21 Unique Things To Do In Canggu & What It’s Known For? 2024

Are you heading to Canggu on Bali’s west coast? It’s fast becoming a popular place, but what Canggu is known for? I was based in Canggu and spent 5 months there while we worked our way around the district, exploring every nook and cranny.

We visited the beaches and explored the side streets, temples and markets. We attended yoga classes and meditation and ate our way through Canggu’s top foodie spots while spending most evenings watching the sunset over the ocean!

I really felt that Canggu was a great place to be for the digital nomads and social butterflies to network and meet people. That said, I also want to note that when we were there, it was towards the end of the pandemic, and so it was a lot quieter than it would be today.

Nevertheless, to find out what Canggu is known for, all the things to do and to decide if it’s the place for you, I’ve put together this Canggu guide!

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Are You Heading To Bali And Want To Know What Canggu Is Known For? Find Out below!

In this post, I’ll talk about what Canggu is Known for and include 21 unique things to do! I’ll also cover topics like:

• How to get to Canggu and where to stay so you’re in the right spot
• How long you should visit Canggu to make the most of your trip
• Reasons why you shouldn’t visit Canggu
• Answer some common questions regarding Canggu so you can go prepared!

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What Is Canggu Known For?

Canggu is a coastal town known for its laid-back boho-casual hipster scene loved by surfers and digital nomads. It’s one of the top tourist destinations in Bali and is lined with organic, eco-friendly restaurants, trendy cafes and hip bars. With a relaxed atmosphere and world-class surf break it’s also a fantastic place for beachfront lounging.

Sometimes referred to as an urban jungle, the area has many beaches. The beaches are known for their sunsets, sparkling black sands and comfy bean bags but the area is also popular for its wellness retreats, yoga studios and fitness centres offering a healthy sun-kissed lifestyle.

That said, Canggu also has an upbeat nightlife where many DJs go to perform live in bars and clubs! You’ll find chic Sunday markets, pop-up stalls and a great mix of east meets west.

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21 Unique Things To Do (And Try) In Canggu, Bali

Now that you know what Canggu is known for, I want to dive into all the cool and unique things you can do in the area!

1. try the Local food at a warung

It goes without saying that some of the most delicious food in Canggu is from local restaurants. Locally known as warungs, these pop up all over the place and can’t be missed. One of our favourite warungs in Canggu is Warung Jaba on Pantai Batu Bolong Street.

Some of our favourites include:

• The sticky fried tempeh,
• The garlic and ginger steamed beans
• Yellow curry.

⭐ Pro tip >> As well as great food choices the prices are always fantastic with a plate- filled to the top – never costing more than 40,000 IDR, that’s around $2.50/£2! To make it even cheaper stick to tofu or tempeh with two sides of vegetables and a drink.

2. Don’t Miss: The Bakso soup with chicken feet – would you?

The bakso is a tasty noodle broth served with chicken or beef meatballs (and sometimes chicken feet). It’s the staple street food in Indonesia and is found on every street corner in little homemade cooking carts to restaurants.

Not for the faint-hearted and honestly not one of my favourite dishes but many people love it and therefore it has to be tried! It’s a local favourite and the locals just love to serve it.

Try: Bakso Iga Canggu on JI. Raya, prices start at 20,000 IDR a bowl, plus the views are phenomenal over the rice fields!

⭐ Pro tip >>The collagen in the chicken’s feet is meant to be great for skin and ageing (maybe that’s why the Balinese look so young?) which is always a bonus. If feet really aren’t your thing then the bakso is tasty feet free!  

3. Don’t Miss: A Nasi Campur

A national dish or at least one of them! Nasi meaning rice and Campur meaning mixed is exactly what the dish is. It’s a selection of traditional flavours mixed on one plate, which is great for trying something authentic.

The sides vary but in general, it will come with rice, garlic beans, fried tempeh, kebab, peanuts, meat in a curry sauce, a fried egg, sambal (hot sauce) and prawn crackers.

