Pererenan is a charming seaside village offering a picturesque mix of rolling green rice fields and enviable surf breaks framed by a dramatic black sand beach. Blending in with trendy Canggu, Pererenan is becoming more popular but still maintains a more relaxed Balinese feel. The area is favoured by expats and surfers looking to escape the crowded line ups in Canggu.
Pererenan Overview
If you’re looking for an island escape that’s close to the action but still feels distinctly Balinese, the relaxed village of Pererenan might just be the perfect choice. Sandwiched between trendy Canggu and serene Seseh, the area is favoured by expats and there are incredible villas to choose from. After visiting this scenic area with its rice fields, black sand beaches and Balinese temples, it’s easy to see why one would choose this as a home base.
Thanks to its close proximity to Canggu (you can actually walk from Pererenan Beach right over to famous Echo Beach), Pererenan is steadily picking up speed and coming more popular with travellers. The area is dotted with luxurious villas which are tailor made for weddings and new cool restaurants are popping up around the neighbourhood. For now, Pererenan remains an idyllic enclave favoured by expats, surfers and Balinese locals.
Planning Your Trip to Pererenan
Pererenan is a relaxed destination attracting travellers looking to stay close to trendy Canggu while still being surrounded by rice fields and the timeless feel of Bali. Our Pererenan travel guide aims to give you the essential information, list the most popular things to do in Pererenan, provide more information on locations you want to visit, and finish with some inspiration from our travel writers. For more information on events and festivals taking place throughout the year, check out our comprehensive Bali guide.
Pererenan Weather
Bali is pleasant all year round! May through September has the best weather (drier, less humid) and is the best time for many activities including diving and surfing. November though March is rainy season – though rainfall is never excessive so you can do most activities except volcano treks.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
The temperature ranges from 24 degrees to 31 degrees all year round.
AVERAGE RAINFALL
Rainfall ranges from 0cm to 140cm during the wet season.
Things to See & Do in Pererenan
A stay in Pererenan is not so much about ticking things off your bucket list – it’s more about enjoying life and the scenery and letting days simply drift by as you wander through the rice fields or stroll down the (near) deserted beach. If you stay in town long enough and open yourself up to the experience, you’ll see why so many expats have settled down here for good!
Tours & Activities
Pererenan is characterised by rolling green rice fields and a long beach of dark sand which owes its unique colouring to volcanic activity on the island. You can walk down the beach over to Canggu’s iconic Echo Beach, allowing for easy access to trendy restaurants and beach clubs. Pererenan Beach itself is better suited for more advanced surfers rather than beginners looking to get their feet wet.
Though Pererenan offers the perfect setting for some unabashed rest and recuperation, there’s also great opportunity for some local sightseeing and exploration. You can easily visit neighbouring Canggu which is accessible through a walk down the beach or a 10-15-minute drive. Canggu offers a great selection of restaurants, spas and boutiques and popular beachfront venues. Driving in the other direction, the iconic seaside temple of Tanah Lot is about 10 kilometres away and offers particularly beautiful views during sunset – just get ready for the crowds.
Eating & Drinking in Pererenan
Pererenan is starting to become a dining destination, and as the area continues to take off on the tail wings of Canggu, an increasing number of restaurants and cafes are popping up in the area. If you don’t find what you’re looking for Pererenan, it’s only a short drive (or a leisurely walk down the sand) to all the options waiting in Canggu.
Restaurants
There are a handful of laid-back restaurants in Pererenan and seeing how the area (and neighbouring Canggu in particular) is evolving, new ones are bound to keep popping up on a regular basis. For now, you won’t find an endless array of restaurants lining the streets but instead a few great cafes and restaurants surrounded by rice fields. The cuisine offered in Pererenan is focused on on-trend Western food, often with a healthy edge (think smoothie bowls and “clean” eating) and local food served in laid-back warungs.
Nightlife
Pererenan has maintained its relaxed Balinese feel (with luxury villas and surfer vibes sprinkled in between) and offers little in terms of nightlife. While there is a decent selection of restaurants where to enjoy relaxed dinner and drinks with friends and family, there are no bars or nightclubs in the area (but watch this space!) Some might say this is ideal: you’ll find the vibrant nightlife of Canggu just moments away but still get to enjoy undisturbed peace and quiet while relaxing at your Pererenan villa.
Pererenan Neighbourhoods
Pererenan is a relaxed neighbourhood offering a mix of Balinese houses, Hindu temples and private villas; many of them rented by long time Bali expats. The area is well spread out with no particular centre to it – the beach is as close as you’ll get to a main hub. You’ll find beautiful villas located close to the beach which will allow you to walk to the surf and the nearest restaurants down the beach in Canggu. Other villas are tucked inland and many of them offer a serene rice paddy setting, though will require a car or motorbike for getting out and about.
