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Ana Bicanic

Hi there! My name is Ana, I am 26 years old and I come from Belgrade, Serbia. Growing up I would travel a lot with my parents who love to dive. I knew from very early on that I want to be in travel business.

I was introduced to the Japanese culture in my teens- through Studio Ghibli movies- and immediately fell in love with it! That made me love and explore the whole Asian continent. I travelled extensively through Asia but Japan and Indonesia stole my heart.

I love learning about local life, food and culture of these two, very different island countries and I feel so blessed to have been able to live here and share the knowledge I have to help others experience all the amazing things these wonderful countries have to offer.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I specialize in Indonesia. I spend a lot of time engaging with locals and learning about their culture, trying all the foods available and going to all the known as well as hidden gems Indonesia has to offer. I also know all the best spots for surfing."

How did you get involved in travel?

"I choose tourism major in High school and due to it I've done a lot of practices at hotels, travel agencies and even the Belgrade Tourism Fair, which made me fall in love with the industry."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"The most amazing experience for me so far was seeing a Dugong come up to say hi to me while surfing at the amazing Padang Padang beach in Uluwatu, Bali."

Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries

Recent trip reviews for Ana

Family trip to Bali, Lombok and Gili
Indonesia | Oct 1 - Oct 11, 2024

Nicholas
Nicholas E.
Australia | Reviewed on Oct 18, 2024
Our trip to Ubud, Uluwatu, Kuta Lombok, and Gili Air was amazing. Ana curated a fun and interesting family trip to two adults and two teenagers. Having the friendly drivers booked and activities organised meant no hassles or decisions while there. It made the whole trip easier and everything worked! It was a good mix of temples, snorkelling, cooking, waterfalls, cycling and nice small hotels with great pools. Dengung on Bali and Suallii on Lombok were excellent drivers/guides. We would highly... Read more

Our trip to Ubud, Uluwatu, Kuta Lombok, and Gili Air was amazing. Ana curated a fun and interesting family trip to two adults and two teenagers. Having the friendly drivers booked and activities organised meant no hassles or decisions while there. It made the whole trip easier and everything worked! It was a good mix of temples, snorkelling, cooking, waterfalls, cycling and nice small hotels with great pools. Dengung on Bali and Suallii on Lombok were excellent drivers/guides. We would highly recommended Ana organises your holiday too.

Activity Reviews
Experience Balinese Cooking Class
Experience Balinese Cooking Class
Ubud, Bali

A personal cooking class with our teenagers was a surprising hit! Lots of fun and the setting and food were wonderful.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ride around Ubud with an e-bike
Ride around Ubud with an e-bike
Ubud, Bali

Loads of fun. Beautiful scenery. An absolute must to get a feel for inland Bali and the rice terraces.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ana Bicanic
Ana
Ana Bicanic
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Oct 18, 2024

Hello dear Nicholas,

I trust you are well and thank you so much for your review!

I am so happy to hear that you and your family enjoyed your stay in Bali and Lombok and I hope to work with you in the future so that you can explore some other part of this wonderful country!

All the best!
Ana

Junna somsir was there for us at every step ...
Indonesia | Sep 17 - Sep 25, 2024

Ellen
Ellen A.
Jacksonville, FL | Reviewed on Oct 05, 2024
Junna somsir was there for us at every step he was always on time and always very clear on our instructions for the day. We struggled with his English and that would be the only criticism. It took time to get to know him, and I felt he served as a wonderful ambassador to all of Indonesia not just north Sumatra. Read more

Junna somsir was there for us at every step he was always on time and always very clear on our instructions for the day. We struggled with his English and that would be the only criticism. It took time to get to know him, and I felt he served as a wonderful ambassador to all of Indonesia not just north Sumatra.

Hotel Review
Mega Inn Lodge
North Sumatra

A bit rustic as our first stop but better this way than starting in luxury and going down.

Authenticity & Character
It couldn’t have been any more authentic
Location
Staff
Staff was great
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bathroom
Local specialist: Ana Bicanic
Ana
Ana Bicanic
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Oct 08, 2024

Hello dear Ellen,

Thank you for your feedback and I am happy to hear you had wonderful time in Sumatra!

