Canggu isn’t just another tourist destination. It’s a lifestyle. A place where tradition meets modernity, where Hindu temples stand next to hipster cafes, and where you can experience both spiritual peace through meditation and adrenaline from surfing in a single day. This area on the southwest coast of Bali has become a magnet for all surfers, digital nomads, influencers, and enthusiastic travelers looking for a piece of tropical paradise.
In my opinion, Canggu is one of the dirtiest and busiest places in Bali, but on the other hand, there’s always something to do and taste here. Let’s take a look together at Canggu, Bali: 10 Best Things to Do and See.
TL;DR
- Surfing is number one here – Echo Beach and Batu Bolong Beach have perfect waves for both beginners and advanced surfers.
- You’ll eat well here – from traditional warungs to hipster cafes, Canggu offers food for every taste and budget.
- Beautiful and affordable accommodation for everyone – for example, Dicky House or Wiras Village.
- The party never ends here – beach clubs like La Brisa or Finns Beach Club offer unforgettable sunsets with cocktails. At Old Man’s, people dance on tables until the early hours.
- Take trips from Canggu – visit Tanah Lot temple, the rice terraces, or Ubud.
Where to Stay in Canggu
The choice of accommodation in Canggu is as diverse as the destination itself. It primarily depends on your budget and preferences.
For young travelers, The Farm Hostel is ideal, having become a legend among hostels in Bali. If you’re looking for something between a hostel and a hotel, guesthouses and small hotels are an excellent choice. For example, Dicky House or Wiras Village.
Canggu, Bali: 10 Best Things to Do and See
Heading to Canggu, Bali? Then my tips on what to see and do there might come in handy.
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Learn to Surf or Improve your Skills
Surfing is the soul of Canggu, so you can’t leave without trying it. Batu Bolong Beach is ideal for beginners; the waves aren’t too big here, and the bottom is sandy, so falls aren’t as painful. Local surf schools offer lessons starting from 500 CZK, including board and wetsuit rental.
Echo Beach, on the other hand, is a mecca for more advanced surfers. The waves here are larger and more technical. If you’ve never surfed, we recommend starting at Batu Bolong and gradually moving to more challenging spots. Local instructors are usually very patient and fun – Canggu’s surf culture is based on relaxation and mutual support. Plus, they’ll even take your photo.
The best time to surf is early in the morning when the sea is calmer and there aren’t as many people in the water. Board rentals can be found practically everywhere, and prices are around 150 CZK per hour.
Discover the Best Restaurants in Canggu
Canggu is a gastronomic paradise where you’ll find food from literally all over the world. Start the traditional way at one of the local warungs – small family-run restaurants serving authentic Indonesian cuisine. Warung Sika or Warung Bu Mi offer meals starting from 50 CZK.
For healthy food lovers, a visit to The Shady Shack is a must, where they serve the best smoothie bowls, fresh salads, and raw cakes in all of Bali. While prices are higher (around 200-300 CZK per meal), the quality and presentation are on another level.
If you’re craving Mexican cuisine, Lola’s Cantina will prepare burritos and tacos that rival the best in Mexico. Crete Cafe, on the other hand, excels in Mediterranean cuisine – their hummus and falafel are legendary.
For coffee, head to Coffee “n” Oven, owned by a Czech, where they make great cheesecake, or to SatuSatu Coffee Company for the best espresso in the area. Dopio has excellent breakfasts.
Enjoy Sunsets at Beach Clubs
Sunsets in Canggu are among the most beautiful in the world, and the best way to enjoy them is at one of the luxurious beach clubs. La Brisa is an architectural gem made of bamboo with a boho atmosphere, where you can enjoy a cocktail while gazing at the ocean.
Finns Beach Club offers more luxury – an infinity pool, comfortable sun loungers, and direct service to your loungers. The entrance fee is usually around 500 CZK, which is credited towards your consumption.
The Lawn is another popular choice with a perfect sunset view. We recommend arriving around 5 PM to secure a good spot. Evenings here often feature live music or DJ sets.
For those who prefer a less commercial atmosphere, small beach bars along the coast are ideal. Just buy a Bintang (local beer), sit in the sand, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Explore Tanah Lot Temple
About a half-hour drive from Canggu lies one of Bali’s most photogenic temples – Tanah Lot. This Hindu temple stands on a rocky islet, and at low tide, you can walk to it across the sand.
