If you spend time staying in one of the private villas around Seminyak, you might be lucky enough to meet Wayan Yudi Kusumawati. With her bright smile and calm presence, she quietly keeps the villas running smoothly, making guests feel welcome and everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, quietly holding together the small details that help visitors enjoy their stay in Bali. Behind her gentle manner is a life full of dedication, hard work, and a deep love for her family and Balinese traditions.
Wayan was born in March 1982 in Gianyar, an area known for its strong artistic traditions and temple culture. She grew up there as the eldest of four children, with two sisters and a brother. Her father worked as a teacher, a respected role in Balinese society, and her mother stayed at home to care for the family. Both of her parents still live in Gianyar today, and Wayan often visits when she can find a free moment in her busy schedule.
As a child, Wayan was bright and eager to learn. Her favourite subject at school was English, but she enjoyed nearly everything and excelled in her studies. She dreamed of joining the police force, a bold and ambitious goal for a young Balinese girl. She tried twice to pass the entrance test, but both attempts were unsuccessful. While she felt disappointed, she accepted it with quiet strength and decided to find another path.
After finishing high school in Gianyar, Wayan moved to Dalung, just outside of Canggu, when she was about 18. She took a hospitality course there, a practical choice that combined her love for service with opportunities to use her English skills.
Her first job after finishing her studies was at Matahari Bungalow in Ubud, where she worked as a waitress. She was responsible for preparing and serving afternoon tea to guests, a task that taught her patience, precision, and the art of friendly service. She stayed there for three years, learning the ins and outs of tourism and hospitality in one of Bali’s most famous areas.
Since 2012, Wayan has been working as a cook and cleaner for a private villa management company. Her job involves caring for four villas, which means she meets tourists from all over the world. While she loves the interactions and the chance to learn about different cultures, the work is physically demanding and can be tiring. Despite that, she takes pride in creating a welcoming, comfortable environment for each guest.
On top of her villa work, Wayan also works as a nanny, mostly for Russian families visiting or on an extended stay in Bali. She says that while she has enjoyed every job she has had, nannying is her favourite. The joy of caring for children, seeing them learn and grow, brings her a different kind of satisfaction that stays with her long after the workday ends.
A typical day for Wayan starts early. She usually visits the local market in the morning to buy fresh ingredients, depending on the guests’ breakfast preferences. By 7:30am, she is at the villa, preparing and serving breakfast. After that, she moves on to cleaning or preparing the villas for new check-ins. If she is lucky, she can catch a short rest in the early afternoon before heading into her nannying work, which can run late into the evening. The nannying work is more lucrative than her villa work, often paying three to four times as much, but balancing both roles is not easy.
In 2005, at age 22, Wayan married Made, a cook who also works for another villa company. They met on a double date in Jl Poppies, Kuta, and she recalls that meeting with a soft laugh, still charmed by the memory. Together, they have built a warm family life. Wayan and Made have four daughters, aged 4, 8, 15, and 18. Their home is full of energy and laughter, the kind that only a house full of girls can bring! That said, she would dearly love a boy too.
Wayan loves Bali deeply, especially its rich culture and traditions. She takes great care in passing this cultural knowledge to her daughters, teaching them about ceremonies, offerings, and the values that keep Balinese life grounded and connected.
Despite her love for Bali, there are small challenges. One of her biggest complaints is the traffic, especially during the rainy season. The roads can become chaotic and stressful to navigate, but like many Balinese, she approaches these inconveniences with patience and a quiet sigh.
When Wayan has free time, a rare treat, she loves going to the beach. Her favourite spot is Batu Bolong, where she enjoys swimming and watching the sunset. The beach offers her a moment to breathe and reflect, a small escape from her demanding routine.
Her other favourite places in Bali include the temple, beach, markets, and Bedugul. Bedugul, with its cool mountain air and serene lake views, offers a refreshing contrast to the busy coastal areas.
Looking to the future, Wayan’s dreams are simple but heartfelt. She hopes that her family stays healthy and safe and that her daughters find success in whatever paths they choose. In ten years, she imagines herself still working, though she jokes that she might swap her nannying duties for looking after her own grandchildren.
Like many Balinese, Wayan’s favorite food is babi guling (Balinese roast pork). However, she has to watch her intake carefully now due to high cholesterol. She still enjoys it on special occasions, savouring each bite as a small celebration.
Wayan Yudi Kusumawati’s story is one of quiet dedication and warmth. She carries her many roles: cook, cleaner, nanny, mother, wife, and teacher of culture, all with grace and humility. Her days are long and full, yet she continues with a steady heart and an open smile. If you are lucky enough to meet her, whether at a villa or on the beach, you will see that her kindness and strength shine through every interaction.
Through her story, we get a glimpse of the everyday Bali that lies beyond the temples and beaches, a life woven from family, hard work, community, and small but deeply meaningful dreams.
