Marc Urban
Passionate about travel, discovering new places, new experiences to try and getting to know people are the reasons why I became a travel specialist.
I really love to be able to share all my experience and prepare unforgettable trips for those who wants to discover the Wonders of Indonesia, its great heritage and culture.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"I prepare customized trips to most of the Indonesian Islands, such as, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Sulawesi, Bali, Lombok, Gili and Flores.
With various activities, local encounters, off the beaten track experiences, adventure, wildlife, gastronomy, cultural and sea activities."
How did you get involved in travel?
"I always wanted to visit the world and discover all those unknown places, I started travelling through Europe and North America when I was 16 years old, I crossed and lived through 46 countries and have been living in Indonesia for almost 10 years now."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"So many to tell ! But the very first weeks I arrived to Indonesia are the ones I will never forget. I spent my time living and going fishing with the fishermans in a small village of the East coast of Bali, leaving at 4am to open sea before sunrise with those amazing people."
Featured trips & expertise
Nature & Beaches in Indonesia: Bali & Sumba - 12 Days
On this outdoor adventure, relax and explore two of Indonesia's most beautiful islands: Bali and Sumba. Begin in Uluwatu in Bali, where you'll visit the cliffside Uluwatu Temple and see a traditional dance show. Then fly to Sumba to explore thatched-roof villages, visit serene beaches, and swim beneath waterfalls. Travel eastward across the island as you take in the natural wonders around Tambolaka, Waikabubak, Tarimbang, and Waingapu. Finally, return to Bali to see one last sunset over Uluwatu.
Discover Indonesia: North Sumatra, East Java & Bali - 15 Days
See Indonesia's highlights in Sumatra, Java, and Bali. Begin in the town of Bohorok, where you'll explore the rainforest and spot orangutans, then head to Yogyakarta to visit UNESCO-listed temples. Hike Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen at sunrise, then go snorkeling near Menjangan Island before transferring to Ubud to enjoy cultural activities, ending the trip with rafting and relaxation on the beaches around Uluwatu.
Bali Adventure: Temples, Jungles & Beaches - 13 Days
Venture through the heart of Bali on this 13-day journey that hits the highlights of the diverse Indonesian island. Start in Ubud, where you'll discover the famous Tegalalang rice fields and climb Mount Batur for breakfast at sunrise on its summit. Go snorkeling near Menjangan Island and trek through Bali Barat National Park. Visit the temples at Lempuyang Gateway before lazing on the pristine beaches of Amed and Pasir Putih. Finish your trip with intensive snorkeling and beach fun in Sanur.
Orangutans & Elephants: Discover Indonesia's Sumatra Jungle - 6 Days
Venture through the jungle on this six-day exploration of Sumatra's UNESCO-listed Gunung Leuser National Park. Trek through lush forests to catch glimpses of colorful lizards, exotic birds, leaf monkeys, macaques, and even the elusive orangutan. Relax along the Bohorok River floating in an inner tube or go whitewater rafting. Explore the rugged terrain of Tangkahan by 4WD and mingle with the elephants before relaxing in secluded hot springs and refreshing waterfalls.
Wander South Sulawesi: Rituals & Traditions of Indonesia - 6 Days
Spend six days exploring Indonesia's Tana Toraja region, home of the traditions and rituals of the Torajan ethnic group. Enjoy a scenic journey from Makassar as you leave the stunning coastline for mountains and thick forests. Visit the Cliffs of Lemo and learn the Torajans' beliefs about death. Explore the villages of Ke'te and Palawa with their traditional sweeping roofed homes before hiking among rice fields, bamboo fields, and cocoa plantations.
The Wonders of Sumatra: Nature, Culture & Orangutans - 9 Days
Go off the beaten path on this nine-day adventure to Sumatra, one of the most beautiful places in Indonesia. It begins in the northern province with a hike through virgin rainforests to spend time with orangutans. Then, take a road trip to West Sumatra, where you'll discover the unspoiled beauty of the Minangkabau Highlands and visit traditional villages where the history is as deep as the culture.
