Testimonial

We recently did stay in Bali for three weeks. We did find Dean via Tripadvisor and his blog. As I'm a passionate photographer, I was not only looking for a driver and guide, but especially for someone, who does know all the hidden non touristy places, good locations for sunset and sunrise etc. To summarize it: We have not been disappointed, we would even say we have found a friend. Already some weeks before the vacation we started to exchange possible places  to visit, recommended hotels and more. Dean was always responding very fast with good recommendations. He is very reliable, was always picking up us one time (even for sunrise tours at 4 am). He provided a very clean and well maintained vehicle, importantly with air conditioning. Dean was never ever looking after his watch, when necessary we even did start before sunrise and were coming back to the hotel late after sunset. He was very supportive with many things, e.g. purchasing local SIM cards for our mobiles, finding banks to cash traveller cheques. An excellent save driver - we never felt unsafe -, very funny. As well flexible, as we have changed our plans frequently, to participate in ceremonies or cremations. Very knowledgeable, we have learned a lot about Bali, its culture and the people living  here. We have had the feeling, that he knows each single road, temple, waterfall or lake. From a photography point of view, keen to learn more, with an excellent eye to find beautiful motives and good knowledge of when to be where and possible locations.  Have a look to his blog or Facebook side.All in all, we were exploring Bali seven days together with Dean, we have had a very enjoyable time and have no hesitation in recommending Dean. 

Klaus and Manuela from Germany

OK, after my second trip, this time just Dean and I for 10 days I can say hands down...YOU GET EXACTLY WHAT YOU PAY FOR! I spent a month in Bali and stayed with Balinese friends. I was looking for a much more authentic, non tourist approach to really see the Bali, I visited before but didn't have the time to really explore (I had Dean for 3 days). I am a professional photographer but do mostly macro and nature. I was interested in seeing a bit more culture, doing landscapes and street photography. I gave Dean the following instructions (unsure of how it would work out). I have no itinerary, no places I want to go. You set the plans and if we see something that interests either one of us, from a photographic perspective, we stop! And I told him my objectives. Fast forward 10 days later I was setting up more time with him! He was absolutely fantastic. He took what I had to say and despite it being drastically different than my last much more lavish (money was no object and my ex ( who was not adventurous) wanted to go to very nice more touristic places), we went and ate at warungs and padangs.

I was never sick from the food or concerned about the places even though we were eating for less than $2US/meal! We saw amazing ceremonies and crazy things. Never was there a time where I felt unsafe or unwelcome anywhere. We visited people's houses, went to a wedding, a funeral, a cremation and numerous ceremonies and saw things I had previously only seen in places like Nat Geo. I busted into a cockfight with a huge camera rig and ended up drinking Arak with the locals, I could have had some fried chicken but was not inclined. I had the best time and I was a little unsure if it would be comfortable with just a guy and a girl for 10 days. He put me at ease, and was always concerned about my comfort. Best things I would have to say was having another photographer with you was an amazing thing, as everyone has a different vision. He was super helpful and understood when and where we needed to be to get the best lighting and find the right shot. One day at a temple he even spontaneously convinced an older lady to dance for us. (No money changed hands). I had a health issue on my trip unrelated in any way to Bali. He got me to a doctor and helped search out meds. When my Visa was about to expire, he figured out how to get it done. (I had some issues on my own prior to him). Best of all he has WIFI in the car! So, you might say but calling home and staying in touch living in a house without cell service was a beast. I had wifi all day! When I told my Balinese hosts what I was paying they said I was paying too much and could get a car and driver for less. I am sure you can. Do I feel like I got what I paid for...no. I felt like he should have charged more! Based on extensive world travel, I feel very comfortable saying that. I have been from Easter Island to the Middle East to Africa and Asia. Dean is hands down the BEST GUIDE I have ever had. His English is very good. In fact, we spent some time talking about meanings of slang terms (which in itself was hysterical). When I go back, I will probably take him with me and see more of Indonesia, he was that good.

Thank you Dean for a wonderful trip! I will see you next year!

really enjoyed the photography your. Dean is an intelligent and responsive guide. He took us to places that were off the usual well-trodden tourist path, and had a photographer's inherent understanding of what makes an engaging photo. Much more than a sunrise or sunset (although they were on offer too). Subsequently I took some amazing shots, with a good balance of people, landscape, buildings and ceremony. Lots of bumpy narrow roads that ended in pretty awe-inspiring environments. Well worth the price. 

Jo  Bayes  -  Australia

 "Хотим сказать огромное спасибо Дену. На Бали ездили всей семьей, все остались очень довольны его отношением к своей работе. Прекрасный человек, дружелюбный, умный, отзывчивый, всегда ответит на любые вопросы (у нас их было очень много:)), расскажет и покажет самые увлекательные места, проведет по местам, где нога туриста не ступала - настоящий о.Бали:) Ден также обладает потрясающим чувством юмора, общаться с ним можно легко и непринужденно. Для тех, кто увлекается фотографией, есть уникальная возможность сделать замечательные снимки, и конечно же, не без помощи Дена, который подскажет с какой точки, в какое время и с какого ракурса делать кадры. А какие там рассветы и закаты!!! Это непередаваемые явления! Эмоции и чувства только положительные: красивый, жизнерадостный остров, на котором живут такие же красивые и радующиеся жизни люди. Теперь влюблена в Бали. Спасибо Дену - гиду,фотографу и просто хорошему человеку:) Tatsiana Paliakova   from Belarus(Mogilev):