FOR more than two decades, I Ketut Ardana has journeyed across countless corners of the world. From major cities in Indonesia to international destinations, his life story is rich with experiences and valuable lessons. Whether during his early years as a tour guide or later as an active leader in ASITA Bali and the Indonesian Tour Guides Association (HPI), Ardana has left his footprint in at least 55 cities across 23 countries.
Australia was the first country he ever visited — and it holds a special place in his heart. Ardana has set foot in almost every major Australian city, from Sydney to Perth, Melbourne to Brisbane. Each visit offered an opportunity to expand his professional network and to promote Bali’s tourism to a wider audience.
Among all the countries he has visited, Thailand remains one of the most memorable. Ardana has traveled to the “Land of Smiles” more than 30 times, for both tourism promotion and organizational activities. He fondly recalls the early days of tourism promotion — long before digital marketing and online campaigns — when he carried a large suitcase filled with hotel brochures and travel packages from Bali, traveling enthusiastically from place to place to showcase the island’s beauty.
Often, Ardana would bring his family along on these journeys. Those trips nurtured a warm bond between his family and Thai culture — a connection that remains strong to this day.
For Ardana, every journey has never been just about work — it is a process of learning, sharing, and representing Bali to the world. From one city to another, from one country to the next, he continues to carry the spirit of Bali’s tourism onto the global stage. **
Writer: Karolina | Editor: Igo Kleden
