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Fun Communities in Bali for Every Kind of Lifestyle

29 Apr 2026 by Bella

Fun Communities in Bali for Every Kind of Lifestyle Image

Communities in Bali.

Bali is often seen on social media for its beaches, postcard sunsets, surfing culture, wellness activities, temples, and cute brunch spots – but beyond the surface, there’s so much more to do, see, and experience. It’s also home to a vibrant network of communities that shape the island’s true rhythm. Togetherness is, after all, the heart of Indonesia, and in Bali alone I’ve come across such a unique mix of groups you can be part of, whether you’re just here on holiday or calling it home – here are some of them.

You may also like this article: What It’s Like to Live in Bali: Cost, Culture, and Everyday Life

Jumpa Lagi Club

This artsy bunch of genuinely lovely humans run all sorts of workshops like canvas painting, cake decorating, flower arranging, and more. “Jumpa Lagi” means “see you again,” which feels fitting for a space that keeps bringing people with shared interests back together.

From just 100K a session, you get to tap into your creative side while they sort out all the tools (no stress, just show up and have fun). They also often collaborate with their chosen venues, so you can sneak in a cheeky food and drink deal while you’re at it – win win!

Follow their Instagram @jumpalagiclub to check out their schedule.

Communities in Bali

Image credit: Jumpa Lagi Club Instagram

Be Vocal

This has to be one of the cutest groups I’ve come across. Exactly as I imagined when I heard it’s a singing group – it’s literally just a bunch of people meeting at a scheduled time… to… sing together! And yes, it’s as wholesome as it sounds.

When I was there, they kicked things off with a fun singing game, then moved on to learning a traditional Indonesian song from Maluku, and wrapped it all up with the best part: open mic. So cute. If you’re looking to meet new friends, definitely give this one a go.

Follow their Instagram @bevocalindonesia to check out their event calendar.

Image credit: Be Vocal Instagram

The Sketch Collective

If you’re an artist, an art lover, or someone who just enjoys putting pencil to paper, make your way to Sketchy Tuesday. Held every Tuesday at The Canggu Studio, this weekly gathering brings people together for live figure drawing, creative conversations, and a relaxed evening of sketching. 

Follow their page @the.sketchcollective for more information and updates on upcoming sessions.

Communities in Bali - The Sketch Collective

Image credit: The Sketch Collective Instagram

Vinyl Book Club

Hands up, everyone! Literature and the art of properly listening to good music are not dead yet. I stumbled across this group on Instagram and immediately wanted in. They host sessions at Analogue Listening Space on Sunset Road, and the concept is beautifully simple: reading + listening to music.

You get access to their vinyl library, can bring your own book, or borrow from their collection. It’s the perfect activity for introverts or anyone looking to slow down after a busy week. I think the world needs more spaces like this.


Check them out on Instagram @vinylbookclub to learn more.

Image credit: Vinyl Book Club Instagram

You may also like this article: Things to do in Bali – Fun Art Classes at Rumah Rabbit

Continuum Athletics

This one’s for all you energised bunnies around Canggu. Three times a week, they get together for different types of training. Tuesdays are for interval trainings, Thursdays are threshold sessions, and Sundays are for long, easy runs. Don’t be intimidated if you spot some seriously athletic-looking people there – everyone who wants to get fitter and challenge themselves is welcome. It’s a friendly bunch who support each other.

Follow their Instagram @continuum.athletics for the weekly schedule and meet-up points.

Image credit: Continuum Athletics Instagram

Film Photography Club

In a world that’s constantly pushing us towards the next new technology, there are still people who appreciate the slow, intentional art of analogue photography – and I love that. This club hosts “photowalks” where you meet fellow film photography enthusiasts at a set time and place, then wander, shoot, connect, and enjoy the quiet thrill of not knowing how your photos turn out until later.

Each season is limited to just 20 participants, which keeps things nice and intimate. Whether you’re a seasoned film shooter or just curious to try something new, it’s such a refreshing way to spend a day.

Check out their next photowalk on Instagram @filmphotographyclub.

Image credit: Film Photography Club Instagram

Exit Haven

This is a whole new level of nerdiness that I 100% want to be part of and I want to be friends with everyone in this group. They literally just meet up… to play board games, haha!

No screens, just proper games, a bit of friendly competition, and (I’m assuming) some very serious rule debates. It actually sounds like such a fun, low-pressure way to hang out and meet new people.

