New remote work destination: Pererenan, Bali

Pererenan, Bali will be the new digital nomad hotspot

Located on the western coast of Bali, in the Tabanan regency, Pererenanis still an undiscovered gem for nomads. This village is known for its black sand beaches, rolling green rice fields, and traditional Balinese lifestyle. Pererenan is a relatively quiet and peaceful place, with a strong sense of community. Indonesia remains one of the favorite destinations for digital nomads with a low cost of living, solid infrastructure for remote work and a vibrant culture to explore. However, most areas in Bali have changed dramatically because of their popularity amongst travelers. If you want to avoid the crowds and rapidly growing cost of living in Canggu and Ubud, Pererenan might be the perfect spot.

What makes Pererenan a great choice for nomads and remote workers?

Written in collaboration with Will Hatton, The Broke Backpacker & Co-founder of Tribal Bali

I suggest this area of the island to anyone hoping to find a community of nomads and remote workers. Daily life in Pererenan, Bali is generally centered around the concept of "Tri Hita Karana," which translates to "three causes of well-being." This philosophy emphasizes the importance of maintaining harmony and balance with oneself, the people around you, and the environment. Pererenan is less hectic than other parts of Bali. Out here, on the outskirts of Canggu, you can find some of the more relaxed Bali vibes that I fell in love with when I first visited the island. It’s an up-and-coming area with new cafes, restaurants, and places to hang out. It’s quieter and less expensive than more popular parts of the island. I find it a better place to work and live.

My daily routine consists of taking my dogs for a walk along the beach, going to my local CrossFit, and then heading to the hostel & coworking space I started with two close friends on the island. It’s a great way to meet nomads and remote workers, hear about their life and projects they are passionate about. There are lots of hard-working entrepreneurs in Pererenan, making it relatively easy to connect with other like-minded folks while coworking. In the evenings, you’ll have many different events and gatherings to choose from. It’s easy to develop new hobbies here, whether it’s surfing, yoga or taking a local Balinese cooking lesson. For fitness enthusiasts, this island is a mecca.

The local artisanal scene is incredible. There numerous small businesses selling handcrafted clothes, sculptures, and home decor. Pererenan also has great local restaurants preparing traditional Indonesian food. You can walk down the streets and be drawn in by the smell of Balinese spices and meat cooking over an open fire. I love that there are so many fresh and healthy food options easily accessible here. XimmoR, WOODS, Mostly, and RiZE are my favorite restaurants in the area.

The island of Bali is known for its beautiful beaches, so people usually spend time surfing or attending beach yoga practices. If you want to plan a day trip outside of Pererenan, swing over to Sidemen to see their famous swaying rice fields or head down to Sanur for some scuba diving. The fabulous Gili Islands and Nusa Penida are just a short ferry ride away. If you’re in the mood to party, check out the Kuta area! While Pererenan is gaining popularity amongst travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-track feel that Canggu, Ubud and Seminyak don’t offer anymore, this area might stand the test of tourism. Thanks to laws protecting the family temples in the area inherited by the Balinese locals and the green rice terraces, Pererenan has remained a quiet seaside village. The area is protected by the locals from excessive building and transformation to support tourism. It will remain largely free from overpriced Airbnbs and hotels. If you want to experience a true Balinese way of life and be a part of a small community that is involved with local businesses and daily routines, this is the spot for you.

Check out some of our other city guides for digital nomads in Taipei, Bansko, Toronto, Amsterdam, Bali and more.