Forget Canggu, The Perfect Spot To Stay In Bali Is Right Next Door
Canggu, the hottest ‘burb in Bali, definitely has its charms (read: epic food, fun nightlife, good shopping). However, those very charms lure crowds that pose struggles for the neighbourhood, like crippling traffic, pollution and noise.
Depending on the time of year you visit, it can be pretty full-on.
But by the time you hear the usual refrain when a place is deemed too popular – “Eight years ago it was just a couple of cafes and some rice fields, now it’s unrecognisable!” – those in the know have already made a move next door.
So if you still want to enjoy all the good stuff the ‘Gu has going for it without staying in the thick of things, this is the up-and-coming stretch worth checking out.
Pererenan is a peaceful, leafy neighbourhood steadily picking up speed just 10 minutes’ scooter ride north of Canggu’s main arteries (or you can actually walk from Pererenan Beach right over to Canggu’s famous Echo Beach).
Nestled next to gorgeous rice fields, this family-friendly area holds its own with a bunch of delicious restaurants and cafes. Plus, it has a reputation for magnetising great people.
Here’s your guide to the best Pererenan has to offer.
Pescado
A relaxed Spanish-influenced seafood eatery and tapas bar, Pescado is the must-eat in Pererenan. The space is chic, with that ‘industrial island’ vibe Bali’s known for.
The star dish has to be the paella (and there’s a squid ink version, too), but this charming spot is open for brekkie through dinner, with coffee by Expat. Roasters Bali.
Open: Daily, 8am – 10pm
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Every day is a good day for Paella! Thanks for stopping by @thecanggufoodies
Front Café
An eclectic little café that’s quickly become a busy spot for Pererenan locals (especially surfers), Front Café offer their own blend of coffee along with juices, smoothies, burgers and bowls.
Open: Daily, 7:30am – 2:30pm
Remix Juice
Some may argue that Remix coffee is the best in Bali. Whatever your stance, their roasted almond milk latte is famous. They’ve brought that, along with their renowned cold-pressed juice arsenal, to the ‘Nan.
Open: Daily (except Sundays), 8.30am – 4.30pm
Honey,
Don’t let the chic white interiors fool you. Honey, (yes, with the comma) is all about healthy comfort. It’s the kind of place where you can order banana and peanut butter with honey on toast or grilled octopus.
The menu is filled with all the usual suspects, but with Mediterranean flair (and GF, vegan and low-carb options).
Open: Daily, 7am – 10pm
Muka Concepts
Across the street from Honey, you’ll find Instagrammable Muka Concepts – two spaces divided into concept fashion and skinfood (also known as Muka Intuitive Herbology).
Owner Iris is delightful and well-versed in natural, sustainable beauty. Her signature facials using organic hand-made skincare from locally grown herbs, spices and butters has a cult following, including a facial sculpting massage that will leave you floating in the ether.
Open: 11am – 6pm, Monday through Friday
Warung Yess
You have to eat Indonesian food in Bali and that’s not open to debate. Thankfully, there is a fab warung in Pererenan serving local dishes (try the Nasi Campur), as well as some other fun stuff like mango salad, apple pie with vanilla ice cream and smoothie bowls. This is Bali, after all.
Open: 10am – 10pm Monday to Saturday, 8am – 10pm Sunday
Macro Kitchen
If the mere thought of apple pie with ice cream spikes your calories, then you’ll be pleased to know Pererenan has its own version of the uber-popular Motion fitness café in Canggu proper: Macro Kitchen.
It can cater to whatever dietary needs you have, with clean, lean food the order of the day. There’s protein smoothies and they do meal planning, too.
Open: Daily, 6:30am – 4pm
Born Bright
Across the street from Macro Kitchen is charming Born Bright. With honest, healthy food (plus loads of veggie options), a cute al fresco courtyard and a nightly BBQ from 6pm, this beautiful spot is a neighbourhood gathering place that serves up solid family vibes. They also occasionally throw events and host workshops.
Open: Daily, 7am – 10pm
Monsieur Spoon
Anyone who lives in Bali knows that if you want a decent croissant, you head to Monsieur Spoon.
There are branches across the island, but this one in Pererenan may be the loveliest. Pastry lovers will want to stop in here for a baked good and a coffee (but they also do dinner).
Open: Daily, 7am – 9:30pm
Kinoa
A little spot across from serene rice fields, Kinoa claims to be Bali’s first clean-eating concept. We’re not complaining. Kinoa gives its hungry clientele tasty food with unrefined and locally-sourced ingredients.
It’s refreshing to know nothing is processed – everything is made in-house. Be sure to pop out the back to the wonderful back yard area.
Open: 8am – 3:30pm, Monday through Saturday
Maria Curau
Sure, Bali has ‘cheap’ mani pedis, but they’re often underwhelming (fight me).
I was thrilled to discover that not only is Maria Curau a vegan, non-toxic nail salon, but they did one of the best pedicures I’ve had in nine months here.
My impressive Quick Pedicure began with a glass of kombucha and included a neck, shoulder and head massage at only $20. I’m already planning my return for the full version.
The team also offers nail art, a range of massages, and use peppermint essential oil to reenergise tired feet – a classy touch.
Open: Daily, 10am – 7pm
Human Bean
This schmick addition to Pererenan obviously does great coffee (check out their maple brew speciality coffee with added orange zest and cinnamon), but the design of the space is equally as beautiful as the food. It’s open, airy and ensconced in plant life. There’s also a vegan section of the menu.
Open: Daily, 7am – 10pm
Othree Beach Bar
The beach clubs in Canggu and Seminyak can be intense.
One time, my anxiety and I walked into Finns Beach Club, took a single photo (gotta get the ‘gram shot) and walked straight out.
This won’t be the case at Othree. It’s so chill, you’ll feel like you’re a local. Right on the beach (accessed by either Canggu or Pererenan), the bar serves cold drinks and tasty bites including sushi. What more do you need?
Open: Daily, 7am – 8pm, 9pm or 10pm, depending on the day
Royal Sporthorse Bali
Horse riding might be the last thing you thought you’d do in Bali. If you’re equine-curious, though, check out Royal Sporthorse Bali.
They offer riding lessons (with a canter along the beach a possibility) and even a kid’s pony camp. But this isn’t just about horsies: there’s a petting zoo and café in addition to the arena and stables. A clear winner for families.
Open: Daily, 8am – 7pm
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Horse riding with lilou & clea . . . #kidsplaydate #ridingthehorse #horseriding
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Sonia Taylor travelled the world for four straight years – she lived a lot, and ate even more. Catch her current adventures on Instagram @sonnietothetee.
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(Lead image: Author’s own / Harry Cunningham on Unsplash)
