From Indonesia to Bangkok: This is Michael’s Life at Agoda

Before joining Agoda, I worked as an iOS Engineer at two local startups—one in the hospitality tech space and another focused on SaaS communication solutions. These roles gave me valuable exposure to the fast-paced world of startups, but I often found the focus was on rapid delivery rather than long-term quality and growth. I realized I wanted an environment where I could learn from others, apply best practices, and make a more meaningful impact.    

Interestingly, this is my second time joining Agoda. During my first tenure here, a former manager who had already moved to Agoda reached out and offered to refer me. I didn’t hesitate. Agoda is known as one of the best tech companies in Thailand and across Asia. After my initial tenure, I then moved abroad to Estonia to work for another tech company, fulfilling my dream of working in Europe. 

However, I soon realized the grass isn’t always greener, and the sense of ownership and pride I felt at Agoda was truly unique and unmatched. Agoda has given me more challenges and opportunities to grow beyond the role of an iOS Engineer. Here, I’ve learned far more than just iOS development and have truly unlocked my potential as a software engineer, both technically and in soft skills. I’ve led key projects and mentored not only my own team but also members of other teams. This environment has pushed me to grow in ways I never expected, which is why I decided to return to Agoda as a “boomerang”. 

Building Impact: Life and Work at Agoda 

During my first tenure at Agoda, I worked as an iOS engineer on the Accommodation team, focusing on the property page funnel. I collaborated closely with app developers and cross-functional teams.  

Now, in my second tenure, I’m part of the Agoda Design System team, building the best in-house design system framework for all Agoda teams. This role has given me the chance to work closely with designers and gain valuable insights into UI/UX best practices, accessibility, color contrast, and design token implementation. I’ve led several initiatives as part of our team milestones, such as localizing icons, improving CI/CD stability, integrating Playwright tests, and implementing font theming for our partners. My day-to-day includes standup, brainstorming, planning meetings, and on-call rotations to support our internal consumers. 

One of my proudest achievements in this team has been owning the design token project, becoming the go-to person for it—so much so that many developers and designers now refer to me as the “token-man.” I also helped speed up our team’s development by improving CI/CD stability, proving I could grow beyond the role of an iOS engineer. Supporting other team members and consumers brings me a lot of satisfaction, especially knowing our users are happy with our system. 

Having worked on both a vertical team (feature-focused) and a horizontal team (core framework), I’ve gained two very different perspectives: one focused on creating direct impact for end users, and the other on building foundational tools that empower internal teams. This dual experience is what makes Agoda’s work environment truly special for me. 

Growth Without Limits: Career Development at Agoda 

Career growth at Agoda is truly open and accessible to anyone willing to put in the effort. Personally, I’ve been promoted twice. I’ve moved from a non-senior position to senior, and then from senior to staff. Agoda provides a wealth of learning and development resources, including webinars, conferences, books, courses, and various tools. Our managers are supportive of professional development, always encouraging us to grow, and our colleagues are always willing to help us develop both technical and soft skills. 

One thing I especially appreciate is the emphasis on self-reflection and feedback. We’re encouraged to reflect on our 360 feedback and actively seek advice to help us develop further. This supportive environment, combined with many learning opportunities, has played a significant role in my professional growth at Agoda. I’ve grown not only in iOS development, but also in web, Android, design, and even data visualization in Grafana—skills that are hard to acquire elsewhere. 

On the soft skills side, I’ve improved significantly in public speaking and presentations. I’ve had the opportunity to publish articles within Agoda and speak at tech talks and community events.  

Tech at Agoda: Innovation, Experimentation, and Collaboration 

At Agoda, we work with a wide range of tech stacks and projects. We regularly introduce and retire technologies based on thorough research and analysis, ensuring we always use the best tools for the job. For example, in my team alone, we use Swift, Kotlin, React, TypeScript, and even Python.  

A major shift has been the rise of AI at Agoda. We have impressive internal AI tools that help improve productivity, and management is truly supportive, encouraging everyone to leverage AI for the benefit of all. Knowledge sharing is a big part of our culture, and we often contribute to projects beyond our immediate domains.  

The tech culture at Agoda is open and encourages feedback, continuous improvement, and new ideas. If you have a suggestion or want to try something innovative, you’re encouraged to propose it. We use processes like RFCs, detailed documentation, and presentations to share and validate ideas. It’s not just about writing code—it’s about documenting your process, conducting research, and clearly explaining your reasoning. This analytical and thoughtful approach is something that’s hard to find elsewhere. 

Relocating to Bangkok: A Journey Across Borders 

I’ve always dreamed of working abroad to improve both my life and work quality. Over the years, I received offers from places like Singapore, Japan, the UK, Germany, and the UAE. After careful research, I ultimately chose Thailand. I’m originally from Indonesia, and I’ve actually moved to Thailand twice—first from Indonesia, and then again from Estonia after working in Europe. In total, I’ve relocated internationally three times: Indonesia to Thailand, Thailand to Estonia, and Estonia back to Thailand. 

During my first tenure in Thailand, my previous company assisted with my relocation. However, when I returned for my second tenure, Agoda supported my move back, and I can honestly say Agoda’s relocation support is exceptional. My experiences with other companies simply don’t compare. They allowed me to choose my travel dates and airlines within the budget, offered flexibility and options for a comfortable one-month accommodation, and provided comprehensive visa and relocation assistance for my entire family, including my wife and child. I never encountered any issues during the process, and I genuinely felt cared for even before my official start date. 

