Ayu Masita
Travelling the world since I was a little girl and then working internationally and locally within the tourism developement sector and travel industry helped me to see the big picture of tourism. Exploring many corners of our great planet helped to appreciate even more my own country, Indonesia is so diverse and fascinating in culture, nature, history and much more. I feel the need to show this wonderful country to the world but at the same time protect its uniqueness and diversity. That is why I decided to build my own responsible travel company to ensure safe journeys that leaves our travellers stunned and the local people and their environment in tact.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"As a company we offer journeys all over Indonesia but I am personally very keen on promoting areas that are not already suffering of overtourism and where our travellers still can find the authentic and inspiring Indonesia. Key destinations for me are Bali (more remote areas), Flores, Sumba, Belitung and Raja Ampat (Papua). Our activities can be related to culture, nature, active elements and project visits, our target is to provide responsible and educational tours. Offering customised and thematic tours is a way for us to adapt to our clients individual needs."
How did you get involved in travel?
"After my first time to Japan when I was just 4 years old, my family and I were fortunate enough to visit many different countries. I guess that was the time when my traveller soul was born. In the beginning of my professional career in a development organisation I started to explore the biggest archipelago in the world and discovered its diversity in food, culture, nature etc. After finishing my Masters Degree in the UK I dedicated my work again to an international development organisation supporting sustainable tourism development in remote areas. After a while I realised that Indonesia has such a great potential and when building a responsible travel company I can really make a difference for the visitors and the visited communities through exchange at eye level."
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"I remember when I was travelling for the first time to Sumba, an isand in Nusa Tengara Timur in the eastern part of Indonesia. Arriving there was already a great experience, the landscape and nature is so different to most other places in Indonesia. We visited a local community that we wanted to work with and they invited me to their house. What made it so special is that we really became part of their daily life, just sitting and discussing about their simple but very happy life. After sharing plenty of laughters we just walked along one of the most beautiful (empty) beaches I have seen to enjoy a mesmerizing sunset. The hospitality, their unique culture combined with that amazing landscape was definitely unforgettable. "
Featured trips & expertise
Java: Mount Bromo to Yogyakarta - 8 Days
In eight days, enjoy breathtaking views over active volcanoes, learn about traditional customs in rural villages, and discover a range of biodiversity from mountain peaks to marshy plateaus. You'll experience contemporary life in Yogyakarta, explore calderas, and wander centuries-old Buddhist and Hindu temples along the way. Experience the best of East and Central Java.
Western Flores & the Komodo Archipelago - 7 Days
This week-long itinerary of western Flores is for the adventurous traveler seeking an authentic experience over a comfortable one. Accompanied by an English-speaking driver as well as local guides for excursions, you'll start in Labuan Bajo, working your way through rugged terrain to secluded caves and remote villages before embarking on a three-day boat trip through the Komodo archipelago. You'll overnight in traditional homes, break bread with locals, hike through Indonesian jungle, and snorkel stunning coral reefs.
North Sulawesi: From Coral Reefs to Active Volcanoes - 7 Days
This family-friendly week-long itinerary highlights Indonesia's North Sulawesi Island and combines cultural exploration with adventure. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you begin your trip in Manado, working your way through the region and on to Tangkoko National Park, before exploring Bunaken Island off the coast of Manado. You will hike still-active volcanoes, paddle down rapids to waterfalls, observe endemic Sulawesi wildlife, and snorkel thriving coral reefs.
Hike & Cruise Indonesia: Lombok, Komodo, and Flores - 14 Days
Step out of modern life and onto a cruise around the Lesser Sunda Islands. You'll spend two weeks lounging on deserted beaches, visiting wooden stilt-house villages, hiking volcanoes, and more. The best part? You'll be traveling from Lombok to Flores via Sumbawa and the Komodo Archipelago in style, aboard a traditional Indonesian boat.
Bali Honeymoon - 8 Days
Spend eight days in two of Bali's most popular spots with this itinerary. You'll start off in Seminyak, visiting surfing beaches and watching the sun set. Then head to Ubud to take in the temples and wildlife and learn to cook in the Balinese style before you depart.
