Canggu, Bali: a complete guide with the best things to do and places to eat & stay

Welcome to Canggu, a hip, vibrant and busy town nestled on the southwestern shores of Bali, Indonesia. Known for its laid-back surf culture and bohemian vibes, Canggu has emerged as a well-known destination in Bali. The town is especially popular among digital nomads and expats, which is visible by the many modern villas and cafes popping up. Some have dubbed Canggu the ‘New Seminyak’. Whether you’re an adventurous surfer, a wellness enthusiast or a curious traveler, Canggu offers something for everyone. This article serves as a complete travel guide to help you navigate and make the most of your time in Canggu, Bali. Let’s dive in!

Traveling to Canggu, Bali

Ngurah Rai International Airport is the closest airport, located approximately 45 minutes away from Canggu. The most popular way for traveling from the airport to Canggu is pre-arranging an airport transfer. Alternatively, you can use a taxi or ride-hailing service, such as Grab or Gojek. Please note that the ride-hailing services do not leave directly from the airport and you must first walk to the public road.

From any other place in Bali, you can reach Canggu by arranging a private taxi or seat in a minivan. At most places, you can also use Grab or Gojek to arrange your transport to Canggu, Bali.

Getting around in Canggu

Renting a scooter is a popular way to explore Canggu and its surrounding areas. In order to rent a scooter, you need to have a valid international driver’s license and be comfortable riding in Bali’s traffic. If you’re planning on renting a scooter, make sure to know the traffic rules and habits.

Any scooter with more than 50cc is considered a motorcycle in Indonesia. As a Dutch person with a car license, you are not insured when renting a 50+cc scooter. Your car driving license and/or international driving license doesn’t do the trick. You need to have a Dutch motor driving license. At most places you can rent a scooter though. But keep in mind, if you damage the scooter or anything happens to yourself, you are not insured by the Dutch law. 

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Go-Jek and Grab are available and convenient for getting around Canggu. If you use a regular taxi, make sure to negotiate and confirm the price before hopping in.

Tip: download the application Maps.me and have an offline map wherever you go!

The best things to do in Canggu, Bali

I’ve spent around three weeks in Canggu and did many nice activities. I’ve collected most of them below, so you have an overview of all the possible things to do in Canggu:

– Go surfing

Canggu is a popular destination for surfers. If you’re interested in catching some waves, there are surf schools and board rentals available along the beaches.

Surf schools in Canggu offer group and private lessons tailored to all skill levels. I can recommend Kima Surf or Mojo Surf. At both places, you can book a ho(s)tel room and most prices include breakfast, surf guiding, surf video analysis, surf theory class, free flow coffee and tea, yoga sessions, use of bicycles, a co-working space and various social activities.

I paid around 350.000-450.000 IDR for a 2-hours board rental along the beach.

– Visit the Cat Cafe in Canggu

Visiting The Goa Cat Cafe x Ore Studio in Canggu is a fun experience that combines the joy of spending time with cats and seeing some local artwork from the Ore Studio. I loved the atmosphere!

– Relax at at one of the many beach clubs

Treat yourself to a day of relaxation at one of Canggu’s popular beach clubs:

• Old Man’s: is an iconic spot, known for its lively atmosphere, surf vibes, and regular events that bring together travelers for fun-filled evenings.
• The Lawn: offers a more upscale experience, with its well-manicured lawn overlooking the beach, perfect for lounging while sipping on refreshing cocktails.
• Finns Beach Club: offers an expansive oasis featuring multiple pools, DJ performances, and stunning sunsets over the Indian Ocean.

– Visit the beach and watch the sunset

Canggu, Bali is known for its stunning beaches and lively surf scene. Don’t miss out on visiting Canggu Beach, Batu Bolong Beach, and Berawa Beach for breathtaking sunsets and great surfing spots.

Tip: while the beaches in Canggu are beautiful, it’s essential to be aware of the ocean conditions. Always swim between the designated flags, as they indicate safe swimming areas monitored by lifeguards. Be cautious of strong currents and riptides, especially during high tide.

– Shop at boutique shops or bohemian-style markets

There are plenty of boutiques and shops in Canggu to find unique souvenirs, clothing, accessories, jewelry and homeware. Many places support local artisans and sustainable practices. These are my favorite markets in Canggu:

• Shocked Dog: is an amazing little shop with handcrafted jewelry, clothing and all kind of souvenirs.
• Love Anchor Store: serves as a bohemian-style shopping haven, where you can find handcrafted jewelry, clothing, and home decor items. It’s a hub of inspiration!
• Bali Niki Natural Art Market: offers more traditional artwork, made from natural materials like bamboo, coconut shells, and locally-sourced textiles.