P.S. If you like really spicy food head to Nyoman Bagus on Pererenan Beach. It serves the spiciest nasi campur I’ve ever eaten! In truth a little too spicy for me but if you love spice head there! 

4. Head To The Sunday Markets

Canggu is renowned for its bustling Sunday markets that offer visitors the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs, clothing, accessories, and locally-made items. These markets are a great way to experience the local culture, meet new people, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Canggu.

Some of the most prominent Sunday markets in Canggu include Old Man’s Market, Love Anchor Market, Samadi Sunday Market, and Tamora Gallery Market, each with its own distinct features and offerings.

In essence, the Sunday markets in Canggu are a fantastic chance to engage with the community, enjoy live entertainment, and discover exceptional products.

⭐ Pro tip >> Find the fruit stalls and try the exotic fruit! Lesser known kinds such as snake fruit and mangosteen. The mangosteen fast became my favourite! Other great fruits to try include dragon fruit, mango and passion fruit.

5. Visit Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple located on a rocky outcrop in the sea just off the coast about 30 minutes north of Canggu. It was built in the 16th century, it is dedicated to the Balinese sea gods and is one of the seven sea temples that dot the southwestern coast of Bali.

We visited Tanah Lot for its sunset views which are stunning and attract a lot of tourists but it really is the best time to go (although we didn’t get much of a sunset due to the clouds!) Tanah Lot also has unique architecture and cultural significance for the locals who still use it during ceremonies.

The temple complex includes several shrines, pavilions, and gateways, as well as a freshwater spring that is believed to have healing properties. The area around the temple is also home to a number of shops, restaurants, and other attractions, making it a popular spot for a day trip.

👉 Important Info: You’ll be able to access the temple via a causeway during low tide, but during high tide, the temple becomes completely surrounded by water. So make sure you choose the right day as the tides constantly change!

⭐ Pro tip >> Are you looking to visit Tanah Lot Temple during your visit to Bali? You should, it’s an iconic site! Check out the 14 Best Tanah Lot Temple Tours In Bali.

6. Cafe Culture

Canggu is known for its vibrant and thriving cafe culture. The area is home to numerous cafes, each with its own unique style and atmosphere. They have become popular hangout spots for tourists, ex-pats, and locals alike and provide a relaxed and cosy atmosphere for socialising and working!

Hanging out in cafes is what we do best! It’s great to be able to work from anywhere and get out of the house!

Most of the cafes in Canggu offer healthy and organic food options, including vegetarian and vegan dishes. You’ll be able to pick up a fresh coffee, smoothies or fresh juice to start your day off right!

7. Eat At Canggu’s Coolest Restaurants

Canggu is a popular destination for foodies and is known for its diverse range of cuisines that you’ll be spoilt for choice. Whether you’re in the mood for healthy eats, beachfront dining, or fine dining, you’re going to find something to hit the spot. Here are just a few of the many excellent restaurant options in Canggu:

⭐ Pro tip >> Crate is one of the go-to spots for post-surf energy hits, lunch breaks, digital working and incredible dishes. It’s got a great vibe with an open lounge setting. Some options on the menu which have to be tried are the breakfast sandwich, poached egg on toast and pancake stack!

• The Shady Shack: A vegetarian and vegan-friendly cafe with a relaxed garden atmosphere and healthy, plant-based dishes.
• Betelnut Cafe: A popular hangout spot with a laid-back vibe, offering a range of healthy and affordable meals, including vegetarian and vegan options.
• La Brisa: A beach club and restaurant with an incredible oceanfront setting, serving up a mix of Asian and Mediterranean cuisine.
• Milk & Madu: A family-friendly cafe with a fun and casual atmosphere, known for its all-day breakfast menu, wood-fired pizzas, and great coffee.
• Deus Ex Machina: A popular spot for coffee, brunch, and dinner, with a lively atmosphere, live music, and a great selection of cocktails.

