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

10 Jan 2026 by Bella

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

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 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.

Supper Social - Paparempa Canggu

My first Dinner with Friends experience at Paparempa – Image credit: Supper Social Instagram

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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!

Dinner with Friends - 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

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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 😉

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5 Unique Ramadan Hampers by Local Indonesian Businesses Image

19 Feb 2026 by Bella in Lifestyle

5 Unique Ramadan Hampers by Local Indonesian Businesses

Ramadan hampers are everywhere at this time of year. The holy month is here, and growing up in a diverse family that celebrates almost every religious holiday, I’m already busy looking for presents for friends and family. Indonesians love to gift - it’s almost a given that we send hampers to family, friends, neighbours, and the people dearest to our hearts during festive seasons. And more often than not, those hampers are filled with cookies - lots and lots of cookies. The true stars of Idul Fitri are the classics: nastar (soft shortbread filled with pineapple jam), kaastengels (cheesy shortbread sticks), putri salju (almond cookies dusted in icing sugar), and lidah kucing (thin, crisp biscuits that literally translate to “cat’s tongue”). During this month, nearly every bakery sells them because they’re iconic and absolute must-haves for Ramadan, as well as the big day when everyone gathers. So this year, I thought I’d curate some unique hamper and gift ideas - especially for those whose homes are already overflowing with cookies and sweet treats, hehe. They’re all made by local Indonesian businesses that I think are pretty cool. The Cool Bag by Ideku HandmadeSweet Treats Without the Calories by OentukmuArtisanal Tableware by CarramicaThe Scent of Ramadan by Sniff SniffRamadan Fit by Nadjani You may also like this article: Brunch in Bali - Rediscovering Legian through Farmer’s Daughter The Cool Bag by Ideku Handmade I’ve been following this brand since they were only selling a handful of pieces through Instagram DMs. Now they’ve grown so much and have a flagship store in South Tangerang. Every year, they launch an out-of-the-box collection for the festive season, and this year’s drop is inspired by the sarung (sarong) - a piece closely associated with Muslim prayer attire. Available for purchase on www.idekuhandmade.com  Image credit: Ideku Handmade Instagram Sweet Treats Without the Calories by Oentukmu They sell the cutest soaps in all sorts of shapes, and they’re perfect as presents or souvenirs for special occasions. I’ve bought them a couple of times for fun, and they smell really nice too! For Ramadan this year, they’ve created a set inspired by nastar and jajan pasar (a variety of traditional Indonesian snacks). You can order them on Tokopedia or Shopee. Image credit: Oentukmu Instagram Artisanal Tableware by Carramica You can never have too many pretty dinner sets. If you’re thinking of getting something special for your best friends, teachers, or clients, they offer a range of hampers in all kinds of designs- from classic and elegant to vintage and playful. They also come in different price ranges to suit your budget.  You can view more hampers and order on Tokopedia. Image credit: Carramica Tokopedia You may also like this article: 5 Must-Visit Coffee Shops in Canggu, Umalas, and Nearby Areas The Scent of Ramadan by Sniff Sniff From the name alone, you can probably guess they’re all about scent. Their hampers include a boxed fragrance diffuser with a blend of muguet ozony, green fruit, and cedarwood 5, plus a bottle of room spray - complete with a greeting card. They’re also pretty affordable, perfect for when you need to buy a few for a group of people.  Available for purchase on Tokopedia. Image credit: Sniff Sniff Tokopedia Ramadan Fit by Nadjani This brand honestly takes up a decent percentage of my wardrobe -  mostly jackets and trousers, hehe. This year, their collection is called Homecoming, celebrating a return to our roots and the moments that shaped us - as they shared on Instagram. The vibrant colours and patterns reflect the liveliness of a reunion -  overlapping conversations, blended hues, and happiness that feels endless. Available on www.nadjani.com and other Indonesian e-commerce platforms. Image credit: Nadjani Instagram At the end of the day, Ramadan is about connection - with our faith, our families, and the people we care about. Whether you stick to the classic cookie hampers or try something a little anti-mainstream this year, it’s always the thought that counts. If you’re looking to support local while gifting something a little different, I hope this list gives you a few fun ideas. RAMADAN MUBARAK! 🤍

