The island is home to secret little places, from hidden entertainment and exhibition venues to cafés and natural landscapes, as well as people organising cool stuff. In this feature, we lift the veil on the Kingdom’s hidden gems and catch up with some of the folks involved in the underground scene.

THE RAVEN’S NEST

A board game cafe in Jannusan, they have, over the years, hosted carefully curated social discussions, much like a salon. Inviting guests to share their views on various topics, from boundaries in relationships to death, they offer an avenue for constructive thinking. Further, they have a number of clubs: book club, movie club, debate club… in addition to conducting poetry nights, sketch nights and trivia nights. And, of course, they have arguably the biggest collection of board games on the island – geek on! Learn more about their many events @theravensnest.bh on Instagram.

HIGHER GROUNDS CAFE

Located in Tubli, this is literally a hidden gem. You have to drive further on an inner road to get there. A rustic interior with industrial fittings and indoor greenery awaits. Higher Grounds hosts interesting activities such as The Platform, a supper club that spotlights local seasonal ingredients in a communal, fine-dining setting. The café collaborates with Bahrain-based chefs to deliver a five-course experience centred around one ingredient used in many ways. You can learn more about this year’s edition @highergrounds.bh on Instagram. You can also find a nice collection of books here. Curated by Mirium Alzeera, the Booksnessi library is open to all – read at the café or borrow a title. You can also request any book available on their online list @booksnessi on Instagram and borrow or exchange as part of the Booksnessi x You programme. The café library features a community journal, where people can share their reviews or reflections, creative writing, poetry, sketches, etc.

HARBOUR GATE

Now, this isn’t really a secret place. However, most of us see it as part of an official district. While the Harbour Gate towers do home many offices, the concourse on the second floor and other parts of the structure are also a venue for some of the island’s most interesting art displays. There’s a new exhibition every week or so, where you can meet talented people living in the Kingdom. Many of these exceptional artists aren’t wellknown in Bahrain, which makes Harbour Gate a curator of hidden talent. You can learn all about their upcoming exhibitions @bfharbour on Instagram.

IBRAHIM AL ARRAYED HOUSE

Tucked away in a lane in the eternally busy district of Gudaibiya, this traditional house is truly a gem. It’s part of the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research; Shaikh Ebrahim is the man behind the famous Pearling Trail – a UNESCO World Heritage site. This house is one of the many traditional houses managed by the centre, however, not connected to the Pearling Trail. Once inside, you’re cut off from the hustle and bustle, immersed in silence and culture. There are various rooms, with Arabic-style interiors open for public viewing. The architectural design, from the main door to the staircase and other elements such as stained glass and tiled floors, all offer a sneak peek into the Bahrain that was. The former home of a poet who contributed significantly to Arabic literature, Al Arrayed House hosts many cultural events including poetry evenings.

VIBES

An events management agency, Vibes was founded in 2015 by Ahmed Al Rayash. He says: “We started with events and wanted a more artist-centric approach to management. We realised that many artists struggle to find the support they need to build successful careers and we wanted to change that.” With a diverse background in music, including touring, promotion and A&R (Artists and Repertoire – finding new and promising artists), they knew they could help emerging artists navigate the complex and ever-changing music industry landscape. Vibes has worked with a wide range of talents in different genres and stages of their careers – singer May Al Qasim, percussion artist Conguero El Fayadh, violinist Dania, DJ Nagoo and more. Ahmed adds: “We pride ourselves on providing personalised attention and tailored strategies for each client. Our goal is always to help our artists succeed on their own terms and build sustainable, long-term careers in the music industry.” Visit @vibesbahrain on Instagram for more information on their upcoming events.

A COMMUNITY MEAL AT THE SIKH TEMPLE

In the Sikh religion, langar, which translates to communal kitchen, is a practice where people get together as one family and cook a vegetarian meal that’s served to anyone who needs it – there’s no discrimination. You can partake in this uplifting, enriching experience at the Sikh temples or gurudwaras in Budaiya or Salmabad. While food is served daily after the 6pm prayer service, more elaborate meals are served on Friday. Immerse yourself in the prayer service and then, share a meal together. You could even offer to do seva, meaning service, either by cooking or cleaning, which is truly humbling and fulfilling.

