Fun Communities in Bali for Every Kind of Lifestyle

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.

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

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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!

Huan Duan

May 18, 2026

I really like how this shows a different side of Bali beyond tourism — the community aspect is often what makes people stay longer than planned. Spaces like creative clubs and local gatherings really capture the island’s social energy. I’ve also been exploring more lifestyle-focused insights about Bali here Bali community and travel guide.

Bella

May 24, 2026

Thank you for the kind words, Huan. I really appreciate you stopping by my website. All the best for your page too! 🙂

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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!

10 Jan 2025 by Bella in Lifestyle

Swapping Beaches for Mountaintops: A Chilly Christmas in Bromo

"How cold is cold?" asked my husband, who’s from a country with single-digit temperatures, as I was packing for Bromo. At the time, I had no idea because I had never been. According to Google, it was around 14°C in December. I thought, "Okay, not too cold," and decided not to pack my winter jacket he told me to bring. I question my life decisions sometimes - as it turns out, it was very cold and windy in Bromo. Why We Chose Bromo for ChristmasOur Bromo Itinerary: Jeep Tours & Sunrise ViewsMidnight Pickup & Scary Jeep RideSunrise at Bromo: Two Viewing PointsWas Bromo Worth It? You may also like this article: Lokananta - Why This Musical Landmark is a Must-Visit in Solo Why We Chose Bromo for Christmas Alright, let’s start from the beginning - why was I going to Bromo? My big family always gets together for special occasions and holidays. It’s not always the full crew, but we make it a point to gather somewhere. Christmas is a major one, and we always go on a trip. Usually, it’s Bali or Yogyakarta. Last year, we skipped Bali because the high season is pure chaos - you can’t go anywhere without battling crowds. Yogyakarta is great, but we wanted something different. So, East Java it was! Christmas in Mount Bromo Our Bromo Itinerary: Jeep Tours & Sunrise Views My cousin was the hero of the trip - she arranged our holiday itinerary and booked everything. We stayed in an Airbnb villa in Batu, and around midnight, we were picked up by a pre-arranged transport that was part of the travel package. By around 3am (I think it was), we arrived at the base of Mount Bromo. Since I always sleep on pretty much any moving vehicle somehow, I missed out on experiencing the supposedly nerve-wracking, curvy journey up through the hills. But based on everyone else’s reactions, it sounds like I dodged a pretty intense ride! A gloomy morning on top of Bromo - the hiking crew and the chill crew Midnight Pickup & Scary Jeep Ride From the base, we hopped into our Jeeps. There were 16 of us in total, with four people per Jeep, riding in a convoy to the top. We didn’t hike - not everyone in the group was up for it physically, and honestly, it made more sense to explore the caldera and everything else by Jeep since there’s so much ground to cover. This time, I was wide awake for the drive to the top of the mountain so yes, it was as scary as everyone said. It was pitch black, steep, and freezing cold, but I put all my trust in our super-experienced driver, Pak Gunawan. We got to the top a little early, so we parked and waited for the sunrise in a warung for some coffee and cheeky instant noodles 😉 The picturesque Pasir Berbisik - me and my cousin in our Jeep You may also like this article: Goolali Gelato Bar & Pâtisserie - Semarang’s Sweetest Escape Sunrise at Bromo: Two Viewing Points There are two viewing points: one for beginners (no hiking skills required) - that’s where I was, because I was cold and lazy, and the actual mountaintop (which does require a little hike). My aunt, uncle, and some of my cousins made it to the top, and it turns out, the view up there is absolutely stunning. There was a traffic jam of Jeeps waiting to head back down since it was high season, but we weren’t in any rush. After a bit, we carried on with our journey to the caldera. The drivers took us to a few spots in the caldera, one of which is called Pasir Berbisik (the Whispering Sand). Normally, you can hear the sand go pssshhhh pssshhh, but unfortunately, we didn’t get to experience that because it started raining - making the temperature drop even colder! (I read somewhere that it once snowed in Bromo mid last year!). From there, we were taken to more beautiful spots, but sadly, we couldn’t stop at any of them because of the heavy rain. At the end of the trip, we stopped at a mountain-view restaurant for lunch (which wasn’t included in the tour package, by the way). Was Bromo Worth It? Overall, our trip to Bromo was super fun. Despite the cold and rain, the sunrise views and the caldera’s beauty made it all worth it. The Jeep tour costs IDR 2 million per Jeep - inclusive of a pick up from our villa. If you’re planning a visit, pack warm layers and enjoy the adventure! Thanks for reading ✨

