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About us

More than a retreat.
A way of life.

Pelan Pelan was born from a love for Bali, the ocean and the simple things in life. We created a place where you can slow down, reconnect and feel at home

Pelan Pelan was born from a love for Bali, the ocean and slow living. A place where you can reconnect, recharge and feel at home.

Our story
Meet the team

About Pelan Pelan

Pelan Pelan is a boutique surf and yoga retreat in Bali for solo travelers, couples, and families. A place to slow down, improve your surfing, and experience a quieter side of the island.

“Pelan Pelan” means slowly, slowly. A reminder to take things easy and enjoy the moment. That mindset is at the heart of everything we do.

We take you to uncrowded surf spots and guide you in small groups, so you can progress at your own pace, all within a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature and traditional Joglo architecture.

Alongside surfing, you can enjoy yoga in our jungle shala, relaxing spa treatments, and fresh, nourishing meals.

Many guests stay 2–3 weeks to fully relax, improve, and settle into the Pelan rhythm.

2:1 coach-to-
student ratio for
every level

Surf Bali’s quieter
beaches with daily
video analysis

Yoga in our jungle
shala & natural
spa treatments

Meet like-minded
travelers from around
the world

Stay in traditional
wooden homes
in nature

Balinese heart & international touch
by Putu & Emma

2:1 coach-to-student ratio

Surf Bali’s quieter beaches

Yoga & natural spa treatments

Meet like-minded travelers

Stay in traditional wooden homes

Balinese heart & international touch

Meet the founders

We’re Putu, who is Balinese, and Emma, originally from the Netherlands. We met in Canggu in 2012 and slowly built Pelan Pelan into what it is today – a boutique surf and yoga retreat in Bali where people can slow down and feel at home.

Together, we combine local knowledge of the island and ocean with an international perspective on hospitality and comfort. Living and working together allows us to create something truly personal. Every detail of the retreat reflects our shared vision. A place where guests feel welcome, relaxed, and free to be themselves.

Pelan Pelan is our home and happy place, shared with guests from all over the world who come to surf, practice yoga, and experience a quieter side of Bali. Many guests arrive solo and quickly feel at home, creating a warm and open atmosphere from the moment they arrive.

We built Pelan Pelan to share that feeling, of slowing down, connecting, and feeling at home in Bali.

Read full story

Emma — From Amsterdam to Bali

Emma moved from the Netherlands to Bali to follow a feeling she couldn’t ignore, that life could be slower, more connected, and closer to nature.

After completing her Master’s in Movement Science, she worked as a personal trainer in Amsterdam. From the outside, everything looked good, but deep down, she felt something was missing.

She realized she wasn’t in the right place anymore.

During her time in Bali, she met Putu, and through him, she experienced a completely different way of living. A life more connected to the ocean, to nature, and to the present moment.

That sense of calm, simplicity, and balance is something she still feels every day.

It became the inspiration behind Pelan Pelan.

Emma wanted to create a place where others can experience that same feeling. The connection to the ocean through surfing, the grounding of yoga, and the calm, gentle rhythm of life in Bali.

Together with Putu, she brought that vision to life.

Putu — Ocean, surf, and local roots

Putu grew up in a small village near Canggu, just steps away from the ocean. He caught his first waves at the age of 14.

Before or after school, Putu would often sneak off to the beach -sometimes still in his school uniform, taking it off around the corner so he could go surfing.

At the time, surfboards were rare, so he and a few friends would take turns sharing one. Over the years, he became a professional surfer and, at 23, an ISA-certified surf instructor, lifesaver, and head coach.

But for Putu, surfing has always been more than just technique or performance. It’s about feeling comfortable in the ocean, moving with it, and enjoying the moment. Growing up in Bali also shaped his calm and grounded way of life – something that naturally flows into how he teaches and connects with guests.

When Emma decided to create Pelan Pelan, Putu supported the idea from the very beginning. Not long after, he chose to fully commit, leaving his job to build it together. Today, he shares not only his knowledge of surfing, but also that deeper connection to the ocean and the easy, balanced way of life that Bali is known for.

Our story

Running Pelan Pelan has shaped who we are,
both as individuals and as a couple.

Living and working together isn’t always easy,
but it allows us to create something that feels real and personal.

Over the years, this place has grown into more than just a retreat. 
It’s our home, and a space we share with people from all over the world. 
What we value most are the connections that happen here.

Guests arrive as strangers and often leave as friends,
with a different rhythm and energy than when they came.

Our Team

Our team is at the heart of Pelan Pelan. 
Apart from Emma, everyone is Balinese.

Together, we create a warm, personal
atmosphere where guests feel at home
from the moment they arrive.

Many of us have been part of Pelan Pelan for
years, and we work closely together – not just
as a team, but more like a family.

And of course, our two dogs are part of that
family too, always around to bring a bit
of extra joy and welcome.

Many of our guests return
— not just for the surf, but for the people.

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Meet our team

Moments at Pelan Pelan

Surf lessons at Pelan Pelan Surf camp

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Happy to Answer all Your Questions

Who is behind Pelan Pelan?

Pelan Pelan was created by Emma and Putu – combining a Dutch background in movement and wellbeing with deep local knowledge of Bali and the ocean. Together, they built a place that feels personal, relaxed, and connected to the island.

“Pelan Pelan” means slowly, slowly in Indonesian.
It reflects the way of life in Bali – taking things easy, being present, and enjoying the moment.
That feeling is at the heart of everything we do.

Pelan Pelan is a small, boutique retreat – not a hotel.
Guests come here not just to stay, but to experience something more personal, with a strong focus on surfing, yoga, and connection.

We welcome solo travelers, couples, and families.
Many of our guests come alone, looking for a mix of activity and relaxation in a safe and welcoming environment.

It’s the combination of small groups, quieter surf spots, and a truly personal atmosphere.
You’re not just another guest – we get to know you, and guide you throughout your stay.

Yes. Apart from Emma, the entire team is Balinese.
They bring warmth, local knowledge, and a genuine connection to the culture – which is a big part of the experience.

Pelan Pelan is more than just a business for us – we are closely involved in everything that happens here.
We’re regularly present, working together with our team, and making sure every guest feels welcome and taken care of.

Relaxed, friendly, and welcoming.
Guests often arrive as strangers and leave feeling connected – to the place, the people, and themselves.