15 Best Things to Do in Canggu: Beaches, Surfing, Cafés & More
Canggu has become one of the most visited parts of Bali due to the perfect combination of beaches, surfing spots, cafes, wellness centres, nightclubs and tropical vibes. Whether you want to see a sunset at the beach, explore the rice paddy fields or go on some outdoor adventures – there are various Things to do in Canggu that offer a lot of options for different types of travellers.
Whether it’s a couple of hours or several days of your stay in this place, Canggu will provide you with the best experience of both relaxing and having fun. Canggu Travel Guide includes everything you need to know about visiting Canggu.
Why Go To Canggu?
Canggu is a popular destination for tourists who enjoy a mix of beach life, culinary offerings, surfing, and a social atmosphere.
Some of the benefits of going there include:
- Fantastic beaches and sunsets
- Surfing options for different skill levels
- Cool cafes and restaurants
- Beach clubs and nightlife
- Yoga and wellness retreats
- Rice paddies and countryside
- Unique shopping and markets
- Easy access to other locations in Bali such as Seminyak, Tanah Lot and more
The place can be crowded in some parts due to its beaches and dining areas, but there are still quiet places away from the roads.
Where Is Canggu?
Canggu lies on the southwest coast of Bali, and it is just above Seminyak. It is near other popular places, such as Berawa and Pererenan.
This makes it easy for tourists who would like to visit the west coast of Bali while visiting other places in Bali. Traffic can be an issue that may prolong your travel time.
Top Things to Do in Canggu
Enjoy the Beach in Canggu
Going to the beach is one of the simplest ways to have Things to do in Canggu.
The beach in Canggu is famous for its relaxed vibe and its ocean views and surfing waves. It is not difficult to lie down on the beach, go for a walk, or find a café near the beach.
The sunset is especially popular so get there early if you want a good spot to watch how colors change in the ocean.
Go Surfing in Canggu
Surfing is the activity that makes Canggu famous among many people.
There are a lot of beaches where you can go surfing and the waves will differ according to the beach and weather.
For beginners, it is better to try taking lessons with an experienced local guide, because going into the water inexperienced will not be a great idea.
Experienced surfers can just pick the beach according to the wave conditions.
Enjoy the Sunset
Enjoying the sunset is one of the top things to do in Canggu.
Go to the beach in the late afternoon and pick your spot to watch the sunset either from the beach, café or beach club.
You do not have to spend money on the expensive experience, just enjoy walking on the beach.
Exploring Batu Bolong
Batu Bolong is one of the most active neighborhoods of Canggu and a great spot to immerse oneself in the local vibe.
It includes such things as:
- Cafés
- Restaurants
- Surf shops
- Boutiques
- Beach bars
- Wellness facilities
It’s a nice area to explore & to visit in the late afternoon/evening.
Going to Berawa Beach
Berawa Beach provides another alternative for travellers wishing to spend their time by the sea.
It’s known as a good spot to surf, watch sunsets, and dine/drink nearby.
Exploring various beaches will be a nice activity for visitors spending several days in Canggu.
Visit Echo Beach
Echo Beach is also one of the most popular beaches in Canggu.
It is famous for surfing and watching the sunset, and there are various restaurants in its proximity.
In case you want to explore another part of the Canggu coast, make sure that you visit Echo Beach when you are in Canggu.
Visit Cafés and Restaurants of Canggu
Food is one of the highlights of the Canggu experience.
There are various types of cuisines ranging from local cuisines to foreign cuisines, vegetarian dishes, coffees as well as beachside food.
Make sure that you visit smaller cafes which are off the main streets instead of visiting those which are most popular.
Enjoy Canggu Beach Clubs
Another highlight of Canggu is beach clubs.
Based on the place, you can have an afternoon either by the pool, listening to music, eating food or having a sunset view of the ocean.
If you are travelling in a group, then beach clubs can be the best destination for you.
Visit Markets
Visiting markets may provide a good opportunity to discover local goods, handicrafts, clothes and souvenirs.
Instead of visiting markets fast, take time to look around and compare goods.
