My full name is Anak Agung Gede Oka, but you can call me “NICK” as my parents did.  It is a lot easier for people to remember.  The oldest of five brothers. I was born on July 4th, 1967 in a small village called Guwang, Sukawati District and Gianyar Regency.  It is only 1 km to the south of Sukawati Art Market.
 
Most of my life have been spent in my village where most of the people are wood carvers, so that’s why I also automatically had to learn the art of wood carving from some of the master carvers of the area.  After graduating from high school in Ubud in 1987, I learned and practiced my English at one of the galleries in Mas village and finally after 3 years working at the gallery as a shop keeper, I then decided to change my job.  I was trained for three months and examined by the HPI (The Indonesian Tourist Guide Association) and the local government to become a tour guide and finally I got my guiding license (No : 1162 / Disparda / 90) in 1990. In 1993 I got my guiding certification ( No : 006 / DIPARDA / 1993 ) issued by Bali Tourism Authority and  on August 2010 I received a certificate of competence ( No. Reg.Par.019.03055.2010 ) from the Indonesian Tourism Profession Certification Board.

 
To this day I regret having to let go of my dream to be an English teacher at Junior or High School.  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 tour guide, but I say quite honesty 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 1990.  For a few years I took people on tours around Bali to find its hidden beauty and to introduce people to the local people, the 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 a tour 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 tour guide is a renewed sense of pride and appreciation for the natural and the incredible richness of our island and 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 the famous tourist resorts.
 
Backed by the experience and knowledge that I have gained over the years, my goal is nothing short of giving my clients the ultimate experience during their vacation in Bali.  I am proud to share all of 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.

Guide License