Bali remains one of the most popular destinations for Aussie travellers year on year.
That popularity shows no signs of waning: according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, who calculate where Aussies are holidaying, Indonesia has just come out on top yet again.
But many probably haven’t been here. Named as one of the world’s ‘coolest’ areas last year, Pererenan in Bali is a spot where “those in the know” go, according to Time Out.
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Is Pererenan worth visiting?
We went to visit the new hotspot, which is on the island’s west coast just north of Canggu and around an hour or so from Denpasar Airport.
I’ve been all over Bali, from Seminyak and Canggu to our favourite quieter places like Ubud and Candidasa.
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But Pererenan, which is right next to what was the previously dubbed ‘coolest’ spot, Canggu, has become a new buzzing place to stay.
While a sleepy village a few years ago, it has now become a trendy hub of cafes, bars, villas and boutique hotels. Fitness fans also have padel courts and gyms close by.
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The black sand is a big attraction for surfers: it’s right next to boardy hotspot, Echo Beach in Canggu.
And while a lot has changed, the area still has local vibes.
There are charming little ramshackle bars on the beach complete sit little beanbags, local families playing football on the sand, as well as local warung restaurants.
Best restaurants in Pererenan
If you’re looking for some of the best food in Bali, you’ll have plenty of options in Pererenan.
For a hip evening out, head to Bar Vera. It’s a funky, dimly lit spot with a European menu packed with flavourful dishes.
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Our favourites were the Carnaroli pea risotto and corn polenta, while even the mammoth fries with rosemary and aioli were just divine.
As for the desserts, well, we’d fly all the way to Bali to eat the the dark chocolate delice again.
Other hip places to try include Shelter, for Middle Eastern/Med cuisine, colourful Mexican restaurant Origen and trendy Hippie Fish, right by the beach.
If you want to dine on more local food, Home, by Chef Wayan is a must do.
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It’s run by acclaimed chef, Wayan Kresna Yasa, who has worked in top restaurants around the globe, so you know you’re in good hands.
Try the five-course chef’s selection menu, with dish after dish just delectable and costing only around a bargain $35 in total (It’s especially good for vegetarians too with the tempeh-based dishes some of the best we’ve had.)
Also swing by popular Ettore Gelato for an Affogato al Caffè: two scoops of gelato poured over with fresh espresso.
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How long do you need in Pererenan
”You been party?” asked our driver as we left.
Indeed, if you want to hit up the bars and restaurants, you could easily spend a week in Pererenan and neighbouring Canggu.
But if you also want some time away from the chaos, two or three nights, combined with a stay in another part of Bali could also be ideal.
Where to stay in Pererenan
Neon Rose Motel has just four rooms and is right on Pererenan’s main street.
Starting at $150 a night, it’s a budget-lux-style place for Bali lovers who want everything cool and trendy a few steps away.
And it’s owned by an Aussie.
Min Siah has already conquered the baking world. The Perth-raised entrepreneur set up a bakery, Starter Lab, which went viral.
As well as starting a new upmarket bakery, Wheatfields, she has ventured into what she has dubbed a ‘micro motel.’
”It’s for people who know Bali well, they just want to dump their bags, they want to be near the restaurants and the beach,” Min tells 9Travel.
We stayed in one of the bath suites, named for the Instagrammable pink tub so massive it’s almost a pool (which is one thing the motel doesn’t have).
While it is a cheaper option down a backstreet and above a café, simple touches make a difference: the place has a signature scent by Bali Radiance, there is a thoughtful comfy daybed-come-window seat, and Min has worked hard on sustainable elements like instilling a water cooler.
The only downside of being in the buzziest part of the island is the noise of scooters rushing by at all hours – but helpfully earplugs are provided.
Things to do in Pererenan
Sitting by the pool with a book is a perfect way to chill on holiday. And you can do that here at one of the boutique hotels or villas.
But holidays can also be a good opportunity to try something you’d never get around to at home. Like, for example, bread making.
A short Gojek ride from the hotel (that’s like Uber in Bali) in Canggu, Min holds sourdough workshops.
If you failed to conquer the craze during the pandemic her and her staff will guide you through the process to produce three loaves of your own.
It’s hugely satisfying to collect your freshly baked creations the next day. (And yes we were eating bread for the rest of the week).
A chance to try the popular Bali pastime of yoga can also be found close by at the Path Yoga Centre.
If culture is more your thing, Tanah Lot temple, uniquely built on an island, is a short drive up to coast in Tabanan.
What is the best month to go to Bali?
The best time to visit Bali is between the months of May and October, the dry season.
During the middle of the year – when it’s winter in Australia – the weather is warm and sunny in Bali, usually between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.
If you want to narrow it down even more, either May or early September would be your best bet.
This way you’re avoiding peak tourism and school holiday times, when flight prices could be high.
The wet season does have a lot of rain, as the name suggests, but it is quieter, and downpours often happen more in the evening and overnight.
The writer stayed as a guest of Neon Rose Motel and flew to Bali courtesy of Virgin Australia.
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