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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 may 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

Our driver Nyoman was fantastic, always on ti...
Indonesia | Mar 6 - Mar 13, 2024

T
Tara M.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024
Our driver Nyoman was fantastic, always on time and always had a smile on his face. Ana was very accommodating and the places and experiences she helped us book were all fantastic. Some more insight into what happens during Nyepi and the lead up to it would have been useful so to be able to plan more effectively around it Read more

Our driver Nyoman was fantastic, always on time and always had a smile on his face. Ana was very accommodating and the places and experiences she helped us book were all fantastic. Some more insight into what happens during Nyepi and the lead up to it would have been useful so to be able to plan more effectively around it

Activity Reviews
Experience Cau Chocolate Factory
Experience Cau Chocolate Factory
Ubud, Bali

Fabulous experience with heaps of detail included and lots of things to see, try and do. The rice planting was an unexpected bonus!

Experience Balinese Cooking Class
Experience Balinese Cooking Class
Ubud, Bali

Lovely activity, which included learning about Indonesian culture and not just food. So many dishes were made which was excellent to be able to try and look out for on the rest of our trip

Local specialist: Ana Bicanic
Ana
Ana Bicanic
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Mar 18, 2024

Hello dear Tara,

Thank you for your review! I am happy to hear that you had wonderful time!
I will pass along your kind words to the driver.

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

This was such an amazing trip! It was exactly...
Indonesia | Feb 23 - Mar 7, 2024

K
Kate C.
the Netherlands | Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024

This was such an amazing trip! It was exactly what I wanted, and Ana arranged everything perfectly - the pace, accommodations, and activities were all stellar. I had one driver for the entire trip, Wayan, who was also amazing. My specialist, Ana, even met me for a coffee one day and showed me around a bit. Couldn't recommend highly enough!

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

Hello dear Kate,

Thank you so much for your review! I am happy to hear you had a wonderful trip and hope to welcome you again in Indonesia!

It was also lovely to meet you!
Keep in touch!
Ana

This part of our trip was simply a return fro...
Indonesia | Feb 5 - Feb 6, 2024

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Bobbe W.
Japan | Reviewed on Feb 21, 2024
This part of our trip was simply a return from Denpasar to Jakarta and went without a hitch. Ana is great and I would happily reccommend her. Read more

This part of our trip was simply a return from Denpasar to Jakarta and went without a hitch. Ana is great and I would happily reccommend her.

Hotel Review
FM7 Resort Hotel Jakarta
Tangerang, Banten

a very weird location and getting there is strange but it is super close to the airport, clean, great pool and spa. Restaurant is fine. Transfers to and from the airport great!I would recommend this hotel as an overnight transit through Jakarta.

Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Ana Bicanic
Ana
Ana Bicanic
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Feb 22, 2024

Hello dear Bobbe,

Happy to hear that at least one flight went without the changes as that was the most challenging part of your trip!

Thank you again for the review!

All the best,
Ana

A month in Indonesia.
Indonesia | Jan 10 - Jan 28, 2024

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Bobbe W.
Japan | Reviewed on Feb 12, 2024
This was a return trip to Indonesia after a 10 year hiatus. We have been to Indondesia many, many times. I had not used or heard of KimKim before and so was a bit suspect and cautious, as it turns out, for no reason. I would recommend KimKim and Ana (at Shanti travel). Ana was extremely helpful in the planning of the trip. She was available for telephone consultations and created 4 different versions before we finalized the itinerary in order to accommodate each and all of our wishes. ... Read more

