Last week, on June 19, an intimate crowd of perfume lovers, creatives, and cultural curators gathered at Titik Temu Coffee in Seminyak, Bali. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., they were transported on a sensory journey as Aien Mokhtar, founder and perfumer of Olfac3, unveiled her latest creation: KemBali. This refined afternoon was more than a showcase—it was a celebration of Bali’s spirit, bottled in six evocative fragrances and guided by a storyteller’s sensibility.
As guests settled in, Aien shared her ethos: Olfac3 fragrances are intentionally genderless and ageless, inviting each wearer to find their own identity within the scent. She led the room through an olfactory narrative, and at each turn we received a fragrance card—credit-card-sized prints, subtly infused with the scent and labeled with their names. Elegant in form and function, each card anchored the story, guiding us from earth to ritual, romance to reflection.
Aien’s Journey & the Birth of KemBali
Aien’s story reads like a poetic journey. Raised amidst international travel and a childhood fascination with perfume, she eventually left a career in property management to craft her own scents—first studying raw materials and then traveling to Grasse, France, the perfume capital of the world. Olfac3 was born in 2016 alongside co‑founder James Chong, rooted in the idea that perfume should tell personal stories, not follow trends.
During Bali’s pandemic silence, Aien conceived KemBali as a sensorial time capsule, capturing the island’s light, scent, and soul. The name — spelled with a capital “B” — cleverly weaves “return” and “Bali” into one word, reflecting both a physical and emotional homecoming.
Exploring KemBali’s Six Signature Scents
The collection includes six distinct fragrances— Nusa, Senja, Pura, Karma, Rama, and Shinta—two of which are conceived as a paired story. Each encapsulates a facet of Balinese essence:
- Nusa: Sea spray, rain-soaked earth, and tropical vegetation.
- Senja: Dusk’s golden glow and breezy twilight warmth.
- Pura: Incense, reverent calm, and spiritual reflection.
- Karma: Balinese tradition and harmony, weaving past and future.
- Rama & Shinta: A duet in scent, capturing loyalty and devotion from the Ramayana legend
These premium creations are available only in Bali—an exclusive sensory offering located at Seminyak Village, complemented by delivery across the island. A travel-sized KemBali discovery set also gives visitors six 7.5 ml sprays, perfect for take-home exploration.
A Memorable Afternoon
The event’s atmosphere was as warm and layered as the fragrances themselves. With each card tenderly passed, Aien’s stories unraveled—memories of rain‑soaked cliffs, temple bell chimes, evening breezes, and poetic devotion. The cards, beautifully printed and artfully scented, deepened the immersion. They transformed the afternoon from a product launch into a sensory conversation.
Carrying Bali in Your Senses
Aien Mokhtar insists that for her, money has never been the driver—storytelling, authenticity, and emotional resonance are. KemBali is more than fragrance; it’s a vessel for memory, a spiritual souvenir, and an invitation to return—kembali—to Bali’s endless summer.
Whether you’re strolling through Bali or moments from home, KemBali becomes a fragrant reminder: somewhere between sea and sky, story and spirit, lies the promise of return.
Where to Find KemBali
If you’re in Bali or planning a visit, you can explore the KemBali collection in person at:
- OLFAC3 Perfumes @ Seminyak Village – Ground Floor
- OLFAC3 Perfumes @ Sidewalk Jimbaran – 1st Floor
Or shop online with free delivery within Bali at: https://olfac3bali.com