A Journey of the Soul: How One Family Redefined Our Purpose
Beyond the Horizon: How One Family Became Part of the Keliling Nusantara Story
Back at 2013 the early stage At Keliling Nusantara, we believe travel is more than just crossing destinations off a list. It’s about the human connection—the conversations, the shared moments, the unexpected bonds that form along the way. We’ve been lucky to meet many incredible people, but some stories resonate so deeply that they become part of who we are. This is one of those stories, a trip to Bromo and Ijen that transformed a booking into a brotherhood.
The trip began like any other. A small family—a couple and their daughter—booked a tour to witness the raw beauty of East Java. Our initial interactions were professional, focused on itineraries, logistics, and ensuring their comfort. Yet, from the very first moments, there was a warmth that felt different. They didn’t just ask about the sights; they asked about us, about our journey as a team, and what led us to build Keliling Nusantara.
The Chill of Bromo, The Warmth of Conversation
As the pre-dawn chill of Bromo crept in, we found ourselves huddled together, waiting for the sun to paint the sky. We began to talk, not as client and guide, but as friends. Our conversation drifted from the lighthearted—the challenges of running a small business, the daily grind—to something far more personal. They spoke with such grace about the ups and downs of their own careers, about redefining success beyond money.
In that quiet moment, they spoke about the power of ikhlas, a concept that goes deeper than simple sincerity. It’s about giving your all without expectation of reward, about finding peace in the process itself. “If you do your work with a sincere heart,” the husband said, “blessings will find their way to you from places you could never have imagined. And those blessings are far more valuable than anything you could ever calculate.” His words weren’t a business tip; they were a profound life lesson that hit me to my core. They made us realize that what we were doing wasn’t just a job; it was a calling.
A Gift that Changed Everything
A month after their tour concluded, a package arrived at our office. I opened it to find a book, Quantum Ikhlas by Erbe Sentanu, a book that encapsulates the very wisdom they had shared with us on that cold Bromo morning. A handwritten note was tucked inside. It said the book was for our team, a small token of their gratitude.
I stood there, speechless. That book, that simple act of kindness, was more meaningful than any five-star review or financial gain. It was a tangible symbol of the human connection we had forged. The trip had been beautiful, filled with the mesmerizing blue fire of Ijen and the breathtaking Bromo sunrise, but the true magic was in the exchange of wisdom and positive energy. The mountains and craters were just the backdrop for a story about humanity.
From that day forward, we realized our purpose at Keliling Nusantara was bigger than we had ever imagined. We aren’t just selling tours; we are creating experiences that help people grow. We want our travelers to return home not just with stunning photos, but with a renewed spirit and a richer perspective. The Sarwo Hakim family showed us that our work has the power to connect souls and change lives.
The Sarwo Hakim family is no longer just a client; they are part of our extended family. We still keep in touch, sharing stories and offering support. They are a living testament to the idea that travel is the ultimate bridge, one that connects hearts and transcends the transactional nature of business. Every person we meet has a story, and if we open our hearts to listen, we might just find a piece of ourselves in theirs.
Fishing (22 Trips)
Hiking (33 Trips)
Jungle Safari (26 Trips)
Rafting (9 Trips)
