So, you’re headed to Bali and someone said, “Dude, you HAVE to check out Canggu.” Yeah, I heard the same thing. When I first landed in Denpasar and made my way up the coast to this little surf-meets-hipster heaven, I was straight-up overwhelmed. Like, what to do in Canggu Bali? It’s not exactly a one-note town.
You’ve got surf culture, digital nomad coffee dens, Instagrammable cafes, yoga shalas, beach bars that turn into full-blown raves, and rice paddies that make you question your whole life back home. So yeah, let’s break it down—real talk, no fluff, and a bit of the behind-the-scenes stuff that most blogs skip.
Read also: Best Beach Resorts in Bali
Surf First, Ask Questions Later — Or Just Watch If You Suck Like I Did
Let’s not kid ourselves—surfing is practically a religion in Canggu. Echo Beach, Batu Bolong, and Berawa Beach are the holy trinity for surfers. Whether you’re an actual wave chaser or just pretending because your Bumble date surfs, there’s something for everyone.
I tried surfing at Batu Bolong on my third day there. Big mistake. Should’ve tried it on the first day so I could recover in time to walk properly the rest of the week. The white water breaks are beginner-friendly—if your version of “friendly” includes swallowing gallons of salt water and face-planting in front of strangers. But it’s part of the charm.
Here’s what I learned:
- Don’t rent the board from the first guy you see. Walk a bit. You’ll get a better deal.
- Lessons are cheap. Like, $10–15 USD per hour kind of cheap.
- Mornings are less crowded. Plus, fewer people watching you wipe out.
If you’re more of a “watch and sip” kinda person, The Lawn and Old Man’s Beach Bar have beach views with cocktails. I may or may not have faked a sore shoulder just to get back to the beanbags and coconut mojitos.
Coffee Shops in Canggu That’ll Make You Forget Starbucks Ever Existed
Canggu is where lattes and laptops live in perfect harmony. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t spend entire afternoons at places like Crate Cafe or BGS Bali. If you’re working remotely or just pretending to be productive so you don’t feel guilty about that fourth smoothie bowl, this is your paradise.
What sets Canggu’s coffee scene apart? It’s the vibe. Every place feels like it was designed by a Scandinavian interior designer who surfs before breakfast. Add fast Wi-Fi and banana pancakes, and you’re golden.
My faves (don’t @ me if your list is different, it’s personal):
- Crate Cafe: Insanely good breakfast, but it gets packed. Go early.
- BGS: Cold brew on tap, and everyone there looks like they model for Patagonia. Chill crowd.
- Rise & Shine: More low-key, great spot to read or journal if you’re that kind of person.
Also, some spots double as co-working spaces, so if you need to hop on Zoom or crank out some emails, you’re set. Just don’t be that person with AirPods in and no drink for two hours.
Yoga, Breathwork, and All That “Finding Yourself” Stuff
Even if you’re not a yogi back home, Canggu has a way of soft-selling you into the whole wellness thing. I came in just trying to stretch out after a long flight. Next thing I knew, I was deep into a breathwork class, crying in Savasana like I’d just watched the season finale of The Office again.
The Practice and Samadi Bali are two spots that completely won me over. The teachers are grounded and actually give a crap about helping you, not just posing for Instagram. If you’ve ever said, “Yoga’s not for me,” give it one try here. Canggu makes it different somehow.
Plus, you can hit up a sound bath, get a Balinese massage for $10, and eat raw vegan everything after. Or not. You do you. Just know that self-care feels more like a way of life here than a trend.
Exploring Canggu Beyond the Beach — Yes, It’s Possible
Canggu isn’t just beaches and brunch, even though those are two solid reasons to love it. Rent a scooter (you will need one), and start exploring the backroads. Within minutes, you’re out of the digital nomad bubble and into rice paddies that look like they came out of a freakin’ painting.
There’s something magical about riding past temples, waving at locals, and finding these tiny warungs (local eateries) with food that’ll blow your mind for under $2. I stopped at one near Tumbak Bayuh with no name—just a handwritten menu on cardboard. Best nasi campur I’ve had in my life.
