Reviews

Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers

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14 Reviews

4.9 out of 5

Richard Hopkins

Reviewed June 2018

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The trip was slightly different from previous Exodus cycling trips I’ve been on in that the distances travelled were shorter than usual. As a result, there were plenty of opportunities to stop off at local shrines, hot springs, cottage industries, climb craters, cycling the many downhills, cycling across a river etc. as well as regular welcome breaks from the heat.
There was more off road cycling than usual. I don’t usually like off road cycling but I coped with it OK, especially with the advice and encouragement I got from the cycling team. The group was smaller than usual (6 only) which meant that we all had a lot of time to get to know each other and enjoy the uphill challenges together!
The overnight hotels varied from the luxurious to the very basic.. The Dutch homestead in East Java had a toilet but no toilet paper or towel. It was situated quite close to a mosque which celebrated Ramadan using loud speakers to summon the faithful for hours on end, including during the night.
There was one very long day in a bus (over 9 hours) which was unavoidable given the itinerary but which was not the most pleasant experience in my life.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing up the Ijen Volcano to see the blue acidic lake and the sulphur miners at work. The glorious beaches in Java and the sunsets over rhe beach at Kuta (after the trip was over)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wira was an excellent leader fitting in well with the various personalities on the trip. He was cheerful throughout with a sense of humour which we could all appreciate. He had an exceptional knowledge of the route we cycled each day. His local knowledge about Bali/East Java, both current and the past, was extensive. He managed the other members of the team with skill to provide a seamless trip for us without any hitches or unforeseen circumstances. Wayan, his no 2, was a superb, gentle giant of a man with an astonishing grasp of Balinese legends as well as infinite patience in dealing with me when, from time to time, I was bringing up the rear of the " peleton" Wira and all his team contributed significantly to the enjoyment of the trip.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Be prepared for some fairly hard (for me) cycling both uphill and on the extended, quite technical downhills.

Suggestions

I appreciated the opportunity to visit East Java. It provided an excellent cultural contrast to Bali. We did, however, seem to be zig zagging all over the place. This resulted in a very long last day in the bus travelling from deep in East Java to southern Bali. The constant loudspeaker activity celebrating Ramadan was intrusive. A trip to Java outside Ramadan would have made it much more enjoyable.

Debbie Crich

Reviewed May 2018

The best cycling trip I've done!

Although this is a relatively new trip, its extremely well organised and the tour leader and support team were incredibly friendly.
The cycle grading is accurate and although two days have some challenging hills included, the team were always there for anyone who did not want to continue. I had never really ridden a mountain bike before off road, but I felt like I had achieved something by the end of the two weeks. There are some roads with broken tarmac but the leader always lets you know when these sections are coming up. The rest of the roads were in really good condition.
Most of the hotels were a really good standard compared to other trips I have done and Indonesia is a beautiful country to cycle through.

Most Inspirational Moment

Making it to the top of the Ijen cycle climb!

Karin Barter

Reviewed May 2018

Fabulous!

This was a fantastic trip, one of the best that I’ve done. I’d always (wrongly) been a bit dismissive of Bali, thinking it was a place of resorts. How wrong was I?! We went to some beautiful places in both Bali and Java. The scenery was incredible, the people lovely, the food great. It is quite hilly with some very demanding climbs on the 2nd and 7th day but the support vehicle is always there. I’ve done a number of cycling trips and would say that this is more moderate/challenging. Even the trek up Ijen was a toughie but with spectacular views and the most toxic lake in the world at the top. On the second day there was an optional cycle around Batur which was off road. I think this needed to be explained how difficult it was, as unfortunately one of the group had an accident. Maybe an optional activity could be arranged, such as boating on the lake.
I’d been diagnosed with a condition before leaving which has caused some mobility issues but the team couldn’t have been more considerate or caring, from lowering the saddle when I stopped so I could swing my leg over, to helping me on and off the bus and down steps – all without asking; even giving me a push up the hills when it was too uncomfortable!

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many. Each day had inspirational moments, as the scenery was so spectacular. We visited a number of temples which were beautiful and interesting. Really enjoyed the Holy Hot springs. The Ijen trek was incredible at the top. We stayed in some lovely hotels and the beach camping with BBQ was lovely. I've never seen such a beautiful beach - deserted! The Homestay with the walk to the waterfall and hot springs was fun.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wira was fantastic. Very knowledge about his country, very approachable, very caring. He couldn't do enough. The whole team were a well-oiled machine. Wayun, the sweeper, was incredible too, helping whenever I got uncomfortable. The drivers and support produced fantastic lunches in the middle of nowhere!

Advice for Potential Travellers

I'd strongly recommend this trip. Just be aware that there were hills in the heat and quite a lot of off-roading. The last day had a very long transfer.

Suggestions

Put it at the top of your list of next trips!

Franziska Marcheselli

Reviewed May 2018

Fantastic trip!

This is a fantastic cycling trip around Bali and Java – two beautiful islands in Indonesia. The Exodus team of guides/driver were brilliant and ensured that everything ran very smoothly. They often went above and beyond. The cycling is great – each ride different but equally stunning. Be prepared for a lot of uphill climbing, but this also means a lot of very fun down hill rides! Some of which are very steep. Because of how many climbs there are on this trip (especially day 2 and day 7 that are very difficult), I would argue this trip should be graded as Moderate/Challenging. There are also a few off-road rides (mostly on the last day). There is an optional ride in the afternoon of day 2 around Batur volcano; our expectations of the challenging terrain on this ride were not quite set accurately enough. Although beautiful, it is incredibly challenging and was harder than expected. It should be made clear that this is definitely optional and should only really be done if you are an advanced cyclist. Cycling 9 days in a row without a rest break is quite tiring, but each day brings a new highlight. The itinerary, overall, is very good. Trekking up to the top of Ijen volcano is amazing, as is snorkelling in northern Bali. Every accommodation is amazing in its own way – camping on the beach was absolutely incredible! An experience I won’t forget. This was one of my favourite cycling trips and I would wholeheartedly recommend it.

Most Inspirational Moment

Trekking up to Ijen crater (and down again) was more difficult than expected (being very steep), but a real highlight of the trip. Snorkelling from the boat in Bali was beautiful, I even saw a turtle! In general the islands are absolutely stunning and seeing the culture, temples, people and natural beauty was great.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader (Wira) was fantastic - his knowledge is extensive and he is very friendly and approachable. There were 5 people part of the team and all of them were very caring and made the trip brilliant.

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