I will pass the praise to the guide!

Hoping to welcome you again in this part of the world!

All the best,
Ana

Made it easy!
Indonesia | Jul 27 - Aug 6, 2024

A
Allen L.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Sep 22, 2024
Ana made a last-minute trip to Indonesia easy, comfortable, and incredible. She paired me with great drivers (Satria and Oka) and local guides (Like Duy at Prambanan and Bayu at Bromo) and was always just a WhatsApp message away when I had questions on the trip! I would definitely book with Ana again! Read more

Ana made a last-minute trip to Indonesia easy, comfortable, and incredible. She paired me with great drivers (Satria and Oka) and local guides (Like Duy at Prambanan and Bayu at Bromo) and was always just a WhatsApp message away when I had questions on the trip! I would definitely book with Ana again!

Hotel Reviews
Artotel Yogyakarta
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Whiz Capsule Hotel Bromo
Location
Close too the mountain is nice, but on a steep hill not close to anything so I felt trapped in the afternoon
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bathrooms and capsules were dirty. The first two capsules seemed like they hadn’t been cleaned between guests
Margo Utomo

Stayed at Minak Jinggo not, Margo Utomo

Authenticity & Character
Location
Didn’t seem to be much nearby
Staff
Very accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room had ants from a leftover honey-covered saucer. Bathroom had seen better days
Ketapang Indah Hotel
Banyuwangi
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Adi Assri Beach Resort & Spa - CHSE Certified
Pemuteran, Bali
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Ana Bicanic
Ana
Ana Bicanic
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Sep 23, 2024

Hello dear Allen,

Thank you so much for your review!

I am happy to hear that you've had a wonderful time in Indonesia and hope to welcome you again to this part of the world!

I will also pass your compliments to the drivers and the guides.

All the best,
Ana

Little bit cheaper, ten times easier than DIY!
Indonesia | Aug 6 - Aug 15, 2024

Uriah
Uriah C.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Aug 19, 2024
I could never have made these arrangements at these prices, and I would have been flying blind if I tried. I’ve put together big family trips without agents, and it does not feel like vacation when you have to worry about all the logistics. I’m a worrier, but Kim Kim made Indonesia nearly care-free! Transfers, accommodations, tour bookings… plus they provided a SIM card, a pre-trip briefing, and were always available on WhatsApp if questions arose. I’ll be using them again and worrying... Read more

I could never have made these arrangements at these prices, and I would have been flying blind if I tried. I’ve put together big family trips without agents, and it does not feel like vacation when you have to worry about all the logistics. I’m a worrier, but Kim Kim made Indonesia nearly care-free! Transfers, accommodations, tour bookings… plus they provided a SIM card, a pre-trip briefing, and were always available on WhatsApp if questions arose. I’ll be using them again and worrying even less!

Hotel Review
Private cruise trip in Komodo National Park
Labuan Bajo, Indonesia

If it had been half as cool, it would have still been one of the best experiences! Bali is friendly, but this Komodo cruise was ridiculously friendly! I was stressed about that lack of particulars going in, but now I’d say just do it and know that you’d do it all over. The guide and crew are all doing their best to show you what the bigger tour groups just won’t be able to experience.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Ana Bicanic
Ana
Ana Bicanic
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Aug 23, 2024

Hello dear Uriah,

Thank you so much for your review and your trust!

I am so happy to hear you and your family enjoyed the trip and hope to welcome you once again in this part of the world!

All the best!
Ana

Beaches & Nature - Bali & Sumba
Indonesia | Jul 19 - Aug 3, 2024

Anne
Anne P.
Australia | Reviewed on Aug 11, 2024
Proposed Kimkim review Big thanks to Ana from Shanti Travel for an excellent itinerary, which perfectly captured our request to focus on beaches and nature of Bali & Sumba. The selected accommodation were also great choices aligned with those themes. Really took the hassle out of planning a holiday. Ana & Theresa were also available for support during the trip. Thank you to Putra for providing comfortable & reliable transportation in Bali. And we were very lucky to have Jhon as our very... Read more

Proposed Kimkim review Big thanks to Ana from Shanti Travel for an excellent itinerary, which perfectly captured our request to focus on beaches and nature of Bali & Sumba. The selected accommodation were also great choices aligned with those themes. Really took the hassle out of planning a holiday. Ana & Theresa were also available for support during the trip. Thank you to Putra for providing comfortable & reliable transportation in Bali. And we were very lucky to have Jhon as our very experienced & knowledgeable guide in Sumba, who helped us to appreciate the island’s beautiful scenery & interesting culture & history.

