Customer Testimonials
Many of my clients send me comments after their trips, here are just a few ...
In general, the Balinese people are the most gracious, polite and appreciative people we've ever met, So, it's rare that you'll hear of anyone saying that they had a bad driver or even a bad experience in Bali. That being said, Arta epitomizes all of the best that the Balinese people have to offer. His English is excellent, he's very knowledgeable and he's a very safe driver. He knows exactly when and where to take you to see all the various sites (which are spread-out all over the island).
Arta also took great care in educating us before, during and after we experienced various Balinese cultural events and historical sites. So, he's not just a driver and tour guide - Arta is a cultural ambassador with a mini-van.
We had the absolute pleasure of spending a week with Arta touring through Bali. He was an absolute gem of a guide. Traveling with our three kids, we were interested in exploring the nature, culture, history, and sights of Bali. And, Arta Wayan absolutely delivered. He was incredibly informative, teaching us much about the people, culture and history of Bali. He was incredibly kind, ensuring that we were comfortable and cared for every step of the way. He has a wonderful sense of humor, keeping us laughing all the way. He is adventurous, taking us to remote, off the beaten path destinations. And, he welcomed us to his house to meet his family and have a meal with them which was a highlight. So much of a trip is shaped by your guide and Arta made our trip even more amazing. I highly recommend him. He is fantastic!
January 2019 RP Kentfield, California
Friends of ours who spent a week with Arta last year recommended him... we were so lucky!! Everything you need and more is what Arta provides. His kind, gentle, positive nature is very comforting on this island that can be a bit overwhelming on your own, especially the congested traffic and winding mountain roads. These are part of the heart of thriving Bali to be sure, but we were happy for Arta to navigate them while we rested between visiting sites, in his very comfortable vehicle. We planned our trip last minute and changed our plans almost every day once we arrived and learned more about Bali...Arta was unbelievably patient and accommodating through it all!
We were most honored and humbled by Arta's invitation to his home for dinner and participation in a local ceremony at his village temple...definitely the most special cultural experience of our trip! His lovely wife cooked so many delicious dishes for an army, we only wished our stomachs could hold more! The temple ceremony and dances brought to life and full color all the other temples we saw throughout our trip...we no longer had to wonder ...what goes on here? Why all the different structures? What would a real ceremony look and feel like?.
Experiencing and learning more about local village life from Arta, who openly shared his own experiences and explained so much that we would never have otherwise learned, was such an insight... not least, being reminded that in America we take for granted so many of the basics and conveniences that are a huge luxury or very hard-earned in Bali. And yet the Balinese, with their beautiful, colorful garments, shrines filled with offerings of fruit and flowers, and welcoming smiles, and elaborate culinary creations, do not seem to carry a sense of lack.
June 2018 Nora H Mainz, Germany
We booked a 4 day trip with Arta and asked him to show us the real Bali, away from all the tourists and as many temples as possible. He provided us with the perfect program and showed us the best spots which made us fall in love with Bali even more. Our personal highlight was the dinner at his place, where we met his lovely wife and kids and got invited to a temple ceremony in his village.
He's very knowledgeable and his english is great and easy to understand.
Apart from the tour that we booked he was amazing and helped wherever he could. Whether it was issues at a hotel check-in or bringing my friend to the airport and helping me to book a speed boat for my further journey. And all of that with a smile. He also recommended other places he'd think I/ we would love and should see.
I cannot thank Arta enough for making our holiday so special, comfortable and relaxed. I will be back 100% (to see all the other recommended places!!!)
June 2018 Nora H Del Mar, California
Arta is a perfect ambassador for Bali. He gets you where you want to go, explains the history of place and times it for the best time of day for both traffic and more elbow room. His English is perfect and he's a very safe driver. He thinks of everything and is always on time. This guy made our trip!
September 2016 Roger Greenville, Illinois
We met Arta when he was assigned to our group tour of Bali. We immediately appreciated his English speaking abilities and knowledge of the history and culture of his home island. Extending our stay, we hired Arta for transportation and as a guide. It was the best decision we could have made. My wife and I would not have seen or truly appreciate the beauty and charm of Bali without Arta. He is completely trustworthy, punctual, safe and a genuinely nice person. Add to that his skills for getting you to the right places at the right times and you will have a fantastic time. We hired him for four days. After two days we completely followed his recommendations which included a stay at an oceanfront villa in Amed for one fifth the price of the Mulia in Nusa Dua where we had been staying.
We saw too many beautiful places to list here without the hassle of renting a car or driving ourselves(which I would highly recommend you AVOID in Bali). Arta made our time in Bali the highlight of our three week Asia tour. If you are visiting Bali I highly recommend that you contact Arta in advance to meet you at the airport. He can design an itinerary tailored to your desires. For a daily fee less than a cross-town cab fee in a major US city, you can have your own personal guide, transportation, driver and cultural ambassador in Bali. Thank you, Arta, for making our stay in Bali such a pleasant one.
