STATIONERY ISLAND Bullet Dotted Journal A5 (hardcover, 180 pages)

If you’re the type who likes to plan, sketch, and journal on the same page, a dotted notebook usually makes life simpler. The STATIONERY ISLAND Bullet Dotted Journal A5 leans into that dotted-grid “bullet journal” style, with an A5 hardcover format and thick, 120gsm paper that’s designed to handle more than just dry ink.

On paper, it ticks a lot of the right boxes: dotted pages spaced at 5mm for neat lines, 180 pages to keep you going, and a couple of practical extras like reading ribbons and an expandable inner back pocket for small bits of stationery. It’s not perfect for everyone though—if you need a very specific binding style or you’re only ever writing with one kind of pen, you might find a simpler notebook does the job just as well.

The essentials

This is an A5 hardcover dotted notebook for bullet journalling, study notes, sketching, calligraphy practice, and general day-to-day writing. The “bullet” approach matters because the layout helps you create structure without locking you into pre-printed templates. The 5mm dot spacing is also there for alignment—use it to keep headings straight or to draw consistent boxes and borders.

Where it becomes more than a pretty journal is the paper choice. The notebook uses thick 120gsm paper, and the premise is that it should reduce heavy bleed-through and ghosting compared with thinner options. The brand also suggests you can use brush pens or watercolours with minimal seep-through or showing, which is useful if you like adding colour rather than keeping everything monochrome.

Key takeaways

The big draw here is the combination of a dotted layout and thicker paper. That pairing tends to suit people who want cleaner-looking notes and sketches on the same page—think planning spreads one day, a travel journal the next, and some calligraphy practice when you fancy a break.

You also get small quality-of-life features. Two reading ribbons make it easier to keep track of where you are, especially if you jump between sections. The expandable inner back pocket is there for practical carry-alongs like stickers, rulers, cut-outs, or templates—handy if you like to build pages rather than just fill lines.

A separate point worth noting: it’s designed to be taken around. The secure closure band aims to keep contents protected when the journal is in a bag. That’s a simple feature, but it can genuinely reduce the “I only use it at home” problem.

What stands out in day-to-day use

Dotted pages with 5mm spacing are one of those things you notice quickly. Even when you’re not “measuring”, the dots help you draw straight lines, keep boxes evenly sized, and write headings with consistent spacing. If you’ve ever tried to freestyle a grid with blank paper, you’ll appreciate having guidance without the rigidity.

The thick 120gsm paper is the other part that tends to matter in real life. If you like using brush pens, watercolour effects, or pens that usually bleed on cheaper stock, having thicker paper gives you more confidence. That said, no paper is magic—if you use very wet media or press hard with certain pens, you may still see some show-through. It’s more about reducing the problem than guaranteeing perfection.

If you want a micro-example: imagine planning your week with a simple left-to-right layout—boxes for tasks, circles for habits—then adding a quick watercolour wash behind a title later. The dotted base helps the composition stay tidy, and the thicker paper is meant to cope better than standard thin notebook sheets.

Tech summary

• Type: Hardcover dotted journal / bullet journal notebook
• Format: A5
• Pages: 180
• Paper weight: 120gsm
• Page layout: dotted grid with 5mm spacing

You’ll also want to consider the included usability items: two reading ribbons for navigation, plus an expandable pocket at the inner back cover for small accessories.

Pros

• Dotted 5mm grid supports neat writing, sketches, and bullet-journal style planning.
• Thick 120gsm paper is positioned to reduce bleed-through and ghosting versus thinner notebooks.
• Practical extras: two reading ribbons and an expandable inner pocket.
• Hardcover build and a closure band make it more bag-friendly.

What to know before you buy

This notebook seems aimed at everyday creativity—studying, journalling, and light-to-moderate artwork. It may not suit you if you only ever write in a very specific way and don’t care about paper feel, or if you’re looking for something with a completely different structure (for example, a notebook designed for a particular pre-set layout).

It’s also worth setting expectations for art media. The paper is described as handling brush pens or watercolours with minimal seep-through or showing, but results can vary with how wet your paints are and how much ink your pens lay down. If you regularly push materials to the limit, you may want to look for a notebook explicitly marketed for heavy watercolour techniques.

Finally, check your preferred binding and closure style. The hardcover and secure closure band are great for portability, but if you dislike closure bands or prefer a different opening feel, it could be a minor deal-breaker.

Is it worth it?

It’s a solid pick if you want an A5 bullet-dotted journal with thick 120gsm paper, and you care about keeping notes and sketches looking aligned while also having some room for colour. The reading ribbons and inner back pocket make it easier to use consistently, not just as a one-off diary.

You may want to skip it if you’re not going to use the dotted grid, you don’t need thicker paper, or you expect near-zero show-through with very wet or heavy media. In that case, a simpler notebook could be more cost-effective.

Mini FAQ

Is the dotted spacing useful for bullet journalling?

Yes, the 5mm dot spacing is intended to help you draw clean, accurate lines and build structured spreads without needing a printed grid or ruled lines.

Will it work for watercolours or brush pens?

The paper is described as allowing brush pens or watercolours with minimal seep-through or showing, but real-world results depend on how wet your tools are and how much ink you use.

How many pages does it have?

It has 180 pages.

Does it include anything besides paper?

Yes—there are two reading ribbons and an expandable inner back pocket for small accessories.

Does it have a closure for travel?

It includes a secure closure band intended to keep the contents protected when you take it with you.