Local specialist: Ana Bicanic
Ana
Ana Bicanic
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Aug 12, 2024

Hello dear Anne and Luke,

Thank you so much for your review and your trust!

I will also pass your praise for the drivers and guides.

It was my pleasure planning this trip for you and I hope to welcome you to some of the other Indonesian islands in future!

All the best!
Ana

Anna was amazing, she guided us through every...
Indonesia | Jul 25 - Aug 2, 2024

G
Giorgos P.
the Cyprus | Reviewed on Aug 09, 2024

Anna was amazing, she guided us through everything and ended up making the ideal itinerary for us.

Local specialist: Ana Bicanic
Ana
Ana Bicanic
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Aug 12, 2024

Hello dear Giorgos!

I trust you are well!

Thank you so much for your review and your trust!

I hope to welcome you as my guest again in future!

All the best!
Ana

Great holiday
Indonesia | Apr 24 - May 4, 2024

G
Guido A.
Italy | Reviewed on Aug 03, 2024

Great holiday. We visited Bali and the Komodo archipelago in a three days boat tour. Boat trip in Komodo the highlight of the trip. Ana took care of the driver in Bali and of the cruise in Komodo. Palquda in Bali and Mikel in Komodo looked after us perfectly. Other than a small initial hicchup (make clear if you just booked a driver or also a guide), everything was perfect. Ana was very receptive and quick to answer us about any question/problem. Highly recommended.

Local specialist: Ana Bicanic
Ana
Ana Bicanic
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Aug 12, 2024

Hello dear Guido,

I trust you are well!

Thank you so much for your review and your trust!

I hope to welcome you again in future!

All the best,
Ana

Overall, we had a fantastic trip to 4 differe...
Indonesia | Jul 4 - Jul 19, 2024

Sandy
Sandy P.
Cheshire, CT | Reviewed on Jul 26, 2024
Overall, we had a fantastic trip to 4 different islands in Indonesia. We visited Flores, Bali, Java, and Sumatra. Our activities were diverse and our drivers, especially Bagus in Bali, Faisal in Java (Bromo), and Anwar in Sumatra were amazing and knowledgeable and courteous. Our trip had relatively few problems but the one real problem we had, when they wouldn’t let us on a ferry, Ana jumped in immediately and fixed the problem. She was very attentive and checked in with us frequently on the... Read more

Overall, we had a fantastic trip to 4 different islands in Indonesia. We visited Flores, Bali, Java, and Sumatra. Our activities were diverse and our drivers, especially Bagus in Bali, Faisal in Java (Bromo), and Anwar in Sumatra were amazing and knowledgeable and courteous. Our trip had relatively few problems but the one real problem we had, when they wouldn’t let us on a ferry, Ana jumped in immediately and fixed the problem. She was very attentive and checked in with us frequently on the trip. I will say that 3 of our hotels changed after our trip was already booked, making me think our hotels weren’t actually booked. The main one we were disappointed in was the Heritage Hotel in Sumatra. We were booked to the Ecolodge which was a lot nicer but when we arrived we were told the Ecolodge was full and we had to stay at the Heritage. My point with this story is that I would advise asking for confirmation numbers for your hotels to avoid confusion while you are there. We fell in love with Indonesia and would definitely go back!!

Hotel Reviews
Wae Rebo Lodge

This was our first night in Indonesia. It was very basic but absolutely fine. Bring earplugs though-the night sounds of frogs, geckos, cats, and birds are very loud all night long!

