Awesome surfing, the coolest street art, yoga studios, hipster cafes and beach bars – it’s time to find out the best things to do in Canggu, Bali.
Canggu is one of the hottest destinations in Bali right now! Buzzing with liveliness, creative types, surfers, digital nomads and yogis, this former fisherman’s village is a must-visit.
Along with places like Ubud and Seminyak, people are flocking to Canggu for its picturesque views, endless activities and fun vibes. While it has developed over time, the town hasn’t lost its charm or laid-back feel.
If you’re visiting on holiday, you can enjoy a real mix of activities, from surfing and yoga, to enjoying seriously tasty (and healthy) food or partying the night away.
What to do in Canggu? Time to reveal all in my Canggu travel guide!
20 Utterly Amazing Things To Do In Canggu, Bali
From surfing and shopping, to sunset cocktails and street art, there are plenty of fun things to do in Canggu…
Planning your trip to Canggu? Here are a few quick highlights:
Take a tour of some of the most popular places around Ubud- Kos One Hostel in Canggu is stylish and ideal for backpackers
1. Surfing in Canggu
Surfing is the top activity to do in Canggu. The town has been a ‘surfers paradise’ for decades, with its waves suiting everyone from beginners to the pros.
If you’ve never surfed before, check out the deals at the local surf schools, or book something in advance here.
2. Enjoy an Indonesian massage
Ah, what a way to relax and unwind! I had some amazing massages during my time in Bali, and wow were they incredible value too. For under £10 you can enjoy an hour of pure bliss.
Canggu has plenty of spas to choose from. When I was choosing where to visit, I tended to go in, ask for prices and see what the setup was. Some are a lot nicer inside than others, and you want somewhere you can truly relax!
For a really upmarket Canggu spa experience, check out trendy chain Spring Spa or the wellness retreat at COMO Uma Canggu.
3. Eat at one of Canggu’s coolest restaurants
Wondering where to eat in Canggu? Well, no matter what kind of food you are into, you’ll find it in Canggu! Authentic Indonesian (local and high-end), seafood, Mexican, Italian, Spanish, Peruvian, vegan, raw food… the list goes on and on!
If you’re want to start the day in style, don’t miss my guide to the best breakfasts in Canggu. From amazing smoothie bowls at Café Vida Organic and Crate Cafe, to delicious avocado dishes at The Avocado Factory and the lightest souffle pancakes at Brunch Club, there are so many amazing spots to choose from! You’ll be in brunch heaven in Canggu.
For authentic Indonesian food, head over to Warung Bu Mi on Jalan Batu Bolong.
Or, if you want to sit down and enjoy an exquisite dinner in a chic restaurant with ocean views, enjoy one of the restaurants at Hotel Tugu. If you time your trip for a Thursday, you can check out one of their cultural performances too.
4. Drink at one of Canggu’s coolest bars
Canggu is full of cool cafes and bars, so if you’re wondering what to do in Canggu at night, here are a few recommendations.
One of the most famous places to go in Canggu drinks is Old Man’s, which often hosts live bands, DJs and late-night parties.
Another quirky spot to check out is Deus Ex Machina. It’s an iconic bar/vintage motorbike shop/art gallery/surfboard factory – you know, very ‘Bali’!
Or for something a little more grungy, head to Gimme Shelter, an underground rock and roll bar where punk is still very much alive.
5. Enjoy Canggu’s beautiful sunsets
Ready for Canggu must do?
Sunsets in Bali are famous for a reason, and Canggu Beach is the perfect spot to watch the sun go down while enjoying a sunset cocktail or a Bintang.
For amazing sunset views, yummy drinks and an all-round great vibe, head to The Lawn on Batu Bolong Beach, Finn’s Beach Club at Berawa Beach or try a local spot on Echo Beach.
Nothing beats sipping on a refreshing drink while watching the surfers riding the golden sunset waves. Pure magic!
6. Visit Tanah Lot Temple
Located 300m off the shore on a rock in the ocean, Pura Tanah Lot (Land in The Sea) is one of the most famous temples in Bali.
It’s a sacred place, and many believe the temple protects the island from evil sea spirits.
In terms of the best times to visit Tanah Lot… while sunsets are famous (when the temple is a beautiful silhouette) it’s worth visiting early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds. Also, if you time the tides right, you can walk to and from the temple on the sand before the water comes up too high.
The Tanah Lot entry fee is 70,000 IDR, and from Canggu, it’ll take you around 20-30 minutes to get there (12 kilometres).
7. Check out Canggu’s Street Art
In search of something unique to do in Canggu? Check out the town’s street art, starting at ALLCAPS Open Air Gallery.
