Well we have returned from another wonderful Bali trip.This trip I booked Norman from the recommended driver list in order to gauge for myself his service We had used his services a few years ago so I did know him before this.Anyway, Norman is a fantastic driver and guide. I would rate him as the 2nd best (and only just 2nd) driver and guide I have ever hired. The person who trained him is obviously still the best, but only just, LOL. He has a wonderful sense of humour, is hugely proud of his wife, child (with another on the way), car and his Island. After all these years and all the drivers I have hired, I can be hard to impress, these days. Norman impressed and exceeded my expectations. He was the perfect driver for my first-time traveling companions as he showed them around and taught them about Bali.
It was very interesting to me to watch and listen to him when he had all 4 of usin the car. He pointed out so many things and explained everything clearly and precisely for the first-timers. When it was just Hubby and I (or just me) with him the conversation was more suited to us and our knowledge base (however small that is, lol). He proved himself to be very bright and well-informed. Ok, enough, I sound like a new poster telling everyone about their wonderful driver, lol. I just wanted to give you all the benefit of my experiences with Norman and assure you all that there is no reason to be afraid to book him for your trip.
I'm confident that you won't be disappointed.
Trudy whinnett ( Winnie Trip advisor forum)
Dear Norman of Driver with Distinctions,
Just wanted to drop a note to thank you for the very best of times in Bali for our three days with you. My only regret was not having you more days as you really showed us a wonderful side of Bali. With all of your jokes and humour about life and your wives (haha), it was truly an enjoyable time for my wife and I. I had to laugh a little when I read one of the comments below about the charges being a little expensive as I felt guilty we were not paying you enough for your time, commitment, and friendship during our trip which will truly make it memorable. Thanks again, for everything.
Sincerely,
Brian and Young Mi
We booked Norman over a two week period in June/July 2010. Norman is much more than a ‘driver’. He is intelligent, informative and provided us with a deeper understanding of Bali, particularly of the spiritual/cultural side. He is comfortable with silence too and doesn’t need to talk constantly for the sake of it – which was a relief for me.Norman was always professional and appropriate, turning up on time on every occasion and ringing when he said he would ring. He doesn’t take you to places in order to get a commission. And, most importantly, he is caring and lots of fun. My 8 year old daughter loved him, as did my mother. Norman always had a positive attitude and we were comfortable with him immediately. His car is new, quiet and clean and Norman is a very safe driver – despite the chaos of the roads I felt relaxed. He’s flexible, has good suggestions and worked with us, despite lots of changes along the way, to make the best of our holiday. I will certainly be booking Norman again and have no hesitation in recommending him to others. He’s a great guy.”We reckon you’re great Norman.
Thanks so much for all that you did for us.
Jo Bayes
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Karen - Istambul
Dear Norman
Thanks for showing us around Bali on 21 May 2009.
My wife Julie and myself enjoyed the day tour very much. The scenic drive in the comfortable air con car plus the many stories/personal experiences that you shared with us, have really enriched our life and appreciation for the Balinese people. Wish we could also enjoy the slower pace and and more family oriented environment within the Balinese closely knited community here in Singapore too.
The beautiful shots that we took at Mount Batur, rice padi fields and the sunset at Tanah Lot will always leave our hearts fonder and longing to go back to Bali soon.
YOu are truly a good guide driver, especially as we drive back from Tanah Lot to Ubud after 6.30 pm as the sun sets and the place gets dark. Am amazed how u always find the right turns with minimum street iights/signposts and drove us back to Ubud safely and for our "Dirty Duck Dinner !".Once again, our appreciation to you and Yoman Ciri for driving us around, beyond the usual duty calls . Look forward to go back to Bali if our schedule permits..
I were first timers in Bali for a wedding last year (2008)and of course, wanted to see and do more while we were there so decided to find a driver to take us around. Setting up a driver from half-way-across the world is a bit daunting, however after countless internet searches we found great reviews for
the Drivers with Distinction team.After emailing, we were put in touch with Norman, who would be with us for our entire stay in Bali. We couldn't have been happier! Not only was Norman on time, he was often early, his car was spotless, air-conditioned and had plenty oNorman met us with a smile and his happy demeanor continued day after day.