WAGALAG

A first-of-its-kind, dog-friendly private outdoor space, Wagalag started off as a group of pets and their owners. In search of a safe space for her Great Dane Nux to run about freely, Founder Latifa Algosaibi started organising meet ups in her backyard. Over time, the community grew, which prompted her to establish Wagalag. Located in Janabiya, it’s an enclosed plot where you can socialise and your furry friends can have a ball – off the leash. Just buy a single-use ticket or get a membership. In order to ensure a safe and happy experience, they have guidelines for things such as human age limit, controlling pet behaviour and more – visit www.wagalag.com for more information. The venue has an airconditioned studio and library too and hosts a wide range of cultural activities and events, both indoor and outdoor, all year round. Pre-natal yoga workshops, dance classes, music festivals, bingo nights, trivia nights… you name it! Details about their events can be found on their website or @wagalag on Instagram.

AL RIWAQ

Since its inception in 1998, Al Riwaq has been a muchrevered name in Bahrain’s art community. In a way, it played an important role in defining street art on the island. Sadly, it shut down in 2018. But fate had other plans – the gallery reopened in 2022 and is now located at the Bank House in Gufool. As part of its renewed focus, Al Riwaq has been prioritising and investing in the education of artists and development of artists’ portfolios. It is also involved in art production and presentation through performances, talks, film screenings, exhibitions, discussions or majlis and more. All of these initiatives are designed to enhance the creative experience. Watch out for their upcoming events @alriwaq on Instagram.

BAHRAIN STARGAZERS

Bahrain Stargazers was founded by Myriam Al Qassab who says: “After I got pregnant with my daughter, I decided to quit my job and focus on raising my child. But I quickly realised that I’m a working person and staying at home is not for me, so I decided to do something I’ve loved since I was 16.” Myriam fell in love with astronomy after watching a documentary about Galileo. She adds: “The location [Bahrain] is good but light pollution is a significant issue. Finding dark places is very difficult due to the number of sodium lights all over the main island and the poor lighting designs on buildings such as the facade lights and others. However, Hawar Island is one of the best places for stargazing; a person can appreciate the stars and see the Milky Way in clear weather.” Bahrain Stargazers organised a camping trip to Hawar for the public, where they saw the Geminid meteor shower. All their activities are free. The only requirement is to have a love for astronomy. Visit @stargazers.bh on Instagram for upcoming sessions.

LA FONTAINE SPA

Combining the best of European and Gulf Islamic architecture, La Fontaine is a historical space in the heart of Manama. Originally a residential property, it was restored and renovated to a centre for art. While many know of the restaurant, art gallery and studio here, few are aware that this architectural masterpiece is also home to a spa. If you feel like disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, head to this tranquil oasis for a treatment. The main spa including the pool area is reserved exclusively for ladies but couples’ treatments are also available at a segregated tower with a separate entrance. Designed to invoke a sense of serenity, the spa’s primary focus is on regaining and maintaining balance. La Fontaine spa is open six days a week except Mondays, from 9am to 6pm. You can get more details about their treatments and offers @lafontainebh on Instagram.

BAHRAIN FALCONRY SCHOOL

If you’re a bird-lover, this should be fun! Bahrain Falconry School conducts sessions where you can interact with these majestic feathered creatures. Learn the basics of falconry such as bird management, flying and operating equipment, and get a hands-on experience during field sessions, which resume in September and are held four to five times a week, depending on the birds, weather conditions and sunset timings; the fee is BD30 per person per month for all above 12 years and BD15 for those below 12. The hunting season, when the falcons hunt for migrating wild game, happens only in late December, January and February. Right now, it’s moulting season when falcons go into moulting chambers for their seasonal shedding of feathers. We suggest you find out what’s happening first by contacting Bahrain Falconry School on Facebook. Remember, this is not just a sport, it’s an activity where you’re dealing with wildlife so, in order to be certified, you must exhibit a serious commitment and complete two to three sessions of lessons.

