Benjamin Ioan
I discovered Indonesia for the first time in 2009 when I finished my studies and went backpacking around the world for a year. I immediately felt a connection with the country and its inhabitants. I had a strange feeling like I was back home. A few years later, in 2012, my company, Altai Travel, offered me the chance to move to Bali and lead the creation of a tour operator focused on nature and adventure travel. I jumped on the plane without hesitation!
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"We live in Bali - the island hides no secrets from us. From this strategic location, we make a point to continuously search for new routes and to discover different activities throughout the entire archipelago. We specialize in outdoor activities, nature travel, soft and hard adventure tourism, cruises and multi-activity tours for children and adults alike"
How did you get involved in travel?
"I have always been attracted to traveling; one moment that stands out to me as perhaps the most important travel event in my professional life was a trek with friends in the desert of southern Algeria. It was when time ran out and I had to return from this trip that I decided to turn my passion into my job, a decision I have never doubted."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"During a trip on our local cruise ship to the east of the Sunda Islands, we set off with some of the crew to climb the Sirung volcano. We started on foot from the beach at dawn accompanied by a local leader from the nearest village. Our guide used the outing as an opportunity to hunt hinds which live in the eucalyptus forest on the flanks of the volcano with his bow, his arrows and with help from his dog! A simply amazing spectacle greeted us as we arrived at the edge of the crater… We were alone in the world, in an immaculate environment, truly spectacular yet so unknown. It is moments like this which help us to realize that, despite the growing numbers of tourists in Indonesia, it is still possible to discover special places, hidden in the remote areas of the vast archipelago."
Benjamin's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
Discover the best of Balinese nature, culture, and beaches on this 10-day adventure. For the first half of the trip, base yourself in Ubud, going on excursions to hike around...
This two-week itinerary will take you from East Java to Bali with stops at sites both famous and less-frequented. Tour multiple Javanese temples, including Borobodur and...
Hike, swim, cycle, and snorkel around two of Indonesia's islands, Bali and Nusa Penida, on this active 10-day itinerary! You'll start on Bali with walks through rice paddies and...