I love street art, especially the personality it gives an area. The giant murals in Canggu are amazing to see, and if you’re on a budget, then this is one of the cheapest things to do in Canggu… no wait, it’s totally free!
8. Hike an active volcano
If you fancy a challenge, I’d recommend the Mount Batur sunrise trek. You’ll be picked up from Canggu in the early hours to drive to the base of the volcano. The hike up the active volcano will take a few hours, meaning you reach the summit around sunrise.
The views are as incredible as you’d imagine, with morning mist, golden sunbeams and a shimmery Lake Batur below.
The Mount Batur tour I booked was excellent, and includes breakfast and a trip to some hot springs afterwards, to soothe any aching muscles!
READ MORE: Mount Batur Sunrise Trek, Bali, Indonesia
9. Explore Love Anchor Canggu Market
Located in the heart of Canggu, Love Anchor is a unique shopping and dining destination tucked away from the main road. It’s a multi-story concept store with a bohemian vibe, offering an array of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Here, you’ll find everything from clothing and jewellery to home decor and art. Some people consider this to be a bit of a hidden gem in Canggu, especially as it’s a lovely place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
10. Go horse riding through Canggu’s landscapes
What a way to explore Canggu’s landscapes!
For something different, how about spending a few hours horse riding in Canggu? This tour is perfect for both beginners and experienced riders, and will take you through lush rice fields and along beautiful Pererenan Beach. Check latest prices and availability.
11. Stretch out and unwind with a yoga class in Canggu
Bali and yoga go hand in hand, and there are some great classes running in Canggu. Samadi Bali is one of the most popular spots, but there’s also The Canggu Studio, Serenity Eco Guesthouse (where you can stay too) and Pranava yoga.
Prices and styles of yoga vary at all of these, so take a look at their websites in advance, or pop in if you’re in the area.
12. Chill out at a Canggu beach club
Can you say you’ve been to Canggu if you haven’t been to Finn’s Beach Club on Berawa Beach?!
One of the most famous beach clubs on the island, Finn’s is the place to spend a day enjoying the beach views, swimming in the 30 metre infinity pool (which has a swim up bar and underwater speakers!) and enjoying all the food and drink you can manage!
There’s plenty more too – including a water park, trampoline centre, bowling and a kids club.
13. Visit one of the best waterparks in the world
Around 45 mins drive from Canggu, is Waterbom Bali. Located in Kuta, the waterpark is home to a mix of crazy, adrenaline slides and relaxed options like the lazy river.
Waterbom Bali is also home to Asia’s steepest slide – The Climax. I’ve not done it, but it kicks off with a countdown timer before the trapdoor below you opens and you drop almost vertically before you’re thrust into a loop and then shot out in front of the crowds watching! Would you dare?!
To save time and money, I’d recommend booking your tickets in advance. Check prices and availability here.
14. Take a trip to Nelayan Beach
Looking for hidden gems in Canggu? While everyone knows Batu Bolong Beach and Echo Beach in Canggu, Nelayan Beach remains a quieter and less crowded alternative. This serene beach is just a short drive or walk from the main Canggu hub.
Nelayan, meaning “fishermen” in Indonesian, retains a rustic charm with its fishing boats, small shacks, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great place to enjoy a peaceful sunset, take leisurely walks along the shore, and even watch local fishermen at work.
15. Take a day trip to Ubud
While there are tonnes of unique things to do in Canggu, it’s great to get out and explore more of Bali too.
The great thing about staying in Canggu, is that it’s great base for exploring other parts of Bali too.
If I had to choose, I’d say Ubud is my favourite place on the island. With its famous rice terraces, beautiful waterfalls, traditional markets and sacred monkey forest – it’s a town with SO much character!
Canggu is around an hour’s drive from Ubud, so it’s a nice easy day trip.
READ MORE: Ubud – The Ultimate Travel Guide
16. Stay in a luxury hotel in Canggu
One of the most luxurious hotels in Bali, COMO Uma Canggu is a relatively new addition to the town. The 5* resort has a bit of a surf theme, and while it’s located close to Echo Beach and Batu Bolong Beach, it has the exclusivity and privacy you’d expect from a high-end resort.
There’s a smart beach club, a swimming pool and Como Shambhala, one of the best spas in Bali.
READ MORE: WHERE TO STAY IN CANGGU – Best hotels & Airbnbs in Canggu for all budgets
READ MORE: The Best Honeymoon Hotels In Bali
17. Go to the Samadi Bali Sunday Market
Every Sunday from 8am – 4pm, you’ll find the Samadi Bali Sunday Market in the heart of Canggu. This vibrant and eco-conscious market offers a unique blend of organic produce, artisanal crafts, and wellness products. There’s often live music too!
