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.

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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.

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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

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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 ✨

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!

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 the bedroom, 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? 😉