Bali Shopping Guide: Inside the Tropical World of Xoxo Bali Image

18 Jun 2025 by Bella in Lifestyle

Bali Shopping Guide: Inside the Tropical World of Xoxo Bali

Meet Xoxo Bali, an iconic local brand bringing tropical flair to handmade souvenirs since 2013. Founded by a Bali-based artist Finda Ayu, this homegrown success story began with simple postcards and has since grown into a colourful collection of passport covers, greeting cards, and lifestyle keepsakes loved by travellers from around the world. Xoxo Bali stands out for its playful illustrations and visual identity - bright, cheerful, and unapologetically tropical. Each piece captures the spirit of Bali, translating everyday island moments into designs that are full of character. The Unexpected Beginning of Xoxo BaliXoxo Bali’s Best-Selling ProductsGreeting Cards: Cheeky Puns & Tropical FruitsPassport Covers: Water-Resistant Travel EssentialsToiletry Pouches: Versatile & DurableWhere to Buy Xoxo Bali You may also like this article: Things to do in Bali - Fun Art Classes at Rumah Rabbit The Unexpected Beginning of Xoxo Bali If you’re a regular at Bali markets, you’ve probably noticed those bright colours with tropical fruit icons - yep, that’s Xoxo Bali. It all started at a Sate Ayam street food stall when Finda and a friend (that friend is me btw, haha!) were chatting over dinner about how cool it would be to have an Instagram page to share suggestions and updates on what’s new in Bali - there weren’t many pages like that back then! She decided to name it Xoxo Bali. Then she thought, why not take it a step further and sell postcards too? After all, how many people send postcards these days, right? Let’s make snail mail cool again! Plus, when those postcards travel around the world, they help spread the joy of Bali far and wide. Starting with postcards, little did she know she’d end up with a whole collection of merchandise - from tote bags and pouches to wallets, hats, and more. She quit her full-time corporate job to pursue her dream of building her brand! And now, 12 years later, Xoxo Bali is available in over 15 shops around Bali, and she’s a regular at markets. What a journey! You know what’s even cooler? Every single illustration is created by Finda herself! Let’s take a peek at Xoxo Bali’s current best-sellers and hear from Finda what makes each one so special. Xoxo Bali’s Best-Selling Products Greeting Cards: Cheeky Puns & Tropical Fruits After discovering that people still do send postcards, Finda decided to level up with greeting cards. Featuring colourful tropical fruit illustrations and cheeky puns, these cards were some of the first products she sold, and they've remained the best-selling items ever since. You may also like this article: Bali Home Bakeries to Sweeten Your Celebrations Passport Covers: Water-Resistant Travel Essentials Adding some fun to your travels, these cheerful passport covers are made from water-resistant canvas on the outside, with pockets inside perfect for your boarding passes, cards, and other airport essentials. They've become a quick favourite too! Now you can travel with your favourite durian, but without the smell, hehe. Toiletry Pouches: Versatile & Durable Originally designed as a toiletry pouch to complement your travels, Xoxo Bali lovers quickly started using them to store all sorts of everyday essentials. The perfect size to fit everything from makeup and tissues to chargers and more. Like most Xoxo Bali products, they're made with water-resistant canvas on the outside and a water-resistant polyester lining inside. I confess that I own quite a few of these, even though I only travel with minimal toiletries. You may also like this article: Goolali Gelato Bar & Pâtisserie - Semarang’s Sweetest Escape Where to Buy Xoxo Bali With 12 years of creating unique, joy-filled products, Xoxo Bali now offers a wide range of items that you can easily browse and shop on their Tokopedia store: Xoxo Bali. More than just souvenirs, each piece carries a little slice of Bali’s colour, thoughtfully designed to bring happiness into everyday life. Support local artists and celebrate life the tropical way with Xoxo Bali, because sometimes, a little colour is all you need to brighten your day 🌴✨

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!