Follow their Instagram @exithaven_ to see when their next hang is.

Image credit: Exit Haven Instagram

Soooo…next time you’re in Bali and want to skip one beach day, try joining a community instead. You might leave with new friends, new hobbies, new experiences, and a whole different side of the island you didn’t expect. Thank you for reading!

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Going Natural: Bali Wellness Products We Love Image

10 Aug 2026 by Bella in Lifestyle

Going Natural: Bali Wellness Products We Love

Bali Wellness Products More and more people are turning to natural personal care these days (myself included), and I don’t think it’s just a passing trend anymore. Once you make the switch, you really start to notice the difference - from the ingredients you’re putting on your skin to how your skin feels and responds over time. Bali has always been such a great place to discover natural wellness brands, with homegrown labels creating products inspired by the island’s connection to nature. There are many to choose from, but these are a few that the Kata Bella team has curated. Each one has something that makes them special, and of course, we have our favourites too! From super-soft natural soap bars and skincare for sensitive skin, to products for babies and teenagers, yoga mat sprays, and even home cleaning products, there’s something for everyone and every purpose. Switching to natural products in Bali is easier than you might think, and they also make lovely presents for your loved ones. So, we hope you like our list, and find something you love too! You may also like this article: Get Crafty - 8 Creative Classes and Workshops in Bali Bali SoapBamboo TigerCocona CareBoemi BotanicalsSensatia BotanicalsUtama Spice Bali Soap From the name, you can probably guess that their soap bars are the main stars of the show. I know using a bar of soap might sound a little old-school these days, but wait until you try theirs. They’re seriously smooth and creamy! Their soaps are made using the cold-process method, which basically means the ingredients are mixed without high heat, which keeps more of their natural oils and goodness. The bars come in nice tropical scents and are packed with natural ingredients to help keep your skin hydrated. They’re also free from harsh chemicals and parabens, making them gentle enough for all skin types and even suitable for your face. They also have other products like hand cream, body butter, deodorant, and liquid body wash. ⭐️ Kata Bella's favourites: Jasmine, lemongrass, and passion fruit soap bars, chocolate body butter. Image credit: Bali Soap Indonesia Instagram page Bamboo Tiger Their soap bars come in lovely dusty pastel shades, and some in fun rainbow patterns, making shower time a little more fun. They also have a whole range of products with illipe butter as the star moisturising ingredient, using essential oil blends instead of synthetic fragrances. The scents range from fresh herbs and cooling peppermint to warm spices and zesty citrus. The range also includes a vegan-friendly lip balm, geranium & bergamot body cream, a rosemary & kukui hair mask, and virgin coconut oil - all made with natural, nourishing ingredients. ⭐️ Kata Bella's favourites: Orange and peppermint soap bar, wood and spices illipe butter soap bar Image credit: Bamboo Tiger Instagram page Cocona Care They pretty much do all things coconut, from virgin coconut oil and shower gel to body lotion, body scrub, body cream, shampoo, and conditioner. So if you’re crazy about coconut, this is definitely the one for you! Everything is coconut-focused, making it a great little present too if you want to bring home a slice of the tropics. ⭐️ Kata Bella's favourites: Virgin coconut oil Image credit: Cocona Care Instagram page You may also like this article: Vegan Cafes in Canggu - 5 Nice Spots for Your Daily Greens Boemi Botanicals They have a pretty wide range of products, from soap bars and shampoo to body lotions, massage oils, pure natural oils, and scented candles. I’ve come across their products quite a few times at events too, where they’re often included in hampers, or they’ll set up a pop-up where you can create your own scented body oil. It’s such a nice little experience and makes the product feel a bit more personal! We also love how they name their collections in Bahasa Indonesia, like Matahari Pagi (morning sun), Rempah (spices/herbs), and Senja (dusk) - simple, beautiful, and very Indonesian. ⭐️ Kata Bella's favourites: Serai wangi (lemongrass) scented candle, senja body lotion Image credit: Boemi Botanicals Instagram page Sensatia Botanicals You’ve probably seen their shops in many locations around Bali, especially in shopping centres. They have pretty much everything your body could need, with natural skincare products from head to toe. But what really stands out, aside from the products themselves, is their range for everyone from babies and kids to teenagers and adults - and they even a dedicated men’s collection. The thoughtful packaging is not only lovely to look at, but also makes their products great little gifts for friends and family. ⭐️ Kata Bella's favourites: Lemongrass and mandarine body scrub, tea tree and lemon facial scrub Image credit: Sensatia Botanicals Instagram page Utama Spice Started in 1989, this brand has grown into a much bigger range of natural products over the years. It’s not just about skincare either - they now also make everyday household essentials like dish soap, laundry soap, linen spray, yoga mat spray, and multipurpose spray. And if you’re trying to be a little more eco-friendly, they also offer refills that come in aluminium packaging, so you can reuse your bottles instead of constantly buying new ones. ⭐️ Kata Bella's favourites: Cocoa lip balm, tangerine body lotion Instagram page: Utama Spice Instagram page And that’s our little round-up for now! There are definitely more Bali wellness products out there that deserve some love, so this won’t be the last of our discoveries. If you know a local brand we should check out, send it our way!