– Try some yoga or meditation

Canggu offers numerous yoga studios and wellness centers. Join a yoga class, meditate, or indulge in a spa treatment. Below you can find some of my recommendations for yoga studios in Canggu:

• The Practice: offers sound healing and a wide range of yoga classes, from Hatha to Yin, suitable for all levels of practitioners.
• Samadi Bali: this yoga studio and holistic center provide daily yoga classes, workshops, and teacher training programs. It also have a vegetarian café. Every Sunday, a market with yoga classes, live music, and organic food stalls is organized, providing an opportunity to experience yoga in a lively community setting.
• Serenity Eco Guesthouse and Yoga: offers eco-friendly accommodations and a beautiful open-air yoga shala. Serenity Eco Guesthouse hosts daily yoga classes, meditation sessions, and detox programs.
• Desa Seni: known for its picturesque setting, traditional Indonesian architecture and retreats, Desa Seni offers an array of yoga classes in Vinyasa, Hatha, Restorative and Yin.

– Immerse yourself in a workshop

Immerse yourself in the local arts and crafts scene by joining a workshop. There are plenty of fun things to find in Canggu. Explore candle making, airdry clay making, crafting your own silver jewelry, pottery or painting wild art.

– Visit a spa

Pamper yourself with a spa experience or consider joining a wellness retreat. Canggu boasts a range of spas and wellness centers that offer massages, facials, and holistic treatments. Below you can find my favorite spas:

• Amo Spa: is known for its tranquil ambiance and a wide range of luxurious treatments, including massages, facials, nails, and body scrubs.
• Spring Spa: is another great spa in Canggu. Spring Spa boasts a stylish and modern setting along with a variety of pampering options, from traditional Balinese massages and manicure to indulgent spa packages.

– Workout at one of the many gyms

There are plenty of gyms in Canggu and depending on your individual preference and needs, you should choose one. Some of my recommendation are:

• Obsidian: is located in the paddy fields and this results in some amazing (sunset) workout views. The equipment is great and the gym has an outdoor swimming pool, sauna, ice bath, personal trainers and a cafe with healthy and high protein options.
• Body factory: has a great selection of Watson equipment and a recovery center including a sauna, ice bath, cold plunge and pool for sunbathing post session. The gym is air conditioned and the instructors are knowledgeable and encouraging.
• Brother gym: a small gym located near the paddy fields and one of the most affordable gyms in Canggu. The equipment is not new, but fine to train with. It’s clean and it sells snacks and a variety of drinks inside.

– Visit a temple

Bali is known as the “Island of a Thousand Temples,” and Canggu is close to several significant ones. Take a day trip to explore Tanah Lot Temple, Uluwatu Temple, or Taman Ayun Temple for a glimpse into Balinese spirituality and architecture. Please remember to dress modestly and behave in a respectful manner.

– Participate in a cooking class (at your own villa)

I always love participating in cooking classes! I can recommend you to discover Indonesian cuisine by taking a Balinese cooking class. Learn to prepare traditional dishes using fresh ingredients and age-old recipes. I invited a chef to my villa in Canggu and she brought all the fresh ingredients and equipment. She allowed me to design my own menu for things I knew I would want to cook when I got back home to The Netherlands. It was really fun. If you prefer to go somewhere for a cooking class, I’ve heard good things about Nia Balinese Cooking Class in Seminyak.

– Explore Canggu’s street art

Canggu has a lot of captivating street art and murals. Some popular places to find street art are at Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong, Jalan Batu Belig, around Finn’s Beach Club, on the Batu Balong to Berawa Road, Berawa Beach and Jalan Batu Belig. Rent a bicycle or scooter to explore the colorful and creative art pieces scattered throughout the town. I love to do this when traveling to new places.

– See a traditional dance performance

Check local schedules in Facebook groups for events showcasing Balinese dances like the Legong, Barong, or Kecak dance. The Uluwatu temple is a famous place to watch the Kecak Dance.

– Tour the surroundings

Explore the beauty of Canggu and its surrounding areas on a guided bicycle tour or with your own scooter. I really enjoyed riding through rice paddies, small villages, and the beautiful countryside. You can find a lot of beautiful nature between Canggu and the Tanah Lot Temple.

– Make a day trip or excursion

Canggu serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions. Some popular options include the Tanah Lot Temple, Ubud’s lush rice terraces, a Monkey Forest, the stunning Tegalalang Rice Terrace or Kuta’s famous water park: Waterbom Bali. Organized tours are available or you can hire a private driver or scooter.

Best places to work in Canggu, Bali

Digital nomads in Canggu can be happy. There are plenty of great places to work in Canggu. Here are some of my favorites:

• Noah Cafe: quiet cafe and great space with airconditioning to get some work done. Great prices too. I spent a few hours there getting some work done and nobody was bothered.
• Miel Coffee Canggu: tasty breakfast and the best coffee in town! It’s pricey, but delicious. I loved the croissant with truffle mushrooms and scrambled eggs. Seating downstairs and upstairs and no minimum spend.
• Sari Kitchen & Community: Wi-Fi is good and you can charge your phone or laptop here. Beautiful and clean place! Picturesque and spacious, the place has the right vibe for laptop work as well as for tasty meal.

