scotty7

Hi Scotty

We're on the Odyssey in March in the reverse direction and looked at your recommended private Borobodur tour. His quote is very good and we're tempted (4 of us). Having been caught out once before in the past and nearly missing a departure - we are 2 sea days to Singapore if we miss the Odyssey out of Semarang - was there any time you were concerned you might not get back to the ship. Any other thoughts on your private tour.

Hi Buccaneer, We were never concerned about getting back to the ship on time, as we had a great driver who expertly navigated the roads and the traffic, even without police escort. Our guide was also very determined to keep us on schedule and always gently reminded us not to linger so as to get us back on time.

We just took a private tour with Java Indah Tour and Travel (www.javaindah-tours.com) and were extremely satisfied with their response and service. In addition, their price was much less than the tour offered by our ship, the Seabourn Odyssey. Our tour guide, Mr. Arif, guided us expertly so that we could appreciate the history and art of the vast Buddhist monument. At the same time, he kept us on a schedule that allowed us ample time to experience Borobudur and still enjoy a delicious Indonesian lunch before returning to the ship at the designated time. The drive from Semarang port to Borobudur Temple takes nearly 3 hours each way to navigate the roads and horrific traffic. However, because of Mr. Arif's efforts and attention to the tour itinerary and schedule, we arrived back at the ship exactly as planned, while the ship's organized tours were delayed in arriving back for sail away, in spite of their use of police escorts to get around all the traffic. This is an excellent tour, and we highly recommend doing it privately with Java Indah Tour and Travel.