This tour was an unforgettable adventure, offering an amazing blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. While the accommodations aren’t luxurious, they were clean, comfortable, and perfect for a trip focused on exploring rather than resort-style stays. The itinerary is all about immersing yourself in nature, and I truly appreciated that.
We requested to eat at some local warungs instead of fancy restaurants, and our main guide, Yogi, took us to some amazing spots. The food was authentic and delicious, and you could really feel the love and care that went into preparing each meal. It was such a great way to connect with the local way of life and enjoy the true flavors of the region.
The guides were incredibly helpful, adaptive to our needs, and always went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience possible. For instance, the guide at Tumpak Sewu Waterfall took some incredible videos for us, constantly wiping the mist off our phones to make sure we captured every moment.
The Ijen trek was tough, but it was one of the most rewarding hikes I’ve done. Although we encountered a few challenges along the way (like the flames being put out and the lake being closed for safety reasons), the guides worked hard to adapt and still made sure we had a great experience. The views at the top of Ijen were absolutely spectacular, and the trek itself was something I will always remember.
This trip was also perfect for our teenage kids, who absolutely loved the experience. They were fully immersed in the adventure and enjoyed every part of it, from the hikes to the cultural encounters. Even simple stops at Indo Mart and Alpha Mart became highlights for the kids—they loved seeing local snacks and drinks and experiencing everyday life in Indonesia.
Tips for Future Guests:
Don’t Expect Luxury: This is a trip focused on nature and adventure, not a resort stay. Accommodations are simple but comfortable—perfect for the experience you’re after.
Be Ready for a Tough Trek: The Ijen trek is challenging, but it’s worth every bit of effort.
A Trekking Pole: A trekking pole would be very useful for the Ijen trek—it provides extra stability, especially on the steeper sections.
Go With the Flow: Some things might not go as planned (like Ijen’s closed lake), but the guides are excellent at making adjustments and ensuring you still get the most out of every experience.
Immerse Yourself in the Culture: If you're into local culture, request to eat at some of the warungs instead of the more touristy spots. Yogi took us to some hidden gems that gave us a deeper connection to Indonesian culture.
Capture the Moments: Take advantage of the opportunity for photos and videos. The guides are great at helping you capture the best moments, even under tricky conditions.
Get Some Rest During the Drives: The drives can be long and winding, so make sure to get some sleep during the journey to recharge for the next adventure!
Travel Sickness: If you're prone to travel sickness, make sure to carry some medicine with you as some of the drives can be winding and long.
Ijen Trek – For Small Kids or Older People: If you're traveling with small kids or older people, or those who might struggle with the tough trek, you can use the "Lamborghini or Ferrari" service at Ijen to assist. This option helps get less able travelers up the slopes and down, but it’s a bit expensive—about 1.5 million IDR. It requires three people to help one tourist, but it's a good option if you need extra support.
If you're looking for an immersive, challenging, and rewarding adventure, I highly recommend this tour. It’s a perfect fit for families, especially those with teenage kids!
