Wildlife Holidays in Asia

This was my first time taking a holiday with Exodus, perhaps it will not be my last. However, I must complain about the horrible 7 hour stopover at Sau Paulo airport. This is just far to long, and I think Exodus should think about using a different airline for the second leg of the journey. Once arrived on the second day at Hotel Baiazinha lodge, we all had an amazing time though, and I think this was exacerbated by the wonderful guide Tony, very eagle eyed and knowledgeable about all of the wildlife that the Pantanal has to offer. I like my wildlife photography, and this trip proved to be amazing. We did get to see a number of Jaguars, I will always remember my first sighting in the golden hour which made for some incredible photo’s. Memories that will last a lifetime is what I take back with myself.

Michael Brooks Land of the Jaguar

On a positive note we had a great wildlife experience seeing five jaguar, giant otters, tapirs, ocelot and hyacinth macaws amongst many others. Tony, our guide, was one of the very best guides I have had. He spotted just about everything going and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the birds and animals of the Pantanal. The not so good was when booking, the connecting flight from San Paulo to Cuiaba was booked from a different San Paulo airport to the one I was due to arrive at from the UK. Speaking to the Exodus rep when booking I questioned why the arrival airport had a different code to the departure airport and was assured the two flights were from the same airport so booked. I was not comfortable and quick online search showed that this was not the case. Fortunately it was sorted out when I then raised the issue again but no apology for what was a basic error. Following the two reviews from 2023, the connecting flight is now a 7hrs wait. While baggage is checked through to Cuiaba you must collect your baggage in San Paula and go through immigration control and customs. You can then drop your bags off at the Latam desk 4hr before your flight to Cuiaba. This info is correct as of July 2024!

Ivan Pinto Land of the Jaguar

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.

susan bowler Primates & Dragons of Indonesia