AFTER years of building his career at Jan’s Tours, where he learned nearly every fundamental aspect of the tourism world, I Ketut Ardana felt it was time to seek new experiences. His heart called him to step out of his comfort zone — to take on greater challenges and prove the skills he had honed through years of hard work and observation.
In 1984, Ardana made the bold decision to leave Jan’s Tours. It was not an easy choice — walking away from a reputable company that had given him knowledge, opportunities, and growth. But he believed that every journey in life requires courageous steps to evolve.
Ardana then embarked on a new path as a freelance tour guide. This independent role offered him a new sense of freedom and space for growth. Without being tied to one company, he could collaborate with various travel agencies and engage with tourists from diverse backgrounds. “Becoming a freelance guide allowed me to manage my own time and continue developing myself,” he recalled.
He made the most of that freedom. Ardana began guiding guests from various countries — particularly South Korea and Thailand, which were emerging as key markets for Bali tourism at the time. Through these experiences, he learned to understand the distinct traits of his guests: the politeness and discipline of Korean visitors, and the warmth and enthusiasm of Thai travelers.
From this, Ardana discovered the true essence of being a tour guide — it wasn’t merely about explaining destinations or history, but about creating meaningful experiences and building genuine human connections with each guest.
His dedication and professionalism soon earned him recognition among Bali’s tourism community. Many travel companies began entrusting him with important clients. For Ardana, every tour was an opportunity to learn, improve, and deliver the best service possible.
His brave decision to leave the comfort of Jan’s Tours proved to be the right one. It became the turning point that opened the path to a brighter future — one that would eventually shape him into one of Bali’s most influential figures in the tourism industry. **
Writer: Karolina | Editor: Igo Kleden