Lokananta: Why This Musical Landmark is a Must-Visit in Solo Image

23 Feb 2025 by Teman Bella in Lifestyle

Lokananta: Why This Musical Landmark is a Must-Visit in Solo

An Article by Natasya Soetantyo Solo is one of the cities in Indonesia that I always wanted to explore but never got a chance to (despite travelling to Central Java quite often since I was young). Last January, this long-overdue bucket list was finally ticked off. After a comforting lunch of soto and a cheeky es dawet selasih from the nearby market, food coma didn't stop us from exploring the city further - after all, it was only a two-day trip. We then made our way to Lokananta, located on Jalan Ahmad Yani, Laweyan. You may also like this article: Swapping Beaches for Mountaintops - A Chilly Christmas in Bromo Lokananta is a sacred pilgrimage site for those passionate about music, art, and history. Established in 1956, it was Indonesia’s first record label and vinyl record producer. In their heyday, they were the ones that introduced Indonesia to legendary musicians; Gesang (famously known for his song ‘Bengawan Solo'), Titiek Puspa, and Waldjinah to name a few. Its archive is not limited to only pop and Keroncong music at the time; but also home to Indonesia’s largest collection of Gamelan recordings, various ethnic/ folk music throughout the country, and even a recorded speech of Presiden Soekarno reading the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence. After several challenging decades trying to adapt to technological advances of cassettes and CDs, Lokananta was revitalised in 2022 and is now functioning as a modern creative hub for the public. Exploring Galeri Lokananta The museum, Galeri Lokananta, is an essential part of the visit. It is a ticketed entry with limited time slots - you can either explore the exhibition by yourself or with a guided tour. I opted for the first option; this gave me a bit more freedom to enjoy each part of the exhibition at my own pace. I wouldn’t mind doing the guided tour on my next visit though; turns out the discography room can only be entered with the tour guide present. My share of tips: book a guided tour online as we were unable to book it in-person. Fun, Concise, and Engaging Those three words sum up the experience. The first part of the exhibition depicts the origin of Lokananta and its transformative journey in becoming a significant part of Indonesian music history. Brimmed with cool memorabilia (a room full of original Lokananta vinyls!), clear information, and immersive multimedia installations - the entire exhibition was easy to digest. My personal favourite was the room explaining the vinyl production process. You may also like this article: Goolali Gelato Bar & Pâtisserie - Semarang’s Sweetest Escape The later part of the exhibition (only until 8 March 2025) delves into a more general theme of Indonesia’s pop music in the 60s - especially its tumultuous journey under Soekarno’s era of censorship. As I go along enjoying their colourful, aesthetically-pleasing pop graphics and listening to rare Lokananta original recordings, two things particularly caught my attention - the existence of a local genre music called Lenso (please look up its interesting history!) and a once-banned Indonesia Raya recording that was deemed too subversive. Even if a museums are not your thing, the precinct’s line-ups of trendy coffee shops, restaurants, and retail spaces are still worth a visit. I do suggest you stop by the Lokananta Record Store - their collection of rare Indonesian vinyls from the 60s and 70s really sparked my interest to start a vinyl collection. Planning Your Visit ⏰ Museum (Galeri Lokananta) Hours: Daily, 10am – 8pm 🎟️ Entry Time Slots (10 sessions per day): Session 1: 10am - 12pm (with a guided tour) Session 2: 11am - 12pm Session 3: 12pm - 2pm (with a guided tour) Session 4: 1pm - 2pm Session 5: 2pm - 4pm (with a guided tour) Session 6: 3pm - 4pm Session 7: 4pm - 6pm (with a guided tour) Session 8: 5pm - 6pm Session 9: 6pm - 8pm (with a guided tour) Session 10: 7pm - 8pm 💰Ticket Prices: Adults: IDR 35,000 Kids (above 100cm), Students, Seniors: IDR 25,000 Foreigners: IDR 70,000 (with tour guide) / IDR 50,000 (without tour guide) 💬 Guided Tour Booking: Online only at Galeri Lokananta Website 🙋‍♀️ Personal Tips: ● If you opt for a guided tour, make sure you book online before you arrive as time slots can be limited. ● All exhibition materials were written in Indonesian; perhaps getting a tour guide is worthwhile if Indonesian is not your first language. ● Bring an umbrella on rainy day

