Canggu is one of the most fascinating and enticing destinations in Bali. Famous for its laid-back vibes, yogis, digital nomads, surfers, and creative types, this hipster paradise overflows with fun.
With stunning views and an endless array of activities, this former fishing village has become the go-to destination for travelers. Nowadays, it’s just as trendy and popular as Seminyak and Ubud.
Although it’s rapidly developing, this charming Balinese town still hasn’t lost its easy-going charm.
Pumped up to visit this happening spot? Need a little help planning a trip to Canggu? You’re in luck! From hitting the waves to chillin’ like a boss on the beach, we’re featuring the best things to do in Canggu. As a bonus, we’re throwing in some tips to make trip planning easy on your end.
Where to stay in Canggu
Don’t have a clue about where to stay in Canggu? With a bevy of lodging options available, finding a place to stay in Canggu that fits your budget and preference may be overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-timer.
That’s why we’ve added this “where to stay in Canggu” section on our travel guide.
For first-time visitors, we recommended you make Batu Bolong your home base in Canggu. Known as the region’s most popular neighborhood, Batu Bolong offers a wide variety of options for nightlife, shopping, and dining.
What’s more, it’s ideal for those traveling on a budget, thanks to its numerous budget hotels and backpacker hostels.
Perenan, meanwhile, is perfect for families. With its stunning natural scenery and relaxing feel, families will surely have a quaint and soothing getaway in Perenan.
With a great mixture of beaches, shopping, and nightlife, Echo Beach is a superb choice for surfers and bohemian travelers. Partyholics will have a wild time exploring the bars and clubs in this region.
Don’t mind which neighborhood in Canggu you stay in? Take your pick of any of these recommended Canggu accommodations.
Best Hostel in Canggu: Clandestino
At first glance, you might think Clandestino is a quintessential lavish resort in Bali. With its trendy bars, ten-meter swimming pool, rice paddy views, and tropical garden, you’ll feel you’re in a tropical paradise here.
But Clandestino is actually a budget-friendly hostel with eight mixed dorms equipped with shared toilets, air conditioning, and lockers.
Best Villa in Canggu: Cozy, Luxury Private Villa
You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a stay at a luxurious villa in Bali. At this private Canggu accommodation, you get to enjoy the perks of a snug, stylish, and luxurious villa without the hefty price tag.
With its swimming pool, cushy king-sized bed, and fully-equipped kitchen, this villa guarantees a pleasant and memorable stay.
Best Homestay in Canggu: Adi Homestay
Adi Homestay has all the hallmarks of a pleasant stay in Canggu. With its terrace, pool views, and visually appealing Balinese garden, it’s the epitome of a tropical paradise. Even better, it has all the convenient amenities to make your stay a breeze.
Best of all, its location is incredible, offering easy access to a number of attractions in Canggu.
Best Things To Do And Attractions In Canggu
1. Bali Canggu Surf Lesson
One of the best things to do in Canggu.
- Suited to all levels
- Free bottled water
- Includes surfboard and shirts
They don’t call Canggu a surfer’s nirvana for nothing. With a variety of consistent waves, Canggu is perfect for all surfer levels, from newbies to hardcore pros. And there’s no better way to experience surfing in this town than to take lessons from Bali Canggu Surf.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned surfing ninja, you’ll find lessons suited to your level with this school. What’s more, it features a super-friendly instructor who’ll show you a ton of cool tricks.
2. Nusa Penida Island Tour
A magnificent island filled with Instagram-worthy snaps.
- Speed boat transportation
- Round-trip transportation from Canggu
- Outstanding spots like Crystal Bay
For a memorable experience in Canggu, take a tour to the majestic and picture-perfect island of Nusa Penida. With its awe-inspiring ocean coves, water cascades, and rock formations, this island has scores of gorgeous backdrops for your Instagram posts.
Plus, this day tour will allow you to swim in the refreshing azure waters of the island’s rock pools.
3. Tanah Lot
An iconic cultural treasure in Bali.