For anyone considering relocating to Bangkok for Agoda, my advice is: don’t hesitate to ask for help or raise any questions with the Agoda team. They are incredibly accommodating and always willing to support you throughout the process. 

Bangkok Living: Culture, Family, and Everyday Adventure 

I really enjoy living in Bangkok because of its vibrant atmosphere and unique blend of modern and traditional cultures. The city is full of energy, and you can find a mix of old and new everywhere you go. Over the years, I’ve lived in several different areas of Bangkok—north, south, and west—and now I’m living a bit outside the city, in Nonthaburi province to the east. 

Each area has its own unique charm and character. For example, the northern part of Bangkok is lively, with plenty of markets like Chatuchak, Union Mall, and Central Ladprao, as well as easy access to both the MRT and BTS. The western part offers more affordable rent, convenient BTS access, and easy connections to popular travel destinations. Now, living in Nonthaburi, I enjoy a more natural and local atmosphere, which is great for my family, especially my child. 

Outside of work, I love traveling with my family to kid-friendly places and discovering unique coffee shops and hidden gems around Thailand. The country has so much to offer: Delicious food, a rich cultural history, and endless opportunities for exploration.  

Family Life in Bangkok: Education, Childcare, and Healthcare 

Finding a school in Bangkok is generally not difficult, as there are many well-known international schools catering to expats, and Agoda even has partnerships with several of them. For families living outside the city center, like us in Nonthaburi, it can be a bit more challenging to find international schools, but there are still options available. The quality of education here is excellent, with dedicated educators who truly care about the children. School costs can vary, but there are options for different budgets, and many schools offer discounts or promotions. 

Childcare and healthcare in Bangkok are also very good. Compared to my experiences in Estonia and Indonesia, I find the healthcare system here to be much more convenient and accessible. In Bangkok, you can simply go directly to the hospital without an appointment, and the service is consistently respectful and professional. 

There are plenty of activities for families in Bangkok, from indoor play centers to parks, zoos, museums, and even cafés with play areas for children. There are also many places outside of Bangkok suitable for family travel, such as Pattaya, Khao Yai, Hua Hin, and more. While the hygiene of outdoor playgrounds may not always match what we experienced in Europe, the variety of activities available here offers our child many opportunities to learn and try new things. 

Overall, relocating to Bangkok with my family has been a positive experience, with good support for education, healthcare, and family life. 

Finding Community: Settling In and Making Connections 

Settling in at Agoda was not difficult at all. Everyone was incredibly supportive and always ready to offer advice, which helped me adapt to the new environment quickly and with a positive attitude. The work culture is welcoming, and colleagues genuinely care about helping each other succeed. Agoda also has a variety of communities, from sports to tech events, and monthly Tech Connect gatherings. 

Adjusting to life in Bangkok was also quite smooth for me, as the city has a similar vibe to my home country, but with even fewer restrictions. Over time, I’ve made many local friends, learned to speak the language, and even met my wife here—we now have a son together. I’ve also participated in volunteer activities through Agoda and joined various tech events outside of work, sometimes even giving talks to give back to the community. Additionally, I attend mass at a local church and have become involved in church organizations and events. Finding Indonesian communities is also not difficult, as there are many Indonesians living in Bangkok, including many Agodans from Indonesia. 

My advice to anyone nervous about starting fresh in a new city or workplace is simple: just go for it. You only live once, so live your life to the fullest, embrace new experiences, and don’t be afraid to fail. Every experience, whether good or bad, is valuable and will help you grow both personally and professionally. 

Cost of Living in Bangkok versus Indonesia and Estonia 

It’s a bit difficult to compare the cost of living directly, since my home country, Indonesia, is very large and diverse. I am originally from a small town in Indonesia called Yogyakarta. Compared to my hometown, Bangkok is much more expensive. However, if I compare Jakarta to Bangkok, the overall cost is quite similar. In fact, food in Bangkok is sometimes even cheaper, while rental prices tend to be slightly higher. But keep in mind that the income here is also much higher, so living in Bangkok still allows us to save a lot. 

When I compare Bangkok to Tallinn, Estonia, the difference is much more noticeable. Living in Bangkok is definitely more affordable. In Estonia, I had to cook at home almost every day to manage expenses, but in Bangkok, I can easily order food or eat out for about the same price as cooking in Estonia. Even a cup of coffee in Estonia can cost as much as a full meal in Bangkok. As a result, I’m able to save more in Thailand, even though my income here is lower than it was in Europe. 

One thing to note is that public transportation in Thailand is generally more expensive than in Indonesia, and even compared to Estonia, where it is free for residents. Overall, though, I find the cost of living in Bangkok to be quite reasonable and manageable. 

Final Thoughts: Why Agoda is the Place to Be 

If you receive an offer from Agoda, don’t think twice—just go for it. Agoda offers an incredible environment where you can gain valuable experience, grow professionally, and truly unlock your potential. 

One of the most rewarding parts of my journey at Agoda has been the recognition of every contribution, no matter how small. Whether you’re squashing bugs, making BAU improvements, or fixing minor issues, your efforts are always appreciated. You’ll have the chance to exchange ideas with talented people from all over the world, which will broaden your knowledge and help you grow more than you ever imagined.