Fill your Bali itinerary with all the coolest things to do in Canggu, AKA where to eat, surf, spa shop and live the island dream!
Ask any seasoned globetrotter for the most iconic neighbourhood in Bali, and you’ll find that everyone is cuckoo about Canggu. Once a sleepy village on the south-west coast of Bali, this buzzing town is now flocked by travellers from all over the world. It’s the place to see and be seen on the island… and for good reason. Maybe it’s the consistently good year-round surf and the endless list of epic restaurants, artisanal coffee spots and awesome bars. Or maybe it’s the masses of beautiful people getting busy on their laptops, hitting the gym or shopping up a storm. Whatever it is, Canggu has officially secured itself on every island itinerary. So, to help you around the neighbourhood, we’ve rounded up the very best things to do in Canggu. From day to night, there’s never a bad day in Bali’s boho capital…
ALL THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN CANGGU: Updated for 2024
1. Raise your heart rate with G Swing!
Love the jungle swings in Ubud? You’ll want to take things up a notch with G Swing in Canggu, Bali’s premier giant swing that takes you on an adrenaline-pumping ride! You’ll be hoisted more than 40 metres-high into the sky, scoring panoramic views over the black sand beach and buzzing neighbourhood. But you won’t be there for long… Hold on, because before you can say “3, 2, 1″, you’ll be swooshed and swung at speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour! Reaching dizzying heights, you’ll swing back and forth high above the treetops, all before slowly descending back down to solid ground. Yep, this one’s not for the faint hearted, but rest assured, the swing is maintained daily, weekly and monthly to ensure utmost safety. And psst – after your ride, you’ll want to lower your heart rate with a stiff drink at the connecting Swingers Bar; an awesome all-day hangout for day drinkers and night swingers!
Where: Jl Pantai Batu Mejan No. 9, Canggu, p. +62 878 6222 1188, e. [email protected].
2. Hit the beach
Bali is well known for its beautiful beaches, so it goes without saying that a beach day is a must when staying in Canggu. This coastal town is blessed by a breathtaking black sand beach, stretching for 10 kilometres from Kuta to Tanah Lot. And there really is something for everyone here. Echo Beach is famous for its surf, with waves that attract world-class surfers and long-boarders alike. Or, if sun-soaking with a cocktail sounds like your kind of beach day, then Batu Bolong and Berawa are lined with beach clubs and oceanfront sunset bars. Or, for a much quieter beach trip, head north towards Pererenan, Seseh, Kedungu and Tanah Lot – you’ll be sure to beat the crowds.
3. Sun, sip, repeat at Canggu’s best beach clubs
There’s a reason beach clubbing in Bali is so iconic, and luckily for the ‘Gu crowds, the best ones can be found right here in Canggu. Think laid-back days spent lounging in cabanas, grazing on scrummy bites that perfectly pair with signature cocktails, and all-day dipping in infinity pools overlooking the glittering ocean while DJs spin endless summer anthems. Yep, working on your tan doesn’t get more glam than in Canggu…
4. Wine and dine at Canggu’s best restaurants and cafes
A melting pot of cuisines and cultures, it’s no surprise that Canggu is home to some of the best restaurants in Bali. It’s fast become one of the top foodie destinations on the island, with everything from Italian and French, to Japanese and Chinese. We love starting our day right with a coffee-fuelled breakfast at our fave Canggu cafes, followed by a nutritious vegetarian or vegan lunch. Then, for a fancy date-night, we head to the beachfront for some of the best wining and dining in Bali. And let’s not forget alll the Instagrammable cocktail spots too!
5. Shop ’til you drop at Canggu’s cutest boutiques
With so many cute boutiques and island-born brands, there’s always something to shop in Canggu. From flowy skirts, designer party dresses to cute bikinis and dainty jewellery, Canggu’s best fashion stores have everything you need to keep up with the ‘Gu’s most fashionable crowds. But why stop there? Give your home a boho makeover too with unique decor and knick-knacks from Bali’s top homewares and concept stores.
6. Get artsy with a workshop
Home to talented artists and island inspiration at every turn, Canggu is the place to get your creative juices flowing. Whether it’s painting, pottery or jewellery-making, there’s always a workshop for budding artists. Head to Canggu Jewelry Classes and learn how to make your own silver accessories, or turn your Bali memory into beautiful paintings at Berawa Art House. Psst… these workshops are kid-friendly too!