This was a return trip to Indonesia after a 10 year hiatus. We have been to Indondesia many, many times. I had not used or heard of KimKim before and so was a bit suspect and cautious, as it turns out, for no reason. I would recommend KimKim and Ana (at Shanti travel). Ana was extremely helpful in the planning of the trip. She was available for telephone consultations and created 4 different versions before we finalized the itinerary in order to accommodate each and all of our wishes. When I discovered errors in the plan she corrected them, and was available to us when we were on route. This does not mean that you as the traveller can abdicate responsibility for your travel details. There were changes in flights and times that I had to chase to ensure that we had the correct time. Ana was helpful throughout. We actually met with her in person when we were in Bali.
I was thrilled that each and all of our transfers worked. At each airport/train station/hotel (and there were lots of them) when a driver was supposed to pick us up they were there on time with a sign and /or my correct name and an appropriate vehicle. Drivers were careful and pleasant. Agung in Bali was particularly good.
With regard to the trip itself, the Kalimantan leg up the river to be with the Orangutans was wonderful. The Klotok was uber posh in an "out of Africa' glamorous way with a skilled knowledgeable naturalist guide, excellent cook, Captain and crew. We were happy to be a bit off the beaten path with our particular guide and while Camp leaky is not what it was 15 years ago i am glad to have made the trek again.
Other highlights: Paddling and hiking in the jungle with the naturalist in Munduk. Biking the rice paddies in Ubud. Making lunch the traditional way - starting by grinding the rice, and cooking over an open fire in the rice paddies. Temples on Java are well controlled now for good reason (too many people) but still fascinating as is Bromo. Lovina is beautiful and quiet and the drive over the mountains is spectacular.
Disappointments: 1.Not being able to get out to the Komodo islands as they closed the park because of weather. Ana was great in the rerouting. 2.In the rainy season in Indo the beaches are FULL of garbage as it flows down the rivers and into the ocean and onto the beaches. They have to be cleaned everyday or it is like walking through a landfill. When they are cleaned they are lovely. 3.We would give a hard pass on Jimbaran. Beach filthy, even in front of restaurants and beach clubs no one was cleaning the beach. The seafood dinner on the beach was pathetic. Did it 10 years ago and it was good - now it was really not edible and was stupidly expensive.
Overall: Indonesia has a LOT of people and a LOT of tourists and LOTs of traffic in populated areas. It is a fascinating country both culturally, historically and geographically. We love it. Go if you can and be confident getting Ana and KimKim to help you plan.

Hotel Reviews
FM7 Resort Hotel Jakarta
Tangerang, Banten

In a very strange place - small roads under construction - you may think you are not on your way to a 4.5 * hotel as you drive the 10 minutes from the airport but being hijacked. Never fear, the hotel, once you get there is just fine. Nice breakfast, very helpful staff, excellent reasonably priced massage and spa, good gym and swimming pools. Excellent shuttle to and from the airport. If you are just in transit for one night don't hesitate to stay there.

Authenticity & Character
In my view is just a hotel for transit so not looking for character.
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lava View Lodge Hotel

Great location if you are going to Mount Bromo. Clean and comfortable. The restaurant is not good but the food is edible.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Dusun Jogja Village Inn
Yogyakarta

Satisfactory hotel with lots of character. Rooms were comfortable and staff in the restaurant was terrific, friendly, helpful and fun!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Arkamara Dijiwa Ubud
Bali

Stay here if you can. Absolutely lovely boutique hotel. Rooms are glamorous, best breakfasts I have every had in a hotel. Sky bar was very swishy and the staff everywhere was friendly, super helpful, fun and interested in you as a guest. Food in the sky bar and restaurant was very good. Great shuttle in and out of Ubud.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nadira Bali Resort & Villa

Tiny little up market boutique hotel on the side of a beautiful ravine near Munduk. Family owned and operated. Super clean. Staff was wonderful. Restaurant food was just fine.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Jimbaran Bay Beach Resort & Spa - CHSE Certified
Kedonganan

This hotel is clean and the pool is nice. The service in the restaurant is terrible to the point where some of our party left the restaurant because we waited over 30 minutes to get a simple soft drink. The location is across from the beach restaurants. We went to the one recommended and it was terrible - the worst food of the entire month long trip. The beach was filthy, like walking in a land fill. I would recommend giving Jimbaran a miss but if you do have to go there try somewhere else.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Ana Bicanic
Ana
Ana Bicanic
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Feb 12, 2024

Hello dear Bobbe,

Thank you so much for time you've put in writing this review! It really means a lot to both me and future travellers! As well as all the reviews you and your group gave me when we met in Jimbaran. That will be extremely helpful for me in the future!

I also have to thank you for being understanding for all the issues that arose making it so much easier for me to focus on fixing them!