If you are going to visit markets, it may be useful to carry some Indonesian rupiah with you for small purchases.
Yoga & Wellness Activities
Wellness is one of the specialties of Canggu.
There are yoga studios, meditation classes, massage procedures and wellness centers everywhere in the place.
After a few days of sightseeing and adventures in Bali, visiting one of these centers will add relaxation to your vacation plan.
Rice Fields Exploring
One contrast of Canggu is that there are modern cafes and traditional rice fields in the place.
Going for a walk or cycling will give you a chance to notice areas of the countryside around developed parts of Canggu.
Morning and evening are usually more convenient times to visit outside.
Enjoy the Nightlife in Canggu
There is an atmosphere change in Canggu after sunset.
Depending on your preferences, you can enjoy:
Cafes near the beach
Music
Restaurant
Beach clubs
Other social places
There is no need to stay late at night to enjoy the nightlife of Canggu. It is enough just to have an early dinner and then enjoy a sunset with a drink.
Top Things to Do in Canggu for Couples
Canggu might be perfect for couples looking for a balanced holiday consisting of relaxation and various activities.
Possible activities may include:
- Sunset watching together
- Having dinner on the beach
- Having a surfing class
- Booking a spa treatment for two
- Checking out rice fields
- Going to cafés and boutiques
- Spending the whole afternoon at beach clubs
- Having a day-trip to nearby destinations
Couples who prefer adventurous activities may combine some outdoor activities in other parts of Bali within their itinerary.
Top Things to Do in Canggu for Families
Canggu is perfect for families to spend time together but you should keep in mind the age of children and their swimming skills while choosing activities and beaches to visit.
Family-friendly activities in Canggu may include:
- Beach strolls
- Swimming if the conditions allow it
- Visiting cafes and restaurants
- Wellness treatments for kids
- Exploring nearby destinations
- Day trips across Bali
If you want to find more organized activities for your family, check out our Family Activities in Bali section.
Top Things to Do in Canggu for Adventurers
Although Canggu is famously known for surfing, Canggu can be used as a hub for various other adventurous trips around Bali.
Adventure options here include:
- ATV driving
- White-water rafting
- Scuba diving
- Snorkeling
- Biking around the island
- Trekking Mount Batur
Instead of restricting your Bali vacation to Canggu, make it a combination of a Canggu stay and some adventurous excursions from Bali.
Browse through Explore Bali Activities and see what adventurous things you could add to your holidays.
Best Times to Visit Canggu
There are no particular times that should be chosen when visiting Canggu; however, the nature of your trip can be affected by the climate, crowds, and what kind of activities you have in mind.
Dry Season
It is usually considered the busiest season, and it is mostly due to the better weather conditions; therefore, planning beach days and outdoor activities is easier.
As the dry season is busy, hotels and popular places can be overcrowded.
Shoulder Season
It could be a good choice for those who want to combine nice weather and smaller crowds.
Consider traveling to Canggu during off-peak holidays.
Rainy Season
Rain showers are frequent during the Bali rainy season; however, it doesn’t mean it will be raining throughout the whole day.
If you visit Canggu during this time, just keep your schedule flexible.
Ways to Access Canggu
Canggu can be accessed by road from some popular tourist destinations in the southern part of Bali.
One can access the place by:
Car rental
Taxis
Ride-sharing service
Hotel transport
Scooters, if legal and you are licensed and an experienced rider
Traffic may be congested during certain times; hence, one should allocate extra time during their airport transfers and day trips.
One Day Canggu Itinerary
Even with one day available, one can manage to see some of the highlights of the destination.
Morning
Start the day by having breakfast at one of the local cafes before proceeding to the beach.
Enjoy the view by walking along the beach or take surf lessons if weather permits.
Afternoon
Visit Batu Bolong, visit some shops, and have lunch at any of the cafes or restaurants in Canggu.
One can explore the nearby rice fields.
Evening
Move back to the beach to enjoy sunset.
One can finish the day by having dinner at a local restaurant or enjoying the beach.
This itinerary allows one to have a glimpse of the major sites in Canggu without trying to overload one day.