- Important cultural wonder
- Stunning sunsets
- Extraordinary scenery
No list of the best things to do in Canggu is complete without a visit to the renowned Tanah Lot. Praised for its cultural significance and unique scenery, it’s one of the island’s most iconic and revered sites.
Besides admiring the stunning views, you can learn more about Hindu culture and even get blessed by a monk here. Plus, the temple wows visitors with its striking sunset views.
4. Canggu Street Art
One of the best free things to do in Canggu.
- Giant murals
- Instagrammable creations
- Free tour
Want to try something out-of-the-ordinary in Bali? Looking for cheap things to do in Canggu? Do yourself a favor and take a street art tour in Canggu. From giant avocados to a blue octopus, Canggu offers a slew of eye-catching and colorful street art to its visitors.
And guess what? You can enjoy this tour for everybody’s favorite price of zero dollars. By the way, this free street tour starts at ALLCAPS Open Air Gallery.
5. Finn’s Recreation Club
Offers non-stop fun for everyone.
- Delicious food
- Gorgeous views and pool
- Family-friendly attractions
Spend a day swimming in a stylish 30-meter infinity pool and enjoying beautiful beach views at Finn’s Beach Club. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the club’s delightful drinks and mouth-watering culinary goodies.
Additionally, the club has some surprises for visitors who are traveling with little ones. Not only does it feature a water park, but it also offers a kids club, bowling, and a trampoline center.
6. Echo Beach
A can’t-miss thing to do in Canggu.
- Beautiful black sands
- A favorite surfing spot
- Outstanding sunset vistas
Echo Beach beckons travelers who love to surf, sunbathe, and swim. Known for its black sands and magnificent sunsets, it’s a terrific place to relax after a day of sightseeing in Bali. Personally, I think it’s one of the best places to catch the sunset on the entire island.
If you’re there to see the sunset, head to Echo Beach House. With its seafront location, it’s a terrific spot to grab a cocktail or an ice-cold beer and watch the sunset. It also offers a smorgasbord of freshly-cooked seafood and barbecue.
7. Lifescrate
An excellent breakfast joint in Bali.
- Exceptional French toast
- Remarkable coffee
- Striking interiors
Start your day on a high note with a hearty and delicious breakfast at Lifescrate. With its outstanding coffee and tasty dishes, this breakfast joint will give you tons of energy for your day’s adventure in Bali.
Furthermore, Lifescrate is pretty stylish and constantly buzzes with conversation.
8. Mount Batur sunrise tour
See the most captivating and jaw-dropping sights in Bali.
- Enthralling views
- Hotel pickup
- Side trip to Luwak Coffee
Very few sights in Bali are quite as mesmerizing and spectacular as the sunrise view from Mount Batur. With its rugged backdrop and dazzling rays of gold, it’s a sight that will leave you speechless and in awe.
Even better, this sunrise tour includes a pit stop to a renowned Balinese coffee plantation.
9. Old Man’s
The go-to spot in Canggu for partyholics.
- Famed beer pong tournaments
- Vibrant party feel
- Crazy fun parties
Old Man’s is a haven of fun for party animals. With its vivid parties, top-notch DJs, and live bands, this trendy bar will give you hours of electric late-night entertainment. On Wednesdays, the bar hosts its well-known and fun-filled beer pong tournaments.
Every month, the bar hosts a Saturday market, wherein Bali’s local start-ups showcase their products, including food, jewelry, and clothing.
10. Batu Bolong Beach
One of the best things to do in Canggu for sunset lovers.
- Laid-back and blissful vibe
- Sensational sunsets
- Ideal surf spot
Sunset hunters will find their bliss on Batu Bolong Beach. Admired for its killer sunset views, this Canggu beach is where people take in views of the pink skies or golden sunsets. There are also eateries nearby where you can score some tasty treats, such as grilled corn.
11. Cabina Bali
Eat like royalty at Cabina Bali.
- Delicious food
- Lavish and refreshing dining experience
- Picture-perfect design
Indulge in a superb, tasty, and one-of-a-kind brunch at Cabina Bali. Unlike other restaurants in Bali, Cabina will satisfy your taste buds while you’re literally in a swimming pool.