I wish you all the best and I hope to welcome you again in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore or Japan!
Ana

Some challenge getting answers back in a time...
Indonesia | Feb 5 - Feb 6, 2024

D
Duna B.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Feb 07, 2024

Some challenge getting answers back in a timely manner, initial mixup in air flights days

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

Hello dear Duna,

I am sorry that this is the only thing you've had to say about your trip and I hope that that is not the only impression you have and that you had fun on your trip and enjoyed Indonesia!

I hope to welcome you back in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore or Japan in future!

All the best,
Ana

Magical Java and Flores
Indonesia | Dec 22 - Jan 2, 2024

Christina
Christina S.
| Reviewed on Jan 09, 2024

Ana crafted the perfect boutique itinerary for a birthday trip in Java and Flores - beautiful temples, volcanoes and mountain village trek, komodo dragons and manta rays! Our local guides were wonderful and very kind, going the extra mile to show us special sites in Indonesia. Cheers to Hieronimus, Rivaldi, Udin and Veri

Local specialist: Ana Bicanic
Ana
Ana Bicanic
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Jan 10, 2024

Hello dear Christina,

Thank you so much for wonderful words! I am happy to hear you've enjoyed your birthday trip!

I will pass along the praise for the tour guides, thank you!

All the best and we hope to welcome you back in Indonesia, Malaysia or Singapore!
Ana

Incredible Indonesia experiences
Indonesia | Oct 29 - Nov 12, 2023

Tanuja
Tanuja R.
Brentwood, TN | Reviewed on Nov 26, 2023
I really don’t know where to start! EVERYTHING was so amazing! Ana helped us curate such an awesome itinerary that included so many varied experiences that we still can’t believe we fit so much in two weeks! I kept pushing Ana for more and more and not once did she say “no”! She made our dream Indonesia wishlist come true! The fun orangutan trekking was the highlight in Sumatra. The ancient temples and melding of religions and cultures (namely Muslim Hindu and Buddhist) was heart... Read more

I really don’t know where to start!

EVERYTHING was so amazing! Ana helped us curate such an awesome itinerary that included so many varied experiences that we still can’t believe we fit so much in two weeks! I kept pushing Ana for more and more and not once did she say “no”! She made our dream Indonesia wishlist come true!

The fun orangutan trekking was the highlight in Sumatra.

The ancient temples and melding of religions and cultures (namely Muslim Hindu and Buddhist) was heart warming in Central Java.

Hot smoking volcanoes were breathtaking in East Java. The once in a life time experience of blue flames at Mt Ijen will always stay with us.

Bali was the hub of so much colorful activity … bike rides, rice terraces, cooking classes and we even made time to be pampered in spas.

Cruising through the waters of Komodo national park gave us the opportunity to see nature at its best… thousands of flying bats, hissing Komodo dragons, dazzling coral and the calm underwater sea life!

At the end of every trip we try to pin down our favorite experience but honestly there were too many in this one to point out just one.
Many of our family members and friends have asked for our travel consultant and our itinerary!!
Very happy to share!

Local specialist: Ana Bicanic
Ana
Ana Bicanic
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Nov 27, 2023

Hello dear Tanuja,

Thank you so much for such a lovely review! I am happy to hear that you've had amazing time!

Looking forward to working with more members of your circle and thank you for good recommendations!

All the best!
Ana

I enjoyed this trip . A trip with varieties. ...
Indonesia | Sep 17 - Oct 7, 2023

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Ling M.
Canada | Reviewed on Nov 07, 2023
I enjoyed this trip . A trip with varieties. Our two drivers/main guides were both good. They were friendly and helpful. The highlights for this trip for me are the Mount Bromo sunrise trip and the blue flame hike the following morning. But for the blue flame hike, too bad I did not walk fast enough . By the time when I got to the spot, the blue flame burnt out already. If we started 30 minutes earlier or if we skipped that morning refreshment, I would be able to see the blue flame. ... Read more

I enjoyed this trip . A trip with varieties. Our two drivers/main guides were both good. They were friendly and helpful. The highlights for this trip for me are the Mount Bromo sunrise trip and the blue flame hike the following morning. But for the blue flame hike, too bad I did not walk fast enough . By the time when I got to the spot, the blue flame burnt out already. If we started 30 minutes earlier or if we skipped that morning refreshment, I would be able to see the blue flame. Hopefully the tour organizer would consider this point so that other tourists who love to see the blue flame would not miss it.

