On the southeast coast of Bali, nestled amongst lush green rice fields lies Canggu. Once a sleepy fishing village, Canggu is now one of Bali’s coolest neighborhoods. Although it’s just a short drive from bustling Seminyak and Legian, Canggu has managed to hold on to a more laidback vibe, making it the destination of choice for surfers, health fanatics, digital nomads and those with a little bit of a bohemian spirit.
Palms rise up from the water in peaceful Canggu Bali. | Sweet Ice Cream Photography
Things to Do in Canggu: A Local’s Guide
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Why is Canggu worth visiting?
Canggu, or the Gu, as it is informally known, may not be as sophisticated as some of the neighboring areas. But, there are plenty of things to do in Canggu.
That, coupled with some amazing accommodations in Canggu, makes this the perfect destination for a fantastic tropical Bali holiday.
First of all, you need to know a bit about the different areas that make up Canggu; it may not be very big, but there is quite a lot of diversity in terms of areas.
So, depending on what type of holiday you want, you need to pick the right place.
There are six different areas in Canggu:
- Batu Bolong
- Berawa Beach
- Echo Beach
- Pererenan
- Umalas
- Kerobokan
Batu Bolong, Berawa Beach, and Echo Beach make up the busiest parts of Canggu and are definitely the places to go if you prefer to be at the center of the action.
These Canggu beaches are obviously all right on the coast and full of bars, restaurants, and clubs. Batu Bolong is also the main shopping area.
By contrast, Pererenan is the quietest part of town, full of sleepy streets, ancient temples, and some amazing views of the rice fields. It’s great for anyone who just wants to escape the world and enjoy life at a slower pace for a little while.
You may have heard of Kerobokan as it is home to Bali’s famous prison of the same name.
But, don’t let this put you off, as both Kerobokan and neighboring Umalas have some lovely places to stay as well as plenty of restaurants and shops.
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Book one of the beautiful Canggu villas available in the area for peace, quiet, and luxury. | Taylor Simpson
Where to Stay in Canggu
Once you have worked out where to go, you need to decide where to stay in Canggu.
There are plenty of Canggu beach accommodation options to suit all budgets, ranging from 5*resorts to some less expensive resorts and Canggu villas.
Click here to search for Canggu accommodations and read real reviews
Although the thought of booking a Bali villa may have you clutching your wallet in pain, things are a little different in Bali. You can find some of the best places to stay in Canggu for families or large groups for a really good price.
If you are on a tight budget but don’t want to compromise on quality, then try looking into some of the gorgeous boutique hotels in Canggu. There are several in central locations that have all the benefits you would expect to find in a high-end hotel, for a fraction of the cost.
Tugu Hotel Canggu is a stunning Bali boutique hotel with carefully designed suites showcasing artisanal works and antique pieces. This wrap-up of some of the best luxury hotels in Bali includes our stay at Tugu Canggu.
Although a little tired, the Aston Canggu is a popular 4-star resort just footsteps from Batu Bolong Beach for those on more of a budget.
COMO Uma Canggu could be the best hotel in Canggu for those in search of a luxury wellness experience. Expect from Surf and Stay packages to indulgent COMO Shambhala retreat stays that will ensure your reach that coveted Bali bliss high on return home.
Search more of the best hotels in Canggu Bali here.
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Try the beautiful, fresh menu offers at Betelnut Cafe Canggu. | © Betelnut Cafe
Cozy surrounds at Betelnut Cafe Canggu. | © Betelnut Cafe
Where to Eat in Canggu
Canggu is well known for its cafe scene, so to start any day in the Gu, you will want to find a good place for breakfast.
You won’t have to look far as there are plenty of places to choose from.
Penny Lane Bali
Get your camera and your appetite ready as Penny Lane Canggu packs a punch.
Mexican-inspired interiors will make you swoon as you saunter into the relaxed Canggu restaurant.
You would be hard-pressed not to find something on their extensive menu. It has you covered from breakfast to dessert, featuring cuisines from around the world.
You’ll find comfort food favorites the likes of a loaded schnitzel Australian-style to American-esque wings and some of the Canggu’s best burgers for a post-surf carb hit.
For the crowd fresh from the yoga studio there are vegan and healthy food options such as smoothies and superfood salads.
It’s a veritable choose-your-own epicurean adventure.
Shady Shack
When the sun starts to get too high in the sky, it’s a good idea to head back inland and find and find somewhere for lunch.
There are enough places to choose from that you could probably spend the entire holiday cafe hopping from one to the other and still not go everywhere.
Try the Shady Shack. This is a vegetarian restaurant, but meat-eaters should not be put off, it has some of the best food in Canggu.
Everything is so tasty that you will not notice the difference. They do one of the best veggie burgers and also some tasty savory bowls.
