Discover all the best things to do in Canggu with this handy travel guide.

Canggu: the cool coastal town where boho chic meets island paradise. The area’s laid-back charm and dynamic vibe promise an unforgettable escape as part of an incredible Bali itinerary.

Epic surf spots? Tick. Insta-worthy cafes? Those too. Canggu is a haven for surfers, digital nomads, and free spirits seeking a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.

The Best Things to do in Canggu

Chill Out on the Beach (And Learn to Surf)

Canggu’s beaches might not be quite as idyllic as the ones found in Uluwatu, but we still think that they’re pretty incredible. The best spots to chill out on are Batu Bolong, Berawa, and Echo Beach. 

While you’re there, it’s time to catch a wave. Surfing is incredibly popular in Canggu. And it’s no wonder why – Bali’s coastline offers a myriad of wave types, perfect for surfers of all levels.

There are plenty of high quality surf schools dotted along the coast and run by both Bali locals and Aussies. Canggu in particular has a very friendly community, so it’s a great place to embrace the surfer lifestyle.

We’ll warn you that small portions of these beaches can contain litter (though we found Kuta Beach the worst for this), so just keep walking until you find a clean spot to relax on. We also recommend you look into volunteering with Trash Hero Canggu to help with their beach clean up mission – it takes a couple of hours out of your day and is so worthwhile.

Visit Tanah Lot at Sunset

When in Canggu, make sure you take the short drive to the iconic Tanah Lot temple. Perched on a dramatic rock formation amidst the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean, the temple appears to be floating. Time your visit with the sunset for mesmerising views as Tanah Lot is bathed in an orange glow.

But there’s plenty more to see and do; wander around the impressive temple grounds, receive blessings, shop at a buzzy local market, and, if you dare, head into the cave to see the holy snake. You can opt for a tour of Tanah Lot (with transport included) or get there via Grab/Gojek.

Relax at a Luxe Day Club

Canggu’s day clubs are some of the best in Bali. Don’t believe us? Head down to The Lawn, Finns, or La Brisa to find out. On weekends, world-class DJs spin tunes late into the evening, and locally-inspired cocktails are served alongside delish food.

Each beach club has a unique offering — whether it’s the bohemian charm of La Brisa with its rustic wooden decor and oceanfront swings, or the modern chic of Seminyak’s Potato Head, where infinity pools meet sustainable design. We suppose you’ll just have to try out as many as you can to figure out your favourite.

Play a Game of Jungle Padel

Have you heard the news? Tennis is out, padel is IN. And one of the best places to play padel is in Bali. Nestled in the lush greenery of Canggu, Jungle Padel offers a unique and fun way to stay active while soaking up Bali’s natural beauty. 

Made for four players – although you can also play with two – padel is the lovechild of pickleball and squash. Jungle Padel allows you to rent equipment and book your court in advance on the website. Go in the evening when it’s cooler to work up a sweat in a buzzy atmosphere.

Shop at La Brisa Farmer’s Market

La Brisa is easily one of our favourite places in Canggu. Not just a wonderful day club, it also hosts the coolest Sunday market between 10am – 4pm. It gets pretty busy inside, so we recommend heading there early.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Echo Beach, swing by to grab tasty street food and browse local, artisanal crafts. We spotted handmade bikinis, beautiful jewellery, and a carefully-curated selection of fashion. This is an excellent place to pick up a meaningful souvenir.

Pamper Yourself at a Spa

Bali is home to hundreds of incredible spas, though the offerings in Canggu are some of the best. We tried out a fair few during our last trip… it would’ve been rude not to. Spring was our favourite (we booked a facial and massage and loved it so much we returned multiple times), while Glo Salon is also great for a mani-pedi and hair treatments.

Another spot we cannot rave about enough is Bodyworks – this ridiculously photogenic spa is inspired by a Moroccan riad. Though it’s in Seminyak along the coast, it’s worth hopping on a bike for. We opted for the Fire and Ice treatment (infrared sauna and ice bath) and left feeling totally rejuvenated.

Practise Yoga in Serene Surroundings

For many people, Bali is synonymous with yoga. Whether you’re a beginner seeking relaxation or a well-seasoned yogi looking to deepen your practice, there’s an abundance of studios offering Vinyasa, Yin, Bikram, and plenty more styles. 

Our top picks? If you’re a newbie looking to dip your toes in the yoga pond, we recommend starting at either Adda Yoga or The Path. We’ve also heard wonderful things about The Palm Tree House – a nearby spot offering female-only retreats that are as wholesome as they are spiritual.

Where to Stay in Canggu

There are plenty of hotels and hostels in Canggu, but we recommend you book a villa for some – if not all – of your stay. Not only are they extremely cheap (sometimes even as cheap as hostels) but you can get incredible bang for your buck. Many of the Canggu villas are decked out in boho style, complete with lime-washed walls and rattan accessories.

Where to Eat in Canggu

Copenhagen

When planning our trip, we knew that Copenhagen would be our first stop in Bali. The menu for this popular brunch spot consists of a tick sheet where you select the components of your meal (we love the cinnamon bun, smoothie bowl, and eggs, FYI).

The Nordic menu features plenty of western classics, with an equally impressive coffee menu to choose from. An excellent value, mix-and-match brunch in uber-cool surroundings – what’s not to love? Just make sure you arrive early before the crowds roll in mid-morning.

Nüde

It would be easy to pass Nüde off as just another Aussie-inspired spot in Canggu, but you would be wrong. This spot is chilled out during the day but turns into a vibey spot in Berawa during the evening. As a bonus, the waiters were so friendly – Ayu, in particular, is a total delight.

We were less keen on the burgers from Nüde but the bowls, salads, pizzas, and breakfast items were delicious. Plus, there’s an inventive drink menu to work your way through.

Milk & Madu

We would be lying if we didn’t admit to eating at Milk & Madu multiple times during our Bali trip. In our defence, there are numerous locations in Canggu and Ubud. Whether you’re after a filling brunch or a tasty dinner, the menu features a mix of western classics. We tried their salads, eggs benny, and pizzas and did not have a bad meal.

We also recommend heading there in the evening for a delicious sundowner and snacks. Keep an eye out for their pasta club nights, which are held regularly in all of their locations.

Varuna Warung

Though Bali boasts numerous trendy eateries, make sure you support the island’s family-run businesses, too. Warungs – local restaurants – often serve up delicious Balinese food for a fraction of the price. Seriously, meals at these spots will set you back a dollar or two.

You’ll find that the menus at warungs will be pretty similar no matter which one you choose. We recommend you try the Nasi Goreng and Mie Goreng – both toothsome, authentic dishes.

Penny Lane

Penny Lane is another foodie hotspot in Canggu. This restaurant serves up a Balinese fusion menu and an equally tasty selection of cocktails.

But it’s the interior that really wows. This vibrant eatery is a feast for the eyes with its bohemian, art-filled interiors featuring quirky murals, vintage furniture, and lush greenery. We adore the pop references peppered throughout.

How to Get Around Canggu

Renting a scooter is the most common and convenient way to get around Canggu. It allows you to navigate narrow roads and avoid traffic. This will set you back approximately IDR 60,000-100,000 ($4-7 USD) per day.

Alternatively, you can use the ride share apps Grab and Gojek to hail a motorbike. We use these interchangeably when in Bali as it’s so cheap and means we don’t need to worry about parking.