the jet lag and tiredness after a long flight. Take it easy and don't push yourself too much. The six hour jungle trek in Bukit Lawang is really tough (I didn't do it myself) and the participants didn't see anything more than we saw on the three hour trips. You definitely need walking boots with ankle support - you'll be glad of them several times over the course of the trip and they're worth the extra weight. The boat is not as basic as the trip notes suggest - if you have been on other 'liveaboard' boats you are likely to be pleasantly surprised. There is electricity for charging, space to sit and relax and if you choose to sleep on deck, you'll find it very comfortable and enjoy a good view of the stars. There are multiple en suite bathrooms with showers and plenty of space. Some of the hotels only have bar soap so if you prefer a liquid soap then it's best to take some with you, plus some shampoo and conditioner. It's always hard to get a sense of the fitness level required for a trip as what one person finds hard can differ from another. The challenging factors here are the heat and humidity, and some short but steep up and down hill walks including multiple steps. In Bukit Lawang the paths are rough and full of hazards like roots and fallen trees, and can be extremely muddy and slippery. The pace is always as slow as you need with multiple supportive and sympathetic guides and I never felt pressured to go faster than I could manage. You also do have the option to miss out any of the active elements if you need to. I was very worried about the temple in Bali with the multiple steps but actually it's not too bad at all, as the steps are broken up by stops to see things. If you could manage the 3 hour treks in Bukit Lawang you can certainly manage that. The snorkelling is generally easy in still water with good buoyancy, suitable for beginners, and again well supported. The only more challenging swim is for the manta rays. You need to be ready to go quickly and to stick with the guide and swim fast.

Perfect trip

Loads of wildlife, orangutans, komodo dragons, snorkeling with huge manta plus monkeys, turtles, water buffalo, wild boar, deer.. The list goes on. Hindu temples and shrines, great scenery, food, an excellent guide, good local guides and transport, comfortable hotels and a group that gelled. A fantastic mixture of wildlife and culture.

Most Inspirational Moment

Sleeping out on deck on our boat. Baby orangutans playing in the trees. The friendliness of the Indonesians. Snorkeling with manta.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Elly was excellent. Everything you want in a group leader and more. Organised, enthusiastic, warm. She really looked after us and made sure we made the most of our trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walking in Sumatra is muddy and slippery. You need walking shoes/boots, not trainers or sandals. And insect repellant. If you have your own snorkeling gear, bring it, you will get good use out of it.

WOZ - Sept.

Excellent trip, great group and great group leader. Guides also excellent. People very friendly and helpful. Went smoothly and fulfilled expectations.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Great Argus Pheasant (aka the 'Sumatran pigeon').

Thoughts on Group Leader

Elly was Superb. Nothing to suggest for improvement other than a little more research on restaurants.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ignore hotel and accommodation restaurants. There are much better and better value restaurants outside the accommodation. Go in the dry season. We had very little rain (other than the usual afternoon downpours in the jungle).

Primates and Dragons June 2023

An outstanding tour giving a very good insight into a number of aspects of Indonesia and some amazing wildlife experiences. From the close up encounters with Orang Utans in Sumatra to the excellent viewing of Komodo dragons in Komodo and Rinca the tour delivered on its main two objectives. The second trek in Sumatra was challenging but the local guides gave adequate information to the group to allow a decision to be made but we had good viewings even on the simpler walks. In addition to this although I am personally a non swimmer the group also experienced close encounters with Manta Rays and turtles. There are a few days in transit which is inevitable given the variety this trip tries to provide and for our tour we had two boats one better than the other but as per the trip notes expect very basic accommodation but worth it for the benefits early arrival on the islands bring and the outstanding scenery around Flores and the neighbouring islands. Nice beach stay at Sanur which is not as hectic as Kuta but still provides ample nightlife. Ubud adds a nice cultural experience to the tour and a gentle trek in the mountains. I would highly recommend the optional cycling trip available from Ubud which is mainly downhill so doesn’t require any high degree of fitness. The cycling is fun but the bikes really just allow you greater interaction with the locals on the regular stops and to see the real Bali which can be harder to find these days. Another must do is the extension to Gili Islands. Absolutely stunning and a great laid back feel. If you want crazy nightlife it is available as is complete peace and quiet with everything in between.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our tour leader Elly was exceptional and added to the trip considerably with her knowledge, sense of humour and continual concern for the well-being and enjoyment of the group. Also local guides used including Udin and Wayan had tremendous enthusiasm for their country and were two more great examples of the wonderfully hospitable Indonesian people.