Which is the hottest neighbourhood in Bali right now? Of course, it has to be Canggu! Gone are the days of being a chilled-out surfer town, Canggu has so much more to offer than just surfing and sunsets. All of the hottest restaurants are opening in Canggu weekly, the beach clubs might be the biggest and best on the island and maybe even the world, and there are gyms on every street corner just like Starbucks. The party scene has heated up in the last few years so if you are down to party then Canggu is the spot. It’s no wonder digital nomads from all around the world are choosing to be based in Canggu. 

If you are looking for something a little more wholesome than bars and beach clubs, Canggu is also home to some of the top Yoga Schools in Asia and the vegan, organic, gluten-free, Buddha bowl, guinea pig milk protein latte scene is on point. You will also find cultural dance performances, cooking classes and a long stretch of volcanic black sand beach which is perfect for walks and fresh ocean air.

Sunday Brunch at COMO Uma Canggu

Brunching is hands down one of our favourite Bali activities, so of course we have tracked down the best Brunch in Canggu. The COMO group’s philosophy of wellness along with pleasure is abundant at COMO Uma Canggu. You will love the prime Echo Beach location and fabulous Beach Club just a stone’s throw from some of Canggu’s most surfable waves. 

What we love the most about the COMO Uma Sunday Brunch is the beachfront location, which makes this Brunch feel like a fun day at the beach. From 11 am to 3 pm you can order from a special a la carte brunch menu which features light Mediterranean-inspired menu items perfect for enjoying alfresco, as well as some good old breakfast favourites like a sausage and egg muffin, caviar tartlet and ricotta hotcakes for the late risers. They recommend ordering for the table and enjoying share-plate style dining. 

Why not keep the good times rolling at the Beach Club after Brunch with some tropical cocktails and beach shack vibes? A live DJ playing chill-out tunes will transport the vibe from day to night.

The price is 650,000 IDR per person ++ for brunch.

Address: Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan, Echo Beach

Instagram: @comoumacanggu

Sunset Kecak Performance at Atlas Beach Club

At sunset every Thursday to Sunday at Atlas Beach Club, you can experience the famous Kecak dance of Bali, a theatrical representation of the epic of Ramayana. Dozens of dancers and a chanting choir will tell the story of two lovers and the deity Hanuman who saves them from the perils of an evil captor. Atlas Beach Club offers an incredible setting to enjoy this intense cultural performance as the sunsets over the black sands of Berawa Beach. 

Around sunset is when things really start to kick off and once the DJ takes over the stage you will want to grab a sofa or daybed to enjoy sexy beach club vibes or maybe you will make your way straight to the Beach Club dance floor to warm up for a night at Atlas Superclub. From stunning sunsets to great food and drinks, cultural performances and even a nightclub, Atlas Beach Fest will leave you with an unforgettable day in Canggu. 

Address: Jalan Pantai Berawa No. 88, Desa Tibubeneng

Instagram: @atlasbeachclub

Get your friends together for a spa party at GOLDUST Beauty Lounge

With so many spas to choose from, our go to in Canggu has to be the OG, Goldust. The Moroccan inspired interiors at their recently opened Batu Bolong location, a renovated luxury villa, always gets us in the mood for some selfcare. With more than a decade of spa experience in Bali, Goldust offers high end massage and beauty treatments to be enjoyed in their heavenly spa decorated with blissful warm tones and luxurious gold accents.

From Deep tissue to aromatherapy massages, luxury spa mani pedis with OPI polish and facials using the best products and techniques in the business, you will feel your worries melt away! If you’re travelling with a group, you can book a spa party for up to 20 people. We recommend including their 24k Gold Facial as part of your spa party, the ultimate luxury facial where you will have the opportunity to embrace your inner pharo and take photos with your friends after having 24k gold applied to your face! GOLDUST will cater your spa party with sparkling wine and cheese and fruit platters, and even cater to your group’s dietary requirements. 

