Key Takeaways
- Canggu is a top Bali destination known for its laid-back vibe, great surf spots (Batu Bolong & Echo Beach), trendy cafes, wellness culture, and vibrant beach club sunsets.
- Things to do range from surfing and cafe hopping to yoga, fitness, shopping, and nightlife, making it ideal for surfers, digital nomads, couples, and families.
- Each area of Canggu has a distinct vibe, from lively Batu Bolong and Berawa to quieter Echo and fitness-focused Nelayan. So, choosing the right location matters.
- Accommodation, transport, and costs are flexible, with options for every budget, easy scooter-based mobility.
- Villa stays in Canggu is best arranged through trusted local agents for long-term comfort.
Wondering what to do in Canggu, Bali? You’ve come to the right place.
Canggu has quickly become one of Bali’s must-visit destinations today, especially among international travelers. It’s loved for its relaxed atmosphere, consistent surf waves, and a growing wellness and lifestyle scene.
Located on Bali’s southwest coast, Canggu sits between Seminyak to the south and Tanah Lot to the north, about 10–12 km from Kuta and Denpasar. Once a quiet coastal village, it’s now a lively resort area with plenty to explore.
In this insider guide, you’ll discover the top experiences in Canggu—from beach hopping and learning to surf to finding cozy hidden cafes—so you can plan your trip with ease and confidence.
1. Surf the Iconic Breaks
Canggu's black-sand beaches, especially Batu Bolong and Echo Beach, draw surfers worldwide with consistent waves for beginners to pros.
You can rent a board or join a 2-hour surf course from local schools like those at Old Man's Beach. Lessons typically start from IDR 150,000–IDR 690,000 (≈ $9–$41) for 2–2.5 hours. Packages include a surfboard, rash guard, and professional trainer.
💡 Insider tip: Hit Echo Beach, Canggu, at dawn to avoid crowds.
2. Cafe Hop Healthy Eats
Canggu's cafe culture thrives with Instagram-worthy spots serving acai bowls, smoothies, and avocado toast amid rice fields.
Must-tries include brunch at trendy warungs or cafes like those highlighted in local guides, perfect for digital nomads. You can try exploring the area on a scooter to find hidden gem cafes.
Read More: Thinking of Living in Bali as a Digital Nomad? Read This First
3. Chase Sunsets at Beach Clubs
Canggu is a haven for beach clubs. You can easily find many great ones here, like the famous FINNS and Atlas.
You can relax at these vibrant beach clubs, where daybeds, DJ sets, and epic sunsets create Canggu's signature party vibe. Arrive early for sunset views over the ocean, blending chill afternoons with lively nights.
Read More: Best Beach Club Bali for New Year Eve 2025
4. Indulge in Wellness and Yoga
Besides Ubud, Canggu is also a great spot to do yoga, pilates, or other wellness classes. There are many wellness businesses offering interesting packages for visitors, from regular yoga classes and floating meditation to pilates, mid-range spa days with Balinese massages, and more.
For fitness activities, Canggu offers many exercise classes, from gyms and Muay Thai to padel. There are even kid-friendly exercise options, like Mai Main Playground for indoor fun with slides and ball pits.
5. Shop Local Markets and Boutiques
Many people enjoy strolling around local markets and boutique stores in Canggu. Here, you can find plenty of good items that mix modern luxury vibes with authentic Balinese crafts.
Feel free to browse stylish boutiques for beachwear and homewares, or visit Sunday markets for artisan goods and street food.
6. Nightlife and Try Local Warungs
It’s not complete to talk about Canggu if we skip the nightlife.
After spending a whole day strolling around or going to the gym or stores, you can wind down at canteen-style warungs for cheap, authentic eats like nasi goreng (IDR 15,000 or ≈ $1).
Then you can go bar-hopping for sunset cocktails. Canggu's expat community vibe still shines in low-key spots over flashy clubs.
But of course, be careful where you eat. Ensure you pick clean and proper warungs to avoid catching Bali belly.
