Pererenan used to be a sleepy backwater here in Bali and there really wasn’t much to do, but now?
Things have changed and you can enjoy everything from a gastronomic adventure with mouthwatering dishes to surfing in the sea to arty experiences that you can’t find elsewhere not even on neighbouring islands.
We’ve found 23 awesome things to do in this part of Bali, Indonesia and we think it’s the ultimate guide to Pererenan Beach and the surrounding area.
Where Is Pererenan?
Pererenan is the area around Pererenan Beach on the Southwest Coast of Bali.
It’s next door to Canggu, which is the home of FINNS Beach Club and one of the most popular places on the island today.
And on the other side, you will find Seseh which is a much more laid-back area that is currently developing at a fairly rapid rate.
The town of Pererenan was once considered something of a sleepy backwater, but today, it’s home to a lot of upscale villa complexes and it seems to be working hard to create its own unique charm between its two neighbours.
How To Get To Pererenan?
If you’re flying into Bali then it’s very easy to get to the Pererenan Beach area by Grab or Gojek.
These are the two most popular ride-sharing apps in Bali and they both have waiting areas at the international and domestic terminals at the airport.
You’re much less likely to get ripped off or scammed if you use these apps than if you opt to hail a taxi.
Having said that, if your hotel accommodation throws in an airport transfer then you might as well take advantage of that.
That means a driver will be waiting for you when you land and they will take you and your luggage directly to the hotel with no muss and no fuss.
However, we’d be reluctant to pay for an airport transfer service because it usually works out more expensive than using Grab or Gojek and you won’t get there any faster with a transfer.
We wouldn’t recommend renting a scooter and driving to this area though as it’s a dangerous thing to do and it’s quite challenging to rent a scooter and be road-legal (and if you’re not legal to drive in Bali, you’re not insured).
Our 22 Things To Do In Pererenan
There’s quite a lot to do in this area and we’ve got 23 things to do in and around Pererenan that will keep you entertained while you’re in the area.
See Pererenan Beach
Pererenan Beach is a black sand beach and it’s got a very laid-back feel when compared to the beaches just down the coast in Canggu, Seminyak and Kuta.
While the area is getting more popular with tourists, it still doesn’t bring in quite as many crowds, however, we’d expect that to change sooner or later – the line between Perererenan, Canggu and Umalas is getting very blurry, indeed.
Pantai Pererenan is a great place for sunset watching and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby as well as some surf schools and surf rental shops.
Visit Echo Beach
Popular Echo Beach is not the Echo Beach in the song (in fact, the one in the song was entirely made up – it’s not a real place at all).
However, this is another of the area’s black sand beaches and it’s recently lost much of its charming cafes and beach bars which is a shame.
That doesn’t change the surf breaks though and there’s no doubt that advanced surfers will want to spend quite a bit of time at Echo Beach on their trip to Pererenan.
Get Sporty At Jungle Padel
Padel is the next “big thing” in Bali seemingly and there are padel courts going up all over the island (there will soon be one at FINNS Recreation Club, in fact).
For now, though, if you want to play padel near Pererenan Beach you will have to hit up Jungle Padel which is through the rice fields and into the jungle.
This exciting combination of tennis and squash will ensure that you burn some of the calories you spend on Balinese, International and Italian food in Pererenan.
Have Fun At Wild Experiences
This used to be “Wild Selfie” but has become a much bigger proposition over the last couple of years.
It’s now a place with endless activities for a family that likes to play together when they stay together with a museum, art room and much more.
If you don’t have children, there’s also an adult party version of this experience which involves a reasonable amount of alcohol as you have fun.
This is a place where you can create unforgettable memories while enjoying cocktails, crazy selfies, cooking fascinating food and more.
Be Flexible At Loka Yoga School
There are numerous yoga studios in the Pererenan Beach area and it’s becoming a contender for the leading yoga spot on the island alongside Ubud.
Loka is one of the most popular spots in the area and they even offer yoga teacher training courses.
If this school doesn’t take your fancy then Chandra Yoga Bali is also in the area and very popular too.
They have an attractive riverside studio where you can enjoy the view over the rice fields while you work out.
Ohana Retreat Bali is also a popular spot for smoothie bowls and a bit of yoga in Pererenan.
Unleash Your Inner Artist At Vagabond Design Lab
If you like to get hands-on and make things then this is the place to be near Pererenan Beach.
It’s an amazing workshop where you can learn to make candles, unleash your inner artist and paint or participate in making pottery.
Whatever you make is yours to keep, of course, and it’s a great way to enjoy yourselves as a family away from the massive crowds on Bali’s once-pristine beaches.
The one thing you should know before you go, is that glazing pottery takes a long time and you need to stay in Bali for 3 weeks if you opt to make your own ceramics and collect them.
See The Sunset At Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple is one of Bali’s most famous attractions and it’s the ultimate place to be at sunset when the sun’s rays break over the ocean and light the world up with fiery colour.
The temple itself sits on an island just off the coast of Bali and it’s fabulous to stand on the opposing cliff face on the mainland and just enjoy the view.
If you intend to explore Bali, then Tanah Lot Temple is a “must-see” destination.
Take A Leisurely Stroll On Munggu Beach
This beautiful long black sand beach is one of the best-kept secrets on the island and the waters here are a gorgeous pure turquoise.
There’s a fabulous natural pool where you can bathe as the tide goes out and it’s so Instagram-worthy that you’ll be wishing you’d been a thousand times before.
