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Get Crafty: 8 Creative Classes and Workshops in Bali

30 Jul 2026 by Bella

Get Crafty: 8 Creative Classes and Workshops in Bali Image

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 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!

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Mahjong in Bali: 10 Fun Places to Play with Friends Image

05 Sep 2026 by Bella in Lifestyle

Mahjong in Bali: 10 Fun Places to Play with Friends

Where to play mahjong in Bali You might have noticed mahjong popping up all over your friends’ Instagram Stories lately. Yep, this traditional Chinese tile game is suddenly cool again! And we’re not mad about it. It’s actually a pretty good excuse to put your phone down - take a break from doom scrolling, give your brain a workout, and spend some actual time with people. I’m not exactly great at mahjong myself, but there are clubs and venues around Bali where you can join games, whether you’re a total beginner or already know your way around the tiles. I’ve also seen people looking for friends to mabar (main bareng, or play together), which makes it a fun social activity - especially if you’re an introvert. Sooo, the Kata Bella team did some digging and rounded up the mahjong spots in Bali you can check out if you’re looking for something a little different to do beyond the usual beach, brunch and sunset routine. You may also like this article: Fun Communities in Bali for Every Kind of Lifestyle Where to play mahjong in BaliKlik HubLiving World DenpasarSista DumplingDowntime Board Game CafeDa Jia HaoPung Pung MahjongFine Ground CafeSunset Reserve PadelKulaLibera Space Klik Hub It's a creative space that’s also home to all kinds of workshops, activities and community events. Their mahjong night is hosted by Bali Mahjong Social Club, and everyone is welcome, whether you’re a complete beginner or already know your way around the tiles. If you're totally new to the game, no worries - they have a free mahjong lesson to get you started. Games are usually held every Tuesday from 6pm to 9pm, making it a fun after-work activity. Lihat post ini di Instagram Living World Denpasar Currently the largest shopping centre in Bali, this place is always buzzing on weekends. So, if you’re planning to spend your Sunday at the mall but have had enough of shopping, why not switch the shopping bags for mahjong tiles? Head to the Nusantara Market area, where you can play mahjong from 3pm to 9pm. What a different way to spend Sunday at the mall! Lihat post ini di Instagram Sista Dumpling One of my favourite dumpling spots in Canggu has started its own mahjong club, with games happening every Monday at both their Berawa and Uluwatu locations. It starts at 6pm and all levels are welcome, but you’ll need to book your seat in advance. And really, nothing makes a Monday better than a few rounds of mahjong and some good Chinese food! Lihat post ini di Instagram Downtime Board Game Cafe It’s your usual cafe for coffee and treats, with one fun difference: you can actually play various board games! They host all kinds of game nights, social gatherings, workshops, movie nights and trivia, so of course, mahjong has made its way onto the calendar too. Their mahjong night runs every Thursday from 5pm to 9pm, welcoming players who want to learn, play and have a fun evening around the table. If you're already a mahjong pro, they also run sessions for advanced mahjong players looking to take their game to the next level. Follow their Instagram to check out the latest schedule. Lihat post ini di Instagram You may also like this article: Get Crafty - Creative Classes and Workshops in Bali Da Jia Hao Play mahjong in a modern Chinese restaurant interior that feels straight out of a movie. They have a dedicated mahjong table that you can play anytime, so bring your friends for a friendly game or two, and stay for some delicious Chinese comfort food, lah! Bonus: everything is no pork, no lard and no angciu, so everyone can dig in. Lihat post ini di Instagram Pung Pung Mahjong Everyone is welcome at Pung Pung, from complete beginners to advanced players, and even kids! They offer coaching for kids from 4 years old. You can come with friends or show up solo - no problem, the game master will happily join you for a round. Just remember to book in advance, and if you’re coming with friends, make sure to book for the total number of players. As for the tables, an automatic mahjong table is IDR 50K per hour, while manual tiles are IDR 30K per hour. Lihat post ini di Instagram Fine Ground Cafe Fine Ground is a padel court in Renon, with Fine Ground Cafe right there for those who’d rather sit back than hit the court - or for anyone waiting for their loved ones to finish training. They now have an automatic mahjong table for IDR 50K per hour, so you can get a few rounds in while enjoying their selection of Indonesian and Western dishes. So, if padel is not your thing, no problemo, mahjong and good food sound like a pretty good alternative! Lihat post ini di Instagram You may also like this article: Kata Bella's List of Good Coffee Shops in Denpasar Sunset Reserve Padel Another padel-and-mahjong combo, this time at Sunset Reserve Padel. When you’re done on the court, or simply not a padel person, gather your mahjong crew and settle in for a few rounds of mahjong during their dedicated Mahjong Hours. It’s IDR 100K per hour, including four bottles of mineral water, so all you need to bring is your players and your best tile game. Lihat post ini di Instagram Kula Beginners and players of all levels are welcome to join. Mahjong games are held every Wednesday and Saturday from 6pm to 10pm - a perfect evening activity to play a few rounds while enjoying dinner. For local residents, it’s also a fun way to unwind and relieve some of that after-work stress. First-time players can join for free, while returning players pay for only IDR 25K per session. Lihat post ini di Instagram Libera Space Lihat post ini di Instagram Even a coworking space in Denpasar has caught the mahjong fever! At Libera Space, you can now take a break from replying to emails, swap your laptop for a set of tiles, and play mahjong all day, any day. For just IDR 20K per person, you can play as much as you like from 9am to 5pm, with drinking water included. And if you’re a Libera Space member, it’s completely free. So, there’s really no shortage of things to do for fun and to keep your social life going in Bali these days! From creative workshops and pottery classes to run clubs, padel games, and now mahjong nights, the options are pretty much endless. Whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, meet new people or simply spend less time staring at your screen, there’s always something happening. Hope you find this list useful, and stay tuned for more!