If you’re looking for fresh fruit and vegetables to cook with, or you just want to have a look around, there’s a lovely vibe at this popular market. You’ll get to soak up the community atmosphere and know you’re doing good as you give back to the local farmers and producers.
18. Try a smoothie bowl in Canggu
We all know Bali has a reputation for being Insta-heaven, so it’s time to find the ultimate smoothie bowls in Canggu! This quintessential healthy breakfast usually comprises a selection of exotic fruits, granola and maybe some nuts or other grains too. They look as good as they taste.
For the best smoothie bowls in Canggu, check out Nalu Bowls, Cafe Vida and Cafe Organic. You’ll find so many places serving them now though, so you could try one somewhere different every single day!
19. Go scuba diving in Bali’s crystal waters
There are several great dive sites scattered around Bali’s coasts, and with such diverse marine life, it’s a great activity to squeeze into your holiday.
Some of the closest diving spots to Canggu are off the coast of Sanur, where you’ll find Channel Point, Penjor Reef and Jeladi Wilis.
If you fancy something different, head to Tulamben on the northeast coast of Bali, and dive the shipwreck of the USAT Liberty.
READ MORE: Where To Stay In Bali
20. Stay in a stylish Bali villa
There’s no shortage of dreamy villas in this part of Bali, that look like they’ve been plucked straight from the pages of a design magazine. Just look at these gorgeous places…
From outdoor kitchens and gorgeous pool areas, to chic open-plan living space, you’re guaranteed to find something here that takes your fancy!
Getting To Canggu, Bali
Canggu is located in the south of Bali, hugged by rice paddies and bordered by the Indian Ocean. Bali international airport is approximately 20km, around 45 minutes by car.
The easiest way to get around Bali is by scooter or motorbike. You can plan your own routes, take a few sneaky shortcuts and avoid traffic jams.
If the idea of getting on a moped makes you nervous, you could look to hire a private driver to take you from A to B. Lots of taxi services are seen as illegal in Bali (I used Uber there, but it wasn’t a flawless experience), and if you want to truly explore the island, having a personal chauffeur for the day may work out cheaper than a handful of short rides in local taxis.
Where to stay in Canggu
Canggu has plenty of great accommodation options, no matter what your budget! For a full guide on where to stay in Canggu read my detailed post: Best hotels and Airbnbs in Canggu
The Slow – Along with being a great restaurant, The Slow is also one of the top boutique hotels in Canggu. The decor is trendy, with eco vibes. Plus the location is perfect, just 500 metres from Batu Bolong Beach, with plenty of boutiques and cafes close by. Check availability and latest prices.
The Haven Suites – The Haven is a 5-star hotel in the Berawa area of Canggu. With luxury suites, dreamy pools and beach access, it’s a great pick if you’re splashing the cash. Check availability and latest prices.
The Green Room Canggu – On a budget but still want a pool and somewhere stylish to hang out? The Green Room is perfect, with a mix of dorms and deluxe suites. There’s a great pool to relax around, a pool table and it’s just a short walk from everything you could need in Canggu. Check availability and latest prices.
Weather in Canggu
Canggu has warm, humid weather all year around,. The average temperature in Canggu is around 27 degrees.
In Bali, there are only 2 seasons; dry season (April to September) and wet season (October to March).
The busiest times for travellers visiting Bali are July, August and December. If you can choose your dates, I’d recommend visiting in April, May, June or September when prices are more reasonable and there are fewer tourists around.
Where is Canggu?
Canggu is located on the south coast of Bali, around 10km north of Kuta.
Where To Visit In Bali after Canggu?
If you’re thinking of sticking around in Indonesia, here are a few other places I’d recommend checking out.
Ubud – Awesome town in Bali with rice terraces, temples, waterfalls and great food. My Ubud travel guide has a heap of useful info to plan your trip. Also check out the best Ubud hotels and my pick of the best tours in Ubud.
Gili Islands – My Gili T travel guide has all you need to know about these islands!
Lombok– Cool vibes and great surfing. Close to Bali, so a great addition to your holiday.
Raja Ampat – Tricky to get to, but the closest place to paradise I’ve found on my travels. It’s simply breathtaking. Find out all your need to know in my Raja Ampat travel guide.
Jakarta – If you’re flying in and out of Indonesia’s capital, here are 6 things you can’t miss.
Borobudur – One of the most magical sunrise experiences I’ve ever had was at Borobudur Temple.
What To Pack For Canggu: Useful Items
If you’re figuring out what to wear Canggu, I’d recommend reading my detailed guide to what to wear in Bali. It has suggestions on womenswear, menswear, footwear and lots of other extras you might not have thought about.