Pererenan & Surrounds
Pererenan is nestled between the trendy Canggu surf neighbourhood and the serene Seseh region on the southwest coast of Bali. Driving up the coast from Pererenan and past Seseh, you’ll arrive in the verdant Tabanan regency which is home to the stunning Tanah Lot temple and UNESCO protected Jatiluwih rice paddies. Travelling down the coastline past Canggu, you will pass by relaxed Batubelig (or you can take a detour through the rice paddies and villas of Umalas) before arriving in the famous Seminyak neighbourhood. All in all, Pererenan offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful setting with a feel of Bali while still being close to the action.
Canggu
Canggu is a popular surfers’ destination offering a trendy interpretation of modern day Bali.
Seseh
Seseh is a serene beachside village framed by a dark sand beach, dotted with rice fields and village life.
Tabanan
Tabanan is a verdant region characterised by rice fields, secluded beaches and amazing luxury villas.
Batubelig
Batubelig is located between chic Seminyak and trendy Canggu – perfect for those wanting to sample both areas.
Umalas
Umalas is a hidden gem located inland between Seminyak and Canggu, with a relaxed pace and rice paddy villas.
Seminyak
Located north of Legian on the southwest coast of Bali, Seminyak is home to all the best restaurants, beach clubs and boutiques.
Pererenan Villas
There are a handful of Ministry Approved villas in Pererenan and over 100 in the greater Canggu area. Though the area is steadily picking up steam, Pererenan is not as popular as other beachfront areas in South Bali so prices tend to be lower.
Pererenan villas range from around USD $500 per night for a three-bedroom villa to over USD $1,500 per night for a five-bedroom luxury villa. All of our villas come with professionally trained staff. Many villas offer personalised services including: butlers, chefs, nannies, 24-hour security personnel, drivers and other services you won’t find in a hotel.
- Sale!
- Sale!
- Sale!
- Sale!
- Sale!
Practical Information
Getting There
Bali’s only airport, Ngurah Rai International, is located in Tuban in South Bali, with convenient access to the most popular tourist areas. This busy hub serves some 20 million passengers annually and is readily connected to major international destinations. Direct flights to Bali are offered from Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Dubai, Melbourne and Sydney. Carriers offering direct flights to and from Bali include Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Air Asia, Jetstar and more. There are some early plans to build a second airport in North Bali.
You can also reach Bali by boat. This would usually mean landing at an international airport on one of the neighbouring islands (namely Java or Lombok) and then crossing over to Bali by boat or ferry. Ferries from Java arrive in Gilimanuk which is located about three hours from Pererenan. From Lombok, boats arrive in Benoa, Sanur, Serangan, Padang Bai and Amed. Benoa, Serangan and Sanur are all located about one hour from Pererenan.
Nationalities from over 160 countries are eligible for visa free entry into Indonesia. This means your passport will be stamped on arrival at the airport, allowing you to stay in the country for 30 days. For stays longer than 30 days, you will need to obtain a visa which will require further arrangements. Please note your passport must be valid for six months after your date of arrival in Indonesia.
AIRPORT TRANSFER
There is no public transport to get you from the airport to your accommodation, so the only option is to use a private driver or a taxi. Ministry of Villas can arrange a chauffeur to greet you upon arrival and escort you to your villa. This service is included for most villas when booking more than four nights. To avoid queuing at the immigration counter, we can also arrange a VIP airport service for guests. This service includes lounge access, allowing you to relax while waiting for your luggage.
AIRPORT TAXI
If you haven’t arranged airport pick up prior to landing in Bali, you can also get a taxi directly at the airport. The official taxi stand is located next to the information desk at the international arrivals hall. This desk offers both fixed price and metered fares across Bali, but as the pricing is frequently updated, it’s almost impossible to find accurate, up to date pricing online. Besides the official taxi stand, there are countless drivers offering transport services at varying rates. Always make sure you agree on the price before getting in. To save yourself the hassle, we recommend organising airport transfers before landing in Bali.
Getting Around
There are a few options for getting around Pererenan, so we’ve ranked them according to our recommendations for first-time travellers.
ON FOOT
Traffic in Pererenan is minimal and walking around can be a pleasant way to explore the neighbourhood. If you’re staying close to Pererenan Beach, you can walk down the beach over to the popular Echo Beach in Canggu. That being said, the area is well spread out and for larger distances, walking might not be the best option, especially in the tropical heat. There are no sidewalks and the streets get dark after nightfall so do take care when out and about.
