Canggu is an enchanting little coastal town, and it’s no wonder that its popularity is increasingly growing – especially among the hip and laid-back crowd. It has that chill, zen-out vibe but at the same time offers a plethora of activities and things to see. Being a town where travellers can easily feel like a part of the community, it’s effortlessly drawing in digital nomads, yoga enthusiasts, and anyone else eager to explore the rich Balinese culture. Whether you’ve booked your flight already or plan to go in the future, the ultimate travel guide to Canggu is a great reference to plan your stay in more detail. Here are our favourite picks of the things to do in Canggu.
Hit the waves
The great thing about surfing in Canggu is that there are spots with sandy and reef breaks for all levels, from the pros to those that are just trying it for the first time. If you’re a complete beginner, there are a couple of surf schools at Echo Beach, where you’ll learn the theory followed by practical lessons in the water. But you can also get lessons to perfect your technique if you’ve been surfing already. There are even surf safaris, where the locals take you to the best remote breaks, and you can even find some surfing camps for a longer experience – the surfing culture is wonderful in Canggu!
Go exploring on a bike or scooter
There are some truly amazing places to stay in Canggu, and wherever you find yourself, you’ll have a lot to see and do. But to truly make the best of your trip and get to feel the pulse of this wonderful village, make sure to go all the way to the opposite end of where you’re staying – it’s small enough to cross and you’ll have refreshing sites along the way. A scooter or a bike is the best way to get around Canggu, and incredibly cheap as well – just make sure to wear a helmet and watch out on the road, because it gets pretty hectic. Make sure you take a ride through the path surrounded by tranquil rice paddy fields which leads from Berawa to Batu Bolong.
Indulge in delicious food
Whether you’re a vegan or really love all kinds of meat, Canggu offers a wide array of amazing dishes for all the foodies out there. There are plenty of little roadside warungs where you can get all kinds of meals for just a couple of dollars. Nasi goreng (rice with vegetables) and nasi campur (vegetables, chicken, or fish combined with an incredibly delicious peanut sauce) are two classics you can start out with. Eat at the warungs where you see plenty of locals eating and you’ll know you’re getting the real deal.
Visit Tanah Lot
The Tanah Lot Temple is Bali’s most famous sea temple, situated in a breath-taking complex, all just a 30-minute motorbike ride away from Canggu. The temple is perched on a little rocky outthrust, a stunningly beautiful sight, especially around sunset. There are other shrines and temples along the shore, forming a picturesque landscape. You can take in the views and explore all this for an entrance fee of IDR 30,000, but be prepared – it might get a little crowded with tourists (everyone is there at sunset).
Take Yoga classes
You’re basically in yoga heaven, so grab this opportunity, no matter which level you’re at. You’ll find so many yoga centres and places to take classes, many of them integrated with the accommodations. You can try all kinds of different yoga styles and even see how you like ‘surfer’s yoga’, a really great combo. Yogis far and wide come to Canggu to participate in yoga retreats, so consider signing up for one when planning your trip.
These are our top five must-dos for Canggu, but it’s such an inspiring and inviting place that you’ll undoubtedly find more. There are many cafes with great vibes to visit, so just head out and immerse yourself into the whole scene – you’ll make some friends, enjoy yourself, learn something new, and surely find a favourite spot that you call your own.