A Nostalgic Escape: Where to Stay and Eat in Yogyakarta Image

28 Jul 2026 by Teman Bella in Asia

A Nostalgic Escape: Where to Stay and Eat in Yogyakarta

NOSTALGIC TRAVEL TO YOGYAKARTA - an article by Anne Diana Putri Eight years later, I came back for ArtJog (annual contemporary art festival in Yogyakarta) - but stayed for everything else. Eight years. That's how long it had been since my last trip to Yogyakarta - or Jogja, as Indonesians lovingly call it. Funny how a city can stay frozen in your memory, only to surprise you when you finally return. This time, my excuse was ArtJog. But somewhere between gallery hopping, bowls of gudeg (Yogyakarta's signature jackfruit dish) at breakfast, sipping specialty coffee, discovering century-old jamu (herbal drink) recipes, and taking the slow train to Solo, I realised I wasn't revisiting Yogyakarta. I was meeting a completely different version of it. Flying from Bali takes only one hour and fifty minutes - almost the same as flying to Jakarta. Yet somehow, the moment I stepped outside the airport, life immediately moved at a different pace. The new Yogyakarta International Airport feels modern, spacious, and surprisingly efficient. A direct airport train takes only thirty minutes to downtown for IDR 75,000, making the city more accessible than ever. But what fascinated me wasn't the infrastructure. It was how confidently Jogja has grown. For years, people have known it simply as Kota Pelajar (the city of students). Today? I'd call it Indonesia's Creative Capital. A place where heritage and contemporary culture coexist effortlessly. Traditional markets sit comfortably beside minimalist cafés. Ancient recipes share the spotlight with experimental tasting menus. Artists, coffee roasters, chefs, historians, and young entrepreneurs all seem to speak the same language: "Create something meaningful." Unlike Jakarta, which constantly asks you to move faster, or Bali, which often feels curated for visitors, Jogja simply exists. Quietly. Confidently. Authentically. And perhaps that's exactly why it keeps pulling people back. You may also like this article: 5 Co-working Spaces in Jogja to Get Things Done WHERE I STAYEDGrand Hotel de DjokjaCasa Wirabrajan LOCAL EATERIESGudeg SaganSate Kambing Tjokro Gembira LokaPasar NgasemCOFFEE SHOPSBergamot KoffieSpace RoasteryTadasih CoffeeINDONESIAN SPICE & HERBAL MEDICINE STOREBhumi BhuvanaJamu GinggangHotel Tentrem Pattiserie INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANT & LATE NIGHT GELATO CRAVEMediterranea Restaurant by KamilMichael Kreme Gelato Malioboro WHERE I STAYED Grand Hotel de Djokja If you're visiting Jogja for the first time, this is probably where I'd tell you to stay. The location couldn't be better - perfectly positioned between Tugu Station and Malioboro, allowing you to explore the city's heritage on foot. One experience I particularly loved was the hotel's traditional portrait session. Guests can wear Javanese kebaya and beskap (traditional attire) while being photographed inside the heritage property. It sounds touristy, and it is - but in the best possible way. Sometimes embracing local culture begins by simply dressing the part. 📍Google Map: Grand Hotel de Djokja Casa Wirabrajan  If ArtJog is your main destination, Casa Wirabrajan offers an entirely different experience. Simple, affordable, and surrounded by creative energy, it's located in the same area of the Jogja National Museum. The neighborhood has quietly evolved into one of the city's most interesting creative districts, filled with cafés, local eateries, live music, and artists gathering long after sunset. 📍Google Map: Casa Wirabrajan From left to right: Grand Hotel de Djokja Heritage, Casa Wirabrajan, and Jogja National Museum area LOCAL EATERIES Gudeg Sagan Locals call it "gudeg basah" (wet gudeg). Established in 2003, it brought fresh love to Jogja’s iconic gudeg, since the city’s version is normally the dry type. You can’t make a reservation - just find a table and a server will come to you. They have two branches across Jogja, and yes, it’s completely normal to eat gudeg for breakfast here.  📍Google Map: Gudeg Sagan Sate Kambing Tjokro Gembira Loka Famous for Sate Buntel, Sate Kronyos, and Sate Klathak (different types of mutton satays) - the most satisfying meal and the ultimate protein load.  📍Google Map: Sate Kambing Tjokro Gembira Loka Pasar Ngasem A traditional market famous among locals for legendary eateries, such as: Jenang Yu Jamilah (Jamilah's sweet porridge), Warung Makan Bu Sirep (Sirep's eatery), Gudeg Yu Djum (Djum's gudeg), and other iconic Javanese delicacies. Pro tip: come to this market as early as 7am, stroll around, and try the food and drinks - then walk to Tamansari, the water temple, to explore the landmark.  