Guest Reviews

Noel Rodrigo’s Leopard Safaris: "Enchantingly Memorable"

"We (family of 4 with kids 8 and 11) spent 2 nights at Noel's camp. This included 4 Safaris. Both Noel and Cecile were our hosts, a lucky thing as they are not always present at the camp. Tent - we are not campers and had just come from several days in Amanwella, so ""glamping"" was the intention. We got the aircon tent, a semi-permanent structure that runs on solar power. Very comfortable, and the AC was a key feature during the stifling dry heat of the day, and also made it a lot easier to fall asleep at night. There were a few quirks here and there but when glamping, you factor that into the mix. Overall the tent delivered beyond expectations. The one observation I will make is on security - nothing happened and there is a safe in the room, but the tents are zipper operated (no locks). The camp site is not that far from village areas. I would advise to bring 2 padlocks to lock the zipper clasps together at the 2 entrances (front flap and back flap leading to the bathroom). Your valuables will be secure enough in the safe but I didn't like the idea that someone could unzip and enter while we are asleep at night. To be clear, none of the camp staff are an issue, but it's outsiders who know the price of staying at this camp who could get ideas. Food - spectacular. They source organic and fresh from the farmers in the area, and their talented chef put together very flavorful breakfasts, lunches and dinners. It was all local cuisine, and there was always spicy plus non spicy varieties to ensure the kids would be fine. Your taste buds will be in for a real treat. Camp ambience - charming. The volunteers (especially Christina from Spain) entertained the kids with games. They also organized the building of an insect hotel which the kids loved, and also had them participate in tree planting to show the importance of giving back to nature when you leave a carbon footprint. Both entertaining and educational. Meals were communal style and made for enjoyable conversation. Breakfast and lunch under a thatched roof, dinner under the stars. Yes you will now and then see a small lizard or mantis or other creature on your armrest or the table... to be expected in a wildlife park. Safaris - prime time to see stuff is at dusk and dawn, so the AM departure is before 6AM and the PM outing is from 3pm to 6:30pm. On our first two outings, we saw numerous spotted and barking deer; eagles, kingfishers, peacocks, many other birds; mongoose; crocs; elephants. Watching 2 alpha deer bucks clash was neat but we still had not seen what we came for - leopards. The third outing was the charm, and we watched a large leopard lounging in the grass. I don't quite know how to describe the feeling of watching a beautiful and free animal in its natural habitat. All I can say is: a zoo ain't the same. My iphone camera shots won't do it justice. Fortunately, Noel was our guide and when you combine a passion for wildlife with an 8kg-supersonic-Nat Geo-caliber camera lens, the results are amazing. Attached are 2 of his pics of our leopard. As a bonus, we also spotted a young sloth bear. Noel is very knowledgeable and gave us valuable insight and commentary during the rides. His Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles were properly decked out, and I noticed in the park many other outfits carrying tourists in rickety vehicles (one was even lopsided due to different sized tires). Also must credit Noel for truly trying hard on safari #3 to spot a leopard. He badly wanted for us to spot one before we depart, and made it his mission. There are no guarantees but it helps when your guide badly wants you to leave happy. We did the 2 night package and I highly recommend it. Had we done 1 night, we would have missed out on safari #3 which was the highlight. After safari #4, we had our fill and were ready to head off so the format was just right. I guess you could get lucky on a 1 night stay but your chances go up much more on the 2 nighter. There are some who do a day excursion from their beach resort, and this would be a mistake as you would arrive past dawn and leave before dusk, i.e. be on safari while the animals are asleep in a hidden shade. This is an eco-minded camp run by owners who are passionate about wildlife and conservation, and keen to impassion others by delivering on client experience. If you visit a big city like London or Manhattan, the hotel you choose plays a part but the city itself largely makes the experience. At a wildlife park, the hosts who run your camp and guide your safaris largely make for good vs bad experience. Is this value for money? I will answer same as when someone asks me that about my Porsche: I won't describe it as value for money but will just say, it's worth every penny."

