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.

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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.

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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.

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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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10 Jan 2026 by Bella in Lifestyle

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

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 StrangersA First-Timer’s Experience on Dining in Bali with StrangersGrowing Bali Restaurant Line-UpIf You’re New to Bali, This Is Your Sign 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. My first Dinner with Friends experience at Paparempa - Image credit: Supper Social Instagram You may also like this article: 4 Must-Visit Underrated Coffee Shops in Canggu 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! 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 You may also like this article: Sazón Bali: Spanish flavours in Canggu 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 😉

23 Feb 2025 by Teman Bella in Lifestyle

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. You may also like this article: Swapping Beaches for Mountaintops - A Chilly Christmas in Bromo 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. You may also like this article: Goolali Gelato Bar & Pâtisserie - Semarang’s Sweetest Escape 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

18 Jun 2026 by Bella in Lifestyle

Where to Go for Live Music in Canggu: Your Guide to Chill Night Outs

Live Music in Canggu I’ve written many articles about places to eat in Canggu for lunch and dinner - but now...where do we go after dinner for a chill night out? I’m not really into partying anymore (those days are behind me, lol), but I do enjoy catching up with friends over music that isn’t too loud, with a glass of wine or an Aperol Spritz in hand. Canggu after hours has a different kind of energy. The night is still young, but things slow down a little. The good thing about this neighbourhood is that you don’t have to look very far to find live music spots perfect for a relaxed night out. Here are some of the places I enjoy, along with a few recommendations from friends. You may also like this article: My Little Canggu Restaurant List - Part 1 Black Sand Brewery: A Favourite Among Canggu's Millennial CrowdThe Barn: Live Music Every NightFull House: Live music, movie night, and moreClub House Pererenan: The New Kid on the Block with Great Live BandsDeus Ex Machina: Still One of Canggu’s Most Iconic SpotsGimme Shelter: For Rock, Punk, and Alternative Music Fans Black Sand Brewery: A Favourite Among Canggu's Millennial Crowd Here’s why I feel like Black Sand is made for my generation (umm yes, I’m one of those late-30s millennials). Their live music and jukebox DJ sessions often feature songs we either grew up with or listened to back in our uni days, with the volume set just right for singing along without having to shout across the table. The vibe is more about good conversations and catching up with friends than all-night partying. Plus, they serve proper food - because...at this age, we’re just as excited about what’s on the plate as we are about what’s in the glass, right? And lastly, they wrap things up at midnight. Perfect! Because we need our beauty sleep. Google Map: Black Sand Brewery Image credit: Black Sand Brewery Instagram The Barn: Live Music Every Night A cute vintage British pub in the heart of Canggu - the kind of place you go to with friends where “let’s just stop by for one drink” somehow turns into a few hours...and a few more drinks. With cosy vibes, good food, live music, and live sports, it’s an easy spot to spend an afternoon or evening catching up with friends. Unlike some of Canggu’s bigger party venues, here you can actually enjoy the music, have a proper conversation, and remember everything the next morning (if you don't drink too much, I mean). Google Map: The Barn Image credit: The Barn Instagram You may also like this article: My Little Canggu Restaurant List - Part 2 Full House: Live music, movie night, and more More than just a cafe, this funky space is a home for art lovers, families, and anyone looking for a place to just chill. On top of live music, they also host plenty of events like silent discos, yard sales, movie nights, garden picnics, and more. Google Map: Full House Image credit: Full House Instagram Club House Pererenan: The New Kid on the Block with Great Live Bands One of Pererenan’s newer hangouts, Club House is quickly becoming a go-to for relaxed evenings. Live bands play every Friday and Sunday, bringing a mix of Triple J Top 100 tracks and familiar favourites you can easily sing along to. With trivia nights and live sports on rotation, it’s a laid-back spot made for easy nights with friends. Ps. They also serve steak and other things on the menu, so it’s not just a spot for drinks - you can easily make a whole evening out of it. Google Map: Club House Pererenan Image credit: Club House Pererenan Instagram Deus Ex Machina: Still One of Canggu’s Most Iconic Spots Deus Ex Machina has long been one of the places that defines Canggu’s creative scene. It's that iconic spot you really have to visit at least once when you’re here. Part cafe, part workshop, part event space, and part live music venue - it’s always had that easy mix of everything that just works. I personally have so many good memories here from my younger years watching The Hydrant play - the kind of nights that just stick with you. It’s not just a venue, it’s a Canggu classic. Google Map: Deus Ex Machina Canggu Image credit: Deus Cafe Instagram You may also like this article: Things to Do in Canggu - Where Every Plan Turns Into Three More Gimme Shelter: For Rock, Punk, and Alternative Music Fans Not every live music venue in Bali revolves around acoustic covers and beach club playlists. Gimme Shelter has built a reputation as one of Bali’s most respected venues for rock, punk, hardcore, and alternative live music. The venue regularly hosts local bands and touring acts, attracting music lovers looking for something heavier and more authentic. Google Map: Gimme Shelter Bali Image credit: Gimme Shelter Instagram Maybe I’m officially at the age where a good night out means a comfortable chair, good music, and being home before midnight (okay, maybe not always). But I love that there are now more options to go out without sacrificing tomorrow’s plans. So grab your friends, find a spot you like, and enjoy Canggu one song and one drink at a time. This list will keep growing as my friends and I discover more interesting live music spots - so consider this a work in progress