When it comes to neighbourhoods in Bali, we’re all familiar with Seminyak and Canggu. In fact, you probably can’t go anywhere in Canggu without hearing Singlish while walking about the streets or from the next table at a warung.
If you’ve seen it all, it’s time to venture over to Pererenan next door, a more laid-back neighbourhood accessible via a “shortcut” from the main “Padang Linjong” drag in Canggu. There are plenty of things to do in Pererenan, but we’ve rounded up some to get you started if you’ve got only a day or two to explore this up-and-coming ‘hood.
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Much like neighbouring Echo Beach in Canggu, Pererenan Beach is a hotspot for surfers. There’s a famous wave called the Pererenan Rivermouth, best suited for intermediate or advanced surfers. That’s not to say beginners can’t try to conquer these waves. After all, it’s less crowded than Echo Beach.
If you’re just learning, stay safe by signing up for surf lessons from Rp400,000/person (~$34.78) with Canggu Surf Lessons. You’ll learn the basics like paddling and popping up for 30 minutes on the beach, before heading into the water to perfect your paddling skills and try to catch the waves.
If you’re someone who prefers chilling by the beach instead and watching people surf, just lay a mat on the sand. You can also take a dip in the ocean, stay for the sunset, or snap photos with the Gajah Mina statue, which is said to depict the ruler of the sea, Lord Baruna (or Varuna in Sanskrit).
Address: Jalan Pantai Pererenan No.171, Pererenan, Kecamatan Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Image credit: @sol.rooftopbali via Instagram
There’s another spot to watch the sunset at Pererenan Beach, and that’s Sol Rooftop, a beachfront bar and restaurant. There are various seating options like daybeds and net beds suspended over the swimming pool.
Grab a cocktail for you to sip on while sunset watching. We’d go with something refreshing like The Wiseguy (Rp120,000, ~S$10.38), which has gin, cucumber, jalapeno, basil, fresh lime juice, and sprite, or a Ginger Margarita (Rp120,000, ~S$10.38). Mocktails are also available for teetotallers at Rp50,000 (~S$4.32).
Image credit: @sol.rooftopbali via Instagram
If you’re hungry, order from the food menu, which has small bites like calamari (Rp70,000, ~S$6.05) and mini-fish tacos (Rp90,000, ~S$7.78) to larger bites like mini ciabatta steak sandwiches (Rp125,000, ~S$10.81) and Harissa basted blackened chicken (Rp125,000, ~S$10.81).
Address: Jalan Pantai Pererenan Kabupaten No.169, Pererenan, Kecamatan Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Opening hours: 8am-11pm, Daily
Contact: +62 857-3807-8245 | Sol Rooftop website
You wouldn’t think you’d find an American-style “dive bar” with live rock music in the middle of a paddy field. But that’s what Gimme Shelter is. The name itself references a song by The Rolling Stones.
Even the walls are peppered with concert posters.
Come by on Mondays for open mics, or catch the live bands playing on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s not uncommon to see guest pop punk bands from around the region coming here to perform, either. Just know that the bar only comes to life after 11pm.
What sets it apart from other bars in Bali is that it has a skateboard bowl right outside, perfect for serious skaters or those who just love people-watching. Don’t expect a full cocktail menu here, the bar has kept it simple with either jugs of whiskey coke (Rp200,000) or bottles of Bintang beer (Rp45,000, ~S$3.89).
Address: Munggu, Mengwi, Badung Regency, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Opening hours: 7pm-3am, Daily
Contact: Gimme Shelter Facebook
Image credit: @theshadyfox__ via Instagram
From Halloween-themed bars to dive bars with skateboard bowls, there are various bars in Bali to suit your fancy. On the other side of the spectrum is Shady Fox, a self-described “clandestine cocktail parlour” inspired by 1930s London. You’ll see it in the dark wooden tiles, red velvet sofas, and leather chairs, contrasted by checkered flooring.
Image credit: @theshadyfox__ via Instagram
You’ll need a code to enter this speakeasy. But don’t worry, you don’t have to find clues just to be able to get your nightcap – simply DM them on Instagram for the password. You’ll also get high-quality cocktails like a whiskey sour from Rp140,000 (~S$12.18), half the price of what you’d pay in Singapore.
They also have live jazz, soul, and blues performances that happen weekly. Just check their social media to keep yourself updated.
Address: Jalan Tukad Pingai, Pererenan, Kecamatan Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 7pm-3am (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: The Shady Fox Instagram
If you’ve had your fill of mie goreng and nasi campur during your Bali trip, why not mix it up with a different type of cuisine instead? Shelter Pererenan serves up wood fired Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food in a garden setting. It’s said to be fine dining, but prices are affordable with entries starting from Rp65,000 (~S$5.62) and mains from around Rp145,000 (~S$12.54).