8. Don’t Miss: Smashed Avo At Baked.

My go-to breakfast is smashed avocado on sourdough bread with a poached egg and the best one I got was at Baked. The sourdough bread there is the best! The portion is decent and the bread is thick and garnished to perfection.

⭐ Pro tip >> They also do delicious fresh fruit smoothies, the watermelon is delicious! A meal will cost you around 120,000 IDR. Baked can be found on Jl. Raya Semat towards Berewa beach.

9. Don’t Miss: Passion fruit soda

Fresh passionfruit squeezed into a glass of ice-cold soda water is one thing not to miss in Canggu. You will find this drink everywhere, or just ask them to make it for you.

10. Don’t Miss: Smoothie Breakfast Bowl

Head over to the Shady Shack and try their berry blush smoothie bowl. It’s incredible, whoever came up with this idea is a genius! Think a thick, iced, fruit smoothie in a bowl with granola showered on top, fresh fruit and honey.

It’s the most refreshing and healthy breakfast in Canggu. Most western restaurants will offer this option in their breakfast menu but trust me when I say the best is at the Shady Shack!

11. A Famous Bali massage

The best thing to do in Canggu is to get a traditional Balinese massage. Canggu is known for its deep tissue and holistic treatment the Balinese massage is one of my favourite styles.

In Canggu, there are plenty to choose from and by no means have we tested them all. However, during my time in Canggu, Dewah Spa on Jl. Pantai Pererenan did the best one. For 150,000 IDR they give a wonderful 90-minute full-body deep tissue Balinese massage.

12. coco Loco on the beach

Enjoy a fresh coconut – add rum for the coco locos – while feeling the sand under your toes has to be on everyone’s Bali bucket list! Bali is full of coconut trees just waiting to be enjoyed under the hot sun. 

⭐ Pro tip >> Everywhere in Canggu will sell fresh young coconuts which range between 15,000 to 30,000 IDR (sometimes even 50,000! But we stay away from these spots…).

13. Health & Fitness

Canggu has become a hub for wellness and fitness enthusiasts, with a variety of options for those seeking to stay healthy and active. It’s also a popular place to head for a yoga retreat or BootCamp holiday experience!

14. Don’t Miss: A yoga class 

Bali is a yogi’s dream! There’s a handful of good yoga studios in Canggu but the best has to be Samadi Bali in Batu Bolong. It has a selection of classes for all levels and styles and great place to try yoga for the first time.

⭐ Pro tip >> A good class to try out is the mandala flow which costs 140,000 IDR although it’s possible to bulk buy classes which makes it slightly cheaper! 

15. Don’t Miss: A Muay Thai class at Bali MMA

Muay Thai is a very popular sport that you will find over much of Asia and is a ‘must try’ for any fitness or sports enthusiast. The sport has deep routes in Indonesia and in Canggu, you will find the ultimate Muay Thai Gym.

It’s an extremely physical and demanding sport which is great for the body and mind. At Bali MMA there’s the opportunity to partake in group classes but to really get an understanding and feel for this unique sport we recommend taking a one-to-one lesson.

16. Watch the sunset at Echo beach

Echo beach has volcanic black sands that just scream to be squished between your toes! It’s also one of the best beaches to watch the famous Bali sunsets which are, no lie, incredibly breathtaking.

We’ve been so lucky to experience some epic sunsets of all colours and shades in the Bali sky. Echo beach is great as they have large squishy bean bags to relax on and the restaurants and bars which line the beach have very good food.

17. A surf lesson

Canggu is a surfer’s paradise and is known for its breaks; it’s one of the best places to learn to surf in Bali. If you’ve never been on a surfboard before, Canggu is a good place to start. The break at Batu Bolong beach is perfect providing a double wave break meaning there’s double the chance of catching a wave!

⭐ Pro tip >> Lessons start at 350,000 IDR for two hours but can go down to 250,000 if booking multiple lessons. Surfing can be extremely fun but very tiring. You need to be a strong swimmer and be careful when hitting the water to land sideways so as not to hit the rocky bottom.

