Canggu in Bali is the ultimate spot to chill out, eat a fresh smoothie bowl, and catch a surf sesh. This is my absolute favorite city in Bali. In fact, I cut my time short in Ubud, to go back and spend my last few days in Bali here. There’s just something about the super chill beach vibes, cute cafes, laid back bars, and epic sunsets that just calls my name. It’s a favorite amongst surfers, digital nomads, and yoga lovers alike. 

Canggu is a beach town nestled amongst the rice fields and is more laid back compared to it’s more luxurious neighbor, Seminyak. Here you will find black sand beaches that give it a unique twist to your standard white sandy beach holidays. While Canggu is certainly continuing to grow in popularity, it is still quite affordable even for budget travelers! I know I had to limit my time in Seminyak because a lot of the places were just higher-end.  

I love this place so much that I want to share with you the places I stayed as a budget traveler, where to get some yummy food (which actually  – hello –  is like everywhere), and all the things there are to do here. If this will be your first time traveling to Bali, I recommend you start with reading my guide on everything you need to know before you travel to Bali. 

So let’s get started on your guide to Canggu in Bali!

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Canggu In Bali: What Area Should I Stay In?

There are three main regions in Canggu. Batu Bolong is the area around the main street where you will find most of your restaurants and shops. Berawa is the area further south closest to Seminyak and Finns Beach Club. Pererenan is inland further and where you will find a lot of the locals living.

You also have the option of staying down near Echo Beach slightly north and away from things so it’s also a bit quieter. There are great places to stay in all of these areas, so it’s really going to depend if you prefer the quiet calm or being near all the action. 

Canggu in Bali: How Do I Get There From The Airport?

In Bali, you have the option of using services similar to uber like Grab and Gojek (make sure you download these apps!). However, they are not able to go to the airport for pick-ups due to the interference with the taxi service. (AKA the taxi mafia)

You should be able to have a pick-up arranged with your accommodation, pre-arrange one through Klook or Suntransfers, or haggle with the taxi mafia at the airport (I don’t recommend the latter, as the taxi mafia is known for ripping off tourists).

If you aren’t comfortable with riding a scooter, you can rent a bicycle instead. This is what I did for most of my time here. It’s great to be able to bike through the rice fields and around the town at your own leisure, with the wind in your hair. Sure it might take you a little longer, but if you’re relaxing on a vacation, what’s the rush? Just be mindful of the traffic as well, so you don’t end up getting run over! You’ll see what I mean when you arrive.

If neither of these options works for you because you just don’t feel comfortable navigating the traffic on your own, then using the mobile apps Grab or Gojek is a perfect option. Both of these apps are like Uber and they offer good prices and different options. One option would be in a car if you have a bigger group of people and/or luggage to carry around. If you want something cheaper, faster, and you’re alone, then they offer motorbike services. This is where they show up on a motorbike, and you just hop on the back! These are a lot cheaper in price and you can zip just about anywhere really quickly. The scooters just navigate through the traffic a lot easier than bigger cars do.

Canggu In Bali: Places To Stay

Many people come here on luxury vacations and stay at amazing hotels, resorts, retreats, Airbnb villas, etc. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the luxury of having that type of vacation here, as I traveled through Bali as a budget backpacker. I’m all for staying at a nice place, but I am the type of person who prefers to spend less on accommodation, and more on eating, drinking, and exploring. To each their own!

Here are a few recommendations based on my experience:

• The Chillhouse: a yoga and surf retreat. This place is super adorable, nice sized rooms and comes complete with multiple pools, a delicious vegetarian cafe, and yoga or surf sessions. A bit pricey for a budget traveler with prices starting at roughly 1,190,000 IDR/night (~$80USD). However, I splurged for four nights and it was so worth it. 

• Hostels: there are so many here to choose from. Check out Hostelworld to find one that suits your needs & desired location. Always read the reviews!! Here are a few recommendations:

• Kos One – this is one of the newest and nicest hostels. Dorms starting at $13/night. 

• Lay Day Surf Hostel – a fun party hostel with an all-day bar. Dorms starting at $10/night

• Bima Sakti Hostel – this hostel doesn’t have a lot of frills, it’s just a super basic hostel but it is literally RIGHT on the beach. The perfect place to stay if you want to be able to literally walk to the beach. If I remember correctly, it was also like 3-4$/night.

• Canggu Surfing House – perfect if you are wanting to surf as they are part of the Sunrise Surf School. This is ideal for budget travelers as dorms are roughly $3/night. Yes, you read that right, $3.00! 

• Homestay: a homestay is where a local family has a room for you to stay in on their property. This can offer a unique experience for your Bali trip! Search on Booking for a homestay if you’re interested in trying this! I did it for 2 nights and it was lovely. This is the one that I stayed at. 

• Villas, Resorts, Airbnbs – if you want to class it up or have a bigger budget, consider staying at one of these for a luxury experience in Bali. I didn’t stay at any, as I’m a budget traveler, so I don’t have any personally to recommend. You can definitely do a quick search on google and find lots of information! 

Canggu is filled with things to do. You literally will not be bored here as there is something to suit everyone’s taste in activities. If you have time and are basing yourself out of Canggu, consider doing day trips to some of the other nearby attractions. With Canggu being situated more central compared to Ubud and Uluwatu, you have the ability to cover more area! 

• Relax on the beaches – there is a long stretch of beach here to be seen. I literally just spent a day walking from one end to the other, taking in the beautiful scenery and snapping photos. All along the way, you will find little cute shacks where you can stop in, grab a fresh coconut or beer, and simply relax. It was like a slice of heaven for me.

• Drink at Old Man’s – this is the main bar in Canggu and you can find it going off here every night of the week. Each night they play different music and Wednesdays is their biggest party night. 