PRIVATE CAR
Having a private car and driver is a great way to explore Pererenan and its scenic surroundings. This will also make visiting the restaurants, shops and surf breaks in neighbouring Canggu a breeze. Ministry of Villas can arrange a private car and chauffeur for you. This little luxury is remarkably affordable and we can also help you arrange an itinerary, instructing your driver in advance.
RENTAL SCOOTER
If you’re an experienced driver and hold an international driver’s licence, hiring a scooter can be a great way to make your way around Pererenan. Though the traffic in Pererenan is more relaxed than other busier areas, you should always take great care when heading out on the road. You can usually rent a scooter starting at around IDR 50,000 (USD $4) per day. Before hopping on a scooter, make sure you’re carrying the correct gear: driving without a helmet or a valid licence will result in a fine if you get pulled over by the police.
TAXI
There is no official metered taxi service in Pererenan – in other parts of Bali, we always recommend using the trustworthy Blue Bird taxis. The use of ride hailing apps (Go-Jek and Grab) is also banned in the area. There are, however, plenty of local transport services in the area which your accommodation can help arrange. Always make sure you agree on the price before getting in.
Etiquette
The Balinese are among the friendliest and most welcoming people on the planet. This is all the more reason to return the favour and be respectful towards the local culture. Like anywhere else in the world, common sense and basic human decency goes a long way. For more detailed information about local culture, language and safety in Bali, check out our comprehensive Bali guide.
SHOPPING & BARGAINING
Bargaining can be an enjoyable part of shopping in Bali… or it can be frustrating! To ensure a smooth exchange first decide what the item is worth to you, then ask the seller for their price – your first offer can be from one-third to two-thirds of that price. They are likely to respond with a counteroffer, which you can either accept or negotiate further. If you don’t like the price and you walk away there is a good chance the vendor will call out to you with a better (usually final) price. Keep in mind, if an agreement is reached, you’re committed – you should buy if your offer is accepted.
In late 2018, Bali’s governor banned single use plastic on the island, meaning shops, boutiques and supermarkets no longer give out plastic bags. When out and about, it’s best to carry a reusable bag with you.
TIPPING
Most restaurants and villas include a service component already so tipping is not expected, but if service is good, an additional cash tip is appreciated.
TELECOMMUNICATION
Indonesia’s country code is +62. Data speeds of 3G and faster is the norm across Bali. Local prepaid SIM cards are sold everywhere; any modern mobile phone will work. As of 2018, all prepaid SIM cards need to be registered which you can usually do with a copy of your passport directly at the shop where you purchase your SIM card. Prepaid SIM cards come loaded with pulsa (credit) or mobile data which you can later easily top up at other outlets. Most if not all minimarts and local phone shops can top off your SIM card when needed. Most villas provide broadband Internet and free Wi-Fi is common in cafes, restaurants, hotels and shopping malls.
Health & Safety
It’s important to note that compared to many places in the world, Bali is fairly safe. There have been some high-profile cases of visitors being injured or killed on Bali, but in many cases these tragedies have been inflamed by media sensationalism.
SWIMMING
Many of Bali’s beaches are subject to heavy surf and strong currents. Be careful when swimming over coral and never walk on it. It can be very sharp and coral cuts are easily infected. In addition, you are damaging a fragile environment. Lastly, water pollution is a problem in busy neighbourhoods. Avoid swimming near open streams flowing into the sea as they are often contaminated by run-off from built-up areas.
THEFT
Violent crime is uncommon in Bali, however bag-snatching from motorbikes and petty theft does occur. Take extra care with your phone if riding pillion on a motorbike as phones regularly get snatched from unsuspecting tourists using a navigation app. Otherwise, take the same precautions you would in any urban area and secure your money before leaving an ATM (and don’t forget your card!), don’t leave valuables on a beach while swimming, and use in-villa safes to store your valuables.
WATER
Tap water in Bali is not safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available and cheap, however Ministry of Villas encourages visitors to keep a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic consumption.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is absolutely essential for every traveller. A typical travel insurance policy will have coverage for a traveller’s main concerns, including trip cancellations, medical emergencies, travel delays, and lost luggage. Most policies are built to be comprehensive to protect travellers from a variety of events that may cause financial loss before or during their trip. Some policies specifically exclude ‘dangerous activities’ which can include scuba diving, renting a local motorcycle and even trekking.
Pererenan Stories
Pererenan is a relaxed area offering an irresistible blend of black sand beaches, emerald green rice fields, local village life and luxury villas. We love visiting this up and coming area which offers a relaxing break from the rampant development which has taken over neighbouring Canggu. Check out our latest Pererenan blog posts written by experienced Ministry of Villas travel writers.