Also worth checking out:
- Tanah Lot Temple: Go early to avoid tour buses. Yes, it’s touristy but it’s iconic for a reason.
- Pererenan Village: Less crowded, way more chill, and still has cute cafes like Honey Kitchen.
- Local markets: Love Anchor is cute, but check out Samadi Sunday Market for actual local vendors.
And hey—getting lost here is half the fun. Don’t follow Google Maps too seriously. You might just end up at some private rice terrace or little hidden waterfall. That happened to me twice.
Where to Party Without Losing Your Mind (or Wallet)
Alright, let’s talk nightlife. Canggu parties hard, but it’s not (yet) the full-on chaos of Kuta or Seminyak. Think more “dancing barefoot on the sand” than “foam party in a club with no windows.”
Old Man’s is the spot most people start at. Drinks are cheap, music is decent, and everyone ends up sweaty and barefoot by midnight. Don’t wear heels unless you enjoy pain.
La Brisa is another one that’s straight-up stunning. It’s pricier but worth it for the vibe—think treehouses meets pirate ship with fairy lights. Their Sunday markets are also cool if you wanna browse local crafts in daylight.
For live music, Deus Ex Machina on Sundays has that surfer-band-meets-motorbike-garage aesthetic. A bit niche, but the crowd is usually laid-back, and the beer flows easy.
Oh, and Wednesdays? That’s Sand Bar night. The beach turns into a DJ-fueled dance floor until 4AM. Just pace yourself, alright?
Eating Your Way Through Canggu Like a Local (Or at Least Pretending To)
Okay, let’s be real—half of what to do in Canggu Bali revolves around food. And yeah, the cafes with neon signs and smoothie bowls shaped like art are great, but don’t miss out on the actual local stuff.
You haven’t really eaten in Canggu until you’ve tried:
- Nasi Campur at a street-side warung. Pick your rice, add whatever meats, veggies, tempeh, sambal, etc.
- Babi Guling (roast suckling pig). It’s intense. Rich. Flavor bomb city.
- Ayam Betutu if you’re feeling fancy and spicy. It’s slow-cooked chicken and herbs, super Balinese.
My go-to warung is Warung Bu Mi. It’s like a cafeteria setup, and locals and expats line up around noon. Don’t expect smiles or flair—just incredible food that makes you rethink why you ever paid $15 for avo toast.
Also, Canggu’s vegan scene is outta control (in a good way). Even meat-lovers should hit The Shady Shack or Give Cafe at least once. Full-on flavor with none of the animal guilt.
Insta-Spots That Are Actually Worth It (And a Few That Aren’t)
I’m not gonna act like I didn’t go to Canggu partially for the gram. Everyone does. But some places? Pure hype. Others? Legit beautiful.
Worth it:
- La Brisa Bali: Sunset here is next level. You’ll need a minimum spend, but the photos you’ll get? Chef’s kiss.
- Echo Beach at sunset. Fewer influencers, more dogs running around and locals playing soccer.
- Tanah Lot at dusk: Glowy light, crashing waves, and the temple silhouette—classic.
Overrated AF:
- The giant Canggu sign mural. You’ll wait 20 mins for a basic wall shot. Just walk past.
- That heart-shaped swing thing near The Lawn? Meh. Feels forced.
Don’t forget, Canggu is naturally photogenic. Some of my favorite shots came from backroad scooter rides, random dogs chilling in the sun, and that one time a monkey tried to steal my banana smoothie.
Shopping in Canggu Isn’t Just for the Bougie Crowd
Canggu’s got a bit of everything shopping-wise—boho boutiques, surf shops, and enough flowy linen to outfit a yoga retreat. Yes, prices can be steep if you’re sticking to the tourist strip, but with a little exploring, you’ll find the real stuff.
Berawa has some cool local designers doing handmade jewelry and upcycled clothes. I snagged a sick leather wallet for like 150K IDR (around $10 USD), and it’s still holding strong months later.
Love Anchor Bazaar is the Instagram hotspot, but half the vendors sell identical things. Still, it’s fun for browsing, and you can haggle a little.
Also—don’t sleep on second-hand stores. Some of the best vintage shirts I’ve found were in these tucked-away places near Jalan Pantai Berawa. Just keep your eyes open and dig.
