Things to do in Canggu
Canggu is more about bustling bars, great surf, and fantastic shopping than peace and relaxation. You can still get out in nature and explore the nearby rice fields, but for a quieter option, choose destinations like Amed or Uluwatu.
1. La Brisa Farmers Market
La Brisa, a hipster hang-out spot by the beach, comes alive every Sunday with its bustling farmers market. Stalls sell organic products, handmade clothing, fresh fruit and veg, and much more in this beautifully decorated location with fantastic sea views.
This is one of Hannah’s favorite markets on the island; she’s a big fan of the colorful handwoven textiles!
Start your day with freshly baked bread and pastries, a Balinese coffee, and a wander around this eclectic market that supports local farmers and businesses. You can also use La Brisa’s pool and sunbeds once you’ve finished browsing the market!
Opening Times and Entrance Fee: The market is open from 8 AM – 4 PM, and entrance is free.
2. Surfing in Canggu
Canggu is home to some of the best surf spots in Bali, with consistent swells, great weather, and waves suitable for both beginner and advanced surfers. The black sand beaches are not the most beautiful on the island, but the surf makes up for it! Head out early like the pros to avoid the crowds and enjoy the sunrise from the water or enjoy one of the top things to do in Canggu: a surf lesson to kickstart your skills.
Top Tip: For something really unique, join a surf camp like Kima, where you can learn to surf over several days. It’s also a great way to meet new people!
Good to know: Dry season from April to October is surf season. If you visit during the shoulder seasons of April/May and September/October, you can still enjoy excellent surf conditions with slightly fewer crowds. We always recommend wearing reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine environment.
Best Surf spots
- Echo Beach (intermediate)
- Berawa Beach (slightly quieter)
- Batu Balong Beach (at Old Man’s – best for beginners)
- Pereranan Beach
3. Nusa Clay Club
For something a little different to kick off your stay in Canggu, have a go at throwing pots at Nusa Clay Club, an independent pottery school run by Susan (an Ubud local). She gives pottery classes to all levels and provides a hands-on learning experience where you will learn the basics of how to handle clay and use a potter’s wheel.
Spend a memorable afternoon in her calm and welcoming studio, creating your own beautiful ceramics to take home as unique homemade souvenirs or gifts for loved ones. This experience is one of the best things to do in Canggu!
Tip: Hannah and I really enjoyed our experience at Nusa Clay Cub. It’s the perfect rainy-day activity if you’re visiting Bali during the monsoon season.
4. Bali Beach Clubs
Canggu has many great beach bars, both small and large. If you want a more low-key atmosphere, head for the beach shacks between Pererenan and Mejan (next to La Brisa). These bars are an excellent option for those on a tighter budget and are perfect for spending the day lounging on a sunbed in the sunshine. A sunbed and umbrella cost 50,000 IDR (3.30 USD) for the whole day.
Tip: We were surprised how busy the beach bars get in high season, so we definitely recommend making a reservation a day in advance to secure your spot on the daybeds. Parking at the beach costs around 2000 IDR (0.13 USD).
Here are some of our favorites:
La Brisa
La Brisa is the most beautiful beach club in Canggu, Bali. The building is made from bamboo and wood and is surrounded by palm trees, giving it a wonderful natural atmosphere. Two pools, a large variety of chill-out areas, and a stunning ocean view make this one of the nicest places to spend the day relaxing in the Balinese sunshine. See the location here.
The Lawn
The Lawn is a popular and relaxed beach club with great food, large lounge beds for sunbathing, and a massive infinity pool overlooking the beach. Come here Friday night for one of their infamous parties (free entry before 9 PM).
Location: Canggu Beach
Sol Rooftop
One of the newer beach clubs in town, Sol, is located on a rooftop overlooking the ocean. You can’t access the beach from here. However, I loved the stunning view from here of the sunset, which you can enjoy with a cocktail in hand by the pool and delicious food.
Location: Pererenan beach
FINNS
FINNS is one of the most legendary spots in Canggu, known for its luxurious and stylish setting and big beach club vibes. With 11 bars, 5 restaurants, and 4 swimming pools, it’s a top thing to do in Canngu and a must-visit for those looking to party in Bali.
Entrance fee/minimum spend required.
