Trusted Local Operator in Indonesia
How to choose tour operator for your Bromo Ijen Tour
Here’s how to choose a reliable & trusted tour operator for your smooth & unforgettable Indonesia trip. With the surge of travelers coming to Indonesia to explore its beauty, there are more local operators that sells their package. Choosing a trusted local operator means not just having a legit operator, but also how the service is delivered to make sure you have a rich experience, not just a visit after another. Here’s a 101 of choosing the trusted local operator in Bromo and where to find them.
1. Direct online booking
One of the best ways to find a local operator is through online booking in their website. You can find them through your search engine like Google, Yahoo, and the likes. They will have packages ready in their website. From their website, usually it requires you to send an inquiry through their contact in email/ Whatsapp (most used chat app in Indonesia) / other chat platform they are using.
Check their reviews from TripAdvisor. TripAdvisor has program that prevent fake reviews in their platform, unlike Google Business, therefore the reviews are more trusted. By booking direct, you can avoid any platform fee and usually got the cheapest rate from the vendor. One of the most trusted local operators in Bromo and Java is Tripperhood Tours. They have been awarded TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice for 4 years and has been on the field since 2015. Other local operator with great reviews are CheapBromo and JavaAdventureTrail. Most have great service, you can compare them by their itinerary, inclusion and prices.
Check whether your tour includes a guide. Some operator provides driver only without accompanying guide. This is fine when you have short day tour, but when it’s a multiple day tour where the car rides take more than 3 hours, it’s better to have accompanying guide. The guide does everything from explaining the story and history behind each place (it’s much cooler when you understand the story), coordinating with local vendor like Bromo jeep and hotels, also help when you want to alternate your trip. Some operator only provide transport with driver which is much cheaper, but the service is quite different than guide as they need to focus on their long driving.
2. Online Travel Agent
Online travel agents are the easiest way to book your tour as you can choose from the many vendors, and the platform will guarantee there is no scam. But the platform fee can cost you a much higher price as the operator will have from 14% – 30% charge from the selling price so they usually up the price. Some of the most used Online Travel Agent for tours are Viator (owned by TripAdvisor), GetYourGuide, Klook, Bookingcom, Airbnb Experience.
3. Social Media
More and more operator also sells their packages through social media. But this platform has the highest number of scams compared to other platform with the easy way to open an account and you can’t really check their review. Before booking through social media, better ask if they are also listed in TripAdvisor so you can check their reviews or have business license. You can also ask if it’s possible to pay the payment upon meeting to avoid any scam
Choosing a local operator for your journey is a tricky thing, and need some patience and time. But once you choose the right operator, your journey will be an unforgettable one.