The Canggu Guide: Things to do in Canggu Bali
Disclaimer: Real-life human experiences. Written by a human. Created for humans. (Travels at Missy does not use AI for our articles. All posts and information are 1st hand experience. AI data-scrapping tools are expressly forbidden from using Travels with Missy content for AI Training).
Squished between Seminyak & Pererean, Canggu arose from the rice fields and became Mecca to digital nomads, surfers, influencers, holidaymakers and those looking to escape reality for a bit. It’s not for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Canggu. I loved the cafe culture, fantastic coworking spaces, sunset beach bars, incredible boutiques, and incredible restaurants. I’ve created this Canggu guide as a means of sharing a few recommendations to places that I think you’ll enjoy.
Canggu has become one of the busier parts of Bali and when visiting for the first time, it’s good to know a few things about the lay of the land. Throughout this Canggu Guide you can expect the following;
To view a list of each pinned location, click the icon at the top-left corner. For an expanded view, click the button located at the top-right. To save to your personal Google Maps account, simply click the star icon. Once saved, access the map by opening Google Maps on your device, clicking the ‘Saved’ button, selecting the “Maps” icon on the bottom of the screen, and then choosing you’ll find this map listed.
Getting Around Canggu
It can be tricky to get around Canggu on two feet. There are barely any footpaths outside restaurants, bars or stores. Most people visiting Canggu rent a scooter or hire GoJek/Grab Motor Taxi’s to get around the small streets. It’s the fastest and easiest way to get around Canggu and most of Bali. This company will deliver your scooter rental to your hotel or accommodation. However, renting a scooter in Bali comes with its own risks.
If you’re planning on driving, taking Grab Taxi’s or hiring a driver do be warned that Canggu has terrible traffic. This applies to most of Bali, but especially anywhere from Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, Uluwatu & Sanur has long and awful traffic.
For those traveling with small kids, I did see a number of parents pushing strolls around the edge of the roads, just be warned that if your kid is a flight risk, you might want to have a strong grip on them. At night the streets are quite dark with very limited street lighting.
Best Cafes in Canggu
The cafe culture in Canggu is absolutely incredible. It’s probably one of the best destinations for really great and healthy food. Pop into any cafe in Canggu and you’ll be able to find protein and smoothie bowls, freshly baked goods, fresh fruit, and superb coffee.
The selection of cafes in Canggu seems endless, and it seems like another new and spectacular cafe pops up in the area each week.
Below are just a selection of cafes in the Canggu Guide that are worth checking out.
- Milk & Madu
- Revolver Canggu – Iconic cafe and coffee. Close to the infamous ‘shortcut’
- Sensorium Bali – Australian-fusion.
- almond.
- Touché
- Crate Cafe – hugely popular.
- Copenhagen – Danish goodies.
Best Restaurants in Canggu
There are no shortage of excellent restaurants in Canggu. Much like the cafes found in this corner of Bali, excellence prevails in the restaurant scene and you’ll find everything from traditional Balinese restaurants (warungs) to high-end dining.
Depending on your budget, or cravings, the restaurants in Canggu cover all dietary needs and tastebuds. If you’ve been craving a traditional Sunday Roast, or banging Mexican food, you’ll find it in Canggu.
- Pali – Indonesia cuisine set in a rice field.
- Shelter Restaurant – Middle Eastern & sensational food.
- La Baracca Bali – Italian food.
- RiZE Bali – Indian twist restaurant.
- The Barn – Gastropub & Restaurant – Great pub food and top spot for live sport.
- CUMULUS – Superb Australian eatery for breakfast or a late lunch.
- Warung Bu Mi – Indonesian food in a low-key setting.
Shopping in Canggu
I think one of the incredible aspects of shopping in Canggu is the creativity of independent labels and brands. If you’re looking for handcrafted or designed items, you’re going to love shopping in Canggu.
The shopping is better laid out in Seminyak and more accessible, but here are some suggestions of stores to visit in my Canggu guide.
Where To Stay in Canggu
Canggu has a fantastic selection of accommodation to choose from and for every single budget need too. Canggu is quite spread out, so deciding your factors when choosing your accommodation should be taken into consideration.
If you’re not planning on renting a scooter and want to be close to everything within walking distance, follow my Canggu guide and stay as close as possible to the beach. From there you can easily walk to restaurants, bars, and boutique stores.
- Koming Guest House – 400m from Batu Bolong Beach, great location & value.
- Como Uma Canggu – Perfect location, gorgeous hotel & sea views. Hard to beat.
- The Bed by the Sea – Small Adults-Only accommodation & short stroll to La Brisa.
Further out from the beach, you can hop on a Grab Bike or hire your own scooter to get around from the next couple of places mentioned below.
- Ecozy Dijiwa Canggu – Some of the loveliest cafes in Canggu are nearby.
- Villa Umami – Gorgeous private pool villa.
- BoHo Canggu – Further out than the rest, it overlooks a gorgeous rice field and is a little slice of heaven.