He has a great sense of humor and was happy to chat with us throughout our long days together, giving us a ton of great information about Bali and its people. He also helped us with suggestions on things to see and do - we were never disappointed.
I was most impressed with Norman, however, in that how he handled our wish to climb Mt. Batur. He met us in the wee hours of the morning and drove us to the mountain.
While there, he helped us find a licensed guide that was both knowledgable and fair. And, he was thoughtful enough to pack us some snacks for our hike - including passion fruit, which we had simply mentioned in passing that we liked. It was that kind of attention to detail and thoughfulness that made Norman stand out as a superior driver and a lovely person.
We won't hesitate to call on Norman again the next time we're in Bali (or to recommend him to family or friends!).
Margaret Moral - San franscisco
For anyone who is searching for a superb tour guide service while in Bali, look no further and just contact Norman (@ +628123944265)!!
My Family and I were recently in Bali for a one week Holiday and had made earlier reservations for Norman’s service after viewing his impressive ad on the internet.
Norman is true to his every word.
He is very professional in his job, flexible with his time, extremely punctual, very courteous, extraordinarily knowledgeable about Bali, very informative (saves you a bundle on food and stuff) and he never fails to put a smile on your face. In case you do not know where or how you would like to start your day, Norman will plan it very well for you.
My kids loved him as well simply because he’s good with people of all ages.Needless to say, we had one of the most wonderful and memorable family holiday trips ever! And if we ever plan for another Holiday in Bali, Norman will surely be our No.1 Tour Guide.Kudos to Norman!! Keep up the Good Job!!!
We wish you a great health and every success in your business undertakings.
Best regards,
Anna, Ambrose, Tristan and Lyndon Yu....2009
I just want to thank Norman for making our trip to Bali that extra bit special! He is a very kind man who looked after us on our trips around Bali. He has a wealth of knowledge about the country he loves so much and it was a joy to hear all about it.Norman was always early to pick us up and his car was clean and cool!! he had a good supply of cold bottled water to drink whilst we were out and about.Norman put together an itinery of where we could go and what we could do, but if we want to do other things he always accomodated and ensured we went where we wanted to.
I cannot speak highly enough of Norman and I cant wait to visit Bali again and use his services once again.Thank you so much Norman and we will see you again!!
Dave and Leanne may 2009
My friend and I went to Bali last May (2008) and had Norman as our driver for the week. We researched online and read testimonials like this about other people’s experience with him before deciding to take the plunge and hire him. We are women in our late 20's and needed someone who would ensure our safety and who was reliable. Norman was both of these things and more.He came and picked us up promptly each day.
The vehicle we drove in was air-conditioned and he cleaned it every evening after he dropped us off. It was immaculate inside. He was also kind enough to have cold water and snacks for us. We had some things in mind that we wanted to do/see but Norman was also very knowledgeable about recommending other places and planning out our days with us so that we got to see as much as possible.
He was professional, courteous, helpful and sweet. We had a great time in Bali in large part because of Norman.
We would highly recommend him and hope him nothing but the best!
Beth Bauer - California
If you are overwelmed by all this information about which driver to choose,don't think twice!!Just go with Norman!We spent 3 awesome days with him and had a blast!!He is the most caring, smiling and easy-to go driver you will find.
Actually he makes you feel like he is an old friend rather than a driver. Nothing is too much trouble for him and most important, he keeps you off tourist traps(he did it a bunch of times)!!The information he offers about Balinese culture, religion and every day life is priceless and can't be found in any typical tourist quide book.
Norman thank you for making us fall in love with your beautiful country. We will certainly come back!And to all of you reading this, don't think about it twice!Go for it with Norman
LoveChris& Anna from Greece - P.S My friend you are palavos!!!
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