I bloody loved Canngu (read my Canggu travel guide HERE) and I’m already planning on visiting again. One of the highlights of my time there was Pretty Poison. An awesome California-style skate bar and club on the edge of a rice field.

My boyfriend and I drove there on our bikes, parked up and went in. We arrived around 7.30pm so it was super quiet – everything in Bali gets busy much later. I’m glad that we arrived so early though, as it meant we could see the place properly and we had time to get a tattoo before it got too busy. Getting the tattoo was a great experience, they used all the proper sealed and sanitised equipment but it was super-relaxed. I was having a beer and listening to hip hip – it doesn’t get any better. A small tat will set you back about £15.

We visited on the hip hop night which saw classic tunes being spun back-to-back by local DJs as well as a live MC battle and live graffiti. By 9pm Pretty Poison had got busy, really busy, there wasn’t a spot of floor you could see.

The outside area is home to a giant skate bowl, or empty pool, which was inspired by the ones in Lords of Dogtown. Local skaters are paid to skate the bowl and visiting ones can give it a go too. It’s so fun watching them do their tricks and runs and an amazing atmosphere. There’s tins of seating outside as well as a big outdoor screen showing classic skating films.

All-in-all I loved Pretty Poison. I know if I lived in Canggu I’d make it my regular haunt – cheap beers, good vibes, great music. What’s not to love?

FURTHER READING:

VICE: How Balinese Skaters Poured Their Own Concrete and Built a Scene
The Guardian: Bali’s new bar and skatepark: get some ink where you drink

Pretty Poison Jalan Subak, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Bali 80361, Indonesia