Best places to eat in Canggu, Bali

Canggu is a food lover’s paradise! From traditional Indonesian cuisine to international flavors, you can find many restaurants. Here are some of my favorites:

– Breakfast & Lunch

• Secret Spot Canggu: great vegan breakfast and lunch choices. I am not vegan, but loved all the food here. I loved the falafel bliss bowl and cappuccino. There’s also a cute outdoor garden where you can sit.
• Copenhagen: a popular all-day breakfast restaurant where you can choose your own breakfast set. The place is small, so I recommend going early.
• Miel Coffee Canggu: tasty breakfast and lunch place with the best coffee in town! It’s pricey, but delicious. I loved the croissant with truffle mushrooms and scrambled eggs.
• La Baracca Bali: a super tasty Italian restaurant with great pizza’s, pastas, salads, paninis and antipasta. The paninis are some of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. In particular, the tuna panini is a must-try!

– Dinner

• Dapur Jawa Batu Bolong: is my favorite local warung in Canggu and with local, I mean really local, but so tasty! Here, you can choose your own food from Java. I loved the tempeh manis, chicken, vegetables and egg. I visited this warung multiple times. It was cheap and delicious.
• Red Gunpowder: a great place to try some Indian food. The curries were creamy and flavorful and the soft naan was great. The prices are a bit high, but worth it!
• La Baracca Bali: a super tasty Italian restaurant with great pizza’s, pastas, salads, paninis and antipasta. The paninis are some of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. In particular, the tuna panini is a must-try!
• Lima Bay: excellent venue for breakfast, lunch or dinner with a great view on the rice paddy fields. The food is pricey, but delicious. I recommend going here during the sunset and to order a cocktail or peach lemonade and some food!
• Hoi An by MeVui: a Vietnamese themed restaurant overlooking the rice paddy fields. The food was tasty and reminded me of my time in Vietnam. Try the pho, fresh spring rolls or a banh mi.

– Vegetarian / Vegan

• Secret Spot Canggu: great vegan breakfast and lunch choices. I am not vegan, but loved all the food here. I loved the falafel bliss bowl and cappuccino. There’s also a cute outdoor garden where you can sit.
• Shady Shack: a nice cafe serving inventive vegetarian dishes & sweet treats. This place is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I loved the halloumi bowl and jackfruit tacos.
• Iam Vegan Babe: another great vegan restaurant in Canggu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here, you can find a large selection of food and a relaxed atmosphere overlooking a rice field. I loved the vegan burger and different pastries. Went back multiple times.

Tip: don’t miss trying local specialties like nasi goreng (fried rice), babi guling (suckling pig), and sate (skewered meat). Consider taking a food tour in Bali. This is a great and safe way to get to know the REAL local cuisine! I participated in a food tour in Denpasar earlier this year and loved it! You can also find a food tour in Seminyak, which is closer to Canggu.

Nightlife in Canggu, Bali

Canggu has a vibrant nightlife scene, with beach clubs, bars, and live music venues offering a variety of entertainment options. Enjoy a sunset cocktail at one of the popular beachfront bars, dance the night away at a beach club party or savor some live music or games in one of the cafes. Here are my favorite places to relax or party in Canggu:

• Luigi’s Hot Pizza: kicks off the start of the week with the PNNY crew every Monday night from 8 – 12pm playing eclectic house beats to jackin’ techno. (Book tickets in advance as it sells out).
• Knights Chess bar: a fun bar to play chess or to have a drink. It’s a must visit, even if you’re not into chess. There’s nothing quite like this and the staff is absolutely amazing. Great food, drinks, vibes and chess! They give you a cool t-shirt if you manage to win.
• Black Sand Brewery: a great brewery in Canggu. Black Sand is always busy on Friday evenings with special price brews.
• Pretty Poison: with a skate ramp and a darker live stage, just off the rice field road, this is a fun place to grab a Bintang and watch skaters throw some serious tricks. There is live music on Thursdays.
• Finn’s Beach Club: offers an expansive oasis featuring multiple pools, DJ performances, and stunning sunsets. For all-day parties, sunset drinks or a family day out. Finns Beach Club pumps 7 days a week day and night.
• Old Man’s: Located just in front of Batu Bolong Beach and one of the most popular beach clubs in Canggu. It’s an iconic spot, known for its lively atmosphere, surf vibes, and regular events. Wednesday is the biggest night at Old Man’s, get down there for the beer pong comp. Loads of fun, loads of people.
• The Lawn: offers a more upscale experience, with its well-manicured lawn overlooking the beach, perfect for lounging while sipping on refreshing cocktails. The Lawn Friday nights go from 9pm till 1am with half price on selected drinks and a range of disco, house, RnB and hip-hop tunes.
• Sandbar: Sandbar picks up the late-night, young, party crowd to end another wild night on the beach in Canggu. The music usually goes on until about 4 – 5am.