The 3 cruise days trip to Komodo National Park was interesting too. I enjoyed the beautiful coral reefs, sunrise and sunset there. The cruise crews were good.

For the day trip to Nusa Penida, I wish they could provide us big towel so that we could have it to cover our body when we were going to our next snorkelling spot. It was a bit cold after we got out from the water after snorkelling. Or they told us before so that we could bring our big towel.

Overall the trip was great. I enjoyed it. Thanks.
Ling

Local specialist: Ana Bicanic
Ana
Ana Bicanic
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Nov 12, 2023

Hello dear Ling,

Thank you so much for your feedback!

I hope to welcome you again in Malaysia, Indonesia or Singapore!

All the best,
Ana

Exhilarating trip to Java/Bali/Komodo islands
Indonesia | Sep 17 - Oct 7, 2023

D
David C.
Canada | Reviewed on Oct 18, 2023
From arranging the destinations to solving the minor issues through the trip, Ana has been helpful and responsive. We probably should have taken her advice and took advantage of the free/rest days in between ... While we're seniors in relatively good shape, the hikes to Bromo / Ijen are strenuous ones. It might be a good idea to give future participants a heads up, e.g. set expected arrival times for various stops up Ijen so they would know if they could make it on time to see the blue... Read more

From arranging the destinations to solving the minor issues through the trip, Ana has been helpful and responsive. We probably should have taken her advice and took advantage of the free/rest days in between ... While we're seniors in relatively good shape, the hikes to Bromo / Ijen are strenuous ones. It might be a good idea to give future participants a heads up, e.g. set expected arrival times for various stops up Ijen so they would know if they could make it on time to see the blue flames.

Saiful was great for the portion around Yogyakarta - helpful, informative and courteous.

Nyoman went all out - including the birding trip to West Bali NP and the attendance at a Ngaben. From taking us to the laundromats to retrieving the glasses from the monkey at Uluwatu, Nyoman is attentive and more than helpful. And he takes the time and effort to explain the Bali culture and attractions. My wife and I are more than pleased with his assistance!

Revan was simply great throughout the Komodo cruise. He is knowledgeable and goes out of his way to help us - whether it's trekking up the hills or guiding us during the snorkeling trips.

Trip to Nusa Penida was a complete waste of a day - poor infrastructure, average snorkeling, no sightings of Rays after a long rough ride and finally had to turn back from the beach because of traffic. And the communication from the drivers/guides were lacking ...

VW day was less than satisfying - after getting over the initial excitement of riding open top, we're sucking fumes the whole day. The guide speaks little English and provides no explanation of the attractions. Could have used our own driver/car to go to all those destinations.

The Balinese day provides varieties and was a lot of fun.

The long stay at a relatively isolated hotel in Ubud was a bit inconvenient. But the staff and the services provided at the hotel are more than adequate.

Hotel Review
Arkamara Dijiwa Ubud
Bali

The hotel was great, but the location was too secluded. We couldn't easily walk to restaurants or explore the local area. It was nice for peace and quiet, but not convenient for exploring.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Experience Balinese day in Sidemen
Experience Balinese day in Sidemen
Indonesia

This was a fantastic experience. We spent the day learning about the local culture, visiting rice fields, and more. It was a great way to immerse ourselves in Balinese life.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunrise Trek to Mount Bromo
Sunrise Trek to Mount Bromo
Mount Bromo, East Java

The trek was challenging, especially for our group in our 60s. Our guide was optimistic about our abilities, but we had to start at 3 a.m. and some of us couldn't make it in time to see the blue flame. I wish our guide would have managed our expectations better or suggested an earlier start for those of us who are slower.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Experience Snorkeling in Menjangan
Experience Snorkeling in Menjangan
Pemuteran, Bali

Snorkeling was a great experience, but the equipment was subpar. Despite the equipment issues, the variety of things to see, the high visibility, the warm water makes snorkeling at Menjangan a superb experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Experience Nusa Penida snorkeling- Manta Point + Mangrove tour
Experience Nusa Penida snorkeling- Manta Point + Mangrove tour
Indonesia

This was a disappointing experience. The ferry ride was chaotic with tons of people waiting and multiple ferries departing. The drivers did not speak English well and the location was overwhelmed with tourists. The roads were congested, narrow, and bumpy, making the trip uncomfortable. The snorkeling was supposed to include a manta ray sighting, but the rays were a no show that day.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Ana Bicanic
Ana
Ana Bicanic
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Oct 24, 2023

Dear David,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback!