The temple is most beautiful during sunset, when the silhouette of the structure stands out against the orange sky. The entrance fee is 60,000 Indonesian Rupiah (about 100 CZK), and it’s definitely worth arriving well in advance.
Around the temple, you’ll also find many souvenir vendors and smaller warungs with local delicacies. It’s ideal to combine your visit with exploring the surrounding rice terraces.
Relax with Yoga
Yoga and Bali simply belong together. The Practice is one of the most renowned studios specializing in traditional Tantric Hatha Yoga. Lessons take place in a beautiful setting with rice field views, and the price is around 250 CZK.
If you prefer outdoor yoga, many instructors offer “beach yoga” right on the beach at sunrise. There’s nothing more beautiful than sun salutations with the actual sunrise over the ocean in the background. The funniest thing is that most local yoga instructors are Czechs living in Bali.
Discover the Art Scene and Local Markets
Canggu has a very vibrant art scene. You’ll find street art practically on every corner. Most artists are local Balinese who combine traditional motifs with modern style.
Old Man’s Market takes place every last Saturday of the month and is one of the best opportunities to buy original artworks, clothing from local designers, and handmade jewelry. The atmosphere is always very friendly, and local bands often play here.
Love Anchor Market is open every day and offers a wider selection of goods, including clothing, ceramics, and souvenirs. While prices are a bit higher, the quality is also better.
We also recommend taking the time to visit local galleries and studios where you can observe artists at work.
Try other Water Sports
Besides surfing, Canggu also offers other water activities. Stand-up paddleboarding is ideal for those who want to be on the water but prefer a calmer pace. Rentals can be found along the entire coast, and an hour on a paddleboard costs around 200 CZK.
Kayaking is another great way to discover the coast from a different perspective. You can rent a kayak and paddle towards the cliffs, where you’ll often see tropical fish and perhaps even turtles.
For the more adventurous, there’s kitesurfing. While Canggu isn’t the main center for this sport in Bali, you can find beginner lessons here. Prices start around 1,500 CZK for a full course, including equipment.
Read also: What to Do in Uluwatu
Explore Nearby Villages by Scooter
Scooter rental is very common in Canggu and costs around 150 CZK per day. With a scooter, you can easily discover nearby villages and hidden gems that would otherwise remain unknown to you.
Head towards Tabanan to see the magnificent Jatiluwih rice terraces, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The journey takes about an hour, but the views are worth it.
Another great option is a trip to Bedugul to Lake Bratan with its floating temple. This area is located in the mountains, so it has a more pleasant climate and amazing views.
Don’t forget that in Indonesia, they drive on the left, and traffic can be chaotic. If you don’t have experience riding a scooter in Asia, consider hiring a driver instead.
Enjoy the Nightlife
Canggu’s nightlife has its unique charm. It starts around 6 PM at beach clubs during sunset and continues in bars and clubs throughout the town.
Old Man’s is a legendary beach bar where parties take place every Wednesday and Saturday. The music is predominantly house and techno, the atmosphere is very relaxed, and people dance on tables here. Pretty Poison is a skate club where live bands play on Thursdays, and you can watch skateboarders.
Deus Ex Machina is a biker club with a huge garden that hosts some of the best parties in Canggu. If you miss a party, everyone ends up at Sand Bar – the only place open until the early hours.
Take a Trip to Ubud
Ubud is about an hour’s drive from Canggu, so take advantage of that. While Canggu is about beaches and a modern lifestyle, Ubud is the center of Balinese culture and spirituality.
You can go here on your own or book an organized tour. It’s definitely worth visiting the Monkey Forest, the Tegalalang rice terraces, one of the many temples, or treating yourself to a traditional Balinese massage.
If you have more time, stay in Ubud overnight. The contrasts between these two places will help you better understand the diversity of Bali.
FAQ
When is the Best Time to Visit Canggu?
The best period is during the dry season from April to October, when there is minimal rainfall and temperatures are around 30°C. The most tourists are present in July and August, so if you prefer a less crowded period, choose May, June, or September.
Is Canggu Safe for Solo Travelers?
Yes, Canggu is generally a very safe place. Locals are friendly, and crime is very low. The biggest risks are scooter accidents and excessive sun exposure. We recommend wearing a helmet and sunscreen.
What is the Internet Like in Canggu?
Internet in Canggu is generally good, especially in cafes, hotels, and co-working spaces. Speeds typically range from 10-50 Mbps, which is sufficient for most activities. You can also buy a local SIM card with data at very reasonable prices.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