7. Work and network at a coworking space
With so many digital nomads and remote workers making Canggu their home, there are countless of coworking spaces in Canggu for you to reconnect with the outside world. Head in for quiet booths, ergonomic chairs and high-speed internet, and let’s not forget, awesome coffee. We love being able to freely collaborate with creative minds at these co-work hubs, all while tucking into healthy menus to keep you energised for those midday Zoom calls…
8. Bliss out at Canggu’s best spas
Escape the Canggu traffic and make a stop at the ‘hood’s very best spas. From 24K gold facials and mani-pedis with the girls, to romantic couple’s massages and head-to-toe pampering, you name it, Canggu’s best spas have it! And the best bit is, a spa sesh in Canggu often comes with cold coconuts, glorious views, or even a glass of bubbly!
9. Settle in for a spectacular sunset
There’s nothing quite like a Bali sunset, and Canggu is one of the best spots on the island to get you glow on at golden hour. You can simply pick a spot on the black-sandy beach and watch as the sky changes colour, or, head to Bali’s best beach clubs and sunset bars to toast to a perfect day in the ‘Gu…
10. Let loose with Canggu’s buzzing nightlife
Many moons ago, Kuta was the place to experience vibrant nightlife in Bali. Now, Bali’s night owls flock to Canggu for awesome parties, hidden speakeasies and live music that’ll keep you and your besties dancing all night long. The beachfront Old Man’s is one of the OG late-night party places in the ‘hood, or if craft beers are your thing, head to Black Sand Brewery.
11. Break a sweat at Canggu’s best gyms
Ever wondered how Canggu’s beautiful crowds stay in shape? They sweat it out at the best gyms and fitness centres on the island! The choices here really are endless, from CrossFit and Muay Thai, to group fitness, yoga, pilates and dance classes too. Not only home to elite equipment, these health hubs are a great place to meet fellow fitness enthusiasts!
12. Explore the neighbourhood on a scooter
Thanks to its infamous traffic jams, the quickest way to get around Canggu is without doubt by scooter. You can rent a trusty two-wheeled whip from almost every corner of the island. Available for daily, weekly and monthly hire, the price can be as low as $8 per day – just make sure you wear a helmet, and try it a go unless you’ve ridden one before; the roads can seem lawless at times, with bumps and potholes hidden on every bend…
13. Visit Tanah Lot temple
Bali is a predominantly Hindu island adorned with some absolutely stunning temples, so we say, hop on the cultural bandwagon and pay one a visit. Luckily, Bali’s most famous temple is just a short 20 minute drive from Canggu. Pura Tanah Lot is the famous sea temple that perches on the rocks overlooking the ocean, and is stunning at either sunrise or sunset. It can get busy though, so arrive early, and settle in for the view…
14. Hit the waves and learn to surf
The surf in Bali is world-class, and many pros come to the island to catch some good waves that can’t be beat. There are plenty of different breaks in Canggu, from more gentle long-boarding waves in Batu Bolong (also perfect for beginners), to pumping barrels at Echo Beach for the experts. Take your pick!
15. Play padel!
As one of the fastest growing sports in the world, it’s no surprise that Bali’s trendiest neighbourhood has jumped on the padel bandwagon. Yep, Canggu is home to a number of world-class padel courts, complete with breezy cafes, luxe facilities and entire lifestyle and wellness destinations too! There’s Jungle Padel, Liga Tennis, Bali Padel Academy and our fave, Bali Social Club, to name just a few.
16. Stretch it out at a yoga class
There are so many yoga studios in Bali, but most our faves are in Canggu – after all, there’s nothing like an open-air studio overlooking a rice field or the glittering ocean to really zen out. For these kind of views, direct your stretching to The Practice, Desa Seni or Udara – award-winning studios, right here in Canggu.
17. Live it up in a swanky villa
Like a real-life Pinterest board, Canggu is home to countless wow-worthy villas and luxury pads. From boho treasures to castle-like mansions in the midst of the rice fields, Canggu’s accommodation options are on another level. Beachfront or overlooking a rice valley – take your pick because you’ll be amazed at the level of luxury you can get for a lot less money than you’d think.
Source: https://thehoneycombers.com/bali/best-things-to-do-in-canggu-guide/
