Canggu, located on Bali’s southwest coast, is fast growing in popularity and has been dubbed by some as the new Seminyak. Surrounded by lush rice paddies and black sand beaches, this picturesque village is a haven for surfers, food lovers, and digital nomads. Despite the influx of tourists to the hotspot, it has maintained a distinctly laidback Balinese vibe.
A trip to Canggu will keep any kind of traveller happy, offering a delightful fusion of local and foreign cultures, activities, dining experiences, and accommodations to suit every budget.
So, who’s ready for a vacation?
Here’s our guide on where to stay and what to do on your next trip to Canggu.
Things To Do
Visit Pura Tanah Lot
Pura Tanah Lot is a temple about a 25-minute drive from Canggu. It’s one of Bali’s biggest attractions. Perched on a massive three-acre rock, the temple is only accessible by foot at low tide. You can expect some hefty crowds at sunset as tourists arrive in droves to experience the golden hour. Peak hour or not, a visit to this sacred site is a must.
Unwind at a yoga class
With its healthy food scene and lifestyle attractions, Canggu is a sought-after destination for yogis. From 5-star wellness retreats to anti-gravity yoga and teacher training courses, there’s a studio for any level of experience in the village.
Take a surf lesson
Canggu’s three main beaches — Echo Beach, Berawa Beach and Batu Balong Beach — are all popular surfing spots. Beginners can cut their teeth on ‘Old Mans’, the long, mellow righthander at Batu Balong. Echo Beach Left is reserved for the more experienced surfer, as the shallow reef break is a hard and heavy breaker. The Bali surf season runs from May to September, though it’s possible to surf all year round. Rent a board, take a lesson, and hit the waves.
Slip & slide at Splash Water Park
Splash Water Park at Finns Recreation Centre features world-class water slides for all ages, including a 90-metre-long slide where you can speed-race your friends. A day pass to Splash includes access to Finns’ 25-metre lap pool, daybeds, towels, locker rental, and changing rooms.
Take a food tour
With an abundance of local and international restaurants, Canggu’s culinary scene is emerging as one of the best in Bali. If you want to try a bit of everything, why not jump on a foodie tour? Led by a local guide, you’ll spend 2½ hours on the back of a scooter exploring some of the area’s most loved dishes.
Visit the Samadi Sunday Market
Start your Sunday with a stroll around the Samadi Sunday Market, where you’ll find local organic fruit and veggies, freshly baked bread, home-brewed kombucha, spices, nuts, clothing, jewellery and more. Open from 9.00am to 2.00pm weekly.
Explore on horseback
Most Bali visitors hire a scooter or driver to get around, but we recommend trying something different and spending a few hours exploring Canggu’s landscape on horseback. Tours like this one offer a unique experience for riders, taking you through lush rice fields and along the beautiful black sands of Pererenan Beach.
Where To Eat
Crate Cafe
Crate Cafe may have started as a tiny hole-in-the-wall cafe, but it’s since expanded to include a gallery space with monthly exhibitions, a boutique, and a cocktail and tea lounge. It’s one of the best spots off Batu Balong for breakfast, offering vegan & vegetarian options, punchy coffee, and a buzzing atmosphere.
The Shady Shack
For tasty vegan food and a cool boho-chic aesthetic, you can’t go past The Shady Shack. This meat-free cafe serves colourful nori bowls, smoothies, burgers, vegan cakes, and coffee, all made from local organic ingredients.
Warung Bu Mi
One of Canggu’s most ambient restaurants, Warung Bu Mi offers diners light options during the day — including hearty salads, wraps, and smoothies — before transforming into a cosy cocktail bar and restaurant once the sun sets. It’s a great spot to celebrate a special occasion.
Cinta Cafe
Located just a few minutes ride from Berawa Beach, Cinta Cafe is the place to be for breakfast, dinner, or anything in between. The broad menu boasts dishes made with local ingredients, served with views across the lush rice fields.
