CANGGU

ABOUT CANGGU

Canggu is a coastal town in southern Bali, located close to Seminyak and Kuta. It belongs to the Badung Regency and is famous for its eco-friendly hotels, yoga and meditation schools, vegetarian and vegan restaurants, hipster bars and pubs, and lots of surfing on its beaches.

Canggu is one of Bali’s most popular coastal areas because of its balance between the local charm and the new businesses which are adapting to the needs of the surfers, digital nomads, yogis, and influencers. The atmosphere in this town is more relaxed, with a young and healthy attitude in comparison to other areas like Kuta or Seminyak which are noisier.

Its beaches, among which Echo Beach and Batu Bolong stand out, are perfect for those who want to learn how to surf, as there are waves suitable for beginners all year round. Besides surfing schools and shops, in Canggu, there are many clothing stores, restaurants, and cafes with free Wifi, hairdressers, tattoo studios and skate shops.

As a curiosity, many beachfront establishments organize events to clean up their beaches. These initiatives are promoted by organizations like Ocean Mimics and Eco Bali Recycle and you can participate if you are interested.

It’s important to mention that you need to pronounce the name of this town as chan-gu and not kan-gu, so you can make sure everyone understands what you mean.

People watching the sunset from the infinity pool in Canggu, Bali

HOW TO GET TO CANGGU

From the airport

To get to Canggu from Ngurah Rai International Airport, you need to take a taxi. We recommend you to take a taxi from the Blue Bird Company. It is important to make sure that it is official and ask to have the meter set before you leave. Please note that although there are about 21 kilometers, the ride takes about 45 minutes due to traffic.

Another option that may be necessary in case you arrive at late hours is to take a local taxi and bargain the price before getting into the car.

You can also book a Grab (the Asian version of Uber), but you’ll need an internet connection.

⇒ Read our complete guide about taxis in Bali

Moving around Canggu and the surrounding area

The most popular option among tourists is the motorbike, as it is easy to rent one and move around any time and place. Another option is the taxi, for comfort. If you want to travel to other towns more economically, you can use the shuttle bus from Perama Tours, Trans Sarbagita or Kura-Kura companies, but you will need to go to the bus station in Kuta by taxi. From Kuta, there are connections to most of the main destinations in Bali. We advise you to check the timetables on the 12go.asia website, before organizing your routes, because there are no daily buses for some destinations.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN CANGGU

Unlike other locations in Bali, Canggu is not famous for having points of interest within the town. But this doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do in Canggu. Here are some options.

Walking around the rice fields of Canggu

Although not as famous as the rice terraces of Tegallalang or Jatiluwih, the family-owned rice paddies around Canggu are great if you’re looking for a walk through green fields and tropical vegetation.

⇒ Read our complete guide about the rice fields in Bali

Bird's eye view of the rice fields in Canggu, Bali

Surfing or swimming at Canggu beaches

The south of Bali island is known for its beaches where there is a great variety of activities. During the day you can enjoy water sports like surfing or going on sightseeing tours, while at night you can find parties. A good example of this kind of beach is Batu Bolong and Echo Beach.

Batu Bolong is the most visited by the residents of Canggu because it is located near downtown. Nearby you can find most of the popular cafes and shops in the area. Batu Bolong is a perfect beach for beginner surfers, it has dark sand and basic level waves. Given the waves, it is not great for swimming, but it is perfect for enjoying the sunset from the beach bars.

Echo Beach is located next to Batu Bolong and is a beach for experienced surfers as the waves are stronger and swimming is impossible. Like the previous one, in the surroundings, you will find a lot of warungs (traditional restaurants) where you can have a drink while enjoying the sunset.

If you want to go for a swim, we recommend you to go to the nearby beaches, like Berawa Beach or Kayu Putih Beach. If you’re looking for a quieter option, you can try Munggu Beach and Seseh Beach, located north of Echo Beach, which is worth a visit as you’ll pass through vegetation, rice fields, and beautiful villas.

⇒ Read our complete guide about beaches in Bali

Enjoy beautiful sunsets

Canggu is the perfect place to enjoy unforgettable sunsets. There is no better way to enjoy the sunset than with a beer or a fresh coconut in one of the beach bars.

Visit the daily fruit and vegetable markets

Whether you like to cook or not, visiting one of the markets in this area is a must. These markets open early in the morning and you can find fresh fruit and vegetables for your favourite dishes. The most popular markets in the area are:

  • Pasar Desa Canggu – traditional balinese market.
  • Samadi Bali Sunday Market – local chemical-free, healthy, and fresh produce market.
  • Old Man’s Market – held every month on the last Saturday. Here you will find local designers selling their creations, as well as local farmers who sell their fresh products.
Different types of fruit on the market Badung, Denpasar

Take the famous Canggu shortcut

You can’t say you know Canggu well if you don’t go through the famous shortcut that connects Berawa to Batu Bolong. This is a small road that runs through rice fields, which theoretically is a one-way street and is great for saving some time. Be careful though, as on this road you might get stuck in a traffic jam, with motorbikes and cars driving both ways.

WHERE TO STAY IN CANGGU

In Canggu, you can find accommodation of all kinds and for all budgets and it has a wide and varied offer to stay, from resorts with private pools and luxury villas to homestays or surf houses, there is a great variety to choose from. We are sure that you will find the perfect accommodation that suits your preferences and budget.

⇒ Check out our accommodation selection for Canggu

WHERE TO EAT IN CANGGU

In Canggu, there are restaurants and cafes of all kinds and is the ideal place for vegans and vegetarians because here it is very popular the healthy and organic food. In Canggu, you can find local restaurants, but also other options like Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Greek, vegetarian, Mediterranean, Taiwanese restaurants, buffet or brunch.

⇒ Check out our restaurant and cafes selection for Canggu

WHAT TO DO IN CANGGU

In Canggu, there is a wide variety of activities you can do. Among the most popular ones are yoga classes, surfing, enjoying the sunset on the beach, massage, Balinese dance, and shopping. You can also have lunch between rice paddies or rent a motorbike and enjoy the surroundings.

⇒ Check out our selection of activities you can do in Canggu

PLACES OF INTEREST NEAR CANGGU

Near Canggu, you can find Tanah Lot and Batu Bolong temples or the Garuda Wisnu Kencana cultural park ( with a huge statue) which can be a good option if you are interested in visiting other places of interest in the area. Also, you might consider visiting museums and other beaches to go snorkelling or surfing. Also, don’t forget to visit one of the most important temples in Bali: Uluwatu.

On the following map, you will find all the places of interest in Canggu mentioned in this article. You can use it to organize your routes around Bali. We hope you find it useful.

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