Recent trip reviews for Ayu
Our guide Tony and driver Daniel were fabulous. They took care of everything we needed and wanted. For example we had never had the opportunity to taste durian. Daniel knew a particular fruit stand that sold the best. He drove us through heavy traffic to find it. Tony made sure the fruit vendor sold us a tree ripened fruit. It was a very interesting taste. They recommended restaurants for us to try and took us there to compare menus. One evening we went to see the classical dance. It was... read more
Dear Jean,
Thank you very much for traveling with Wise Steps Travel, we are very happy to host your journey to Java, Indonesia. Thank you also for the nice feedback, I will let our colleagues on the ground know that you really enjoyed it.
I wish you safe travels back home and all the best for you and Christopher.
Best wishes
Ayu
Bali With Sarah · Indonesia - Oct 12 - Oct 20, 2018
Ayu was so helpful and professional in booking our trip to Bali. With all the information available online, it is overwhelming to know where to go or what to do. She gave us invaluable information on which beach city was the least touristy and helped us come up with an itinerary that minimized travel time. Our Guide Leni and Driver Mady were so warm, personable and helpful throughout our trip. It was an amazing experience.
Thank you very much Lynne, for the nice review.
We are very happy that you liked it and enjoyed your journey with us.
I already extended your feedback to our guide and driver. Our guide Leny really enjoyed your company as well and she was actually very sad when you left.
Again thank you for choosing Wise Steps Travel & KimKim and let us know if you plan to come to Indonesia again.
We are happy to help!
Best wishes
Ayu
day trip birding for each of the 2 days · Indonesia - Aug 23 - Aug 23, 2018
We had a wonderful visit to the Botanical Gardens on Bali with Susan the bird guide who accompanied us was impressive with her knowledge of the bird song enabling us to have some really wonderful views of the birds.
The arrangements worked very well, we were collected promptly from our hotel by the taxi, had a lovely lunch in a local restuarant and enjoyed our visit to the local fruit amd vegetable market.
Overall it was a very enjoyable day.
Keith Gooday
Dear Keith,
Thank you very much for your nice feedback we really do appreciate it.
We are happy you liked your experience with us and feel free to let us know if you want to explore other parts of Indonesia in the future.
Again thank you for traveling with us and the lovely feedback.
Best wishes
Ayu
I only had a few days to plan my trip. Despite my time constraints and our travel plans being in high season, our trip went very smoothly. They ensured there was ample time to travel between places. There were a few pleasant surprises put in for us. We had our honeymoon planned with Wise Steps Travel and all of our accomodations are arranged with cute and small romantic touches.
We had honeymoon pictures taken in Bali, the photographers recommended to us were professional and very friendly people.
As Leni said before we left. We left our hearts here in Bali.
Dear Shang-Wei,
It was a pleasure to have you here in Indonesia and we are very happy to be able to contribute to your Honeymoon memories.
Thank you very much for your kinds and hope to see you again!
Ayu
Must sees in Bali · Indonesia - Jul 7 - Jul 12, 2018
Had a terrific experience with Ayu and also with Leni our tour guide and driver. I have some feedback which is given with the intent to help you in the future with travellers visiting Bali and how to better serve them!!
(1) Travel Truama is a real thing in Bali - it takes a very long time - on average 60 - 120 minutes to get from one temple or sight to Ubud or to another temple or sight.
(2) On Day One - we saw two temples: Tirta Empul and Gunung Kawi and were meant to go to Tegalalang and... read more
Dear Kate,
First of all we would like to thank you and your family to visit us in Indonesia, it was a great pleasure to have you here.
Second, I deeply apologize for the inconveniences you and your family needed to face due to extreme traffic conditions (in high season). That was surely not our intention but shouldn't have happened.
In the future we will definitely take that into consideration when crafting journeys and make sure this won't happen again.
Thank you for your valuable feedback and we hope you have arrived safe and sound back home.
Greetings from Indonesia
Ayu