A Complete Guide To Canggu, Bali
Welcome to Canggu, or ‘the gu’ as locals call it.
Looking for the ultimate Canggu travel guide and the best things to do in this coastal Bali hub? You’ve come to the right place. From the best yoga and pilates studios to the yummiest cafes, sunset bars, and spots to catch a wave – everything you need to plan your time in Canggu is right here in this Canggu travel guide.
Canggu is a coastal village on the southwestern coast of Bali, Indonesia, and has quickly become one of the most talked-about destinations in Southeast Asia. Once a quiet stretch of black-sand beach and rice paddies, Canggu is now a buzzing hub loved by surfers, digital nomads, yogis, food lovers, and those seeking nightlife whilst on the island.
For me, whilst Canggu has changed drastically over the years, and it might not be everyone’s cup of tea (it’s a little hectic), there’s still a real sense of community here and so many epic things to do and enjoy! Canggu is your place to stay in Bali if you’re seeking to be in the centre of the buzz, the shops, the surf, the nightlife and the bustle.
If you’re drawn to Canggu but are a little worried about the noise and crowds, I’d suggest staying in the quieter nearby neighbourhoods of Seseh / Pererenan.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Canggu, the best places to eat and the best places to drink, look no further than this Canggu travel guide. I got you!
Other Bali guides I think you’ll love:
- The best things to do in Bali
- The best brunch and coffee spots in Canggu, Bali
- my complete guide to Bali
Bali Google Map
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. Simply open the Google Map on your device and all my recommendations are at the touch of your fingertips.
A complete guide to Canggu, Bali
Getting To Canggu
From Denpasar airport, the main international airport you’ll likely land into, Canggu is about a 45-minute drive, and it’s approximately 20km. However, depending on the time of day you travel, you’ll usually need to account for traffic too. The roads can get pretty hectic!
A taxi will only cost around 200-300,000IDR (£11-17), and most hotels and accommodations will offer you the option of a private transfer. If you’re looking to save money wherever possible on your trip to Bali, my top tip would be to download Grab (SE Asia’s Uber equivalent) and order a Grab car when you arrive. That will likely be your cheapest option!
Getting around Canggu
The best way to get around Canggu, just like most of Bali, is by scooter (moped) or car.
If you’re staying for a little while and want the freedom to move independently, I’d say rent a scooter. Price guide for renting a scooter in Canggu: 60-75,000IDR a day
Most companies in Bali will deliver the bikes to your door, and you’ll pay them in cash. Some will want you to pay up front. I usually pay half at the start and the rest at the end, just to be safe. The longer you rent the scooter for, the more of a bargain you’ll be able to arrange. Of course, new / larger scooters may cost a little more.
Alternatively, you can order a ride on Grab, where you’ll get picked up by a scooter and taken to your destination as a passenger princess. Trips in and around Canggu tend to be around 15-22,000IDR standard (around 50p) per ride. It’s an incredibly affordable option if you don’t feel like driving your scooter around, and all Grab drivers carry a spare helmet for your safety.
Roads are pretty hectic in and around Canggu, so if you don’t want to go for the bike option, you can rent a car, but it will most definitely take you longer to get around. Bikes can weave through traffic, so they are the most efficient way to travel in Canggu.
Where to stay in Canggu
The best place to stay in Canggu depends on the experience you’re looking for. If you want to be in the thick of the activity and buzz, and within walking distance of the beach, book in central Canggu, somewhere near Batu Bolong Beach. There are a wealth of homestays, hotels and Airbnbs here for you to choose from.
If you’re looking to stay outside the centre of Canggu and enjoy a more serene location as a base, then travel in to enjoy the best things to do in Canggu, I’d highly recommend booking in Pererenan or Seseh.
If you’re looking for something in between… a place that feels like a serene sanctuary but is actually still very central, consider staying at Hotel Tugu.
I have stayed here twice over the last 10 years, and it’s in the most prime location (right on the main beach), but once you step inside, you’re transported to Bali 50 years ago, and suddenly, you are worlds away from Batu Bolong.
Hotel Tugu is where you should stay if you want an authentic, culturally rich experience in Canggu and to really feel the roots of Balinese culture. See images below from my stay in the Dedari Suite, which features a private plunge pool and a semi-outdoor bath with an oversized terrazzo/mosaic tub, plus ALL the details, including daily turn-down service, fresh fruit and flowers on the pillow. Book here.
I also recently stayed at Zin Hotel, which I actually cannot fault. It’s another great spot with all the modern luxuries right in the heart of Canggu, but still feels just ‘out of it’. The pillows were the comfiest my head has ever slept on!!! Included in your stay, you get a 15-minute foot massage, a spin class and also coffee and breakfast from the Zin Cafe menu (the dreamiest of them all).
How much should you budget for Canggu?
See my guide to budgeting for Bali here, and have a look at how much meals and activities will cost you.
Honeslty, I have soooo many recommendations for places to eat, drink, and adventure here in Canggu. To get access to them all and have them at your fingertips whilst you’re travelling, I highly recommend grabbing my Ultimate Bali travel guide – the Bali Google map…
Bali Google Map
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. Simply open the Google Map on your device and all my recommendations are at the touch of your fingertips.
The Best Things To Do In Canggu
Explore the local brunch scene
Brunch in Canggu isn’t just a meal, it’s practically a way of life.
The cafe scene here is genuinely world-class, with an abundance of plant-based bowls, smashed avo on sourdough, superfood lattes, and acai creations that are almost too beautiful to eat. You are spoilt for choice here.