Location: Berewa Beach
5. Pura Tanah Lot
You can’t miss a visit to Pura Tanah Lot while you’re here; it’s one of the best things to do in Canggu! The sacred site is located on top of a beautiful rock formation overlooking the water, and although it’s a popular spot with tourists, local people still come here to worship the Bali Sea gods. Book a guided tour if you want to learn more about the local history.
The iconic and atmospheric sea temple is surrounded by crashing waves and provides stunning views of the Indian Ocean, so don’t forget your camera to get some beautiful shots of the scenery. Come here at sunset when the sea turns to gold, and the light falls perfectly onto the rocks.
Entrance Fee: 60,000 IDR (4 USD)
One of the best things to do in Canggu is enjoy a day trip to this beautiful spot. You can arrange it with our friend Yande at Bali Friend Tour.
6. Foodie Heaven
Canggu has a fantastic food scene (literally food heaven!). You could easily spend all your time cafe and restaurant hopping and still not experience them all. Mouth-watering cakes and pastries, beachy brunches, and delicious and filling Balinese cuisine await you on every street. If you’ve over-indulged, Canggu is also known for its health-focused cafes, many of which offer vegan and vegetarian options, so you can eat out guilt-free!
One of our favorite things to do in Canngu is to enjoy a delicious meal with friends at one of the many excellent restaurants in town. You can read about all our favorites below.
Top Tip: Hannah’s absolute favorite restaurant in Canggu is Woods. Whereas mine is Bu Mi. Both are delicious!
7. Relax on the Beaches of Canggu
Batu Bolong, Echo, Berawa, and Pererenan are all great beaches in Canggu. Here you can take in the ocean views, drink cocktails, and sunbathe to your heart’s content. You won’t find white sand and turquoise water like in Uluwatu, Amed, and the islands of Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan. However, the beaches offer a chilled vibe with huge surfing culture, lovely beach shacks, and lots of people enjoying the sunset. Good to know: When you’re not close to the beach, please wear a top in restaurants and cafes out of respect.
Also read: Best Beaches in Bali
8. Explore Canggu Rice Paddies
Escape the buzz of Canggu and experience authentic Bali culture away from the tourists, where you can stop for a chat with locals and see the day-to-day of rural life. Rent a scooter in town and venture out to the beautiful rice fields, stop for lunch at a family-owned restaurant, and take in the peaceful, natural surroundings.
Did you know? Everywhere in Bali, you’ll see Balinese offerings outside people’s homes and lining the streets. Small baskets are filled with flowers, sweets, incense, and other tokens — made to please the gods.
We recommend heading out early to explore the area from Jalan Pantai Pererenan to Jalan Raya Seseh for some lovely views of the rice paddies. However, if your focus is to experience the stunning nature of Bali, don’t miss out on Ubud, Sidemen, and the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. If you want to explore these areas, it is also possible to book a combi day tour leaving from Canggu.
Tip: I always use Google Translate to chat with locals and learn more about them and their beautiful country. I’ve even been trying to learn a bit of Balinese in my spare time!
9. Watch the Sunset on the Beach
Grab a fresh coconut or Bintang, and enjoy the sunset at one of the many beautiful beaches in Canggu. Just next to the beach clubs like Finns are a few smaller local beach bars with bean bags in front. This is an excellent spot to see the locals walking their dogs and the surfers enjoying the waves. Our favorite place to watch the sunset is Mejan Beach.
10. Relax and Recharge at Canggu’s Luxury Resorts
Holidays are a chance to fully relax, unwind and step back from reality, so treat yourself to a few days at a beautiful luxury resort in Canggu. Enjoy luxurious spa treatments, lounge by your private pool, and enjoy exciting culinary experiences for every meal. Canggu offers everything from intimate private villas to beautifully designed beach resorts, all with excellent levels of service and amenities, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Here are some of our favorites:
11. Party in Canggu
The party scene thrives in Canggu, particularly on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, when you can expect a good atmosphere and busy venues.
Some of the best places to party in Canggu are:
- Luigi’s – Monday
- The Shady Pig – Tuesday
- Old Man’s – Wed & Sat
- The Lawn – Friday
- La Brisa – most Saturdays
- DEUS – Sunday
- Sand Bar – every night
- MASON (backroom)
12. Shopping in Canggu
Canggu has an eclectic mix of shops offering everything from designer labels to local, handmade products and vintage treasures. It also has a great selection of concept stores where you can browse the shelves for stylish and trendy products, including clothing, homeware, accessories, and skincare. Treat yourself to something new (or second-hand!) and explore everything Canggu, Bali, has to offer.