Areas of Canggu
Canggu has several popular areas that attract both international and local tourists. Each one has its own vibe and unique charm:
| Area Name | Unique Feature | Popular Hot Spots |
|---|---|---|
| Echo | Quieter surf spot with epic sunset views and fewer crowds | La Brisa, COMO Beach Club, Shady Shack, beach BBQ spots, yoga studios |
| Batu Bolong | The liveliest part of Canggu, known for nightlife and trendy beach vibes | The Lawn, Old Man’s, Mason, Billy Ho, Times Warung, surfboard rentals |
| Nelayan | Dubbed “Gym Alley”; great for fitness lovers and a more relaxed, undeveloped beach | Body Factory, Zycle, Canggu Studio, Kynd Cafe, ZIN Cafe (coworking), Serenity Eco Guesthouse |
| Berawa | Stylish yet laid-back, with nightlife, surf, and fewer crowds than Batu Bolong | Finns Beach Club, Copenhagen Berawa, Dough Darlings, Mosto, boutique shops |
Read More: How Profitable Are Your Villa Rentals in Canggu?
How to Find the Best Canggu Villa for Your Stay
Skip aggregator guesswork. The best way to find the right Canggu villa for your stay is by partnering with a trusted real estate agent like Bali Villa Realty.
We curate monthly and yearly rentals and Bali villas for sale with insider access to off-market gems. Our properties are flexible for various usage purposes, from investment and vacation homes to retirees, digital nomads, and expat families settling down in Bali.
You can explore our Canggu villas for long-term rental here. Or, for a more seamless process, ask our senior property advisor here. We’ll give you personalized recommendations and guide you through the legal checks and transaction process.
What Is the Best Way to Get Around in Canggu?
For short stays, you can stay in a villa near Batu Bolong Street (which is the main street in Canggu) for walkable access to beaches, stores, and restaurants. Or, you can use taxi-bike apps like Grab, GoJek, and Maxim for safe rides.
But if you want to stay longer, it’s better to rent a motorbike monthly. It’s much cheaper and gives you more flexibility to travel around like a local. Make sure you know how to drive safely and have the correct driving license for foreigners.
How Much Does It Cost to Stay in Canggu?
Staying in Canggu, Bali, offers options for every budget, from backpacker hostels to luxury villas. Here's a comparison overview:
| Category | Nightly Range | Monthly | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | IDR 250,000–IDR 400,000 (≈ $15–25) | IDR 7.5M–IDR 12M (≈ $450–750) | Backpackers |
| Mid-Range | IDR 400,000–IDR 1.6M (≈ $25–100) | IDR 16M–IDR 41M (≈ $1,000–2,500) | Couples/Nomads |
| Luxury | IDR 1.6M–IDR 5M+ (≈ $100–300+) | IDR 50M+ (≈ $3,000+) | Families/Groups |
Please note that the figures above are only general estimates. Actual costs spent by an individual can vary significantly, depending on each person’s financial capacity and purchasing power.
Conclusion
Overall, life in Canggu is very relaxed and casual.
Some popular daytime activities here include surfing, yoga, lounging by the pool, and eating healthy meals in cafes, while in the evening, people gather at beach clubs to drink craft cocktails and watch beautiful sunsets.
If you need further assistance in finding the right villa in Canggu for your stay, contact us here anytime! We’re happy to help with any inquiries you may have.
FAQ
It depends on what you’re looking for. Canggu has a more laid-back, surf-driven vibe with trendy cafés and a strong digital nomad scene. Seminyak feels more polished and upscale, with luxury resorts, high-end shopping, lively nightlife, and golden sand beaches.
Canggu is best known for its volcanic black sand beaches and excellent surf breaks. The waves here suit both beginners and experienced surfers, making it one of Bali’s most popular surf areas.
Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong is the most well-known street in Canggu. It’s lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés, and leads directly to Batu Bolong Beach.