I hope to see you again in Indonesia, Malaysia or Singapore on one of your future adventures!

Best,
Ana

Malaysia and Indonesia Adventure Getaway.
Indonesia | Sep 7 - Sep 28, 2023

Wynand
Wynand B.
Zimbabwe | Reviewed on Oct 10, 2023
Dear Ana and the Kim Kim team. What an amazing adventure trip we had to Malaysia and Indonesia! No tour operator could assist us from Africa and we came across Kim Kim on the internet who connected us to Ana. We did some research as to what we wanted to see and learn about and experience on our adventure getaway, and with Ana's guidance and patience and working through many options, we finally settled and decided on version 9! Starting in Kuala Lampur and visiting the Batu Caves, the... Read more

Dear Ana and the Kim Kim team. What an amazing adventure trip we had to Malaysia and Indonesia! No tour operator could assist us from Africa and we came across Kim Kim on the internet who connected us to Ana. We did some research as to what we wanted to see and learn about and experience on our adventure getaway, and with Ana's guidance and patience and working through many options, we finally settled and decided on version 9! Starting in Kuala Lampur and visiting the Batu Caves, the Aquarium, the Kuala Lampur Bird Gardens to name but a few things. We then travelled to Bukit Lawang where we started our jungle trek to Gunung Leuser National Park. To see the fauna and flora and experience the jungle with all the different primate species and birds, reptiles and mammals. Orangutans, Thomas Leaf Monkeys, Gibbons, flying lizzards, dragon lizzards, squirrels, butterflies to name but a few. Hearing the sounds of the forest. Camping by a river was just amazing. Then proceeding onwards to Betestagi and climbing Mount Sibayak Volcano and seiing the sulphur vents. To Lake Toba and Samosir Island and learning about the Batak peoples. Then visiting an orchid farm on the way to Medan with hundreds of species of orchids. Making our way onwards to Flores Island to catching our private boat trip to Rinca and Komodo Islands to see the great Komodo Dragons around the Flores sea. We went snorkeling with turtles and the abundant underwater life around these islands. Then onwards to Gili Meno to slow down and take a rest. Stopping over in Bali to experience the culture of the peoples of this island. Learning about Luwak coffee, visiting an amazing local art gallery. Then back to Kuala Lampur. Our getaway holiday trip involved learning about cultures and peoples and seeing amazing wildlife. Eating the most amazing food Malaysia and Indonesia had to offer. We would not have changed anything on our travels and every step was well organised by Ana and the Kim Kim team to provide a hassle free holiday. Absolutely nothing went wrong throughout our travels!
A huge thank you to Ana and Kim Kim as well as all the guides who picked us up at each place and taught us so much about the land and country of Indonesia. To the guides at Gunung Leuser National Park, Atte and Sudhar, to Zulkifli who showed us around Sumatra. To Agung for showing us around Bali. To Yuris who guided us on the boat to Rinca and Komodo and showed us the wildlife wonders underwater as well as on the islands. Truly, this was an amazing adventure and Indonesia and Malaysia are amazing countries to explore and have an adventure getaway!
Thank you.
Wynand and Petra

Local specialist: Ana Bicanic
Ana
Ana Bicanic
Local specialist in Bali | Replied on Oct 15, 2023

Hello dear Wynand and Petra,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review!

But even bigger thank you for being such an amazing guests! I am happy we had an opportunity to meet and thank you for being so caring about the nature and so respectful of Indonesian and Malaysian culture. You truly were the guests to wish for!

I will pass along the praise to all the guides, and we hope to welcome you to Indonesia, Malaysia or Singapore in future!

All the best!
Ana