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Guide to Canggu: Tips for Travellers
What you need to know about Canggu
Welcome to Canggu, Bali’s thriving hedonist paradise. In less than a decade, Canggu has grown from a small surf spot to a bustling town with dozens of cafés, restaurants, shops, and beach resorts. It’s a bustling, energetic, and fast-paced community!
From swimming and riding the waves to enjoying the booming culinary scene and getting a relaxing massage, there are plenty of things to do in Canggu. This article will help you discover hidden gems, experience the local culture, and find joy in Canggu!
Geographical Location and How to Get to Canggu
So, where is Canggu, Bali? Canggu is located in the North Kuta District, Badung Regency. It is a coastal village with 10 km of beaches on the southwest coast of Bali. Canggu is nestled between Seminyak and Tanah Lot Temple, the most famous temple due to its location on the sea and a hallmark of Bali Tourism. The village has an excellent combination of rice fields and a long, dark coastline. Its location in the North Kuta district makes Canggu an ideal place to stay, especially if you like crowds.
Getting to Canggu is very easy. Many online taxis are available as this place is very popular and a significant tourist destination. Canggu is a 40-minute drive from Bali International Airport. It takes about an hour if you’re coming from Ubud and 45 minutes from Denpasar.
Where to Stay in Canggu
With its status as a major tourist destination, Canggu has abundant accommodation within close proximity. Depending on your budget and who you’re travelling with, you can choose from hotels, luxury villas with private pools, or lower-budget guesthouses. If you can’t drive and prefer to walk, look for accommodation near the beach. That way, you’ll have easy access to swimming, surfing, or a late afternoon cocktail at a beachside bar. Living in the Canggu area comes with a lot of perks. Apart from the loud city life with traffic everywhere, staying nearby gives you easy access to the beach and other hype spots like Finns, Motel Mexicola, and more!
Where to Eat in Canggu
When in Canggu, you just need to step out of the alley of your hotel or villa. You will find restaurants or cafés everywhere! You can choose to have breakfast at a beachside café or have lunch in front of a rice field while working a bit because restaurants and cafés in Canggu usually offer co-working spaces too.
It won’t be hard for you to find your taste and diet. Canggu, which is fast becoming a hotspot for digital nomads and expats, features a wide range of culinary options from around the world, including typical European, American, plant-based, gluten-free, and more!
Attractions in Canggu
Canggu Beaches
Read on for an overview of the most popular beaches in Canggu, such as Batu Bolong, Echo Beach, and Berawa Beach. Each beach has its own unique atmosphere, whether for surfing, relaxing, or dining. I should also mention that Canggu is a favourite surf spot, although the overall vibe is laid-back.
Located in southwest Bali, Canggu offers access to numerous black sandy beaches that line the coast. Each beach around Canggu has its charm, with some beaches offering thrilling waves for surfers and others filled with beachside bars, making ideal locations to watch Bali’s perfect sunsets. Here is a quick rundown of some of the best beaches in Canggu:
- Echo Beach. Popular among experienced surfers, it is home to La Brisa Beach Club and multiple beach bars. Sun beds for rent are available throughout the day.
- Berawa Beach. This beach is south of Canggu. Berawa is a long beach famous for its large beach clubs.
- Batu Bolong. Canggu’s main beach is the easiest to reach. It is excellent for sunset viewing but can quickly get crowded. If you want to learn to surf, many surf schools exist for beginners.
Tanah Lot Temple
Standing on a reef on the beach side of Beraban Village, Tabanan, Tanah Lot Temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bali. The temple looks especially enchanting when at high tide, as it seems to be floating in the middle of the water. However, visitors can only set foot here when there is low water.
The sunsets at this temple are stunning! The Kecak Dance is also performed here every day. So, if you don’t want to go all the way to Uluwatu Temple to watch the Kecak Dance, this is your go-to option.
Surfing in Canggu
Surrounded by beaches, surfing in Canggu is a serious business. You’ll pass many people with surfboards on their scooters in the morning, heading to the beach. Anyway, you don’t need to be a surfer to enjoy the laid-back-surf vibe. But if you do want to try, this is a good place to start. You’ll find tons of surf schools lining the beach, where lessons will be tailored to your skill level.
Out of the many available beaches, the two most popular for surfing are Echo Beach and Batu Bolong. Batu Bolong is more suitable for intermediate beginners and longboarders because of its long, gentle waves. Echo Beach, on the other hand, is more suitable for experienced surfers. The waves here are shallow and can produce sizable waves, so you should always be careful with the reef.
Yoga and Wellness Retreats in Canggu
Surfing out there in Canggu and need a recharge? No big deal, folks! With Canggu now one of the top destinations for world travellers, world-class wellness and spas have followed suit. Home to many yoga studios, luxury salons, and creative beauty treatments, some of the biggest names in the wellness business in Bali are here. Take, for example, Udara Bali, where you can stretch out in not one but four yoga shalas located at high altitudes, overlooking the Indian Ocean, ancient temples, and rice paddies. After your yoga session, you might want to visit the Goldust Spa, where you’ll be pampered with a 24-carat gold facial!
With a wide selection of wellness retreats in Canggu ranging from affordable to luxurious and unique, you can enjoy the zen life within your budget with ease!
Canggu’s Nightlife and Beach Clubs
Ah, Canggu and nightlife are one and the same. It is no longer a secret that Canggu is the centre of Bali’s beach and party clubs. Many of the best places to go at night in Canggu are literally on the sand, wildly popular among surfers looking for cold beer, food, and good music. Expansive ocean views with dramatic sunsets make it all the better. The crowds are usually a mix of Canggu expats, as well as those from Kuta and Seminyak, who are just looking for different scenery and a change of pace. If it’s the rainy season, don’t worry. With the huge selection of clubs and bars lining Canggu, it is possible to dance until the clock strikes midnight without worrying about getting wet!
The most popular Finn’s Beach Club is not to be missed! Finn’s regularly hosts after-dark parties, where you’ll be treated to live music performances from international guest DJs.
Practical Information for Visiting Canggu
Canggu is the busiest area in Bali, where tourists and digital nomads alike gather. And trust me when I say there’s nothing like Canggu traffic. Getting around by car will not get you anywhere, as you’ll likely get stuck in traffic and end up spending hours in the car. A scooter is the perfect way to get around, as Canggu has a lot of small shortcuts that only scooters can take. Considering the traffic, however, trying to drive if you’re not an expert will only put you on edge, so Gojek or Grab is your best solution! They can also be easily found nearby.
With so many tourists coming in and Canggu being known as a middle-class place, criminals might see opportunities. Crime in Bali is not high, but you might want to be careful when you are alone in the middle of the night. Of all the areas in Bali, Canggu has been reported several times for pickpockets who snatch the bags or accessories of visitors who venture out alone into lonely streets at night.
Nevertheless, crime is minimal and thinking about Canggu just made me want to hop on my bike and head over there to grab a cocktail before the sunset. Canggu is a really attractive holiday option. Now that you know at least the basics about Canggu, it’s time for you to grab that cute outfit and chill by the beach!
