Becoming a tour guide was a natural progression for Discova Indonesia’s Komang Dedi Wardana, who aspired to speak English fluently and explore the world one day. Dedi grew up in a small village in Bali surrounded by lush rice paddies and ancient temples. He eventually began working with a cleaning service for an airline, where he felt the need to brush up his language skills.
“During my duties, I often encountered situations where I couldn’t understand the flight attendants’ requests due to my limited English. This experience fostered a strong desire to learn the language and travel the world someday,” he says.
Hence, guiding was an obvious choice for Dedi, who imagined himself talking with visitors from different countries and sharing insights into Bali’s rich culture and traditions, just as he would want to experience other countries. He aspired to be a bridge between the locals and the visitors and create unforgettable experiences for guests in his country.
However, it has not always been smooth sailing for him as a tour guide. Sometimes, he has had to manage diverse dynamics within a group or adapt to unexpected situations. Having said that, job satisfaction in his work can also be generous and tremendously encouraging.