Quick Tips for Not Dying on a Scooter (And Getting Around Without Losing It)
If you’re asking, “Do I really need a scooter in Canggu?” the answer is yes—unless you enjoy sweating buckets while walking along dusty roads with no sidewalk and a dog barking at you every block.
That said, scooters here are chaos. No traffic lights, dogs on the road, locals going 80km/h in flip-flops.
What helped me:
- Get a helmet. A real one. Not the decorative kind.
- Start slow. Practice in the smaller side roads before hitting main traffic.
- Use Google Maps, but expect it to lie. It once sent me into a rice field shortcut that dead-ended in a mud pit.
Alternative? Gojek or Grab (like Uber for scooters/taxis). Super cheap, super fast, and you don’t have to worry about parking.
That’s most of what to do in Canggu Bali—at least, the stuff worth doing without getting burned out or bored. Honestly, the magic of Canggu isn’t in a list. It’s in the rhythm you find once you settle in. Mornings at the beach, mid-day coffee breaks, random market stops, and that sunset that hits different every single day.
Yes, There Are Dogs Everywhere. And Yes, You Should Know a Few Things
You’ll notice pretty quick that Canggu has dogs — everywhere. Street dogs, beach dogs, scooter dogs (literally standing on the floorboards like pros), café dogs, even a few that look like they run the joint. It’s kinda adorable… until one follows you home or barks at you for no reason while you’re carrying groceries.
Some are strays, some belong to locals, and most are totally harmless. But it’s good to stay aware. I once had a big boi chase my scooter because he thought I was holding food (I was). Freaked me out, but a local told me later to slow down — not speed up — and let the dog get bored. Wild tip, but it worked.
If you’re a dog lover, you’ll fall hard for these pups. Just… don’t try to pick them up like they’re domesticated house pets. They’re independent little things. Also, if you’re gonna stay long-term, consider volunteering at Bali Dog Adoption & Rehabilitation Centre (BARC). Cool folks doing great work.
Choosing Where to Stay So You’re Not Surrounded by Party Bros (Unless That’s Your Thing)
Accommodation in Canggu is ridiculously varied. You can go full-on budget, like shared dorm beds for under $10 a night, or luxury villa with private pool and floaty breakfast for $200+. And everything in between.
But location matters more than price here. Canggu’s split into a few key areas:
- Batu Bolong: Where most of the action happens. Cafes, shops, beach bars. But expect crowds.
- Berawa: A little more upscale, still vibey, but slightly quieter. I stayed here for a month and loved it.
- Pererenan: My favorite. More local, more chill, but still super close to the main stuff.
Thing is, what looks cute online might be next to a construction site or a rooster that thinks 3AM is the perfect time to scream at the sky. So read reviews carefully. Better yet, book a few days at a mid-range place, then look around on foot once you’re there.
Oh, and if you’re staying longer than a couple weeks, you’ll find way better deals via local Facebook groups like “Canggu Community Housing” or just asking around. That’s how I got a place with a pool and fast Wi-Fi for under $500/month.
Random Little Things Nobody Tells You (But Should)
Alright, lightning round — just some stuff I wish someone had told me:
- ATMs: Not all are created equal. Some eat cards, some charge crazy fees. Stick to BCA or BNI.
- Power outages happen. Usually short, but annoying if you’re mid-shower or mid-Zoom call.
- Laundry is done by the kilo. Drop it off in the morning, get it back folded and smelling like a spa by night.
- Don’t drink the tap water. Seriously. Even for brushing your teeth, use bottled or filtered water.
- Rainy season (Nov–Mar) means heavy but quick downpours. Bring a poncho, not an umbrella. You’ll thank me later.
Canggu’s weirdly perfect in its imperfections. It’s the kind of place where nothing goes exactly how you planned… and yet somehow everything still works out. You end up making friends over sunrise beach walks, bonding with strangers in line at smoothie stands, or getting life advice from your scooter rental guy named Komang.
So yeah — Canggu’s got layers. Just take it day by day, follow your gut, and don’t stress if you spend one too many hours just people-watching from a cafe window. That’s kinda the whole point.
Rental Bali 