18. Deep-fried sweet potato and banana 

For a quick snack, look for roadside stalls selling their deep-fried banana or sweet potato. These are best when fresh which is guaranteed in the morning. so pick your stall and make haste early on for a yummy (but naughty) breakfast! 

P.S. These treats are also really cheap, look to pay 10,000- 20,000 IDR per portion which is normally enough for one person. 

19. Charcoal ice cream

Secret Gelato in Canggu’s Berawa area has delicious ice cream and sorbets at fantastic prices. There’s a huge selection of fruit flavours, chocolates and sorbets, and they also do a party pack promo, buy 2 get 1 free on their 500ml tubs!

The must-try flavour is charcoal which is visually unique and refreshing while great for detoxifying the body. Another great choice is the salted caramel, of course!

20. Stay In A Luxury Villa

Staying in a luxury villa in Canggu offers a truly indulgent and relaxing experience. A luxury villa in Canggu typically features top-of-the-line amenities, such as private pools, spacious living areas, beautifully manicured gardens, and stunning views.

Here are our suggested top stays at luxury villas in Canggu:

Theanna Eco Villa and Spa

Theanna Villa and Spa Canggu offer luxury villas with private pools. You can enjoy pampering massages at the spa centre. The property also provides the use of free bicycles and a free shuttle service to the surrounding areas and free Wi-Fi.

Batu Bolong Beach is 1.1 miles away, while Echo Beach is 1.2 miles from Theanna Villa and Spa Canggu. Ngurah Rai International Airport is 6.8 miles away.

Komea Villa

Komea Villa offers boutique accommodation and provides one-bedroom and two-bedroom villas with free WiFi and a private pool. Featuring modern Indonesian décor and a spacious tropical garden. You can enjoy a relaxing body massage, cycling and horse riding. The resort provides car and motorbike rental services, as well as shuttle services.

It is a 5-minute drive away from Brawa Beach, Batu Bolong Beach. The Seminyak area is a 10-minute drive away. It is a 35-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport.

La Reserve 1785 Canggu Beach

La Reserve 1785 Canggu Beach features an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a terrace and a bar in Canggu. This 5-star hotel offers a concierge service and a tour desk. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiF.

Pererenan Beach is 0.9 miles from the hotel, while Echo Beach is 1 mile away. The nearest airport is Ngurah Rai International Airport, 11.8 miles.

Blossom Eco Luxe Villas by Ekosistem

Blossom Eco Luxe Villas by Ekosistem offers a bohemian contemporary eco-conscious living with a swimming pool. The villa retreat is set right in the heart of Canggu, Bali’s Digital Nomad capital.

La Laguna Bali is 1.6 miles from Blossom Eco Luxe Villas by Ekosistem. The nearest airport is Ngurah Rai International Airport, 11.2 miles from the accommodation

Villa Sally

Villa Sally is a luxury complex located in Canggu. The villa has air conditioning and free WiFi, free private parking is available on-site, and bike hire and car hire are available. You can engage in various activities, such as golfing and cycling.

Batu Bolong Beach is 1.2 miles from Villa Sally, while Echo Beach is 1.6 miles away and 0.8 miles from Berawa Beach. The nearest airport is Ngurah Rai International Airport, 6.2 miles from the property.

Whether you’re travelling with family or friends, a luxury villa offers the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy the tranquil surroundings and is a fantastic way to experience the beauty and luxury of Bali while immersing yourself in the local culture.

21. Rent a scooter for the day

Moving between the beaches in Canggu is easy enough as you can walk along the beach and use shortcuts through rice paddies. However, for the ultimate Bali experience, the best way to get around the Island of Gods is to rent a scooter.

You’ll have total freedom to explore where you want and visit areas you wouldn’t normally head to. You can stay in Canggu or head further away. A good trip is down to Uluwatu or Ubud for the day!