September 2013 Roger C Key West, Florida
Arta made Bali our home. We loved the full week we spend with him touring the full spectrum of Bali. He picked us up from the airport, brought us to our hotel (with cold water on board) presented us with a map and this was the start of our fabulous week in Bali. It could not of been any better. You cannot go with out meeting and spending one day with Arta as your guide.
December 2012 Mark Orange County, CA
I first came to Bali in 2006 and luckily was given Arta's name from his friend in American Airlines. I was just in Bali in May 2013 with my fiance for the fifth time. I love Bali and the main reason every trip has been incredible is because of being with Arta. He is one of the nicest people I know, speaks fluent English and makes the entire trip easy and fun. He takes you to best temples, restaurants and beaches any time of the day or night that works for you. His SUV is so comfortable and clean every day. I have been all over Bali with Arta including the entire south, scuba diving in the east and having the most wonderful true Bali cultural experience with his family in the north. Everyone must let Arta give them their best trip of their lives in Bali.
May 2013 Mark New York City, New York
Arta is a responsible driver and tour guide who speaks perfect English and is very knowledgable. He drove us for 8 days in Bali covering much of the country as we toured from Kuta to Seminyak to eastern Bali to Ubud and the volcano. Arta is from northern Bali and knows the island well. He has been a tour guide for 17 years and has a beautiful, Toyota van that can accommodate 7 guests. He is incredibly flexible and will accommodate your schedule. His main priority is to show you his amazing country. Arta will make sure that you have an incredible trip to Bali and I cannot recommend him enough!
July 2013 Sally C Austin, Texas
In general, the Balinese people are the most gracious, polite and appreciative people we've ever met, So, it's rare that you'll hear of anyone saying that they had a bad driver or even a bad experience in Bali. That being said, Arta epitomizes all of the best that the Balinese people have to offer. His English is excellent, he's very knowledgeable and he's a very safe driver. He knows exactly when and where to take you to see all the various sites (which are spread-out all over the island). Arta also took great care in educating us before, during and after we experienced various Balinese cultural events and historical sites. So, he's not just a driver and tour guide - Arta is a cultural ambassador with a mini-van.
Robert & Teresa Pooley of San Diego,California - November 2007
While planning our first trip to Bali in November 2007, we were referred to Arta through some very good friends that live in Singapore. They are seasoned travelers and have used Arta multiple times and said we would not be disappointed. That was the understatement of the century.
Arta made the trip one of the most memorable we have ever had. His knowledge of Bali is immense and his command of English is excellent. We learned a great deal about the Balinese culture, religion, and history. His timing is amazing as he knows when to visit various sites. It always seemed like we would just arrive just before or after the big crowds and somehow miraculously always secured good seats for cultural events.
Arta was not just our driver and tour guide during our stay in Bali, but is now our dear friend that lives in Bali.
Johnston & Amy Wu of Houston, Texas - November 2007
Our trip to Bali was in October of 2008. We heard about Arta from our friends and contacted him prior to our trip. This turned out to be our best decision we made for the trip. Arta met us at the airport he had the forethought to have a friend bring a separate vehicle for our underwater photo and dive gear (even though we did not need it).
From there Arta was always just moments away making sure we saw the best of Bali providing special access and knowledge to the Balinese wonders. We thought he must just sleep in his van outside our hotel because he was so reachable. Arta made sure our schedule was arranged for the best time of day to maximize points of interest. He provided special knowledge such as how to behave around monkeys at sacred temples, where to get the best massage, private access to a master woodcarver's workshop/home, and the best restaurants.
Arta is extremely well connected. When we arrived at restaurants or the massage spa, etc. we were treated like royalty often given special attention or whisked away avoiding lines entirely. Words cannot describe Arta. He is one of the kindest, most generous, gentle hard working people we have ever met.
So by now reading this you are probably thinking oh yeah this all sounds great but how much did all this special treatment and access cost? This was another surprise. Arta's rates were very reasonable and worth every penny. Arta's service is about maximizing your Bali experience. He delivers well beyond expectations. When we arrived in Bali Arta was our driver and guide. By the time we departed Arta was our dear friend. We still hear from him. We miss him!
Chuck & Sally Corogenes of Mission Viejo, California - October 2008
Well, it didn't take us long to find our way back to Bali. This time it was just for the diving in Permuteran, Tulamben, Seraya and Padang Bay areas. We were also happy to see that Arta is now the proud owner of his own vehicle. We highly recommend Arta for both first time visitors and seasoned travelers to the island.
Thanks again Arta! We had a great time on our trip and hope to see you again soon.
Robert & Teresa Pooley of San Diego,California - October 2009