BEACHES

While there are well-known beaches in Bahrain, which are part of hotel properties, there are some others that only a few know about, making them the ideal spot with smaller crowds. If you drive north to Karzakan village, you will find a forest and a beach. The forest has, in recent times, become an Instagrammable location with people organising private photoshoots. A canopy of trees offers a natural aesthetic. Following the forest path will lead you to the beach, which also offers space for children to play. Al Jazayer beach on the south-western coast is more popular. However, not many know that it’s the former Zallaq beach, a beloved picnic spot especially for families with children who grew up in Bahrain in the ‘90s. That being said, it looks nothing like it did back then. Stretching for 3km, it has been completely revamped. You can unwind on a sun lounger, splash around in the sea or grab a bite at the food trucks. Karbabad beach is another place to explore. Located in the north, close to Bahrain Fort, it’s said to be a favourite with runners, and is usually quiet on weekday mornings. The beach offers stunning views of the fort and the sunsets here are said to be mesmerising. In the evenings, however, it can get crowded with families who come here to enjoy the many activities, from a mini kart track to small. joy rides and food trucks offering traditional and other fare.

THE SOCIAL ANIMAL

The Social Animal is a platform for re-imagined experiences that spark conversation, creativity and the joy of human connection. Despite spending many years closely associated with the local scene, Founders Sumit and Ankita felt there weren’t sufficient events that were truly engaging and inspiring. They say: “This reduced even further due to the pandemic. So, as we emerged from the lockdowns and social distancing rules, there was an opportunity to create something different.” As new parents, they wanted to organise interesting experiences, which weren’t limited to bars or similar venues, and, at the same time, weren’t your typical family-friendly events. Their initiatives include Firefly, which featured local music acts, performing arts and interactive sessions, and Holicorn, a social event combining musical talent and the Indian festival of colours, Holi. They say: “It was so beautiful to see native Bahrainis, expats, tourists, people of all ages, come together and add their energies to these events. Also, from a distance, the industry may seem saturated, but there’s still room for more. And if the offering is truly unique, you receive overwhelming love and support.”

FARMS

Bahrain is home to many farms, which offer an insight into how your food is grown. A learning opportunity and fun experience for people of all ages. Peninsula Farms in Sakhir is one such. Walk around the hydroponic production areas, interact with cute goats, or make a pitstop at the café, which serves delicious food cooked using organic ingredients. You can also buy goat milkbased skincare products such as soap bars with papaya and aloe vera extracts, said to have soothing properties. Learn more @peninsulafarms_bh on Instagram. Other farms that you can visit include Roots & Shoots in Hamala, which organises cooking classes. You can learn more about it @rootsandshoots.me on Instagram. Jasra Organic Farm has a wide range of workshops and activities for kids and adults, which you can learn more about @jasraorganicfarm on Instagram.

THE CULT BAHRAIN

A growing community of artists and art enthusiasts, The Cult Bahrain was co-founded by Saud Aldoseri. It promotes talents across art forms, offering them a platform to showcase their work through events such as pop-up markets, community workshops and art exhibitions, and digitally through their YouTube channel @TheCultBahrain and podcast. Saud says: “The Cult was always an idea in my mind that finally came to life in 2019. I have always wanted to create a safe space that is supportive and encouraging of talents and local businesses.” The concept became a reality thanks to an entrepreneurship programme by Tamkeen. The Cult shifted to the virtual realm during COVID but intends to make a comeback this summer with a series of exciting physical events that you can learn more about @thecult.bh on Instagram. Their page features artistic tips and thought-provoking posts alongside quirky artwork. They also intend to take their podcasts to the next level by hosting the sessions in a studio where guests from all over the island can attend.