⭐ Pro tip >> Keep in mind the latest is that Canggu traffic is really bad, so make sure to plan your trips outside of rush hours.

⭐ Pro tip >> Jack and I actually went on a Bali road trip around the coast for 4 weeks and had the best time exploring off-the-beaten-path Bali! If you’re serious about renting a scooter in Bali you should think about doing a road trip too!

Where Is Canggu?

Canggu is a cool little village on the southwestern coast of Bali in Indonesia. It’s just about 10 kilometres north of the hustle and bustle of Kuta, and around 20 kilometres northwest of the capital, Denpasar.

If you’re looking for a more relaxed and fun spot to hang out in Bali, then Canggu is definitely worth checking out. With its sun-kissed boho vibe and happy-go-lucky energy, it’s a great place for you to unwind and meet people in Bali.

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Is It Better To Stay In Seminyak Or Canggu?

Deciding whether it’s better to stay in Seminyak or Canggu really depends on your personal preferences and what you’re looking for in your Bali experience. We never stayed in Seminyak so I can’t tell you what it is like to stay there – we did visit – and so can only give you our opinion from what we’ve seen.

Location

Seminyak is closer to the airport and other popular tourist destinations like Kuta, Uluwatu and Legian however Canggu really isn’t that far away either. Both destinations are convenient if you want to explore different areas of Bali. But, Seminyak might be a little more convenient to explore south Bali especially if you don’t have your own transport.

Accommodations

Both Seminyak and Canggu offer a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to high-end luxury villas. However, Canggu is more known for its luxury villa offerings.

Atmosphere

We loved the vibe in Canggu and feel that since Seminyak is more developed it’s lost a lot of its unique appeal and is rammed with tourists. That said, we also heard that Canggu is very busy now too. Luckily for us, when we visited it wasn’t busy so I would say it’s quieter than Seminyak but I don’t think that’s so true now.

If you want to visit a quieter spot in Bali and experience a more authentic trip consider heading to the small fishing village of Amed on the east coast.

👉  Related Post: We really enjoyed our time in Amed and have put together this guide on the best things to do in Amed, so if you do decide to head there you’ll know what to expect!

Beaches

Both Seminyak and Canggu have nice beaches, but they have different vibes. Seminyak has more developed beaches with lots of bars and restaurants. Although Canggu can also have busy beaches the areas between the different beaches are less developed, quieter and more chilled with fewer crowds.

Taking this all into consideration, my personal opinion is that Canggu is a better place to stay than Seminyak. Ultimately, they are both tourist hot spots and provide a similar experience. If you want a more traditional Bali holiday consider heading elsewhere!

How To Get To Canggu, Bali

Canggu is located on the southwestern coast of Bali, and there are several ways to get there depending on your starting point. Here are some options:

From Bali’s International Airport

Are you coming to Canggu straight from the airport? The easiest way to get to Canggu from the airport is to take a taxi. You can pre-arrange a taxi through your hotel, pre-book airport transfer online or use a ride-hailing app like Grab or Gojek.

From Other Areas In Bali

If you’re coming from another area in Bali, such as Ubud, the easiest way to get to Canggu is to hire a private driver or take a taxi. It’s also possible to jump on a shuttle bus which hotels and hostels sometimes organise or you can book online.

An option for travelling around Bali if you want to visit multiple areas is to hire a private driver for your trip. Since Bali is an affordable country this is actually really feasible and is a great way to explore the country with a friendly local.

Bike or Car Rental

We’ve already covered renting a scooter in Bali, but you can also rent a car. Cars are much more convenient if you’re travelling with a family or in a group. Exploring Bali at your own leisure is a fun way to discover the Island of Gods!

How Long Should You Spend In Canggu?

Bali is a very popular holiday destination where people generally visit anywhere from 10 days to 4 weeks! There are a lot of activities on the island to make any holiday to Bali fun, exciting and relaxing. 

