13 Best Things To Do In Canggu

Canggu is a coastal village on the south coast of Bali and stands alone as one of the coolest places to hang out.

Renowned for being home to some great surfing at the famous Echo Beach and Batu Bolong, you’ll definitely find a laidback surfer vibe in Canggu.

However, apart from surfing, due to its beautiful beaches, local markets, hipster cafes, boutique shops and lively beach bars, Canggu also attracts plenty of tourists looking for a relaxed, beach style Bali experience.

So, here are our top 13 things to do in Canggu Bali.

1. Enjoy The Cafes

Canggu is home to lots of amazing cafes offering some of the tastiest food and drink you will find anywhere. From hipster cafes to the locals favourites, the streets are lined with inviting food and drink options.

You really are spoilt for choice but a few of our favourite Canggu cafes are Garden Canggu, Bali Bowls & Smoothies and Nude Canggu.

These make for the perfect spot to grab delicious smoothie bowls, banana pancakes, waffles, fresh avocados and many more tasty dishes.

As well as traditional Balinese food you will also find foods from around the world including dutch pancakes, Nordic cinnamon rolls and Vietnamese banh mi, to name just a few.

The inviting cafes are usually beautifully decorated with plenty of greenery and often interesting wall art. Perfect to take a break, relax and enjoy some good food.

Therefore, definitely one of the best things to do in Canggu is enjoy the cafes.

2. Eat In The Local Warungs

A ‘warung’ is a local restaurant that is usually family owned and they can be found everywhere in Bali.

Unlike the more upmarket cafes, you will usually find plenty of locals as well as tourists frequenting the warungs. They are very much a community hub as well as being very welcoming to visitors.

So, as a switch-up from the smoothie bowls and avocado, you have to do it like the Indonesians do at some point.

Indonesian food is some of the best vegetarian food you will eat. Plus it would be rude not to try their amazing home cooked goodness.

So, for a tasty and inexpensive meal, along with a very warm welcome, you definitely have to try some of the Canggu warungs.

Just try not to get too addicted to the tempe!

3. Tanah Lot Temple

The famous Tanah Lot Temple is an iconic spot in Bali not to be missed.

Meaning ‘land in the sea’, Tanah Lot Temple sits on a large rocky outcrop just off the coast and is one of Bali’s most important landmarks.

One of seven sea temples built around the Balinese coast, it is thought to have been built originally as a place to worship the Balinese sea gods from. In addition, Tanah Lot Temple has also been heavily influenced by Hinduism.

When you visit this ancient temple it’s possible to get a personal blessing from one of the monks and also learn a little about the Hindu culture.

It’s a popular tourist destination and offers some great photo opportunities due to its unique and stunning setting, especially at sunset.

The is one of the most famous temples in Bali and perfect for a day out in the sun. Just be sure to watch out for the monkeys along the way!

4. Shop, Shop, Shop

Batu Bolong, the main road leading through Canggu, is a shopaholics heaven.

This long road that takes you to Batu Bolong Beach is packed full of colourful and inviting shops and cafes. So the perfect place to get some retail therapy and a coffee!

There are lots of very cool and stylish boutiques and retail spaces here, selling unique and quality wares.

From bikinis, to board shorts there is everything you can think of in this surfers paradise of shops. After all, how can shopping not be one of the best things to do in Canggu!

Not forgetting the three main markets in Canggu, Love Anchor, Samadi Bali and Old Man’s.

They’re all different in their own kind of way. So, they are a must-visit if your stay in Canggu lands on the days they’re running.

5. Learn To Surf At Echo Beach

Of all the places in the world to learn how to surf, Bali was up there for us.

The top place to learn is at one of the best beaches in Canggu, the famous Echo Beach, where beginners tend to head daily.

We couldn’t not take a surfing lesson. It was such a fun experience and made us really want to rent our own board and get out and practice more and more.

Most board rentals start at 60,000 IDR for 2 hours, or you can grab a 2 hours lesson for 350,000 IDR (including board rental). You can book a surf lesson in advance with a trusted instructor here.

Definitely add surfing in Canggu to your list, if you haven’t already!

6. Catch A Sunset At Batu Bolong

If you’re a sunset hunter like us, then this has to be high on the bucket list of things to do in Canggu.

Bali is known for its killer sunsets and Batu Bolong Beach is the hub where most people in Canggu gather every evening.

In this perfect location you can watch the sunset from the beach or with a drink at the bar of Old Mans. As well as any of the cafes sitting on the cliff overlooking the beach and Pacific Ocean.

There’s always grilled corn on the go, a beach full of happy faces and laid-back vibes everywhere.

Plus, if you catch a good night, you could witness the pinkest skies you’ve ever seen!

7. Rent A Scooter And Explore Canggu

One of our favourite things to do in Canggu!

When you arrive in Canggu, it’s a certain that you have to rent a scooter.