• Surf – there is some really good surfing here all along the Canggu beaches. If you’ve never surfed before, consider taking a surf lesson! You can find surf lessons or places to rent a surfboard if you’re experienced, up and down the beaches. 

• Do Yoga – there are so many places to do yoga here, it’s like a yoga paradise. I went and had a session at The Practice, which is in this amazing hut-style building and it was so soothing. It’s the perfect place to zen out. 

• Shop – tons of cute shops here scattered all throughout the city

• Visit a market – there are many markets here and be sure to catch one of them on your visit. You can find cute, locally made items or yummy foods that are great for souvenirs for yourself, or to bring home for family and friends. 

• Samadi Bali Sunday Market – every Sunday 9 am-2 pm
• Sunday gypsy market – every Sunday after 4 pm – at La Laguna
• Love Anchor – a huge bazaar that’s open every single day. 
• Old Man’s Sunday Market – held once a month

• Day Pools – is it a vacation if you didn’t spend time in a pool, overlooking the ocean? Here are a few spots where you can do just that, it’s amazing!
  • The Lawn – this is a restaurant with a pool. You can walk up from the beach, rinse the sand off your feet, and hop right in and grab a drink from the bar or have a waiter bring you one.
  • La Brisa – this is a day club where you have to pay a fee to enter. It’s totally worth it though. The fee can be applied to your bill at the end. Essentially it’s just a minimum spending amount. This place is decorated really nicely, like a ship. It’s right on the beach so you can chill out on one of their many bean bags, eat, drink, and watch an epic sunset. 
  • Finns Beach Club – this place is super nice if it’s within your budget. Definitely worth checking out and having a few drinks. This place is the premier beach club of Canggu for sure.

• Watch the sunset at Tanah Lot – This is the most popular thing to do here in Canggu. The name means the land in the sea. The temple is situated right on top of a piece of rock that is out in the water. When the tide is low, you can go down and walk all around it. When the tide is high, it becomes surrounded by water and is literally out in the sea. This place gets suuuuper crowded though so just be prepared for the crowds of tourists!
• Price: 60,000IDR

• Eat your heart out – Canggu is known for having some of the best cafes! You’ll find the streets literally lined with cute hipster cafes dishing out vegan and vegetarian delicacies, amazing breakfasts, and lunches. Literally it’s foodie heaven. The best part is, the dishes are always made completely insta-worthy, so go on and get your Instagram shots in girls! 

• Watch the sunsets – the sunsets here are literally ahhh-mazing. I couldn’t get enough! Canggu is literally a city situated on the beach, so you have no excuse but to get down there each night and watch the sky melt into gorgeous colors. Pick a spot anywhere in the sand. If you want to watch the sunset with a bit more style, a cocktail, and some food, consider posting up at La Brisa, in one of their bean bag chairs or the pool bar at The Lawn.

• Have a floating breakfast in the pool – I’m sure you’ve seen these all over Instagram. The experience isn’t for influencers only – you can have this too! Check out Cabina Bali where you can pay to have your own floating breakfast experience. 

• Do a day trip – from here you can take a day trip to check out some of the things that are farther in the north. 

• I did a day trip that took me to hike to the breathtaking Sekumpul Waterfall, Handara Golf Course Gate (you have to pay a small fee to take a photo here), Ulun Danu Bratan Temple (price 50,000IDR), Taman Ayun Temple (price 20,000IDR)

• Day trip to the famous Pura Luhur Lempuyang. Get here early if you want that famous photo, as there is usually a 2-hour long wait for it. And the shots you see with the water that is the “Gates of Heaven”, it’s an illusion. It’s done with a mirror that the guy does when he takes the photo for you. There is a “donation” fee. Usually anywhere from 10,000-30,000IDR is an acceptable amount.
• Day trip to The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud. If you are concerned about your safety at the monkey forest, read A Guide to The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary for Solo Travelers by Kylie over on the Kylie Nathan Blog. She gives you tips on how to brave the monkeys and remain safe! 

• Search online for day trips at places like Get Your Guide or Bali Sun Tours or booking one through your accommodation. You can even just hire a driver for the day to take you to all the spots you wish. I prefer this as you can move at your own pace! 

Canggu in Bali: Where To Eat

Honestly, just walk the streets of Canggu and you can literally find a million (exaggerating) delicious restaurants to eat at. Take your pick! 

• Echo Beach Club – the BEST bbq and seafood selection, right on the beach complete with a buffet. An amazing place to have dinner and watch the sunset. 

• Deus Ex Machina – a must when visiting, as they have something for everyone! And I heard that if you come here on their tatts-n-tacos Tuesday, that you can get a free tatt! You must let me know about that if you check it out! 

• Cassava – an organic vegetarian cafe connected to The Chillhouse Yoga Retreat. I stayed there for the first four days of my trip. My stay came with complimentary breakfast every morning which was to die for. I loved everything so much, I wish I was able to try the whole menu.

• Loop Pool Bar – a restaurant equipped with an infinity pool so you can swim, eat, drink, and enjoy the gorgeous views.

• The Lawn – a very trendy spot in an amazing location right on the beach. It has a perfectly manicured lawn to relax and tan/chill out on. There’s a dining area and of course a pool equipped with a swim-up bar overlooking the ocean. It’s a killer place to spend the day drinking, have a nice dinner, or watch the sunset. 

Guide To Canggu in Bali: Complete

I hope you are inspired to visit Canggu in Bali and are able to take away some awesome things to add to your itinerary! Like I’ve mentioned before, Canggu is such an amazing place and I know you will love it too! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views. Your time there will be over before you know it and you’ll be reminiscing like me.

xx, christine

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