Pererenan in Bali Crowned Asia's Coolest Neighborhood!

In Europe, it's Notre-Dame-du-Pont, in Africa — Mer Sultan, but where is Asia's coolest neighborhood? Every year, Time Out magazine reviews the best neighborhoods in the world. According to its editors, Pererenan in Bali is the coolest neighborhood in Asia for 2024.

So, what makes a neighborhood truly "cool" in 2024? Sure, craft breweries, chic wine bars, and street art are nice perks. But the best, most vibrant areas aren’t just hipster hangouts. They’re places where nature, culture, and a sense of community intertwine, offering culinary discoveries and a genuine atmosphere.

Pererenan combines all of this: secluded beaches, cozy cafés, and a laid-back pace of life, making it the perfect spot for those seeking a balance between relaxation and authenticity. Neighboring the popular tourist hotspot of Canggu, Pererenan has managed to retain that original charm and unique allure of Bali. Here, you’ll find a peaceful ambiance, and instead of crowds of tourists, there are numerous warungs — small local cafés and shops, where every corner is steeped in the island’s authentic culture.

“This place takes us back to what Canggu was in the beginning: clean beaches, cozy cafés, eclectic shops, and a relaxed vibe, without the hustle, noise, and traffic,” says Cheryl Sekkappan, Time Out’s news and travel editor for Southeast Asia.

Here’s how she envisions a perfect day in Pererenan: Start your morning with breakfast at Brunch Club Pererenan, then head to the beach for swimming or surfing. Afterward, refresh with a cocktail at the beach bar Hippie Fish, or focus on your well-being with yoga at Chandra Yoga Shala. For lunch, try authentic Balinese dishes at Home, led by chef Wayan, and towards the evening, take a walk through the rice terraces. End the day with dinner at the cozy restaurant Woods, enjoying live music that creates an unforgettable atmosphere.

For our annual ranking, we turned to experts — a global team of local writers and editors — and asked them to identify the most interesting neighborhood in their city and why. We then selected the best options and, with the help of Time Out editors, created a list, evaluating each area based on criteria like food, drinks, art, culture, street life, community spirit, and unique local flavor. The result is a ranking that highlights the most unique and exciting parts of our cities, each with its own special traits.

Besides Pererenan, other Asian neighborhoods making the list include Seongsu-dong in Seoul, Gakugeidaigaku in Tokyo, Thao Dien in Ho Chi Minh City, Ekkamai in Bangkok, Kowloon in Hong Kong, and Orchard in Singapore.

What do expats and locals think about such recognition for the area? Does their idea of a perfect day match the editor’s description? Should we mention the constant construction and infrastructure development that could disturb the peace of the neighborhood? After all, not everything is as perfect as it seems: noise from construction, increasing tourist traffic, and the disappearance of secluded spots are real issues faced by Pererenan’s residents. Infrastructure doesn’t always keep up with the area's growth, leading to road and parking issues. Additionally, housing prices are rising, and there's a risk of negative environmental impact.

Sources: timeout.com