Depending on your reasons for visiting Canggu, your budget and how long you have in Bali your decision regarding how much time to spend in Canggu will be impacted. It isn’t uncommon to visit Canggu during a short backpacking trip around southeast Asia. In truth, Canggu is fast becoming a must-visit destination.

👉 Related Post: Are you thinking of visiting Bali for a few weeks? I’ve put together the ultimate 3 weeks in Bali adventure itinerary for those of you that love a thrill-seeking holiday. Only there for a short trip? Check out our How To Spend 5 Days In Bali!

However, here are some suggestions for the number of days you might want to spend in Canggu, depending on your type of trip.

• Backpacking trip – 2 days
• Beach holiday – 10 days
• Adventure holiday – 5 days
• Road trip in Bali – 3 days

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What Canggu Isn’t Known For!

While Canggu is a popular destination for many travellers, it may not be the right fit for you. By now, you should know exactly what Canggu is known for but to recap: it’s known for its beach culture, lively atmosphere and range of dining and entertainment.

Therefore, if you’re not interested in spending time on the sand or in the ocean, you may find that there’s not much to do there. We did feel that Canggu lacked a certain cultural charm and although there are things to do and see in Canggu if you’re after Balinese heritage there are better places to visit in Bali, like Ubud.

You might also want to skip Canggu if you prefer a quiet and authentic Bali experience. Although Canggu is less crowded than some other areas of Bali, it can still be quite busy and noisy, especially during peak travel seasons.

Traffic and pollution can be a problem in Canggu too. The roads can be congested with motorbikes and cars, and the air quality may not be the best, especially during the dry season.

All of that said, Jack and I still recommend visiting Canggu as we had a lovely time there, just don’t have unrealistic expectations!

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Can You Walk In Canggu?

In truth, we didn’t do a lot of walking in Canggu as we had our scooters. There are some areas where you can walk but it’s not the most pedestrian-friendly destination in the world.

Some of the roads are narrow and congested with traffic, especially during rush hours, and not all roads have pavement. In Bali, especially Canggu, when traffic is bad people even ride their scooters along the pavement to get through!

There are some parts of Canggu, particularly the beach areas and Batu Bolong Street, that do have pavement and so are more walkable than others.

Is Canggu A Party Town?

While Canggu does have a lively nightlife scene, it’s not typically thought of as a party town in the same way that Kuta or Seminyak are. However, it’s becoming more popular and tons of venues are popping up around Canggu so there are plenty of places to enjoy a night out.

The atmosphere in Canggu is generally more laid-back and relaxed with beachfront lounging and daytime drinking along the beach. The area and people who visit still focus on wellness, fitness and outdoor activities, such as yoga and surfing.

The good thing about Canggu is that there are a variety of bars and restaurants that cater to everyone, from rooftop lounges to cosy cafes. Whether you’re looking for a quiet night out or a more energetic vibe, you’ll find plenty of options in Canggu.

However, if you’re looking for an all-night party scene, you may want to consider other areas of Bali like Kuta or Seminyak.

Is Indonesia Worth Visiting?

With the above in mind, Canggu is somewhere worth visiting in Bali but it’s also part of a larger country. Indonesia is a much less explored part of southeast Asia and is a huge country! It’s made up of thousands of islands (over 17,000) and has one of the most unique cultures in the world. So, why is Indonesia worth visiting?

👉 Did you know that the Komodo National Park is in Indonesia? Find out if Komodo Island is Worth Visiting.

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Things To Do In Canggu & What It’s Known For Conclusion

Now that you literally know what Canggu is known for and what it’s all about you can make your own decisions as to whether it’s a place you want to visit or not. If you are going I hope I have equipped you with everything you need to know to make your trip epic! We really enjoyed Canggu and thought it was incredible.

Jack and I loved reminiscing about our time there and all the little things which made it so special. Some of these things to do in Canggu might be a little silly or even obvious, but trust me, no trip to Bali is complete unless you tried everything on this list!