Family Friendliness
Local's Cone-Shaped House
Waerebo

A fantastic experience but so crowded with tourists. There were at least 40 other tourists with only 3 basic toilets to share. You sleep on mattresses on the floor with no mosquito nets side by side with 25 other people. The meals are very basic-one egg and rice and some watery greens. I advise taking some snacks along. It was a great experience, but just be aware that it’s an experience, not a relaxing vacation!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bayview Gardens Hotel

Great hotel with gorgeous views! And they bring breakfast to your room!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Private cruise trip in Komodo National Park
Labuan Bajo, Indonesia

The highlights of the Komodo trip for me were seeing the fruit bats fly out of the mangroves at night, seeing the Komodo dragons and other wildlife on the island, and snorkeling. Our boat, the Mutiara Flores, was average. There were comfortable accommodations and a place to sit at a table out of the sun. The cook made so much food that we felt guilty we had so much left over. Overall a good experience, despite me getting sick with diarrhea on the trip.

Artini 2 cottage

The Artini 2 was well located and comfortable. The breakfast was not great but it was a very interesting hotel. The rooms, however, are SO dark. Where there should we windows, there are intricate wooden carvings!

Dusun Jogja Village Inn
Yogyakarta

Fantastic little oasis in crowded Yogyakarta! Loved the pool, the room, the hotel staff!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lava View Lodge Hotel

The views from the Lava Lodge are great, but the rooms are dank and the bathroom was very stinky with a sewage smell permeating the room. The cleanliness of the restaurant is atrocious as well with stains all over the tablecloth and the dinner gave my daughter food poisoning so that she was vomiting all night and had to miss the Bromo hike the next morning. The staff was friendly and the beds were comfortable though and we survived the night. If you go, just be prepared with a good jacket (the nights are very cold) and keep the bathroom door closed!

Activity Reviews
Experience Ubud VW Safari Car Tour
Experience Ubud VW Safari Car Tour
Ubud, Bali

This was a blast! It was fun to see the countryside and my daughter and I stood up in the back of the car for a long time holding on to the roll bar. Very fun and perhaps not so safe to stand up but the driver was careful.

Ebike cycling in Ubud
Ebike cycling in Ubud
Ubud, Bali

This was one of my favorite activities of the trip. We rode through rice paddies and villages and our guides were so knowledgeable and informative. I learned so much about Bali culture on this trip!

Experience Balinese Cooking Class
Experience Balinese Cooking Class
Ubud, Bali

So amazing! We made 6 different dishes and ate them all! I can’t wait to try out my new cookbook when I get home! Truly a stellar experience.

Travel from Denge to Wae Rebo
Travel from Denge to Wae Rebo
Indonesia

They say the hike takes about 4 hours but anyone with any athleticism at all can get there in 1 1/2-2 hrs even with stopping for photos. It’s a beautiful hike and quite muddy so wear some sturdy shoes. I also recommend not starting out too early. We got there by 11am and really had nothing to do all day except wander around and talk to the other tourists. Some of the young people played soccer with the local kids, which looked fun. So start your journey later in the day-and bring snacks because every meal is the same-one egg, rice, shrimp crackers, and a watery vegetable. It’s fine for a day, but we were rather hungry for nearly 24 hours and wished we had some snacks.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ana Bicanic
Ana
Ana Bicanic
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Jul 29, 2024

Hello dear Sandy,

Thank you so much for your review! I take these very seriously and they help me improve so I really appreciate it!

I hope that you went home with memories you will cherish forever!

Hope to welcome you again in this part of the world!
Ana

Ana's insight into Indonesia was the key to a memorable Indonesian adventure!
Indonesia | Jul 4 - Jul 9, 2024

C
Carole F.
San Francisco, CA | Reviewed on Jul 16, 2024
Our trip to Indonesia was fantastic, thanks to Ana! We visited Mt. Bromo, Borobudur, and Prambanan in quick succession. The trip required careful consideration for transportation between these locations, and all transfers were made easily. Our guides spoke enough English so that we could communicate most of the time. Our hotel in Borobudur had the best customer service we have ever experienced, anywhere around the globe. There were a few stumbling blocks along the way, but overall the trip... Read more

Our trip to Indonesia was fantastic, thanks to Ana! We visited Mt. Bromo, Borobudur, and Prambanan in quick succession. The trip required careful consideration for transportation between these locations, and all transfers were made easily. Our guides spoke enough English so that we could communicate most of the time. Our hotel in Borobudur had the best customer service we have ever experienced, anywhere around the globe. There were a few stumbling blocks along the way, but overall the trip was excellent. Thank you, Ana, for your insights and hard work!