Address: Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong Gg. Nyepi, Canggu

Instagram: @goldustspa

Soak up the Sea and Sun at FINNS Beach Club 

The Mighty FINNS Beach Club located on the Berawa Beachfront can be enjoyed from morning till night thanks to their mammoth menu of offerings. Open from 10am till midnight, you can roll in there in the morning and grab a choice of deluxe day beds, booths and even super exclusive platform seating and enjoy the sunshine, food and drinks by the pool. There is an impressive menu, spanning creations from 7 different kitchens and 9 bars. You will make all of your vacation swim up bar dreams come true with two to choose from. As the day turns to night, 2 for 1 Happy Hour from 7-9pm is sure to get you in the mood for dancing and late night fun. 

FINNS is cleverly divided into three areas so there is something for everyone from families to party people. There is the original FINNS Beach Club, adults only FINNS Beach Party and FINNS VIP Beach Club with both adults only and family areas, for those looking for something a little extra. 

Pre-book to get a discount on day passes inclusive of private car transfers and entry to all Finns Recreation Club facilities with klook here.

Address: Jalan Pantai Berawa No.99, Canggu

Instagram: @finnsbeachclub 

Splash Waterpark

Treat yourself and your family to Canggu’s funnest day out, Splash Waterpark. Located in the heart of Brawa, Splash is home to a bunch of thrilling water slides and attractions. You can take a cruise around Crazy Creek, drop into the Super Bowl or face your fears on the 5 story high Big Red slide. There is a splash playground for younger kids to explore featuring mini slides, water canons and a fort.

After you work up an appetite from all of the water play, you can order lunch from the menu which is full of family favourites like pizza, pasta, nachos and other bites which you can enjoy at your daybed or cabana. Whilst the kids are busy having the time of their lives, Mum and Dad might even find a minute to enjoy a cocktail or two.

Address: Jl. Pantai Berawa, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta

Instagram: @splashwaterparkbali

Grab a healthy feed at one of Canggu’s famous cafės

Got Dietary requirements? No prombemo! Canggu is a godsend for people who are celiac, allergic, vegan, clean eating or just plain picky! You will find that most cafes  have something for everyone and the staff are knowledgeable about different dietary requirements, and will be patient with you too. 

You will find Avo Toast a million different ways, ALL of the mylks, burgers perfect for celiacs, vegans and everyone else, wholesome salad bowls and lush smoothie bowls that scream tropical vacation. 

Dine In Style at Canggu’s famous Restaurants

Canggu is home to many of the island’s rockstar chefs- and their sleeve tattoos and well groomed beards. The standard of dining in Bali has reached new levels with hot new restaurants opening weekly, each one more fabulous than the last. You will find European cuisine just as good as France or Italy,  Asian fusion food with exotic flavours straight from the orient, trendy Mexican taquerias and pretty much everything in between. 

You might want to make sure you are suitably suited and booted when walking through the doors at some of the finer establishments!

Check out a comprehensive list of our favourite cafés and restaurants here!

Pick up something unique at La Brisa Sunday Market

La Brisa does Farmers Markets in style right on the beach front at the famous Echo Beach. You will find organic produce, baked goods, natural body products, upcycled fashion, zero-waste products and much, much more. Make sure you take your own reusable bag to minimise your footprint on the island. The markets run from 10am to 4pm every Sunday, and you can stay for sunset and a cocktail right in front of the Echo Beach surf break. 

Address: La Brisa Bali, Jl. Pantai Batu Mejan, Canggu

Instagram: @labrisabali

Take a long walk on Canggu Beach 

The best way to get your bearings after a long flight is to get your toes sandy and take in some ocean air. There are volcanic minerals from the three active volcanoes on Bali causing the sand to be black on the West coast. Depending on tides and the conditions, the beach is walkable from Cemagi to the North of Canggu, all the way to Kuta, right near the airport runway! Interestingly the colour of the sand lightens as you get closer to Seminyak. Depending on your fitness level you may be able to walk from Berawa to Kuta along the beach in an hour. 