Remember to stay safe while partying in Canggu. Don’t leave your drinks unattended and don’t drink if you’re driving. You can always order a Gojek or Grab after partying. Have fun out there!

Accommodation in Canggu, Bali

The accommodation options in Canggu range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels and charming homestays. For a touch of luxury, there are plenty of private villas to choose from. I have spent around three weeks in Canggu and stayed at several mid-range hotels and luxurious villas. Bellow you can find some of my favorite accommodations in Canggu, Bali:

– Budget accommodation:

Lushy Hostel is a well-known (party) hostel that offers dormitories and private rooms. They host social events everyday and have discounts on meals and drinks throughout the week. It’s most definitely a party hostel, but you can skip all this if you want. They also regularly organize a pub crawl throughout Canggu.

Black Pearl Hostel is located 500 meters from Batu Bolong Beach and offers dormitories and private rooms. The property has two outdoor swimming pools, comfy beds, a pool table and organizes almost every night live music. It’s a super chill place to meet new people.

Coco & Pineapple is another recommended hostel for backpackers and solo travelers. It’s a new and calm place in Canggu.

– Mid-range accommodation:

Puri Canggu Rooms ll and The Palms Canggu are two affordable mid-range hotels in Canggu. Both places offer private rooms, have an outdoor pool and a convenient location in Canggu.

If you like to support local communities, I can recommend staying overnight in a homestay. I’ve stayed at Lila Loka Homestay and really enjoyed my stay there. The owners were very kind, the rooms were large and clean and there was a nice outdoor pool.

If you are looking for a villa in Canggu (that you can share with family and friends), I can recommend staying at Villa Leya. This villa is located in the center of Canggu, has three bedrooms, a pool and beautiful bohemian style interior. I loved staying here with my friends that I met along the way.

– Luxury accommodation:

There are plenty of private villas to choose from in Canggu. Apart from staying at Villa Leya, I have no other luxury experiences in Canggu. I can recommend using Booking.com or Airbnb.com to find a villa that suits your needs.

Other things to know before traveling to Canggu

Below you can find some frequently asked questions about traveling to Canggu. Perhaps it can help you:

Do I need a travel adapter?

The standard voltage in Indonesia is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. The power outlets typically accept two-pin plugs (Type C and F). If your devices use different plugs, please remember to bring a universal travel adapter to ensure compatibility.

What does the weather look like in Canggu?

Canggu enjoys a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for the beach, such as shorts, t-shirts, and swimwear. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. In the rainy season (typically from November to March), a light rain jacket or umbrella may come in handy.

How is healthcare organized in Canggu?

Prior to traveling to Canggu, ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents. Carry a digital copy of your insurance policy and emergency contact numbers with you at all times.

In case of any medical concerns or emergencies, Canggu has several reputable medical clinics and hospitals. I recommend contacting Bhakti Vedanta Medical via +62 819-9995-1464. You can use Whatsapp to contact them. They also provide home service and delivery service of medicines.

Can I buy a local sim card in Canggu?

Canggu, Bali has good internet coverage, with most accommodations, cafes, and restaurants offering free Wi-Fi. However, if you require continuous connectivity during your stay, consider getting a local SIM card with a data plan or an e-sim.

I recommend using the Telkomsel provider for data on your mobile phone. Telkomsel, Indonesia’s largest and most reputable telecommunications company, offers excellent network coverage in Bali, even in remote areas and other popular tourist spots like Ubud and Seminyak. Sim Card Pande Cell is a local and trustworthy shop in Canggu to buy a Telkomsel sim card and data plan. They offer a range of affordable data packages to suit different needs, from short-term tourists’ plans to longer-term options for digital nomads. Use the MyTelkomsel application to keep track of your data usage and to recharge your data plan.

Are ATMs available in Canggu?

ATMs are widely available in Canggu, allowing you to withdraw Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Most establishments in Canggu accept credit cards, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and in case you visit places that don’t accept cards. Most ATMs have withdrawal limits of 1,250,000 (50,000 note machines) or 3,000,000 (100,000 note machines). At this location, you have multiple ATMs like BNI, Commonwealth, Permata or Mandiri. At the Commonwealth bank I was able to withdraw the maximum amount of 3,000,000 IDR.

Conclusion

I hope this guide equipped you with the necessary information to make the most of your visit to Canggu, Bali. If you have any questions about the above mentioned information, please let me know in the comment section below. I’m happy to help you. Safe travels!

Author: Daphne

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