📍Google Map: Pasar Ngasem From left to right: Sate Kambing Tjokro Gembira Loka and Gudeg Sagan COFFEE SHOPS Bergamot Koffie A new, chic spot with a vibrant interior and some of the best dirty coffee I’ve had in Jogja - plus a good burger if you’re hungry and missing something comforting.  📍Google Map: Bergamot Koffie Space Roastery A local chain with 6 branches across Jogja - each with a different mood and ambiance, but consistent coffee at every branch I visited. Their signature is Es Kopi Susu Dolce (sweet iced coffee), along with manual brews, and you can take away merch and coffee beans too.  📍Google Map: Space Roastery CCC Tadasih Coffee A unique boutique coffee shop run by Mas Ferza himself. It only has 17 seats and opens just four days a week, so check Google to make sure they’re open. Ferza is a passionate host who offers 8 types of coffee beans from around Indonesia and beyond, with specialty coffee priced from just 35K per cup. As unbelievable as it sounds, he even publishes a monthly transparency book for Tadasih, covering how much of each bean has sold, average prices, and how many origins he covers. His mission is simply to turn regular guests into friends through genuine conversation - and please, order the toast, it’s incredible.  📍Google Map: Langenarjan 29 (RSVP only) From left to right: Space Roastery, Tadasih toast, Bergamot exterior INDONESIAN SPICE & HERBAL MEDICINE STORE Bhumi Bhuvana A very special place to discover rare ingredients from all over Indonesia, like sea salts from Bali, Cirebon, and Kalimantan, which you can taste on the spot - plus palm sugar from the Baduy people of Kalimantan. They offer a bookable walking tour, but you can also just pop in for the day and try the home-cooked meals the staff prepares daily, drawn straight from legendary Indonesian cookbooks like Mustika Rasa. The staff will welcome you warmly and guide you through a side of Indonesian gastronomy most of us never get to touch. The space is small, so give them a heads-up before you visit.  📍Google Map: Bhumi Bhuvana Jamu Ginggang Jamu is famous throughout Indonesia, and it was born in Java. This place is special because it’s run by the original acaraki, a Javanese herbalist once appointed by the city’s mayor, located in the Pakualaman area. Stepping in feels like traveling back to 1950, when this place was first established. Using real spices, you simply tell the lady at the counter how you’re feeling, and she’ll make you a bespoke jamu - in a world full of cocktail bars, this place existed long before the glitz. It’s a privilege to experience a place like this today, both as a homage and a history lesson.  📍Google Map: Jamu Ginggang Hotel Tentrem Pattiserie  The birthplace of Tolak Angin, Indonesia’s famous instant herbal medicine, this hotel lets you explore the brand’s other creations. In the lobby of Hotel Tentrem Jogja, you can enjoy an afternoon tea with Tolak Angin ice cream, takeaway chocolate pralines, and popsicles - all made from Tolak Angin. 📍Google Map: Hotel Tentrem Form left to right: Bhumi Bhuvana entrance and its collection, Jamu Ginggang INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANT & LATE NIGHT GELATO CRAVE Mediterranea Restaurant by Kamil One of the most visited restaurants for both international and domestic tourists. It offers an array of international dishes, from pizza to hummus to steak frites to chocolate mousse. The affordable prices are a highlight, but the food itself is genuinely good and consistent. It’s a fine casual dining restaurant with none of the intimidation that ambiance can sometimes bring. The wine of the month is excellent too, at half the price of Bali or Jakarta - Bordeaux included. Do make a reservation, though, or you won’t get a proper seat.  📍Google Map: Mediterranea Restaurant by Kamil Michael Kreme Gelato Malioboro A new gelato hotspot open until 2am - sounds like a good deal to me. The gelato itself is solid, but the bonus is the café next door, Blue Butter, which has a giant 4D cat installation with blinking eyes that draws crowds in for a photo. Quite a scene to stumble on in Jogja.  📍Google Map: Michael Kreme Gelato Malioboro Mediterranea Restaurant by Kamil Yogyakarta was everything I hoped it would be and more. From wandering through historic landmarks and hunting down local favourites to discovering hidden cafés and cultural gems, every day brought something new. But the journey doesn't end here. Next up, we're heading east to Solo, another city rich in Javanese culture, heritage, and unforgettable eats. Stay tuned for the next chapter of this Central Java adventure on my next article!

Fun Communities in Bali for Every Kind of Lifestyle Image

29 Apr 2026 by Bella in Lifestyle

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. Jumpa Lagi ClubBe VocalThe Sketch CollectiveVinyl Book ClubContinuum AthleticsFilm Photography ClubExit Haven 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. 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!