restaurant tables

What's New This Week: January 2026 Guide to New Tables and Party Hotspots

Pen Stallone Tjia
Calendar Jan 06, 2026

Discover the latest news, deals, and happening events for the week across Jakarta, Bali, Bandung, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and many more.

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Ring in 2026 by discovering some exciting new restaurants and cafés. Short on time? We’ve handpicked standout openings that are truly worth a visit—buzz-worthy dining spots. Here we are presenting the best new restaurants in Jakarta, new restaurants in Bali, new restaurants in Bandung, new restaurants in Surabaya, and new restaurants in Yogyakarta.

 

Still celebrating the arrival of 2026? Keep the energy going at some of the hottest clubs to hit the dance floor. We’ve curated our top picks of the best places to party in Jakarta, best places to party in Bali, best places to party in Bandung, best places to party in Surabaya, and best places to party in Yogyakarta.

 

Escape the bustle of Jakarta and discover the enchanting Thousand Islands, an ideal short getaway. With steadily growing tourism, the archipelago now offers improved facilities and attractions, making island escapes more accessible than ever. To help you plan, we’ve curated a list of must-visit islands of the Thousand Islands.

 

As one of Bali's most renowned international culinary spots, Seminyak is overflowing with prolific Italian restaurants. So we curated a selection of standout Italian restaurants in Seminyak. Buon apetito!

 

Recently, What’s New Bali had the opportunity to enjoy a three-day, two-night weekend escape at Ayodya Resort Bali. This stay was guided by a singular focus: to fully immerse ourselves in the resort’s culinary universe. Read our experience at Ayodya Resort Bali to discover more about our enticing story!

 

Batik comes from the Javanese word tik, meaning fine, detailed handwork and artistic beauty. It refers both to the technique of using wax as a dye barrier applied with a canting, and to the distinctive motifs created through this process. Long before its recognition by UNESCO, batik had already been an integral part of daily life in Yogyakarta. Read our Understanding the Legacy of Batik Jogja.

 

Leasing property in Indonesia remains a practical and popular option for expats, provided the legal framework is well understood. It offers a flexible solution for both residential and commercial needs. Read our Expat Guide to Leasing Property in Indonesia.

 

Yes, expats can also purchase property in Indonesia, but certain conditions apply. The process is structured, transparent, and straightforward with the right residency status and guidance. Read our Expat Guide to Owning Property in Indonesia.

 

Indonesia is considering stricter entry requirements for foreign tourists visiting Bali, including a proposal that may require travellers to submit a three-month bank statement. The move aims to ensure visitors have sufficient funds, curb visa misuse, and improve the overall quality of tourism.

 

Thank you for reading our newsletter. As we welcome 2026, we wish you a Happy New Year filled with more cherished moments together, good health, and prosperity. Cheers!

 

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