My Journey in Tourism
My name is Freddy Budiman, and I was born and raised in Manado, North Sulawesi — a region filled with volcanoes, tropical forests, marine biodiversity, mountain villages, and some of the friendliest people in Indonesia.
I am now in my early 50s, and tourism has been a part of my life for more than three decades.
Since the 1990s, I have had the opportunity to meet travelers from all around the world while working in tourism across North Sulawesi. Those years taught me not only about guiding and hospitality, but also about understanding different cultures, travel styles, and what truly makes a journey memorable.
Today, I work independently as a private tour guide and driver, helping travelers explore North Sulawesi and Gorontalo in a personal, flexible, and authentic way.
After many years working in tourism, I decided to work independently so I could offer something more personal and flexible for travelers visiting Sulawesi.
From Backpacker Hostel Days to Private Guiding
My tourism journey started many years ago at one of Manado’s legendary backpacker places — The Smiling Hostel.
Back then, North Sulawesi was still a relatively hidden destination for international travelers. Many visitors who came to Manado were adventurous backpackers searching for authentic experiences, wildlife encounters, diving adventures, and local culture far from mass tourism.
Working there gave me my first real connection with international tourism.
Every day, I met people from different countries, listened to travel stories, shared local recommendations, and slowly learned how important personal hospitality can be for travelers visiting a new place.
Later, I continued working at Living Colours Dive Resort on Bunaken Island, one of the famous diving destinations in North Sulawesi. Spending time around Bunaken introduced me even deeper to marine tourism, island life, diving culture, and the incredible natural beauty that makes North Sulawesi special.
Those experiences shaped the way I guide travelers today.