Hotel Reviews
Dusun Jogja Village Inn
Yogyakarta

Great location, loved the decor, comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Loved the South American/Mexican decor.
Location
Walk to ATMs and eateries.
Staff
Restaurant staff especially helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was spacious and comfortable.
Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa
Borobudur

The staff at Plataran were nothing short of exceptional! I cannot overstate how superlative the customer service was. Every person, every day, went out of their way to make sure we had an unforgettable experience. I wish we could have stayed longer.

Authenticity & Character
The staff makes this hotel exceptional.
Location
Views of Borobudur!
Staff
Polite, friendly, helpful and always respectful and courteous. They went out of their way to help us.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Our room was spacious and well appointed. The A/C worked very well, thank goodness!
FM7 Resort Hotel Jakarta
Tangerang, Banten

Basic and gets the job done. Closer to the airport would be better.

Location
Closer to airport would be better.
Staff
Very basic. Good enough.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lava View Lodge Hotel

Very basic but can't beat the location!

Authenticity & Character
Bare bones but it worked.
Location
Great views of Mt. Bromo. Visit late afternoon and go to lookout point (short walk).
Staff
Restaurant waitstaff especially pleasant.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Cleanliness.
Activity Reviews
Sunrise Trek to Mount Bromo
Sunrise Trek to Mount Bromo
Mount Bromo, East Java

Get up early and go go go to sunrise! You'll see the light change on Mt Bromo, exposing the layered look of the ridges, etc. Gorgeous!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Guide was adequate but not exceptional.
Transport
Good jeep driver. Not an easy task.
Kota Gede District, Plaosan and Sewon Temples, Prambanan Temple and Ramayana Show
Kota Gede District, Plaosan and Sewon Temples, Prambanan Temple and Ramayana Show
Yogyakarta

Do not miss Prambanan! Rent bikes or walk to all the other smaller temples as well. Worth it! Reminiscent of Angkor WAt.

Quality of Experience
No crowds at the temples on the perimeter--very special.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Borobudur Temple, Pawon Temple, Mendut Temple, and Yogyakarta Market
Borobudur Temple, Pawon Temple, Mendut Temple, and Yogyakarta Market
Indonesia

Must experience. But be sure to visit Prambanan.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ana Bicanic
Ana
Ana Bicanic
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Jul 17, 2024

Hello dear Carole,

Thank you so much for your review! I am so happy to hear you've had a wonderful time visiting Java!

Wish you all the best and hope to welcome you again to this part of the world!

Best,
Ana

Ana did a great job of creating a trip for us...
Indonesia | Jun 14 - Jun 22, 2024

G
George N.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Jul 04, 2024
Ana did a great job of creating a trip for us that fit our needs. We went through several iterations to get it right and it was worth it. Komodo Island and the snorkeling in that area were world class. The Bali beaches are probably best for younger groups (20 somethings), but our guide, Eka, quickly figured out an alternative, the GWK statue, which was fantastic. The best part was that we were the only clients; we weren't part of some larger group that had to complete a pre-programmed... Read more

Ana did a great job of creating a trip for us that fit our needs. We went through several iterations to get it right and it was worth it. Komodo Island and the snorkeling in that area were world class. The Bali beaches are probably best for younger groups (20 somethings), but our guide, Eka, quickly figured out an alternative, the GWK statue, which was fantastic. The best part was that we were the only clients; we weren't part of some larger group that had to complete a pre-programmed itinerary. The flexibility made a huge difference. I strongly recommend Ana and our driver Eka for your Indonesian trip.

Local specialist: Ana Bicanic
Ana
Ana Bicanic
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Jul 08, 2024

Hello dear George,

Thank you so much for your feedback and your trust to plan the trip!

I hope to welcome you again in this part of the world!

All the best,
Ana