Browse Trendy Boutiques

Canggu has to be the most fashion-forward place in Bali right now, and possibly the world,  thanks to dozens, maybe hundreds of designer boutiques choosing to be based there. From lux-linen fashion, glam outfits for a night out, unique jewels, edgy street wear, sexy swimwear, hand-made leather accessories and way way more, you are sure to come across something that you simply cannot live without. 

If you are committed to a full day, you could cruise around Berawa in the morning, stop at one of Canggu’s famous cafés for lunch and pop over to Batu Bolong and Echo Beach in the afternoon. Once you have literally shopped till you drop, why not recover with a restorative foot massage or refreshing drink!

Uncover your haggling skills as Love Anchor Markets

You might have guessed that boutique shopping in Canggu can be on the pricey side. If you prefer a more down to earth experience, and have a more down to earth budget to match, you might want to check out the market stalls first. There are many market stalls selling designer knock offs, arts and crafts and random trinkets all around Canggu, but at Love Anchor on the heart of Batu Bolong you will find quite a few stalls located in an arcade together which makes things a little more user friendly. If you are looking for jewelry, souvenirs and arts and crafts, sarongs, beach wear etc, this is where you will find decent quality, and the vendors are a little less aggressive than on the street. 

Love it or hate it, you will have to haggle! Rule of thumb- you can generally get the price down to around 50% of the starting price. Try to enjoy the process and have a little fun, be respectful and you can always walk away if you’re not feeling the price is right. Often you will get the REAL price as you walk away! There are also a couple of markets also near the beach at Echo beach.

 For more info on market shopping in Bali, check out this blog!

Go Loco at Motel Mexicola

Mexicola has finally come to the party in Canggu, and it is as cool and colourful as ever! One of our all time favourite Mexican joints will transport you to the streets of a crazy, abstract street party in Mexico. Whether you are there for tasty tacos or the 10/10 Margaritas, the fit out of this establishment is a marvel, and 800% instagramable. You will find party vibes here most nights of the week, which means dancing on tables and more tequila being slammed than pretty much any other establishment in Bali, maybe even Mexico.

Of course the food is muy caliente, much like the vibes. You will find Mexican street food at its finest outside of Mexico. Tacos come in soft corn flour tortillas and the grilled corn with chipotle mayo and sour cream is to die for, not to mention the empanadas which are the perfect snack to soak up all of those Coronas.

You will find the brand new Mexicola Canggu, right by the beach at Old Man’s, Batu Bolong. 

Address: Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu

Instagram: @motelmexicola 

Unleash your competitive side with Beer Pong At Old Man’s

This one is for the party people! If you are down for a wild night out, Canggu’s institutional beach side pub, Old Man’s has just the event for you. Play a competitive game of beer pong with a large group of new friends from all around the world. There are prizes up for grabs like drinks vouchers and surf boards. Or just play for the glory! The (bad) choice is yours. 

Named after the surf break out the front, Old Man’s is an affordable alternative to other venues in Canggu for those on a budget, or those who just want to let their hair down. Go for sunset happy hour and stay for a night out under the stars. 

Address: Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong 117X, Canggu

Instagram: @oldmansbali

Longboard at Old Man’s

Bali’s favourite sport has to be surfing, and Canggu has the ideal beach break for you to learn at. In decades past, intrepid surfers travelled to Canggu in pursuit of that perfect, uncrowded wave. These days, Canggu has taken off as more than just a surf town, attracting crowds in and out of the water. Despite the crowds more recently, Old Man’s is the safest option in the area for inexperienced surfers and first timers. The waves are consistent and mostly mellow enough to learn on. 

You can grab a foam rental board on the beach for around 50k ($5 AUD) an hour, and a surf instructor for around 150k ($15 AUD) an hour. A surf instructor will run you through the basics on the beach, like the pop up, before taking you out in the water to gently guide you into those memorable first waves. Most importantly, a surf guide will tell you how not to get in trouble in dangerous conditions and help you navigate the crowds.

