7 independent reviews for Kayaking holiday in Indonesia, Komodo Dragon tour

Reviews for Kayaking holiday in Indonesia, Komodo Dragon tour

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review 14 Nov 2023

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Komodo dragons, gorgeous clear water, well-organized crew and guides

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Trip was listed for kayakers and non kayakers. I was in the later group yet this info was not communicated to the sea guide which was somewhat dangerous. Once it was known, guide very accommodating.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Great

Read the operator's response here:

Hi Sandra I am glad you had a great trip - it is one of our favourites. Sorry about any miscommunication regarding your kayaking ability. I believe there was a last minute change with your trip which meant you didn't have your first day in Labuan Bajo which would have given more time for chatting about any experience levels. It is the first time we have had this point and we will ensure that it doesn't happen again.

review 15 Jan 2020

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Seeing the wildlife in Wilpattu safari in particular the leopards. Chatting to local people as we climbed Adams Peak was another highlight for us

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Would not recommend driving, the roads are chaotic. Take time to talk to the local people , they love to find out about you and are very friendly

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes, we stayed in smalllaces and used local guides mostly. We were impressed with their awareness of plastic waste and their measures to reduce same in national parks.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Excellent, we would recommend it to anyone who enjoys nature and meeting local people

review 26 Oct 2019

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

All of it! Day 4 was probably a stand out, with Komodo dragons in the morning, giant mantas in the afternoon, and a relaxed sunset kayak in the evening. The whole trip was very well organised, a very comfortable support boat, excellent staff, a great mix of activities including time to chill on the boat, and an amazing candle lit evening dinner on the beach.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Just book it! Main essentials are water shoes, cycling gloves, rash vest (you may be able to buy one from them), sunglasses and hat. A few waterproof plasters, and I used a travel towel for my back as a cushion... made life a lot more comfortable in the kayak.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Part of the permit for camping involved them having to clean plastic waste from the beaches. All the staff on the boat were locals, so booking keeps them in a job.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

One of the most outstanding trips I have ever done. Loved it.

review 27 Sep 2017

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Honestly everything was amazing! Being completely immersed in nature. Monkeys, dolphins, turtles, manta rays, bats and of course Komodo dragons... oh and some spectacular sunsets!

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Bring lots of suncream and insect repellent!

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes. We had local guides. Our team were constantly picking up empty water bottles when kayaking,and making sure we left no trace of our campsites when we moved on. Unfortunately some beaches were littered with rubbish... they need more ppl like out your operators to keep the areas clean.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

10 out of 10! Floral was our guide and he was superb!

review 1 Sep 2017

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

So many to choose from: Singing campfire songs with the crew, guide and group. Snorkelling and seeing the sights. Visiting Komodo Island and the dragons

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Bring plenty of sunscreen as we were out on the sea most the time and camera.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes definately feel it helped the local people and we got to meet some amazing locals and villages including a local school. On some of the beaches around the more built up areas of Bali and Labuan Bajo, there is a lot of plastic waste on the beaches which is a great shame.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

This has been the best holiday so far and I would give it a full 10 out of 10. The guide was amazing (Florri), he really made us welcome and knew a lot about the area. He was also very funny and joined in our singing around the campfire. There was also plenty of information provided by all travel groups, so always knew what was going on and allowed me to ask questions

review 28 Jun 2017

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Sleeping in tents on deserted beaches. Seeing 3 Komodo dragons eating a carcase. The friendliness and helpfulness of everyone

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Go for it!! Brilliant and the food provided on the boat was superb

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Helped to understand the value of mangroves

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Pacto were the weak link. I did not like the guide who took me to Mimpi. He wanted to take me to possibly 4 places en route. I selected silver and batik. Then he kept complaining about how far it was! When I had expected a direct drive! He also told me in detail how people did and did not tip! Returning from Mimpi I requested someone else. The hotel said they were coming far too early. They were right. I was st the airport over an hour before check in opened.

Read the operator's response here:

Many thanks for your comments Janet. I am delighted you loved the Komodo Kayaking part of your trip - it is one of my favourites!! We also appreciate your comments about your short Bali extension. As you understand this isn't part of the main trip however I am sorry the guide wasn't up to scratch for this part of your trip. I will certainly speak to our partners and pass this on. Do give us a shout if you fancy discussing any part of your trip. All the best

review 12 Jul 2016

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Sleeping under stars on the boat and on the beach, seeing a turtle whilst snorkeling, kayaking across open water and seeing the blow hole of a large mammal ahead of me, the bats, the komodo dragons, the people, jungle trek, the welcome dance, the school children laughing..... everything really a fantastic and special trip

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Stay for as long as you can!!

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Yes the guides made a real effort to ensure this

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Absolutely fabulous

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