Born in Padang on the Island of Sumatra, Yanda is an adventurer and expedition guide global explorer. He works closely with the Padang-Pariaman Tourism Authority and has promoted tourism and conservation in Padang for over a decade. He focuses on Biocultural Diversity Conservation and works closely with traditional Minang Kabau and Mentawai indigenous communities. Yanda is also a keen white water rafter who spends much of his time looking for new rivers to explore.