Chill at the Echo Beach Warungs 

Nothing gives you Bali vibes quite like watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean with your toes in the sand. At the Echo Beach Warungs you can catch all the action at one of Bali’s most famous waves while relaxing to chilled tunes. You can grab a bean bag and a coconut for 20k IDR ($2AUD) or a Bintang for 25k ($2.50AUD). A Nasi Goreng or Saté might be as little as 30k ($3AUD)! Not bad for absolute waterfront dining. There is always plenty of action on the beach like surfers dropping into picturesque hollow waves, locals flying kites and people having an all round great time. 

A Bali Buddies tip- ladies, you might want to make sure you use the bathroom before heading down to the beach however as the warungs are very rustic!

Get the blood flowing at one of the many gyms or yoga and pilates studios

With activewear the unofficial uniform of Canggu, it’s no secret that the fitness scene in Canggu is comprehensive. There are crossfit gyms and gyms offering all sorts of niche training and fitness trends on every corner. It’s enough to make you want to skip that wild night out and opt for an early morning sweat instead. 

You will find everything from MMA, Muay Thai, Cycle Classes, HIIT classes, Les Mills programs, Crossfit and more. Check out our blog on Bali’s best fitness centers for more info. 

If pushing your heart rate to the limit isn’t your version of fun, then Canggu has plenty of yoga and pilates studios also. Escape the hustle and bustle of Canggu life and take some time to get grounded at Desa Seni or The Practice. If pilates is more your flavour, you will find all styles of pilates at SAIA Pilates Canggu, Revive + Pilates and more.  

Sweat it out at the Sauna

Another wellness trend taking Canggu by storm is Sauna and Ice Baths. Although neither of these things are new to anyone, with the influx of a fitness community in Canggu, the demand for Sauna and Ice bath facilities has skyrocketed resulting in amazing sauna facilities at some of the gyms, spas and private studios. We admit, Sauna and Ice Baths are not fun for everyone. But they are super good for you, and can be a relaxing way to spend a day, especially during the wet season. 

At Amo Spa, you can combine a sauna with one of their many spa treatments and lounge around the pool for an ultimate self care day. If you prefer something a little more private, you can have your own private room with infrared spa and ice bath to share with a friend at the newly opened Sunday Mood.

Tugu Hotel Cultural Dining Experience and Cocktail Class + Dance Performance 

The majestic Tugu Hotel right by Batu Bolong Beach is our favourite spot to marvel at the history and creations of the Indonesian Archipelago. Showcasing antiques collected by the owner over decades from all over Indonesia, in the lobby there is a large stone garuda statue. Every Thursday from 7.30pm the Tugu presents an evening of Indonesian dance featuring the best performers in the region, and a cultural showcase surrounded by incredible Indonesian art and antiques. Admission is free when dining at IWA restaurant, where the menu is inspired by a journey throughout the Indonesian Archipelago. Or admission for just the performance is only 183,000IDR ($18AUD) with this klook voucher.

Address: Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No.117x, Canggu

Instagram: @tuguhotels 

Visit Tanah Lot Temple at Sunset 

One of Bali’s most recognisable temples is Tanah Lot temple, a Hindu temple located around 30 minutes North of central Canggu in Tabanan. Perched on top of a rock island is the 17th-century royal family shrine which is a place of worship of important sea gods, and is still active today. This picturesque temple is surrounded by water and can be viewed from the nearby beach. At sunset time you will be able to grab photos of the waves crashing all around the temple with beautiful sunset lighting. Vendors will be selling snacks like yummy BBQ Corn on the cob and other refreshments.

Around the base of the temple, venomous sea snakes are thought to be guarding the temple from evil. There is a cave on the beach where tourists can enter to see the snakes. There are snake handlers within the vicinity of the temple if you want to get up close and personal!!

Want to book a sunset tour to Tanah Lot including entrance fee and private transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle for 192,000IDR ($19AUD)? Use this klook voucher right here. 

Final Words

That’s it for our comprehensive round up of things to do and see in Canggu, Bali’s happening neighbourhood. We hope this helps you to plan an itinerary for your trip to Canggu!

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