Whether you’re after a breezy spot like Barboa, a vibrant plant-based menu like the one at Alchemy, a farm-to-cup coffee experience at Kawisari right by Batu Bolong Beach, or fairy-light IG perfection at Penny Lane Cafe, there’s something to suit every mood and morning.
Tip: if you’re a coffee fanatic, don’t miss BGS near Echo Beach, their homemade vanilla and date almond milk latte is YUM.
Have a beach day at Batu Bolong
Batu Bolong Beach is Canggu at its most relaxed — rent a sun lounger, listen to the waves, and let the day drift by. The vibe is unpretentious and easy, with surfers in the water, fresh coconuts on tap, and some of the best golden-hour light in Bali.
On your way down, don’t skip the street food stand selling BBQ’d sweetcorn – a simple but iconic Canggu moment. With Kawisari Coffee Farm just steps away and plenty of warungs nearby for a post-swim bite, it’s a pretty perfect day out.
Take a surf lesson and get in the ocean
With warm water, consistent waves, and breaks suited to every level, getting in the ocean in Canggu is pretty much a non-negotiable. Even if you’ve never tried before – let this be your adventure here and give it a go!
Batu Bolong Beach (the main beach in Canggu) offers forgiving, fun waves perfect for first-timers. Echo Beach is a step up, great for intermediates looking to progress, while Berawa offers a more powerful option for those with more experience in the water.
P.s. If you’re advanced, consider a day trip up to Balian Beach, Bali.
If you’re keen on booking a surf lesson, there are multiple surf schools to choose from along the beachfront. You can get an experienced local coach for around 400K IDR, with private and small group options available.
Have a cocktail/beer with some live music on the beachfront
The beachfront bar scene here in Canggu is one of the best on the island, and there’s no shortage of good vibes to choose from.
There are beachfront warungs and bars where you can sit on benches with a Bintang and watch the surf. Come sunset, you have beanbags all along the beach to pitch up with a cocktail for sunset, and then you have beach bars like The Lawn, which serve up all the feel-good tunes and young social vibes daytime through night.
One thing you’re never far from in Canggu is a cocktail and live music.
Old Man’s is a Canggu institution for a good night out if you’re craving one. Wednesday nights are the night here, drawing a lively crowd for live music and a proper party atmosphere. Get it in the calendar!
Book the authentic dining experience and show at Hotel Tugu every Thursday
For a truly special evening that goes beyond the usual sunset cocktail in Canggu, the Cultural Evening Dinner at Hotel Tugu is one of the best things to do in Canggu.
Every Thursday at 19:30, the show brings to life almost-forgotten dances and music of ancient Bali, performed by some of the region’s best traditional dancers on the stage of the majestic Bale Agung – a soaring 15-metre-tall piece of ancient architecture. The performance features live gamelan music alongside traditional Balinese dance, all while you enjoy a flavourful dinner with local dishes. It’s the kind of evening that reminds you just how rich Balinese culture really is and really allows you to connect to the beautiful local people and traditions. Book your spot here via Klook.
See my full review of Hotel Tugu here.
Take a yoga class at The Practice
If you’re looking to dive deeper into your yoga practice, Canggu has some incredible practitioners and facilitators. The Practice is a world-class yoga studio here in Canggu, dedicated to traditional Hatha Yoga. Built from sustainable bamboo with rice paddy views, this open-air studio is as beautiful as the practice itself.
Booking a yoga class is definitely one of the best things to do in Canggu. There are daily classes here that weave breath work, asana, and meditation for all levels. If you’re looking to go deeper, their teacher training programme is considered one of the best in Bali. Check the schedule and book a class at thepracticebali.com.
Bali Google Map
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. Simply open the Google Map on your device and all my recommendations are at the touch of your fingertips.
Get pampered for pennies at one of the Spas
One of the genuine joys (at least for me) of being in Canggu is how affordable a little self-care is, and the options here are seriously impressive. Trust me, I’m fussy. These are my favourites and personal recommendations (updated June 2026).
- For a deeply relaxing massage – Beach House Spa
- For non-invasive face massage- Face Therapy Spa, Face Lab, Face Protocol
- For your all singing, all dancing, advanced facial – L:A LAB
- For hair treatments and hair spa, Rob Peetoom Hair Spa is the spot
Take a day trip to Ubud
Ubud, just a 90-minute drive from Canggu, is known as the spiritual heart of Bali. I highly recommend a day trip here to switch the coastal vibes for the dense jungle and rice paddies!
Start your morning with brunch at Zest before walking the Sweet Orange Rice Field Trail, then spend the afternoon wandering the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, exploring the Sacred Monkey Forest, or visiting the sacred Pura Tirta Empul water temple for a purification ritual. If you have time, a sound healing session at Pyramids of Chi is a must.
You book the time in your calendar, I’ve got the only Ubud travel guide you’ll need: Ubud travel guide here.
Take a day trip to Uluwatu
If you can pull yourself away from Canggu for just one day, make it Uluwatu. Sitting on the dramatic western cliffs of the Bukit Peninsula, just a scenic scooter ride south, it’s one of Bali’s most stunning destinations for sure.
Spend the afternoon riding waves at Padang Padang or paddleboarding at Thomas Beach, then, as the sun drops, head to Istana perched right on the cliff edge or some sunset cocktails at Uluwatu Cliffhouse. If you’re feeling adventurous, paragliding with Melasti Cliff at golden hour might just be the highlight of your entire Bali trip (it’s epic!).
Have you been to Canggu?
What were your best things to do in Canggu? I’d love to know!
Love as always and happy adventuring,
Mollie
Bali Google Map
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. Simply open the Google Map on your device and all my recommendations are at the touch of your fingertips.
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