Lacalita Bar y Cocina
Clashing colours, bold artwork, street-inspired eats, and killer cocktails: Lacalita Bar y Cocina is everything you could want in a modern Mexican restaurant. Expect low-key crowds hanging out during the day and lively happy hours every evening.
Mason
Mason is one of those ultra-cool yet effortlessly casual dinner spots, all about top-quality meats, cheeses, gourmet dips, and veggies done right. It’s all homemade and served simply to let the flavours shine. Grab a cocktail and graze your way through a few share starters to get a good cross-section of their offering.
Where To Drink
Finn’s Beach Club
Probably the most famous of all Canggu’s beach clubs, Finn’s is the place to be seen about town. Grab a cocktail or two from either of the swim-up bars and enjoy the infinity pool, stunning sunset views, relaxing day beds, and daily DJs.
The Lawn
Perched on the black sands of Batu Bolong is The Lawn, a beach bar and lounge serving spritzes, fizzes, daytime sipping cocktails, and a great range of classics. Soak up the atmosphere beneath the shade of your umbrella and dip in the infinity pool to cool off, hanging around to watch that famed sunset.
Gimme Shelter
One for those who like it loud, Gimme Shelter is a punk rock bar that promises ‘all rock’n’roll, all of the time’. Live bands take the stage on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and there’s an open mic night on Mondays. Line up the Bintangs and have yourself a grungy good time.
Black Sand Brewery
On a mission to introduce the world of craft beer to Bali, Black Sand Brewery is now one of Canggu’s most popular watering holes. Bringing in a community of surfers and beer enthusiasts, it’s a place for good times, great company, and tasty craft beers.
La Brisa
La Brisa, located on Echo Beach, is a carefree bar and restaurant known for its eclectic shabby-chic design and sustainable menu. Interestingly, this beach bar is built from reclaimed wood from over 500 disused fishing boats. Nestle back into a beanbag with a cocktail and watch the waves as the sun sets.
Where To Stay
COMO Uma Canggu
COMO Uma Canggu is an elegant beachfront resort offering a variety of luxury accommodations, from light and airy rooms and suites to private penthouse residences with rooftop pools and butler services. Relax and enjoy a meal at the COMO beach club, or head to the state-of-the-art wellness centre for yoga, pilates, massage, and beauty services.
D’djabu Villas Canggu
Surrounded by rice fields, D’djabu Villas Canggu is a peaceful retreat for guests who still want to be in the centre of it all. Nearby you’ll find Batu Bolong Beach, shopping, nightlife, and many restaurants, including La Brisa.
Canggu Dream Village Hotel
The simple yet comfortable rooms at Canggu Dream Village Hotel won’t break the bank, so you’ll have more to spend while you’re out and about. The rooftop bar and pool offer 360-degree views and is just perfect for taking in those magical Balinese sunsets.
Shore Amora
Located mere steps from Pererenan Beach, the location of Shore Amora couldn’t get much better. The same goes for the stylish contemporary suites and villas. Here guests can enjoy grazing at the poolside restaurant, lounging and mingling at the rooftop bar, or even getting married in the rooftop chapel.
Villa Berawa
Showcasing traditional design, the accommodations, outdoor living spaces, and lush green gardens at Villa Berawa are distinctly Balinese. A 10-minute stroll from the stay will land you at Berawa Beach and Finn’s Beach Club. The hotel also offers free bicycle rental and babysitting services.
Amar Boutique Hotel
You’ll feel at home the minute you arrive at the family-run Amar Boutique Hotel. Handcrafted details are everywhere, paying respect to local traditions and culture. The overall feel of this boutique hotel is one of tranquillity. With helpful hosts, a swimming pool, a chill-out room, and delicious breakfasts, it’s got everything you need for a peaceful stay.
Read more about our favourite Asian destinations here.
Lead image: Cassie Gallegos on Unsplash
