A recent article in Time Out looked at the world’s coolest neighbourhoods in 2024, and Pererenan came in at number three behind Notre-Dame-du-Mont in Marseille and Casablanca in Morocco.
According to Time Out for a neighbourhood to be considered ‘cool,’ craft breweries, natty wine bars and street art are all well and good, but the world’s best, most exciting, and downright fun neighbourhoods are much more than identikit ‘hipster hubs’. They’re places that reflect the very best of their cities; their culture, community spirit, nightlife, food, and drink, all condensed in one vibey, walkable district.
To create their annual ranking, Time Out went straight to the experts; a global team of on-the-ground writers and editors, and asked them what the coolest neighbourhood in their city is right now, and why.
The selection was then narrowed down and ranked using the insight and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour. The result? A list that celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities; and all their quirks.
Yes, you’ll find some of those international hallmarks of ‘cool’. But in every neighbourhood on the list there’s something you won’t find anywhere else, says Time Out. Ever been to a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Or a brewery with a library of Russian literature? How about a festival dedicated to fluff? When communities fiercely support and rally around their local businesses, even the most eccentric ideas can become a reality. And that, in Time Out’s eyes, is what makes a neighbourhood truly cool.
From formerly overlooked suburbs that have only just reached their moment to historically trendy neighbourhoods experiencing an unexpected renaissance, these are the world’s greatest places to spend an afternoon strolling right now.
Here’s what Time Out had to say about Pererenan:
While the tourist hordes pack into Canggu, those in the know are heading to neighbouring Pererenan. This place will remind you of what made Canggu famous in the first place; pristine beaches, cosy cafés, eclectic shops, and a certain laidback cool, devoid of noise and traffic, according to Time Out. There’s much in the way of classic Bali charm here: surfers and beach bums can catch sun and waves on Pererenan’s black-sand beach, while those seeking a slice of tranquillity can find it at warungs (the small cafés and businesses ubiquitous in Indonesia) abutting glittering rice terraces in the neighbourhood’s north.
There’s also a dynamic food scene blossoming in this once-sleepy seaside locale, with new openings like Seminyak-born Kilo Kitchen and Japanese-Indonesian sustainable dining venue Bokashi: a sign of more to come. It remains to be seen if Pererenan will retain its low-key appeal; but we wouldn’t recommend waiting to find out.
Time Out says the perfect day means tucking into smoothie bowls, shakshuka halloumi toast, and even stacked ‘porncakes’ at Brunch Club Pererenan before going for a swim or surf at Perenenan Beach. Beachside bar Hippie Fish is on hand for a refreshing cocktail; those looking for something a little healthier can opt for a meditative stretch in the treetops at Chandra Yoga Shala. Get the best Balinese fare at Home by Chef Wayan before going for a stroll through the rice paddies further inland as the day cools. Wind up your day at Woods, a jungle-inspired all-day restaurant with global eats, Sunday roast, and live music on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
For maximum sun and lovely, consistent waves, visit Pererenan during Bali’s dry season (between April to October). And for ultimate serenity, we’d recommend avoiding the tourist high seasons, from June to August and December to January.
Stock image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay
