A coincidence? Not quite.

Traditionally, a child’s name in Bali is connected to their birth order. The first child is usually Wayan, the second Made, the third Nyoman and the fourth Ketut. And then the sequence begins again.

So calling out “Wayan!” in Bali can sometimes result in several people turning around at once. Of course, there is more to Balinese names than birth order. Names can also reflect gender, family traditions and social background.

So if you have already met one Wayan, don’t be surprised if another appears five minutes later. It is one of those little things that makes Bali feel unmistakably like Bali.