Start with the whipped chickpeas (Rp75,000, ~S$6.49) with smoked paprika oil & flatbread and and BBQ octopus (Rp95,000, ~S$8.22) served with whipped potato tortilla, topped with lemon oil and bottarga. For mains, can’t go wrong with the chermoula crusted chicken (Rp145,000, ~S$12.54).
End off your meal with the wood roasted chocolate (Rp95,000, ~S$8.22), paired with salted caramel gelato and sumac honeycomb, or order up one of the cocktails shaken up by the bartenders.
Address: Jalan Pantai Pererenan No.133, Pererenan, Kecamatan Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Opening hours: 12pm-12am, Daily
Contact: Shelter Pererenan Instagram
Image credit: Chandra Yoga Bali
Eat Pray Love it up at Chandra Yoga Bali, which holds yoga classes in a “treetop” shala. They offer a variety of classes from Energising Power Flow to Vinyasa Flow, with a single class starting from Rp130,000 (~S$11.24).
If you’re staying in Bali longer, there’s even the option to get the 1-week unlimited (Rp600,000, ~S$51.89) or 1month unlimited (Rp1,500,000, ~S$129.73) packages. After your practice, you’ll get a post-yoga organic herbal tea, said to soothe your mind and body.
Address: Mahamustika Riverside, Jalan Pantai Pererenan Gang Buni II No.1, Pererenan, Mengwi, Badung Regency, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am-7pm, Sat-Sun 8am-12pm
Contact: Chandra Yoga Bali website
Sweet tooths should drop by Sinamon, an aesthetic cafe serving up cinnamon rolls and coffee. The cinnamon rolls here are so popular, the brand has also set up outlets in Jakarta, with plans to open in cities such as Yogayakarta and Surabaya.
Image credit: @makansamalia via Instagram
Choose from different flavours like original, cream cheese, lemon buttercream, apple crumble roll, and berry love in 3 different sizes: mini, regular, and giant. A regular cinnamon roll costs Rp35,000 (~S$3.03) or Rp40,000 (~S$3.46) for special flavours. Plus, from 7.30am-11am daily, customers get a free coffee if they purchase a cinnamon roll – pretty sweet if you ask us.
Address: Jalan Pantai Pererenan No.121, Pererenan, Kecamatan Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 7.30am-10pm | Sun 10.30am-10pm
Contact: Sinamon Instagram
We know, we know, it can be hard to choose your accommodation with so many new hotels in Bali popping up. We’ve found 3 of our favourite in Pererenan to suit all budgets.
Image credit: Lushy Hostels
Booking a hostel in Bali is one of the best ways to meet other travellers, especially if you’re visiting on your own. Lushy Hotels in Pererenan is not only affordable, but it’s uber chic too. We looked up rates in February and they start from around Rp167,790 (~S$14.52) for bunk beds and Rp900,000 (~S$77.85) for private rooms.
The hostel is a 13-minute walk from Pererenan Beach, which makes it convenient for those who are planning to surf or just laze around on the beach. You can also book surfing classes and tours around Bali from reception.
They also have a co-working space guests can use for free from 8am-7pm from Mondays to Saturdays. It’s time to live your best digital nomad life.
Image credit: Further Hotel
Further Hotel looks like it’s straight out of a magazine, with Brutalist-inspired featuring soft linen, black leather chairs, Moroccan shag rugs, and plenty of natural lighting. The tatami-style bed also reminds us of Japanese ryokans.
There are only 10 rooms here, so you can be sure that you’ll have a quiet and relaxing stay. We don’t blame you if you want to stay in all day. But should you need some sustenance, head down to Bar Vera, the restaurant located on the first floor of the building.
Image credit: @ohitscal via Instagram
Do note, however, that Further Hotel doesn’t have a swimming pool or facilities you’d associate with a hotel in Bali. But it’s not entirely a bad thing, because it’s about a 4-minute drive to the beach.
Image credit: @sensecanggubeach via Instagram
If a swimming pool is what you need, Sense Hotel Canggu is the place to be. The resort has an architecture inspired by kampung houses, surrounded by public spaces that look like Bali’s natural landscapes; think waterfalls and paddy fields.
Image credit: @sensecanggubeach
Speaking of Bali’s natural landscapes, you won’t even have to travel out of the hotel to appreciate them. Most of the rooms overlook some of Canggu’s rice paddy fields.
Once you’re done exploring Seminyak, Canggu, and even Ubud, head on over to Pererenan. This neighbourhood has managed to retain its laidback vibes while still being home to cool new businesses, eateries, and hotels. It doesn’t hurt that this is where you can see some of the most stunning sunsets in Bali too.
We’re not about the gatekeeping life, so feel free to share these with your friends and family when planning your next Bali getaway.
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Cover image adapted from: @sol.rooftopbali via Instagram & Further Hotel
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