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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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Swapping Beaches for Mountaintops: A Chilly Christmas in Bromo Image

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 ✨

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!

Family Friendly Hotels in Bali with Adorable Family Rooms Image

04 Sep 2026 by Bella in Lifestyle

Family Friendly Hotels in Bali with Adorable Family Rooms

Family friendly hotels in Bali Going on a Bali holiday with family was already the best thing ever when I was a kid. I don’t remember staying in any special kids’ rooms or having a kids’ club at the hotel back then. And I don’t think I even cared - all I wanted was room service - because that was the only time I was actually allowed to eat in your room, lol - and a swimming pool where I could swim around all day until my skin got ridiculously dark. Kids these days, though, are seriously spoiled! Hotels have gone all out with family rooms, colourful bunk beds, games, cute little corners and even dedicated spaces designed to make kids feel like they’re on a holiday of their own. Seeing these rooms now, I’m starting to think we really missed out. So, if you’re heading to Bali with the kids, you might as well give them the full holiday experience. These family-friendly hotels have rooms that are just as fun as the destinations themselves. The kids will probably be more excited about where they’re sleeping than where you’re taking them, hehe. Here are some of the nicest ones to check out, and the list will keep growing as we find more cutesie ones. You may also like this article: Where to Go for Burgers in Bali - Kata Bella's List 2026 Mermaid and Pirate Themed Rooms at Grand Hyatt Bali The inner child in me would be screaming with happiness if I got to stay in these rooms as a kid! The Mermaid Room comes with a connecting room, featuring one king bed and two twin beds, while the Pirate Room has one king bed and a bunk bed. Every little detail is designed to make kids feel like they’ve stepped into their own little adventure, from the decorative ship wheel and telescope to the pirate-themed bathroom amenities and bathtub. It’s the kind of setup where parents can enjoy a little privacy while the kids can let their imaginations run wild. For more information and reservation, visit Grand Hyatt Bali website. Image credit: Grand Hyatt Bali website Family Suite at Bali Dynasty Kids these days really are living the holiday dream! One of the most spacious family room options at Bali Dynasty Hotel, this room comes with a king bed plus a separate kids’ bunk bed area with a trundle bed, divided by a sliding glass partition. Located on the ground floor, it also comes with an in-room PlayStation and a playful design that makes the kids’ space feel like their own little world. For more information and reservation, visit Bali Dynasty website. Image credit: Bali Dynasty website You may also like this article: The Ultimate Canggu Restaurant List by Kata Bella One Bedroom Family Suite Bunk Bed at Holiday Inn Resort Canggu Canggu with kids? No problem! There are plenty of hotels that cater to families, and Holiday Inn Resort is one of them. The family rooms are designed with kids in mind, from the comfortable living area to the playful fish-themed wallpaper and bunk beds that make them feel like they’re sleeping inside a submarine. A fun little space for the kids while parents can still enjoy a comfortable stay. For more information and reservation, visit Holiday Inn Resort Canggu website. Image credit: Holiday Inn Resort Canggu website Family Room at LV8 Canggu Here’s another Canggu hotel option where the kids definitely get the better end of the deal! This 95-square-metre Family Room comes with a comfy double bed for the grown-ups and a colourful bunk bed setup for the little ones. With funky decor and plenty of space to spread out, it’s spacious, cheerful, and definitely a room the kids will be excited to come back to after a day out in Canggu. For more information and reservation, visit LV8 Canggu website. Image credit: LV8 Canggu website You may also like this article: Japanese Restaurants in Bali for Casual Dining and Special Celebrations Roxity Family Suite at Hard Rock Hotel Bali This hotel holds a special place in my heart because I spent so much of my childhood staying here with my cousin. I’d say the whole hotel is pretty family-friendly, regardless of which room you stay in, but the Roxity Family Suite adds a little extra fun for the little ones. Small touches like a bean bag and PlayStation 5 are a nice bonus because - what’s a holiday without a little game day, right? For more information and reservation, visit Hard Rock Hotel Bali website. Image credit: Hard Rock Hotel Bali website Kids Theme Room at Novotel Bali Ubud Resort A fun kids’ room with a pretty design that doesn’t feel too kiddy, making it a great option for older kids too. The Superior Room comes with two single beds, cheerful decor, and a private balcony overlooking the pool. It’s playful without being over the top, so everyone gets a space that feels comfortable and fun. For more information and reservation, visit Novotel Bali Ubud Resort website. Image credit: Novotel Ubud website A family holiday is all about making memories, and sometimes the hotel becomes a big part of them. Whether it’s waking up in a colourful bunk bed or having their own little space, these hotels give little travellers plenty to get excited about. But...I think the parents might have just as much fun too! There’s something about these playful rooms that brings out your inner child - and suddenly, a family holiday feels like a holiday for everyone. Now, what should we order from the room service menu? 😉