2 independent reviews for Lombok & Bali holiday
Reviews for Lombok & Bali holiday
Pamela Major review 22 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The snorkelling and staying at Pondok Siola with its wonderful staff. The waterfall trek in Senaru.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be aware that single supplement doesn't apply on some nights of accommodation. The choice of restaurants was very Western-oriented rather than Indonesian food. The choice of accommodation was resorts rather than homestays - I would have expected the latter given the badge and the emphasis on local people.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefit local people - less so given the points above Reduced environmental impact - to some extent, but many places we went used plastic straws and bottles Supported conservation - didn't really see much of that, though Pondok Siola did have a self-run scheme for helping to preserve turtles.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Some of the activities were outstanding (see above). But I was disappointed overall by the holiday being more tame than I expected. And the village tours were a bit repetitive. I sometimes had the feeling also that we were being taken somewhere in order to be sold something eg the weaving and pottery trips. So like a classic tour group really, which I dislike and tend to avoid.Read the operator's response here:
Hi Pamela - Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know how you got on in Indonesia. We’re so pleased to see how much you enjoyed Pondok Siola and the waterfall trek in Senaru. Regarding what you felt didn't work so well, thank you for your insight here as it points to ways in which this trip could better align with our People, Planet and Purpose values. As such, we've shared your comments with our Product Manager for this trip and our local team in Indonesia to see what adjustments can be made for future versions of this route. We want all our travellers to have the opportunity to engage with First Nations and Indigenous cultures and gain a better understanding of how they can respectfully travel in a destination in a way that acknowledges the rich history of the places we visit.
Thanks again, Pamela, and best wishes for your future adventures!
Jo Christophe review 3 Feb 2017
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
being an impromptu wedding guest and being invited attend the wedding procession -surreal but very special one-off experience2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
bear in mind that Lombok is not as commercial as Bali - but this is its charm3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - we got to speak to local guides on how 'tourism' was affecting them. We were told that it was bringing an additional source of income to the communities which was in turn be used to fund educational programmes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Everything I had hoped for - would recommend this trip without hesitationHoliday Reviews
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