Travel Tips for Canggu
A bit of planning will ease your stay here.
Some things to consider:
- Expect delays due to traffic.
- Have sunscreen and water when exploring outside.
- Get information about beach and surfing conditions prior to swimming.
- Be sensitive to culture while visiting temples.
- Secure your valuables on the beach.
- Take some money in Indonesian rupiah for small expenses.
- Reserve popular activities during peak season.
- Try not to squeeze too much activity in one day.
- Go early whenever possible for outdoor activities.
The most important thing is to always allow yourself some free time. In Canggu, you can spend your time leisurely having a lazy breakfast, walking on the beach, or watching the sunset instead of visiting the places from your list.
Explore Other Things to Do in Bali
Canggu is just one of many destinations in Bali. If you have several days available for exploring the island, take your time to discover other spots in Bali apart from the western coastline of the island.
You can visit Canggu along with Ubud, Uluwatu, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Mount Batur or some other spots depending on your preferences.
For more destinations to visit and activities to do in Bali, go to Things to Do in Bali.
You can also plan your trips using our Bali itinerary.
Explore Bali Activities with Active Bali
Your Canggu vacation does not have to just involve beaches, cafés, and nightlife.
If you are seeking something more exciting, Active Bali provides activities that may be added to a larger Bali vacation.
You can enjoy:
- ATV adventures
- White water rafting
- Scuba diving
- Snorkeling
- Hiking
- Biking
- And many other outdoor adventures
👉 Explore Bali Activities and discover activities to enjoy during your Bali vacation.
For those who would like to enjoy a more comprehensive vacation, you can check out Active Holiday Packages.
Plan Your Bali Vacation
Canggu works best as a part of a larger Bali vacation rather than a standalone destination.
You can spend a few days relaxing on the beaches and enjoying café life, and then venture inland to do some adventure activities or visit another area of the island.
Such as:
Canggu → Ubud → Mount Batur → Uluwatu
or
Canggu → Nusa Penida → Ubud → Seminyak
It all depends on the duration of your vacation and what kind of experience you want to enjoy more.
Are you ready to explore Bali beyond Canggu? Plan your vacation with Active Bali.
👉 Explore Bali Activities
👉 Plan Your Bali Itinerary
👉 Find out more from the Bali Travel Blog
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Canggu have to offer?
Canggu is best known for its beaches, surfing, cafes, restaurants, beach clubs, well-being services, and laid-back vibes.
- Is Canggu worth visiting?
Yes, because it has a good mix of beaches, cuisine, nightlife, well-being options, and outdoor activities. It is especially recommended for people looking for a social place.
- What are the top things to do in Canggu?
Top things to do in Canggu are sunbathing at the beach, surfing, watching the sunset, exploring Batu Bolong, Berawa and Echo Beach, going to cafes and beach clubs and exploring the surrounding rice fields.
- Is Canggu family-friendly?
Yes, but families have to pick the beaches and activities based on the age of their kids and the existing conditions. Canggu could serve as a base for visiting other family-friendly places on Bali.
- What is the best Canggu beach?
It depends on what visitors plan to do. Canggu and Batu Bolong beaches are known for their surfing and vibe, while Berawa and Echo Beaches offer unique scenery and atmosphere.
- What activities are possible in Canggu at night?
You can spend your evening in the restaurants, cafes, beach bars, live music and beach clubs.
- How many days are needed to spend in Canggu?
A period from two to four days would be enough for getting acquainted with Canggu itself, the beaches, the cafés and the surroundings.
- What time is the best to visit Canggu?
The dry season is preferable for the beach and other outdoor activities, while shoulder seasons are suitable for less crowded visiting of Canggu. Bali can be visited during any time of year, but you should take into consideration weather conditions for your outdoor activities.
- Is Canggu good for surfing?
Yes, it is. Surfing is one of the main reasons why people come to Canggu. But it is recommended for beginners to take a lesson and to be informed about the current sea conditions.
10.)How far is Canggu from Seminyak?
Canggu is situated to the north of Seminyak, and it is quite a close place by road, but real time of traveling depends on traffic in Bali.