Did you know? Hannah loves vintage shopping, so no trip to Canggu is complete without hitting all her top spots. Last time, we came back with almost an entire suitcase of treasures! Vintage shopping is a great way to add a different decoration style to your home.
Clothing
Explore the boutiques and concept stores with flowy dresses, linen trousers, and crochet tops. Or head to the mall to find your next favorite item.
Health Food Stores
Stock up on healthy snacks and products at Canggu’s health food stores, many of which offer organic, vegan, and gluten-free options. Bokashi and Samadi Supermarket are one of our favorites.
Surf Shops
If you’re looking for surf gear, check out one of Canggu’s many surf shops. They carry a range of boards, wetsuits, and accessories for all levels of surfers.
Note: Inspired by our surf lessons, I couldn’t wait to browse the surf shops. However, as Hannah reminded me (!), if you’re not an experienced surfer, it’s better to hire a wetsuit and board just for the day. You can always invest in the future.
Want to learn how to surf? Book your surf lesson in Canggu here!
Art Galleries
Explore the local art scene in Canggu, which showcases a variety of styles, from traditional Balinese paintings to contemporary street art like The Medium.
13. Gyms in Canggu
Bali is known as a place of spiritual healing, but Canggu also has a huge variety of health and fitness facilities! Whether you like to hit the gym, practice sports, or are a yogi fanatic, there is something for everyone in this fantastic corner of Bali.
Fitness
There are loads of great gyms and fitness studios in the area. However, expect very high prices at most of these places. Some of them include:
- Avenue Fitness
- ZYCLE Canggu
- Nirvana Strength
- Bull Gym Bali Fitness
- Body Factory
Fun fact: One of the things that I sometimes find difficult about traveling so much is staying fit. However, Bali is one of the easiest places to focus on mental and physical health because there are so many great facilities! My favorite is Body Factory.
14. Day Trips from Canggu
Consider taking a day trip from Canggu to somewhere a little different. Book a guided tour exploring the epic volcanos and lakes of Batur or visit the green rice paddies of Jatiluwih, there are plenty of beautiful and exciting places to visit in a day. We recommend exploring the island using our friend Yande on a fantastic guided tour. Here are some amazing day trips available on the island:
15. Multi-Day Trips from Canggu
Escape the hustle and bustle of Canggu and book a day trip (or multiple) exploring authentic Bali. Explore places where you can breathe in the fresh mountain air, take in stunning vistas of jungles and waterfalls, or experience paradise island vibes. Book tours with our friend Yande.
Help out the locals, and join a beach clean-up session, a quick and easy way to make a difference. The fantastic company TrashHero organizes these weekly – you may even meet your next travel friends while you’re there!
Best Cafes and Restaurants in Canggu
Canggu has an incredible food scene, with an array of international cuisines as well as great Indonesian food made with fresh local ingredients. Eating out is very easy in Canggu; there are loads of vegan and vegetarian options, as well as cute hipster brunch spots and beach-side cafes serving delicious coffee and pastries. Some of our favorites are:
- L’osteria (Berawa)
- Woods (Pererenan)
- Shady Shack (Batu Bolong)
- Arte (Pererenan)
- Give Cafe (Lingjong)
- Copenhagen (Lingjong)
- Warung Bu Mi (Batu Bolong)
- Bokashi (Berawa)
- Ruko (Berawa)
- Times Beach Warung (Batu Bolong)
Where to Stay in Canggu
The areas to stay in Canggu, Bali are Batu Bolong, Berawa, Paddang Lingjong, and Pererenan, which are all central and have plenty of hostel options as well as more up-market hotels and villas. Remember that Canggu is one of the pricier areas in Bali, so expect to pay more than in other places.
There are loads of things to do in Canggu, making it one of the buzziest places in Bali!
If you are looking for peace and quiet, however, it may not be the best option. I used to find it very peaceful, but each time we go back, we notice there are more bars, restaurants, cafes, and beach clubs attracting big crowds, particularly during the high season from June to August. On the plus side, though, the atmosphere in this area is like no other on the island, and it’s super easy to make friends!
