7 Things to do in Canggu

Canggu is a small village north of two of the busiest towns in Bali: Kuta and Seminyak. But despite being considered a surfers hotspot and maintaining the same youthful and relaxed vibe of the other towns, Canggu still preserves a quieter side with a much less touristy vibe. It’s still possible to find rice terraces and beautiful landscapes in Canggu, very similar to what you find in Ubud because the area is still not fully developed. However, Canggu keeps developing and growing every day. 

Canggu is also often chosen as a temporary home for many digital nomads and its cafes are great options for those who need to spend the day (or part of it) working. It’s a place full of quiet and cute organic and vegetarian cafes and restaurants with lots of colorful food. The decoration of these cafes along with the beautiful nature around make them the perfect places for Instagram pictures!

Also, this laid-back destination welcomes everyone with its surfing options, beaches, spas, beach clubs, cafes, horseback riding, yoga in a cute studio and much more! Check out below some of the best options Canggu has to offer. 

  1. Visit Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot Temple is one of the most iconic and sacred places to visit during a trip to Bali. Its spectacular location close to Canggu, built in rocks that are “in the middle of the sea” and surrounded by waves crashing on its walls, offers incredible views and one of the best sunsets on the island. 

It’s not possible to visit all places inside the temple because there are some private prayer spaces not opened to the general public. However, when the tide is low, it is possible to walk to the main temple, but the temple is isolated in the middle of the sea when the tide is high.

  1. Try Surfing

Bali is a huge surfing mecca. Many professionals come to Bali just to catch some of the best waves in the world. However, Canggu is also a good place for the ones who want to learn because it’s a place of strong surfing culture and waves for all levels. 

The areas close to the waves in Canggu, including Batu Bolong Beach, breath surf all day with plenty of surfing schools to choose from. Depending on the size of the swell, the waves there can be welcoming for beginners. Echo Beach, which is a few meters to the north of Batu Bolong, tends to get bigger waves and is recommended for more experienced surfers. 

  1. Do Yoga

Ubud might be known as the mecca of yoga in Bali, but every year there are new and prestigious yoga studios opening in Canggu. With daily classes for beginners and advanced, there are a good variety of great yoga places. 

  1. Eat in Some Cool Cafes and Restaurants

After an intense yoga class or a fun surf session… how about treating yourself to a full meal with the famous Canggu healthy style? 

The Canggu area is full of charming cafes and restaurants with a more natural feel, but it also has many options for places that serve dishes from various cuisines from around the world, in addition to the traditional warungs serving local food.

The restaurants and cafes are all in spectacular premises with interior designs worthy of admiration and great pictures. For the famous Canggu brunch, these places offer delicious toast with eggs and avocado, bowls of smoothie fruit with granola and seeds, pancakes, tropical juices and much more. 

If you are a vegetarian or vegan, you will feel like you are at the right place. The healthy vibe is very present in Canggu with many organic, vegetarian and vegan food options everywhere.  

If you are on vacation, it is quite likely that you will not be interested in reading or working, but if you are one of the many digital nomads or just want to spend some time reading, then you will be happy to discover great coworking places in Canggu. They are comfortable and beautiful cafes with free Wi-Fi where you can relax and enjoy the digital nomad vibe. 

  1. Explore Beautiful Roadside Rice Fields

Yes, it’s true, Canggu is not Ubud… but one of the many things I like about Bali is that you usually don’t have to look too far to find beautiful rice terraces. Just drive away from the road chaos for a while and enjoy the lush green fields that can still be found in Canggu.

There are many small rice fields and beautiful green plantations in Canggu, including on the way between Canggu and the Tanah Lot Temple, and around the Pererenan and Seseh areas. The more north you drive away from Batu Bolong the more the chances you have to find less developed areas, and therefore, the more rice fields. 

  1. Experience a Beach Club

One of the best things to see and do in Canggu is to enjoy its beautiful sunsets. While you watch the sun go down, nothing better than having a beer or a refreshing coconut water in one of the many beach clubs with a beautiful panoramic view. This is for those looking for something a little more luxurious than just a bean bag chair on the sand. 

Most of these beach clubs become a nightclub or a bar with loud music at night, so staying at these beachlubs the whole day and night is a good option if you are looking to enjoy the Canggu nightlife. 

  1. Party Hard

“Relax during the day, party hard all night” could be the perfect summary to explain to a newcomer how things work in this part of the island. Although Canggu can’t be defined as a party destination, you still can find a good party happening pretty much every day of the week. It’s also possible to see some internationally recognized DJs playing in spectacular nightclubs in Canggu.

From Berawa to Echo Beach, including Batu Bolong in the middle, you will find all types of bars and nightclubs with live music and DJs, where surfers, Indonesian and international tourists, expats and locals gather to party until sunrise.