Dining in Bali with Strangers: My Unique Supper Social Dining Experience Image

10 Jan 2026 by Bella in Lifestyle

Dining in Bali with Strangers: My Unique Supper Social Dining Experience

Supper Social entered my life during my peak introvert mode. Ever since I left my job last year, I’ve definitely had more spare time. But believe it or not, it’s also been feeding the introvert in me. I barely go out and I spend most of my days doom-scrolling baking videos on TikTok, lol. Life in your 30s, am I right? So my friend Jess, fully aware that the quickest way to get me out of the house is through food, invited me to something she’s hosting called Supper Social: Dinner with Friends. She lured me in with a 50% food discount at good restaurants in Canggu. Damn, Jess - aren’t you a hardcore marketing person. Supper Social Bali: A Fun Take on Dining in Bali With StrangersA First-Timer’s Experience on Dining in Bali with StrangersGrowing Bali Restaurant Line-UpIf You’re New to Bali, This Is Your Sign Supper Social Bali: A Fun Take on Dining in Bali With Strangers So Supper Social is basically dining with strangers - but in a fun, non-awkward way. It’s a weekly event designed to bring together locals, expats, and travellers around one communal table, hosted at curated restaurants across Canggu (and apparently they’ve expanded to other parts of Bali and even overseas too!). Each dinner is capped at around 15 to 30 people, so it wouldn't feel too hectic or overwhelming. At first, I was like, ummm… do I really need to meet new people and make new friends at this stage of life? But then again…food. “Alright, I’ll try this once,” I told myself. My first Dinner with Friends experience at Paparempa - Image credit: Supper Social Instagram You may also like this article: 4 Must-Visit Underrated Coffee Shops in Canggu A First-Timer’s Experience on Dining in Bali with Strangers The first dinner I attended was at Papa Rempa. I didn’t really know what to expect, but when I arrived, I ended up spotting a few familiar faces; friends and acquaintances I hadn’t seen in ages. A fun detail: there’s a QR code on each table that you can scan to take photos with an analogue camera filter. You can upload your POV shots from the night and share them with the other guests - like a collective memory of the evening. Ok - the first experience wasn’t bad at all for someone who’s not exactly a social butterfly hehe. And just when I thought that was my first and last Supper Social, they went and updated their restaurant list, adding Artisan Pererenan! The second dinner I attended at Artisan Pererenan - Image credit: Supper Social Instagram Growing Bali Restaurant Line-Up I swear the last time I checked, they only had five regular restaurant partners on rotation: Numero Quattro, Longtime, Origen, Sazón, and Ghost. I blinked, and suddenly there were heaps more! Now there’s also Kilo Pererenan, Alma Tapas Bar and plenty others - clearly, they know exactly how to keep foodies happy. Anyway, I’ve been wanting to try Artisan for their famously good pasta. So guess who joined Supper Social again? Meeeee! This time, I even brought a few friends along with me. Sazón, one of their restaurant partners - Image credit: Supper Social Instagram You may also like this article: Sazón Bali: Spanish flavours in Canggu If You’re New to Bali, This Is Your Sign So, if you’re on holiday in Bali or new to the island, do come hang out at Supper Social. Don’t be afraid to be an awkward turtle - it’s a low-pressure setting with a genuinely friendly vibe. Come for the food, stay for the people, or… just come for the food and let the rest happen naturally hehe. Either way, it’s a pretty solid excuse to leave the house, and honestly, I’m glad I did. Thanks, Jess 😉