Wapa di Ume Resorts, a locally owned Balinese hospitality brand with nearly three decades of legacy, proudly presents its first-ever Agents & Partners Appreciation Day 2026, held at Wapa di Ume Sidemen.
Established almost 30 years ago, the name “Wapa” is derived from its founder, Wayan Pasek — “WA” from Wayan and “PA” from Pasek — symbolizing the personal vision and dedication behind the brand and Ume means ricefield. Wapa di Ume itself meaning “Wayan Pasek surrounded by the ricefield”. Since its inception, Wapa di Ume has remained committed to delivering authentic Balinese philosophy – the Tri Hita Karana (the harmony between human to God, human to human and human to environment) in the hospitality industry while nurturing strong partnerships within the travel and tourism industry.
As a gesture of sincere gratitude to its loyal supporters and top-performing partners, Wapa di Ume Resorts curated this exclusive appreciation event, welcoming 24 distinguished agents and collaborators who have consistently supported the brand’s growth throughout the years.
“While in Sidemen” – Celebrating the Spirit of East Bali
This year’s theme, “While in Sidemen,” was thoughtfully chosen to introduce invited guests to the cultural richness of Sidemen, a serene village nestled in East Bali’s Karangasem Regency. By hosting the event at Wapa di Ume Sidemen, the resort aimed not only to express appreciation but also to showcase the destination’s unspoiled landscapes, authentic traditions, and community-based experiences.
The event served as a cultural immersion, highlighting Sidemen’s living heritage through collaborations with local artisans and cultural practitioners. As part of Wapa di Ume’s ongoing sustainability initiatives, the program featured partnerships with local arak makers, comic artists, and traditional songket weavers. VIPs were also treated to live demonstrations of Ngulat (a traditional weaving process) and the soothing sounds of Rindik, a classic Balinese bamboo musical performance. This initiative reflects Wapa di Ume’s commitment to sustainable tourism in Bali — supporting local livelihoods, preserving heritage, and creating meaningful connections between guests and the surrounding community.
A Vision for Sustainable, Community-Driven Hospitality
The event was warmly opened with an inspiring welcome speech by the sons of Mr. Wayan Pasek — Gede Paskara Karilo, Managing Director, and Sena Karilo, Corporate Director of Sales & Marketing — representing the next generation of leadership at Wapa di Ume Resorts. Their presence reflected the brand’s continued commitment to preserving family values while embracing forward-thinking hospitality.
In his keynote speech, Founder Wayan Pasek emphasized the importance of collaboration in creating meaningful impact:
“Through this program, we want to demonstrate that a locally owned hospitality company can truly support and uplift the local community — made possible through the continued trust and partnership of our agents and partners. Moving forward, we hope to contribute even more to Karangasem and expand Wapa di Ume’s vision both locally and internationally — introducing modern hospitality without ever losing our culture and traditions.”
The Agents & Partners Appreciation Day marks a significant milestone for Wapa di Ume Resorts as it continues to strengthen long-standing relationships with travel industry stakeholders while reinforcing its mission of sustainable, community-driven growth. With properties in Ubud and Sidemen, Wapa di Ume remains dedicated to delivering refined Balinese hospitality experiences rooted in authenticity, cultural preservation, community empowerment, and environmental responsibility.
