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Bali Shopping Guide: Inside the Tropical World of Xoxo Bali

18 Jun 2025 by Bella

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

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.

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.

Xoxo Bali

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.

Xoxo Postcard

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.

Xoxo Bag

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 🌴✨

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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 VocalVinyl 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 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!

Things to do in Bali: Fun Art Classes at Rumah Rabbit Image

06 Feb 2026 by Bella in Info

Things to do in Bali: Fun Art Classes at Rumah Rabbit

There are so many things to do in Bali, from sightseeing and beach hopping to hiking, cultural trips, endless culinary adventures, and all kinds of parties if you’re into that. Me, personally - I’ve retired from the nightlife and now gravitate towards activities that feel more relaxing and laid back. And when you live here, it’s easy to fall into the same everyday routines - even though there’s so much to do. Somewhere between work and the gym, I found myself craving something different, something to reignite my creative side.  A few months ago, I stumbled upon a lovely little art space in Pererenan called Rumah Rabbit. Translating to Rabbit’s House in Indonesian, it’s a creative playground offering art classes for kids and big kids. The lovely founder, and one of the art teachers - Bianca Timmerman, also known as Bunny Bone, showed me around her art studio and shared the stories behind Rumah Rabbit. One of the kids drawing classes at Rumah Rabbit You may also like this article: What it's like to live in Bali - cost, culture, and everyday life Table of ContentsThe Story Behind Rumah RabbitA House Full of CreativityThe Perfect Bali Holiday Activity The Story Behind Rumah Rabbit Bunny is a contemporary artist from Jakarta. She relocated to Bali in 2008 and worked as a fine art curator at an established gallery in Seminyak for quite some time. Just before Covid hit in 2020, she began teaching drawing and painting from her home in Pererenan. She did everything herself back then; from preparing teaching materials and running classes to scheduling, buying art supplies, marketing, and even cleaning the studio. What started as small classes has now grown organically into Rumah Rabbit, with regular daily classes taught by Bunny herself and a few other art teachers.What I love is that Bunny isn’t just teaching art - she regularly holds her own exhibitions and recently curated a kids’ exhibition featuring her students’ work, which was very cute and impressive. Beyond the studio, she’s involved in various art projects, from commissioned pieces to her most recent mural at Carpe Diem Jiu Jitsu Gym in Jakarta. Bunny also trains Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and turns her love for the sport into artworks! A multi-talented girl, she is! The recent kids art exhibition by Rumah Rabbit "Bhineka Warna" A House Full of Creativity The moment you enter Rumah Rabbit, it feels like home, like you’ve been invited into Bunny’s house to play. There are several rooms dedicated to different art classes. For kids, there are drawing, painting, and craft sessions using a variety of materials and techniques, including acrylics, watercolours, pastels, coloured pencils, paper crafts, recycled and found objects, dry air clay, and more. They offer just as many classes, if not more, for adults. You can also book personalised private classes for special occasions like birthdays, hen’s nights, or team bonding activities. You may also like this article: 4 Must-Visit Underrated Coffee Shops in Canggu, Umalas, and Nearby Areas Some of Bunny's paintings at Rumah Rabbit The Perfect Bali Holiday Activity You could easily spend most of the day here. It’s also a great spot for kids to unplug from their gadgets, and for parents to enjoy a few hours of well-earned kid-free time. Everyone is welcome, from absolute beginners to emerging artists looking to sharpen their skills. Honestly, I think the world needs more art spaces like this. So, if you’re in Bali, or live in Bali, do check out Rumah Rabbit and let your inner artist come out to play.    RUMAH RABBIT📍Jl. Bumi Damai Indah, Pererenan, Kec. Mengwi, Denpasar, Bali 80361🎨 Group and private classes available💵 From 450K per person⏰ Group class duration: 1–3 hours🖼️ Classes available for toddlers (from 2.5 years old) to adults👩🏻‍💻 Book your class via the Rumah Rabbit website ☎️ WhatsApp: +62 881-0384-49407

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 ✨