While the food is worth a visit, it’s the Instagram-worthy and unique experience that makes it irresistible. Just don’t forget to make a reservation in advance.
FAQs
What are the beaches to visit in Canggu
Visitors flock to Canggu to relax, unwind, and experience its black sand beaches – Echo Beach, Batu Bolong, and Berawa. All three beaches are great for surfing or relaxation. Batu Bolong is the busiest and most touristy of these beaches.
For a relaxing afternoon on these beaches, rent one of the lounge chairs and soak up some sun. Alternatively, you can grab a beach bag, which is free as long as you buy food or drink. Expect to pay around 25,000 IDR for a beer and 20,000 IDR for a coconut.
As for the food on these beaches, prices range from 30,000 to 70,000 IDR.
Where to shop in Canggu?
Canggu has a handful of local Sunday markets with some great finds, cool crafts, bargained items, and local products. Amazingly, each Sunday market has a different theme. The Samadi Market, for one, is known for selling produce and locally-made products.
Additionally, it’s a food market where you can find a smorgasbord of tasty Indonesian treats. Meanwhile, the Love Anchor Market sells souvenirs and hidden gems.
The Old Man’s Market – the town’s largest and most diverse market – includes second-hand items, food stalls, and local start-ups.
Batu Bolong – the main road that leads through Canggu – is a nirvana for shopaholics. From board shorts to bikinis, it has everything you need for a fabulous beach getaway in Bali.
What to do in Canggu at night
When it comes to nightlife, Canggu is just as exciting as the party capital of Bali, Kuta. In fact, there’s something going on for partyholics in Canggu every freaking day.
On Mondays, for instance, Luigi’s (a pizza joint) turns into a club, with captivating house music from the island’s top DJs.
Wednesday is one of Canggu’s most exciting nights, with three renowned bars brewing something special for its patrons. If we have to pick one place to party in Canggu on a Wednesday, it has to be Old Man’s, with its entertaining beer pong tournament.
Of course, there are tons of other enticing nightlife options available in Canggu. Our other favorites include Deus Ex Machina, The Vault, Jungle, and La Brisa.
2-Day Canggu Travel Itinerary
Want to make the most out of your 2-day pit stop in Canggu? Searching for tips on what to do in Canggu in 2 days? Luckily for you, we’ve crafted a Canggu travel itinerary for anyone visiting the town in 2 days.
Day 1 in Canggu
- 07:30 AM: Breakfast at Lifescrate
- 10:00 AM: Bali Canggu Surf Lesson
- Noon: Lunch
- 01:00 PM: Spend a few hours at Finn’s Recreation Club
- 06:00 PM: Sunset at Tanah Lot
- 07:00 PM: Dinner
- 08:00 PM: Party at Old Man’s
- 11:00 PM: Head home
- Midnight: Lights off
Day 2 in Canggu
- 10:30 AM: Brunch at Cabina Bali
- Noon: Check out Canggu’s street art
- 01:00 PM: Lunch if you’re hungry
- 02:00 PM: Shopping at a local market like the Samadi Market
- 04:00 PM: Relax or swim on Echo Beach
- 06:00 PM: Watch the sunset from Echo Beach House
- 07:00 PM: Dinner
- 08:00 PM: Head home
- 09:00 PM: Early rest, and prepare for a Nusa Penida or Mount Batur sunrise tour
Final thoughts on things to do in Canggu
From beaches and surfing to shopping, Canggu has everything you need for a rocking and unforgettable vacation in Bali. Although most visitors spend only two days in Canggu, this town has a cornucopia of wonders and attractions to keep you occupied for weeks.
Truthfully, the experiences mentioned on this list are just the tip of the iceberg. With its favorable location, it makes an excellent base for anyone exploring the island of Bali. Heck, tons of ex-pats have fallen in love with Canggu and have made it their home.
Do you have something in mind that you’d like to share on our Canggu travel guide? Let us know what you think by sharing your thoughts on the comment section below.
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