Batu Bolong
Slap bang in the center of Canggu; this is the best place to be in the thick of the action! You are within walking distance of most of the restaurants and beach clubs, and there is fantastic shopping in this area.
Berawa
Another popular area, Berawa, has a great food and shopping scene and you won’t have trouble finding accommodation here. It is close to the Canggu center, and has lots of restaurants, but currently the busiest area with traffic.
Linjong
Linjong offers the best of both worlds, close to the areas of Batu Bolong and Pererenan. Popular with tourists but not nearly as crowded, Linjong is still central enough to reach everything easily, including the popular beach club La Brisa on the main street.
Pererenan
If you want something a little more relaxed and out of the way, Pererenan is a great option. This area’s rice paddies and beach create a slightly more peaceful environment to settle in for a few days. However, it is about a 10-minute drive by motorbike from the center of Canggu, so it’s better to stay closer to town if you want to be within walking distance of the central hub of bars and cafes.
Is it Better to Stay in Seminyak or Canggu?
Seminyak is also a very popular place to stay while visiting Bali, known for its lively party scene, upscale restaurants, and glamorous resorts. If you’re looking for surfing culture and a more bohemian vibe, then Canggu is definitely the place to stay. However, for a little more luxury, Seminyak is an excellent place to base yourself. It really depends on what you’re looking for!
How Many Days in Canggu?
Two or three days is the ideal amount of time to tick off the things to do in Canggu. This gives you more than enough time to experience all the great foodie spots, relax at the beach and explore the main areas. Base yourself here for a few more days if you want to take a few more day/multi-day trips from here.
How to Visit Canggu
Canggu is well located on the island, and only a 45-90 minute drive from the international airport, depending on traffic.
By Motorcycle
You can rent a motorcycle from the airport for around 50,000 IDR (3.30 USD). Be aware that the traffic around Canggu can be heavy, especially in the high season, so this may not be your best option if you are not confident on a motorbike.
By Taxi
You can easily hail a taxi from the airport, costing you around 260,000 IDR (16 USD). Grab Taxi is also available from the airport, but we recommend pre-booking to make your journey hassle-free. Check if airport transfers are included if you have booked a package tour.
By Private Car
Booking a private driver for your time in Bali is a cost-effective and hassle-free option, particularly if you’re traveling in a group. Your driver will collect you from the airport and then from your hotel daily to take you to all the top spots around the island.
Getting Around
The main roads in Canggu all lead down towards the beach and can get congested with a lot of traffic. This can make it hard to drive if you’re a beginner at riding a scooter or motorcycle. Luckily, most shops, restaurants, cafes, and beaches are very close to each other in the main areas, so you can walk, but be aware that there aren’t many pavements and because of the heavy traffic it can be stressful.
We recommend using a Gojek motorbike taxi, booking a private driver, or renting a scooter if you need to travel longer distances.
Scooter Rental
If you are comfortable riding a motorcycle, daily rental costs between 50,000 – 70,000 IDR per day. If you stay here long-term, monthly rental costs around 600,000 – 900,000 IDR.
Tip: Use the motorbike route rather than the car route on Google Maps, and it will usually show you the better roads.
Travel Insurance
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How Much Does Canggu Cost?
Canggu is one of the more expensive areas in Bali, as it attracts so many tourists. If you are on a tighter budget, stick to the delicious local Indonesian restaurants and choose accommodation a little further out from the center.
Do I Need a Visa for Bali?
Many people can get a 30-day VOA (Visa on Arrival) issued at the airport when they arrive in Bali. You have to pay 500,000 IDR (35 USD), and you will need at least 6 months left on your passport, plus proof of a return/onward ticket. You can extend this 30-day visa for another 30 days, giving you 60 days in total. You can apply for your visa through the official government website here.
Best Time to Visit Canggu
The best time to visit Bali is the dry season from April to October when there is little rain, the weather is hot, and you have great visibility for watersports and sightseeing. However, we recommend visiting Canggu in the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October when it is still perfect weather (and the surfing conditions are awesome), but you avoid the majority of the crowds who flock here from June-August. Plus, everything is a little cheaper!
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Whoa! The spirit of Canggu, Bali, is aptly captured in this piece. Every suggestion seems like a novel adventure just waiting to be discovered. There’s something for everyone, from enjoying delectable local cuisine to surfing at Echo Beach. I can’t wait to go and cross these amazing things off my bucket list!