My full name is actually I Wayan Suetayasa but I only use Wayan Sueta,
as it is a lot easier for people to remember. The oldest of three brothers,
I was born February 16th, 1973 in a small village called Taman on the west
side of the sacred Ayung River in Ubud. As with most other kids in my village,
I have lived there my whole life, first learning to farm and raise cattle from
my grandparents. At the age of 9 my parents decided to register for a
transmigration program to Borneo. Transmigration is a government program designed
to move people from the over populated islands of Indonesia to sparsely populated
areas such as Borneo, Sulawesi and Sumatra. My parents were interested in taking
advantage of the resettlement program because, as an incentive, the government
gave participants farmland. Since then I have been living in Bali with my grandparents.
Although I only finished high school, as I could not afford to attend the university,
I have continued studying English and other subjects on my own. To this day I regret
having to let go of my dream to be a doctor. I consider myself to be a very positive
person, and believe that if one has a dream for a better life, there is always a way
to manifest it. Sometimes one has to give up one dream to achieve another.
I never aspired to be a guide, but I can say quite honestly that I am very proud
of my vocation. I am proud to have a chance to share my beautiful country with people
and introduce them to Bali's unique culture. I have been sharing the beauty of Bali with
tourists from around the world since 1988, when I stated as a trekking guide. For a few
years I took people on scenic hikes around Ubud to find its hidden beauty and to introduce
people to the local villages and their way of life. It was a great time for me to brush up
on my English, as I had a lot of opportunities to practice it during the leisurely walks
through the lovely countryside. As I matured and became more proficient in my communication
skills, I was tempted to share more about the island's beauty. This naturally led me to
become a driver and guide, and in a short time I began taking people on wonderful tours all around the island.
Among the many rewards I have gained from being a guide is a renewed sense of
pride and appreciation for the natural beauty and the incredible richness of its
culture. I am eager to share all its beauty with everyone who wants to see and experience
the real Bali. As someone who has spent my whole life living in the countryside, I know
where to find the magical, hidden parts of the island as well as all the famous tourist resorts.
I have also taken groups to other islands such as Lombok, Java, Borneo and Komodo,
home of the famous Komodo dragons.
Backed by all the experience and knowledge that I have gained over the years, my goal is
nothing short of giving my clients the ultimate vacation in Bali. I am proud to share all
the beauty and mystery of my country with you so that you may bring home wonderful stories
to tell your loved ones, and memories that will last a lifetime.