Pererenan, the Undiscovered Canggu, Canggu, Indonesia

When I first decided to visit Canggu despite all its shortcomings, I set out on a mission to discover a quiet corner that has all the pros of Canggu but without the maddening crowd.

All my research points towards a quiet neighborhood called Pererenan. Crossing over from Echo Beach, the shift is immediate despite the short distance. The pedestrian bridge acts almost like a threshold between two moods of Bali—one buzzing and expressive, the other calm and reflective. You could walk it in 2-5 minutes, yet mentally it feels like stepping into a different chapter entirely. On one side, surfboards and crowds; on the other, open air and breathing space.

Pererenan is often billed as a more wellness-centric alternative to Canggu. It has all the beautiful hipster cafes that Canggu boasts as well, but without the maddening party crowd or the ballooning digital nomad outpost feel. In many ways, it is my perfect idea of what Canggu should have been like.

At Mostly Restaurant and Bar, the food sits in the modern comfort and Mediterranean-leaning category—grilled seafood, fresh salads, sourdough-forward plates, and easy sharing dishes. The vibe is airy and minimalist, with natural wood, open space, and a crowd that settles in rather than cycles through quickly. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).