If you’re planning your trip, you should think about more than just clothing when you start packing. Here are a few items I’d recommend adding to your suitcase…
Insect repellent – There are plenty of really good insect repellents like this one. If you’re travelling with kids you might want to buy a specific children’s insect repellent too.
Bite relief – I usually take an after bite / anti-itch cream like this, that helps to soothe any bites. I also swear by this amazing Bite Away Pen, which sends a small electric shock to the itchy part of the bite. It takes a bit of getting used to at first (and sometimes hurts a tiny bit), but it does work. I’ve done a full review of the item (as it goes everywhere with me!!) so feel free to read more here.
Travel towel – A fast-drying microfibre towel like this one will come in handy on your trip. These are great not only for when you fancy a swim, but also when you want to sit down on the ground or to wipe your sweaty face on a humid day!
Sun cream – It’s important to apply suncream throughout the day. I’d recommend finding a brand which isn’t too heavy on chemicals, or is almost totally natural, like this one made by Sun Bum.
Sunglasses – It’s important to protect your eyes when you visit a holiday destination like this one. I’d recommend investing in some high-quality UV protected sunglasses. I’ve owned a pair of these Ray Bans for a few years now and love them!
Sun hat – You’ll definitely want a sun hat like this to protect yourself on all of those sunny days!
After sun or aloe vera – Don’t forget some soothing cream incase you do burn. I really like this one made by Ultrasun. It’s lightweight and feels lovely on your skin.
Rain jacket – Be prepared for those sporadic rain showers. As you won’t need it for warmth, I’d recommend a lightweight waterproof jacket that packs down small. Something like this would be perfect.
Umbrella – I’d also recommend an umbrella for rainy season. I’d been looking for a super compact option for ages, and finally found this one which fits in my small handbag and is nice and sturdy.
Daypack backpack – I used a small backpack for day-to-day adventures, which could fit a water bottle, camera, sun cream and bug spray. I also took a small shoulder bag to use for going for dinner in the evenings. If you’re looking for something nice and small, lightweight, water-resistant and that will fit all your essentials, I’d recommend this daypack. It’s got some very handy zip-up pockets too!
Reusable water bottle – I always recommend packing a reusable water bottle for travel. Even if you can’t drink the tap water, it means you can top up from giant bottles or water coolers rather than buying lots of plastic bottles. Personally I’d recommend the Chilly’s water bottles. I’ve got a few in different sizes and they are excellent quality! I also really like these bottles with straws. They’re really easy to drink from, they have a strap, never leak and hold a good volume.
GoPro – This is an adventure-filled country. The best way to capture it is on a GoPro. They’re great for photos and videos, hard wearing, shockproof and waterproof. Whether you’re snorkelling, hiking, white water rafting, wildlife-spotting or zip lining, it’s the perfect accessory. Don’t forget to take out travel insurance that covers your gadgets too.
Power bank – It depends how much you use your phone on holiday, but I used mine a lot during my trip, snapping photos and videos along the way. A portable battery pack is a great idea so you don’t have to worry about running out of charge at an important moment.
I have a few made by Anker and they’re great quality and have lasted for a long time. This is the one I’m using at the moment, which is really small (similar size to my phone) but stores lots of charge and has a fast charging capability.
Plug adapter – I pack this universal travel adapter for all of my travels. It charges up to 6 devices at once, using a plug or USB sockets. Plus, it can be used anywhere in the world. It’s one of my fave travel gadgets!
Dry bag – I’m really happy I invested in a dry bag like this. It’s made from a thick plastic and is totally waterproof. These dry bags are perfect for adventures on the water, visiting waterfalls, or if you think it’s going to rain heavily. I’d recommend a small one for your phone and camera gear, or a larger one if you want to use it as your main bag for an activity.
Waterproof phone case – Similarly, if you want to take your phone out and about in the water, I’d recommend getting a waterproof phone case. There are quite a few to choose from, but I’d recommend reading the reviews! You need this to protect your phone and be 100% watertight after all! I bought these Moko cases myself and my partner and they’ve been great. We’ve used them on several trips snorkelling and to waterfalls now, and no leaks!
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about all the amazing things to do in Canggu! If you’re looking for more tips for your trip, check out these posts:
- Where To Stay In Canggu – Best Hotels In Canggu For All Budgets
- 16 Best Breakfasts in Canggu, Bali
- What To Wear In Bali – Packing List For Your Next Holiday
- 15+ AMAZING Things To Do In Seminyak, Bali
- Ubud, Bali – The Ultimate Ubud Travel Guide
- Where To Stay In Bali – Budget, Mid-Range And Luxury Bali Hotels
- The Best Honeymoon Hotels In Bali
- Mount Batur Sunrise Trek, Bali, Indonesia
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