Recent trip reviews for Marc
Amazing Indonesian Adventure
Indonesia
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Dec 28 - Jan 4, 2023
This was an amazing adventure! We especially enjoyed all the interesting hotels we stayed along the way. A highlight to the trip was exploring the Ijen Crater and seeing Komodo dragons. The food experience was wonderful! All our guides were helpful. read more
The kindest people in the world surrounded by breathtaking nature
Indonesia
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Oct 20 - Nov 4, 2022
When thinking back on our adventures in Indonesia only superlatives come to my mind.
First attempts to make the itinerary were done via local Belgian travel agents. Very soon I found out that these lead to the same things over and over again. But then after googling some more I found KimKim. Never heard of them before but as huge US travel fans attracted by the fact they are HQ-ed in Chicago. after indicating our preferred destination and wishes we came in contact with Marc. oh gosh, this... read more
Dear Judith,
Thank you very much for your feedback and all the details; it was my pleasure to prepare the itinerary together and talk about it during your trip, but mostly it was great to get to know you and your family!
Keep in touch, and hopefully see you soon!
Best wishes,
Marc
Overall, I really enjoyed my visit to Indones...
Indonesia
|
Oct 10 - Oct 25, 2022
Overall, I really enjoyed my visit to Indonesia. Being a first time visitor, I thought I saw a good intersection of the country. My favorite places were the jungles of Sumatra, seeing the volcanoes around Mt. Bromo and just relaxing at the beach.
What I would improve is some of the sequencing. The first half of the trip was pretty aggressive, with early wake ups at 1-3AM to get a sunrise. With varying weather conditions, some of this was less than ideal. I also had some flight... read more
Dear Jane,
Thank you for your feedback; the first part of the trip could indeed be a bit strong due to the times and early mornings; I do hope it was worth the experience and glad that you could also rest at the end of the beachside.
Best,
Marc
The trip was excellent. The planning was smart.
Indonesia
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Oct 10 - Oct 24, 2022
The trip was excellent. The planning was smart and thoughtful. Marc suggested traveling to Sumatra which was a good call. He suggested doing the activities in the first part of the trip and allowing for some days to rest at the end. He was right. We needed to rest on the last day after all the interesting activities that we experienced along the way.
Marc booked us into great hotels and planned an interesting trip that included Urang Utan watching in Sumatra, Volcano climbing in Java,... read more
Dear Avi and Anat,
I do love that you enjoyed Sumatra, one of my favorite places in Indonesia!
Thank you very much for your feedback and recommendation!
Best wishes,
Marc
Beautiful, memorable time spent in Indonesia
Indonesia
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Oct 16 - Oct 21, 2022
Marc Urban, specialist and coordinator for my recent Indonesian travel is exceptional. I would rate him with additional stars. Marc went above and beyond throughout our planning process, addressing all the details, particular interests and needs. Marc is an exceptional and attentive communicator. Many thanks to him for a beautiful time spent in Indonesia. And thanks to guides Dian and Budi for teaching me so much. As well as, drivers Rifky and Edi. Their kindness is immeasurable. This is my... read more
Hi Linda,
Thank you for your feedback, it was an absolute pleasure to prepare the itinerary with you, but mostly it was great to get to know you.
See you soon for more adventures,
Stay well!
Marc
Both our drivers were excellent. The hotels w...
Indonesia
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Oct 5 - Oct 11, 2022
Both our drivers were excellent. The hotels were lovely except the ibis in Surabaya which was fine. The Plataran hotel at bromo was fabulous. The M-gallery at solo was lovely although many of the things we tried to order (drinks and food) were not available as it was getting back on its feet post Covid. The M-gallery in Yogyakarta was also lovely and seemed to have everything we ordered. Its location is great as it’s near the Main Street. It was expensive though as tax and service were not... read more