Just try not to go swimming offshore as the current can get a little brutal at times out there.
Get Into Cafe Culture
If you’re searching for a unique blend of local beans or want the perfect blend of international and local beans, you can’t go wrong in Pererenan.
This is a place with endless cafes to enjoy and there’s no doubt that you can find a spot to enjoy the weather and the coffee that suits you perfectly.
In fact many places in this area are digital nomad-friendly and you can save money on a co-working space by making judicious use of the cafes, just make sure to buy something.
Head Out To Seseh Beach
It’s a short walk from Pererenan Beach to Seseh Beach and then on to Cemagi, the next village down.
While walking in Bali isn’t always the easiest thing to do, when you get out of this side of Pererenan, you’re so far from the main action that things tend to be a bit quieter and the roads are definitely less hectic.
Hit The Surf Breaks
This part of Bali has some of the best surf spots on the island and you can go surfing almost everywhere that you can see the sea.
It’s easy to rent surf equipment or to find a surf school for lessons (surfing at Echo Beach is probably too challenging for beginners but the other beaches offer plenty of opportunities for newbies).
Just take a walk and explore the surf scene in this part of Bai and before you know it, you’ll be renting a board and be out in the sea ready to ride some waves.
Enjoy The Food
Some of the best restaurants on the island can be found in Pererenan and whether you want a local restaurant, an Indian restaurant, or something more interesting, you’re bound to find it here.
The dining scene tends to be casual but very high quality with an emphasis on serving the more refined tourists who make their holiday homes in the villas barby.
If you love great restaurants, you’re going to be very happy in Pererenan, indeed.
Go Horseback Riding On The Beaches
It’s easy to rent a horse and go horseback riding on the beaches in this area and it’s a lot of fun.
What could be more romantic than galloping through the sea along the shoreline at sunset?
See Gajah Mina Statue
The Gajah Mina Statue is one of the most famous sights that Pererenan offers and it’s a fascinating sight near the end of the beach.
It is a fish with an elephant’s head that was said to be the private transport of Lord Baruna (the sea lord).
Pick Up A Souvenir At Pererenan Market
Shopping at markets is always fun and the market in Pererenan is one of our favourites.
It’s never too busy. The salespeople aren’t all jaded and haggling is genuinely fun and good-spirited. It’s a great place to buy some souvenirs.
Get Some Work Done In A Co-Working Space
This area is becoming increasingly popular with the upmarket digital nomads in Bali and there are co-working spaces springing up to take advantage of their spending power.
If you have a bit of work to get done, then you’ll find it’s pretty easy to find a quiet space in Pererenan.
Make Something At Rumah Rabbit Bali
Rumah Rabbit is one of our favourite places to go for art classes and they have excellent family classes where children and their parents can cooperate to create something truly unique.
You can even get their teaching staff to come and deliver their courses at your villa if you don’t want to spend time in the studio.
Feel Spiritual At Pura Desa Pererenan
This is a very local temple that doesn’t appear on any major tourist routes and that means it’s extremely authentic and peaceful.
If you want to understand more about the culture of Bali, you can’t beat this lovely spot in Pererenan.
Explore To Uncover Secluded Beaches
There are lots of little coves in Pererenan and the surrounding area where you can find beaches that are barely touched by tourists on the island.
If you want to get away from it all, you’ll find that it’s super easy to do. And it’s so much fun.
Sample Some Street Food
Continuing the theme of awesome food in Pererenan there are plenty of small stands and warungs in the area selling amazing street food that you just have to try.
And there’s even a restaurant called Hot and Cold Street Food if you just want to try everything but without any worries over the Bali Belly.
Take A Day Trip To FINNS Beach Club
FINNS Beach Club is the world’s best beach club. It’s everything that other beach clubs aspire to be and you’ll find that swimming in the infinity pools, enjoying cold drinks and incredible food and one of the world’s best sunsets is always a great time.
There’s also non-stop DJs and entertainment and when the sunset is over, the party really starts to warm up with dancing and fireworks!
The view over the Indian Ocean from FINNS is amazing and with a huge range of bars and party restaurants, you won’t ever be bored when you join the 15% of tourists in Bali who make sure that a trip to FINNS is a key part of their tour itinerary. Nothing else will do.
FAQs
Is Pererenan Beach Worth It?
Yes! In fact, for now, we’d say Pererenan Beach is something of a hidden gem.
Pererenan offers green rice fields, beautiful beaches, challenges for seasoned surfers, a chance to see Balinese life, the local culture and the local fishermen and it’s only a short drive from all the best restaurants and vibrant nightlife in Canggu.
Is Pererenan Far From Canggu Beach?
No, it’s not very far at all. However, a drive out through the rice paddies and down the coast may take a little longer than it appears on the map because the traffic can be a little hectic at times in Bali.
Pererenan, Bali is perfectly placed for you to take advantage of the vibrant atmosphere of Canggu and still enjoy the authentic feel of Bali outside of the busier areas of the island.
Final Thoughts On Creating Unforgettable Memories In Pererenan
Pererenan is an up-and-coming area with its own vibe in Bali. If you love great restaurants, excellent villas and having plenty of things to do on the doorstep, you can’t go wrong.
Get out into the lush gardens, rice fields and beaches of Pererenan and you will experience an authentic and exciting part of Bali.
Also read:
The Bumper Guide To Pererenan: Authentic And Charming Bali Without Crowds