30 Jul 2026 by Bella in Lifestyle

Get Crafty: 8 Creative Classes and Workshops in Bali

8 Creative Classes and Workshops in Bali People come to Bali for so many different reasons - some for the beautiful nature, some for the beach clubs and nightlife, some for the incredible food scene, and many simply to slow down and enjoy the island lifestyle. But these days, there’s another experience that has been gaining popularity: creative workshops. Whether you’re visiting Bali or have been living on the island for years, joining a workshop can be a fun way to spend your weekend, learn something new, and create something with your own hands. From baking and cake decorating to flower arranging, perfume making, painting, and more, there are plenty of creative experiences to explore. We’ve put together a little collection of recommendations from friends who have tried and loved them. Hope you enjoy this list, and if you know any other creative workshops in Bali that we should check out and feature here, let us know! You may also like this article: Fun Communities in Bali for Every Kind of Lifestyle Volen Art SpaceKala LuangRumah RabbitMud HouseKultaraRumah TumbuhCake EmpireBunga Seni Volen Art Space They have a bunch of creative workshops happening every month, from painting and canvas embroidery to perfume making, batik painting, and scented candle making, and a lot more- all held in different locations around town. They also offer private workshops for special events and gatherings, perfect for birthdays, team activities, or just a creative get-together. Follow their Instagram page or visit their website for their latest workshop schedule and booking details. Image credit: Volen Art Space Instagram Kala Luang True to its name, Kala Luang (Indonesian for "when you have free time") creates fun and creative experiences to enjoy during your downtime. Their workshops range from craft activities like flower bouquet arrangement and perfume making to dessert-making sessions like mochi, cheesecake, and cookie making. With affordable prices and limited spots available for each session, make sure to book in advance. Follow their Instagram for their upcoming workshop schedule and details. Image credit: Kala Luang Instagram You may also like this article: Canggu Travel Guide - Surviving Bali's Busiest Neighbourhood Rumah Rabbit Rumah Rabbit is a house of art in Munggu offering a variety of art classes for adults, kids, and toddlers in small-group settings. From sketching and painting to hands-on creative sessions, every class is guided by experienced art teachers in a relaxed and welcoming environment. They also regularly host special workshops like rug tufting with guest tutors, and can organise artsy private events for birthdays, team gatherings, or other celebrations. Follow their Instagram to learn more. Image credit: Rumah Rabbit Instagram Mud House From the name, you can probably guess what Mud House is all about. It’s a pottery studio where you can get your hands dirty and explore the art of ceramics. Whether you're interested in hand-building, trying the pottery wheel, or painting your finished pieces, there's a class for every skill level. The workshops are available for both adults and kids, making it a fun activity for families, friends, or anyone looking to try something creative during their Bali holiday. Follow their Instagram to learn more. Image credit: Mud House Instagram Kultara If you're looking for a more authentic cultural experience in Bali, Kultara is well worth checking out. Every month, they host a line-up of art and cultural workshops that celebrate both traditional and contemporary creativity. You can join unique sessions like upcycled plastic jewellery making, linocut printing, pottery, and rattan weaving, or dive into Balinese traditions through nyurat lontar (palm leaf manuscript writing), Balinese dance, and gamelan classes. Follow their Instagram for full activity schedule and more information. Image credit: Kultara Instagram Rumah Tumbuh Translates to "House of Growth", Rumah Tumbuh it is a space created for women to learn, grow, and get creative together. Their workshops are all about trying something new in a relaxed and welcoming environment, with activities ranging from coaster decoupage and slow journaling to crochet and watercolour painting. Whether you're already a crafty person or picking up a paintbrush for the first time, it's a lovely way to discover a new hobby and make new friends along the way. Follow their Instagram for their upcoming workshop schedule and details. Image credit: Rumah Tumbuh Instagram You may also like this article: Creative Connections - 5 Bali-based Illustrators and Designers Cake Empire If you love baking and cake decorating, you’re going to love Cake Empire in Seminyak. Known for their beautiful custom cakes, they also run a range of creative workshops that are perfect to enjoy with friends and family. Learn how to create everything from Korean-style ribbon and bow cakes and elegant floral cakes to adorable 3D teddy sculpted cakes. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced cake enthusiast, there’s a class for every skill level, with plenty of designs and techniques to explore. Follow their Instagram page to discover their upcoming workshops, schedules, and detailed information. Image credit: Cake Empire Google page Bunga Seni If you're staying around Seseh, Munggu, or Nyanyi, Bunga Seni is worth checking out for a creative day out. Their flower workshops invite you to create your own bouquet while learning floral styling techniques in a relaxed and welcoming setting. It's the perfect excuse to slow down, get creative, and spend an evening surrounded by beautiful blooms and good company. Follow their Instagram page for workshop schedule and booking details. Image credit: Bunga Seni Instagram Hope you like this list, and hope it inspires you to start your own arts, crafts, or baking journey. Have another recommendation we should know about? Share it with us - your favourite creative spots could be featured next!