Founder Story

Hi, I’m Sheila, the founder of Balitel.

I am proud to be the second generation in my family’s business. Balitel is a subsidiary of Diamond Handphone—a business owned by my parents and an authorized retailer for Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi. We are a 100% locally-owned family business with deep roots in Bali.

Why I started Balitel

I created Balitel to help savvy travelers avoid the "tourist tax."

As a frequent traveler myself, I know the pain of landing in a new country and feeling vulnerable. In Bali, airport SIM cards are the most expensive option on the island. I wanted to offer a fair, transparent alternative before you even step out of the terminal.

A Passion for Guiding Travelers

My passion for creating travel resources isn't new. I wrote a comprehensive travel guide about Singapore for the Simposium Internasional PPI Dunia (World Indonesian Student Association Symposium) in 2015.

Attendees told me how incredibly helpful the guide was for navigating the city, and I realized I had a genuine knack for this. I didn't just enjoy writing; I loved the feeling of making someone else's trip easier and less stressful.

Falling in Love with Bali Again

Although I grew up here, living in Singapore for 3.5 years and Jakarta for 3 years made me fall in love with Bali all over again. Distance gave me a new appreciation for our unique culture and lifestyle. I want to use my experience to share that authentic side of the island with you.

And—perhaps most importantly—the food! I truly believe Bali has the best cuisine in the world.

However, I don't want you to get "Bali Belly." While locals like me have stomachs of steel, I know it can be a shock for visitors. I will share the best prevention tips and remedies in my guide so you can enjoy the food safely.

Who This Guide Is For (And Who It Isn't)

I’ll be honest: If you want to experience Bali through the eyes of a true local, consider this guide your bible.

But if you are just looking for a generic checklist of tourist traps, don't bother reading this guide. It won't be what you are looking for, and I don't want to waste your time.

I want you to experience the real culture so deeply that when you return home, you’ll miss Bali so much you can't wait to come back.

My Promise: 100% Honest & Unsponsored

Because I value authenticity, I want to be completely transparent: I do not use affiliate links, sponsored content, or paid promotions. I don’t earn a commission if you book a hotel or tour I recommend. I only earn money if you buy a SIM from me.

This ensures my advice is 100% unbiased. My goal is simple: to be your "Balinese Bestie." I want to be a friend you can count on—whether you need to find a doctor in an emergency, or just want to explore the island honestly.

Let's Connect

I love connecting with fellow travelers! The best way to reach me is via email sheila@balitel.com or LinkedIn

Note: I rarely check Instagram, so I will likely miss your message if you try me there. Stick to email for a fast reply!