As long as you’re safe and confident, you can explore all Canggu has to offer and the surrounding areas.

Pererenan, Berawa and even Seminyak and Kuta are worth a trip. Time and time again we ended up in perfectly presented rice fields or some ‘cool as’ palm tree roads.

If you’re looking for somewhere to rent scooters from you can book a trusted scooter rental here.

8. Ride The Canggu Shortcut

This infamous, narrow cobbled ‘road’ is a 4 wheeled vehicle’s nightmare.

Rightly named, it literally is a shortcut between two popular roads that run parallel to each other in Canggu.

Stretching for approximately 2 km, it bypasses the very busy Jalan Pantai Berawa and Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong. Offering a quicker route between Berawa and Batu Bolong.

Taking you through local neighbourhoods and picturesque rice fields, it’s a great way to miss the traffic and see the more traditional side of Canggu.

If you’re confident on two wheels it’s an experience in itself. Although please be careful…we’ve seen many a tourist end up in the rice paddies!

9. Search The Canggu Street Art

Probably not one of the most known things to do in Canggu, but over the 6 months we spent there we saw a lot of it!

Art is an important part of Balinese culture and the laid back and bohemian vibe in Canggu makes for creative heaven. Attracting young up and coming Indonesian artists as well as foreign street artists.

So street art, as in many places around the world, is actually going from strength to strength in Canggu.

With some of the artists even commissioned to do murals you see in the bars and cafes around Canggu.

What would a town full of creatives be without walls covered in amazing art!

Get your cameras ready if you go exploring because you’ll see everything from giant avocados, to monkey murals and maybe even a bright blue octopus!

10. Hop The Bars

Canggu is definitely one of the best places in Bali for hanging-out with friends and catching a drink come the evening.

With some of the most popular bars such as La Laguna, Finns Beach Club or The Lawn also serving as awesome places to watch the sunset.

Come sundown, these bars sitting on the beach come alive with beautiful lights, live music and a choice of drinks.

With comfortable seating and a friendly vibe, we guarantee you’ll spend hours chatting away amongst the fairy lights.

11. Pretty Poison

If you are looking for something a bit more raw and earthy, then Pretty Poison is the perfect night out.

This famous skate bowl in Canggu is a huge hit with locals and tourists every Tuesday and Thursday night.

With open mic nights or DJs playing banging music as well as cheap drinks on offer there’s always a real party atmosphere.

Add to this the very talented skateboarders flying around doing tricks that wow the crowd and ramp-up the excitement.

If you want a party then add Pretty Poison to your things to do in Canggu list!

12. Old Mans

If you’re looking for the busiest bar in town, then this should definitely be on your list of things to do in Canggu.

Located on the beautiful Batu Bolong Beach, this popular venue is always packed and attracts a diverse and chilled crowd.

Serving food as well as drinks, it also hosts regular events including live bands and international DJs.

Visit Old Mans on a Wednesday for the famous beer pong tournaments or any other night for a late one.

In addition this restaurant come bar holds a Saturday market once a month, where local start-ups display their awesome clothing, jewellery or foods.

So, if you’re around on the last Saturday of the month, this is definitely worth a visit!

13. Waterbom Bali

Ok, so it’s not really in Canggu but we had to let you know about Waterbom Bali.

It’s located in Kuta and about a 45 minute drive from town. If you fancy something a little different and are big kids like us then you’ll love Waterbom!

Exciting water slides and water games weave through nearly 4 hectares of tropical gardens and pools providing hours of amazing fun.

There’s something for everyone from leisurely pools with mini slides to adrenaline-pumping rides that start from significant heights.

In addition, there are restaurants, a food court and a swim-up bar, so no reason to leave. You can stay all day and have the time of your life!

Where To Stay In Canggu

Luxury

Theanna Eco Villa and Spa

One of the most highly rated hotels in the area!

Set in Canggu, a 6-minute drive to Echo Beach, Theanna Eco Villa and Spa offers villas with private pools.

Guests can also enjoy pampering massages at the spa centre.

The villa also provides free use of bicycles and free shuttle service to the surrounding areas.

Free WiFi is accessible throughout the villa and the whole setting is beautiful.

Mid-Budget

Frii Hotel

Perfect location and just off the main road, this hotel is definitely a spot of luxury at a reasonable price.

Rooms here will provide you with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, air conditioning, minibar and electric kettle.

The rooms also feature an en suite bathroom with shower, which comes with slippers and towels.

Some rooms have sea view or pool view.

Budget

The Hideout Hostel

Situated in the Pererenan district of Canggu, The Hideout Hostel provides free bikes, an outdoor swimming pool and a garden.

Among the various facilities are a terrace and a shared lounge. There is also an on site restaurant.

The units in the hostel come with a coffee machine and a seating area.

For more places to stay in Canggu, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.