Surfing in Canggu
For those eager to learn how to surf, or show off their surfing skills, you’ve found the right place as surfing in Canggu is one of the top places in Bali to catch some gnarly waves. I’m not a surfer, so please don’t come at me for my outdated use of gnarly.
Learning to surf in Canggu is one of the best destinations for beginners, and if you’ve been looking for a surf camp that combines, lodging and surf lessons then you can’t beat the Canggu surf camps.
With free pick up from your accommodation, this 2-hour surf lesson for beginners is the perfect way to spend a couple of hours.
Canggu Beach
I’ll be the first to admit that Canggu Beach is not the most beautiful beach in Bali. If you’ve been dreaming of white sandy beaches, you’re not going to find them on Canggu Beach. But just because it has dark sand, doesn’t mean it’s not great. Canggu Beach is made up of several beaches, Batu Bolong Beach, Echo Beach & Mejan Stone Beach.
You’ll find numerous beach bars and sun loungers available for rent where you can easily spend a day topping up your tan, ordering food and drink, and admiring the talented surfers.
I never really understood the hype of the sunsets in Bali until I experienced my first one, and completely got it. Whether you decide to sit on the sand, or in a beach club, it’s hard not to fall even more in love with Bali when you witness an incredible Balinese sunset.
Canggu Beach Club’s
There are several fantastic beach clubs in Canggu to spend your day and evening at. Most visitors to Canggu’s Beach Clubs head in the early to late afternoon to secure their spot for the truly epic sunsets you’ll experience in this part of Bali.
La Brisa
La Brisa is like stepping into the Lost Boys’ hideout from Peter Pan. Wooden towers and reclaimed wood are the theme in one of the most popular beach clubs in Canggu. And. I’ve written a dedicated post about La Brisa because I enjoyed my visit there so much.
It’s a perfect hangout for solo travelers, groups, and friends looking to enjoy the spectacular Bali sunsets.
The Lawn Canggu Beach Club
The Lawn is a Canggu institution (much like Old Man’s) that serves excellent sunset views, stellar DJ sets, and daytime drinks which turn into bougie nighttime vibes that are eclectic and delectable.
If you’re looking for the perfect Canggu beach club that encapsulates ambiance throughout the day with a great crowd, music, and scrumptious food and drink, you’re going to love The Lawn Canggu.
Old Man’s
Iconic Canggu beach bar that is a must when visiting.
Best Spas & Facials in Canggu
Salons and spas are in abundance in Canggu. Wander down any street and you’ll see signs for massages, facials, and whatever your body and mind desires. Most spa appointments are booked via WhatsApp and you can enquire about prices and menus directly with the business.
FaceDay Bali
Specializing in facials, FaceDay Bali is the best spa in Bali for indulging in a glorious facial. Their facial menu is extensive and has been carefully planned with facial options for every kind of skin type or desire.
Maja Spa
The newly opened Maja Spa is the brainchild of Marie & Jake Snow, an influencer couple who have gone from strength to strength in their business ventures.
Maja Spa is a sleek spa experience with massages, facials, and body sculpting available on their menu. You’ll also find yoga, pilates and breathwork classes.
Ameline Beauty & Spa
It’s hard not to be in awe of the beautiful and natural surroundings of Ameline Beauty & Spa. Set in the center of a beautiful rice field, the exposed massage chairs look out into nature and the setting couldn’t be more stunning if they tried.
The open-plan spa feels like you’ve arrived into nirvana, and every therapy is available from an extensive menu. If you’re planning a full spa day, or even just one treatment, the experience in Ameline Beauty & Spa is just divine.
House of Orange
I found overall the quality of nail salons in Bali to be sorely lacking. My nails are the one thing that I invest a lot of money into, and when I experience a shitty nail salon experience or my nails break within a day or two as they did twice in my 2 weeks in Bali – I actively seek out excellent nail salons to rectify that situation.
This is not the case in House of Orange. One of the top-rated and best nail salons in Canggu, if not Bali, they use vegan and cruelty-free products. House of Orange takes nails seriously and it was the one place I really wanted to try and get my nails done in Bali.
Do be warned that you do need to have a booking weeks, if not months in advance.
Some of these may be affiliate links, which means when you buy something I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you, and it really helps to support me – so thank you!
Canggu Guide Conclusion
Hopefully, you’ve found my Canggu guide somewhat helpful and have a better idea of what to expect when visiting. Canggu is every changing, and who knows in the next 10 years where the next version of Canggu will pop up. Until then, enjoy my Canggu guide and leave a comment below if I missed something.
Traveling around Bali? Check out my other posts!
- 2 Week Bali Itinerary
- Nusa Lembongan
- Bali Travel Tips
- Coworking Spaces in Bali
- Best Beach Clubs in Bali
Some of these may be affiliate links, which means when you buy something I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you, and it really helps to support me – so thank you!
Meet Missy…
Missy spent the first 2 decades of her life living in her native Dublin, Ireland. Before a life living overseas called to her, and she spent the next decade living in China, Laos & Belgium. She now splits her time in Antwerp, Belgium, and wherever the sun is currently shining. You can follow Missy’s real-time travels on her Instagram.