Neeleshwar Hermitage: "Spectacular"

"It was our privilege to spend two weeks at this very special place. Serene, beautiful, extremely well maintained and superior food, service and staff. We have had the privilege of exploring the world and this venue stands out. We will return. Stayed February 2017, traveled with family"

Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion: "とても美しい"

"風水に基づいた設計だけあって、どこにいてもリラックスできました。 スタッフの皆さんがとても親切でした。 朝食も美味しい、フレッシュジュースはとても美味しかった 門に近い部屋だったので、お隣のフードコートの喧騒は聞こえてきませんでした。 飲食店やおみやげ店が近くにあります。"

4 Rivers Floating Lodge: "Most Amazing Trip of All Time"

"This hidden treasure is amazing. The view was spectacular. I got to experience the life in the nature. The room is very beautiful. The staff and foods are on point. They are very environmental friendly. To save the environment is always their priority. The kayak, the pickup boat the view of the place made me never wanted to leave this wonderful place ever. More than that, they are not just business people, they help the community to be aware of the environmental issue, .... Community saver!"

The Cabochon Hotel: "Hidden gem in busy Sukhumvit"

For a drink, a dinner or to stay few nights. Secluded colonial house very well decorated with a mix of Asian and European antics. Lovely feeling to be out of time in the middle of Sukhumvit. Drinks and food are great.

Rachamankha: "Best place in the old city of Chiang Mai"

"Great location in the old town. Beautifull hotel. Charming and only 25 rooms. Nice room. Great restaurant with great food. Again the waiters do not speak english. How is this posible in a 5 star hotel? Nice pool but very bad hard chairs and no service at the pool the first day we were there. Breakfast is efficiently served A la carte. A bit strange; paper on the table during breakfast. Feels like we are in a cheap Chinese restaurant. In all the best place in the Old City."

VILLA SONG SAIGON: "An Oasis on the Saigon Riverbank"

"We stay at Villa Song Saigon only for one night but we got a late check-out since our flight depart late in the evening. The shuttle boat is fabulous. You could book the schedule and enjoy a 20-min ride to the city center which avoid the bustling traffic on the road and feel like a celebrity. The complimentary breakfast is delicious and we have a variety of local flavor and western style to choose from. You could also enjoy the pool, whether swim or do nothing. Villa Song Saigon really is a romantic boutique hotel embodying the beauty of Saigon. "

Misool Eco Resort: "Simply splendid"

Torn as to whether to share info about this place, or keep it a secret. Stayed here in April-2014 with my partner, in water cottage number 5. The location is spectacular and the resort is just lovely. Decent food (excellent wines), high end facilities, and wonderful/friendly staff. It is truly impressive to see what the owners have accomplished here, up to and including the engagement of local stakeholders/residences to make this place part of the local community. Oh, and the diving is truly high-end... Diving is second-best ever, following Sipadan, but all in, this place was a notch above. This, and Auberge du Manoir in Chamonix France, are the only places I/we intend to revisit. Congratulations to the owners, on an impressive undertaking.

Tugu Malang: "I didn’t stay here but had 1 lunch, 1 dinner, and the hotel tour with Ibu Poppy"

"If there's one regret I had in my Malang trip is NOT booking this hotel. It is Super amazing. You see, I've travelled in Indonesia extensively for work and play and one of my woes is the lack of seamless service beyond Bali. Well, Hotel Tugu Malang meets superb global standards and more. The minute I stepped in (flabbergasted from the icky Rumah Makn Inggil) I was warmly welcomed by Ibu Poppy. Even if I wasn't staying she warmly invited me in to the lunch area. I took photos around the beautiful hotel and she volunteered to give me a tour of the hotel and tea after! Everyone speaks impeccable English. Food arrives fast. Yes this is a big deal in Indonesia!!!! If you have been here Long enough you'll understand my delight. Thank you so much for everyone's warm hospitality, the reasonably priced yummy meals, the free tour and tea. Malang is not easy to get to from where I live, but if I go back to Malang - it's Tugu Malang or nothing!"

Les Maisons Wat Ko: "A little Gem"

Mairon What Kor is a very cozy, nice hotel with a beautiful garden, a pond and well-kept rooms. It's is located on a nice and quit spot, outside the city. We had the honor to sleep in the "Angelina Room", The Frangipane 1. (My husband didn't want to leave the room anymore, haha!) The hotel and its restaurant is so nice located that we decided to have diner at the hotel during our stay. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is wonderfull. With special thanks to "Mr. Peach". He is a very nice and friendly man. He makes our stay also very special and and we wish him all the best with his study.