Our three-day, two-night East Java volcano tour truly exceeded our entire family's expectations!
After booking, we learned that the Ijen crater was closed. The travel agency not only proactively informed us immediately but also actively helped adjust our itinerary. They even added the Madakaripura Waterfall, which unexpectedly became the most surprising and unforgettable memory of our trip.
The three-day, two-night private tour was absolutely worth it! We had a dedicated guide and a dedicated driver accompanying us throughout.
Our guide, Jiaxin, is a native Indonesian but speaks very fluent Chinese, so communication was completely seamless. Along the way, he not only shared many stories about volcanoes, culture, and local life but also meticulously looked after our family of four.
During this trip, my husband, due to severe sleep apnea, had a very strong physical reaction at high altitudes. Jiaxin carefully looked after him the entire way, especially when climbing Ijen Volcano, where he almost constantly accompanied and supported him. This allowed me to confidently care for our two children without having to rush between family members. This level of attentiveness and responsibility truly touched us deeply. (And we even saw the beautiful artificial blue flames at the volcano).
Throughout the journey, Jiaxin also adjusted the pace according to our family's condition, arranging breaks as needed, helping with photos, and recommending local delicacies, making the entire trip very relaxed and comfortable. Even at Mount Bromo, because our family's pace was delayed and we missed breakfast, he quietly asked the hotel to save meal boxes for us, so we had food as soon as we returned to the hotel. This was incredibly thoughtful.
Additionally, I must commend our driver, Agus Botak. Every day involved long drives of over four hours, and East Java mostly has winding mountain roads, sometimes even requiring early morning departures. Yet, he always remained energetic and drove smoothly, allowing us to rest assured in the car. For families traveling with children, a safe and reliable driver is truly essential.
What touched us most was that they didn't treat this job as a routine task but genuinely cared for every traveler. These three days brought us not only beautiful scenery but also warm human kindness.
This is also the best experience I've had traveling in Southeast Asia so far, which is why I've written this review very seriously, hoping it can serve as a reference for others. From the travel agency's arrangements and the guide's professionalism to the driver's attentiveness, everything left me with a wonderful impression of Indonesia. I will definitely recommend it to my friends and family.
I also want to add that the cost of this private tour includes one meal, as well as local guides for Madakaripura Waterfall and Ijen Volcano, all entrance fees, and necessary equipment. There's no need to worry about anything extra, making it incredibly worthwhile! ❤️