You also get to enjoy a lively atmosphere – if you sit inside you will be surrounded by funky decorations, and outside you will be in tropical gardens.
Additionally, this is a good place to come and hang out for an hour or two, with a latte and a delicious slice of homemade cake.
Here is our full guide to the best restaurants in Canggu
Read Next | Where to Eat in Bali
The home-like space at Shady Shack Canggu. | © Shady Shack
Eat the rainbow at the Shady Shack Canggu| © Shady Shack
6 Amazing Things to do in Canggu
When it comes to things to do in Canggu, the area generously caters to families, couples, and surfers alike.
With plenty of amazing Canggu restaurants, outdoor activities, and signature Bali spas to help you unwind during your stay.
1. Relax at a Canggu Day Spa
As far as afternoon activities in Canggu go, there is a lot on offer. If you feel like going down the relaxing route, then why not treat yourself to one of the local spas?
The Goldust Beauty Lounge and Amo Spa Caggu are two of the most popular and both of them have plenty of luxurious treatments to choose from. Besides, you can’t come to Bali and not get a massage
Arguably the best spa in Canggu AMO Spa Canggu is a one-stop-shop offering everything from spa packages to sauna, beauty treatments, IV, and a cafe for a healthy lunch afterward.
Goldust Beauty Lounge is known for its very Instagrammable 24k GOLD facial. In Bali for a wedding? They offer spa parties for a pre-party pamper.
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Canggu has a laid-back vibe with plenty to do and beautiful surf beaches. | Josh Withers
2. Learn to Surf in Canggu
Learning to surf has to be one of the most iconic things to do in Canggu Bali.
There are plenty of Canggu surf schools, where you can book a private surf lesson or book the kids into a Bali surf camp during your stay too.
3. Visit Tanah Lot
Another option is to go to the nearby Tanah Lot. This is one of Bali’s most famous, not to mention beautiful, temples and is usually considered to be a ‘Bali must do’ site whilst on the island.
It’s usually better to go later in the day so you can enjoy the sun setting over the ocean and silhouetting the temple. Be warned, it can get busy though.
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Sunset at The Lawn Canggu is a must during your visit. | Cassie Gallegos
Bikes showing off at Deus Ex Machina, Canggu. | Radoslav Bali
4. Workout out at a Canggu Gym
If you’re a keen Instagram scroller, it’s likely you’ve seen the shiny bodies beaming after a session at Body Factory Bali.
The best gym in Canggu to train and check out the fit crowd, grab a casual pass and join one of their many classes covering yoga, pilates, and strength. They even have women-only workouts for gym newcomers to feel more comfortable on the gym floor.
The Canggu Studio has more of a dance focus with a huge variety of classes ranging from Barre to gymnastics and Yoga HIIT. They offer drop-in passes to full memberships.
Check out our wrap-up on where to find five of the best yoga classes in Bali.
5. Settle in For a Canggu Sunset
Canggu is lucky to be on the right side of Bali to make the most of the famed Canggu sunset.
Set yourself up with a good viewing spot. There are loads of good bars and beach clubs in Canggu.
Try getting yourself a beanbag at The Lawn, La Brisa, or heading to a local favourite, Ji Terrace by the Sea.
It is a 3rd-floor roof terrace restaurant and bar with a panoramic view of the coastline, that happens to serve some delicious cocktails.
You also won’t have to go far for dinner as they serve a delicious pan-Asian menu and some of the best sushi you will find outside of Japan.
6. Canggu Nightlife
Once darkness falls, bars in Canggu come to life. The Canggu nightlife scene may not be quite as hectic as Seminyak and is definitely nothing like Kuta, but there is plenty going on.
Deus Ex Machina is always a good place to go, especially for ‘Tacos and Tattuesdays’, as is the dance floor at Old Mans.
Pretty Poison Bali in nearby Kediri is a hot spot for the surf and skate crowd with a DJ, with a backyard party vibe complete with an empty pool for skaters to show off their skills.
Finish the evening at one of the best bars in Canggu, Sand Bar, which stays open into the early hours and is known for its bonfires on the beach.
Once you have finished dancing the night away, make your way back home for a few hours of sleep before the start of another glorious day in Canggu.
This guest post was contributed by Bali Villas. With extensive experience in servicing Australian clients, Bali Villas know the best villas in Canggu for exactly what families are looking for in terms of location, style, and pricing.
Each of their family-friendly villas situated on the beautiful island of Bali have been hand-picked by their ‘family expert’ so they’ll find the best villa in Canggu for you. Someone with children who knows exactly what families are looking for.
Grab a spot on the beach or get to Tanah Lot early to get a good Canggu sunset viewing spot. | Benjamin Janos
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