10 Things to Do in Canggu in Bali (Including Tips for First-Time Visitors)

While Canggu has certainly grown in popularity over the past few years, it’s not hard to find your own peaceful little corner if you know where to go. Here is my Canggu travel guide to help you plan your perfect Bali trip.

Canggu in Bali has become the next hip-and-happening destination to visit in Indonesia, especially for those looking to branch out beyond the typically tourist-heavy resort towns of Seminyak and Kuta.

The laid-back atmosphere, string of picturesque beaches, fantastic yoga studios and excellent boutique hotels have drawn in visitors from around the world looking for that perfectly balanced beach holiday complete with fiery sunsets every evening.

For travelers looking to plan a Bali getaway, you can’t really top what Canggu offers in terms of accessibility (it’s only an hour or so from the international airport), diversity of activities to fill your days and a spectacular natural landscape of beachy coastline and peaceful rice paddies.

Start your mornings with a vinyasa yoga class followed by the perfect oat milk flat white and green smoothie, head to a different café every day for your choice of Indonesian fare or western brunch, paddle out for a dreamy afternoon surf and top it all off with a sunset cocktail at a chilled-out beach bar.

Does that sound like your dream holiday? Read on for what to do in Canggu and some top tips for a fuss-free trip!

Planning a trip to Bali can be overwhelming. Here is my easy 2 week Bali itinerary for first time visitors!

Where is Canggu in Bali?

Canggu is located on the west coast of Bali, about an hours’ drive away from Ngurah Rai International Airport. It is just north of Seminyak and south of Tanah Lot temple.

The area of Canggu spans across a few major hubs and main thoroughfares – Berawa, Batu Bolong, Echo Beach/Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan area and Pererenan.

Travel tips for visiting Canggu in Bali

First time to Canggu or Bali? Here’s what you need to know before you go.

✈️ The main airport in Bali is Ngurah Rai International Airport. Many airlines fly direct to Bali, and a 30-day tourist visa-on-arrival is available for passport holders from more than 80 countries. The Bali visa fee is US$35 or 500,000 IDR, and can be paid by Visa (not AMEX). Children and babies are charged the same fee. As of November 2022, you can also apply for an electronic visa ahead of your trip here.

You may be eligible for the visa exemption arrangement if you hold an ASEAN member country passport including those from Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Save yourself some time by completing the electronic customs declaration ahead of your Bali trip here.

As of February 14th 2024 you will also be required to pay a 150,000 IDR (approximately US$10) “tourism levy” to be used towards the conservation of Bali’s nature and support sustainable tourism – this fee is in addition to the visa-on-arrival fee. You should arrange to pay this fee online before your trip, though certain exemptions apply (diplomatic visa, Golden visa and student visa etc.) and must be applied for 1 month in advance. Read more here.

⏩ Fast-track Bali airport arrival services are available. Many families with young children or people landing late in the evening opt to pay an extra fee to skip-the-queue for immigration and customs. TIC Bali is one of the more well-known Bali express airport service providers, but you must book at least 1 day in advance. However, you may be eligible for priority queues without this paid service. Personally, we opted out of using this as there is an express line at immigration on arrival for certain people including families traveling with young children or the elderly. There were also only 3 international flights arriving at around the same time as us so all of the queues were short – several people who used it ended up standing around waiting for luggage anyway. I would recommend looking into using the service only if you know that there will be a high arrival load at the airport and you do not want to wait in any lines at Bali airport.

💱 The currency is the Indonesian rupiah and the exchange rate is approximately US$1/1 Euro: 15,000 IDR or AUD$1: 10,000 IDR. There are ATMs in the airport where you can withdraw a small sum to get you started, and then you can visit brick-and-mortar money exchange places once you are in Canggu. Legitimate currency exchange shops in Bali advertise the rates clearly and do not charge a commission – we had a great experience with Mr. & Mrs. Butler money exchange in Pererenan, though they also have other locations scattered around Canggu. The majority of hotels, tourist restaurants and supermarkets accept credit card payments, though you will still need cash to pay drivers and for tips.

You pretty much never have to pay full price for admissions tickets in Bali as most tour operators, car charters, spas and major attractions are listed on Klook. Just click here and search for places you want to go, and book online for discounted entry or head on over here to read more about how to use Klook to book travel experiences.

📱 Buy a local Indonesian SIM card. The easiest way to do that is via Klook – you can get a 35 GB (US$12) or 51 GB (US$13) data-only SIM card and pick it up from the airport on arrival or have it delivered to your hotel. You will need to provide certain information including your passport copy. Buy your local Bali SIM card here. Everyone in Bali including hotels, taxi drivers, spas and equipment rental companies use Whatsapp to communicate, so make sure you have stable internet access throughout your Bali trip.

🏖️ The best time to visit Bali is typically considered to be during the summer months between July to early September, which means this is the peak travel season in Bali and the island receives the highest volume of tourists during these months – many hotels are fully booked and the atmosphere is buzzing. This is the dry season and Bali receives lower rainfall during the summer months. The rainy season in Bali usually runs during the winter months from December to February.

The surf conditions in Canggu are also the most consistent in July and August so surfers from around the world flock to the island’s west coast during these months. The weather is mild and there is even a gentle breeze in the mornings and evenings. Want to avoid the crowds in Canggu? Consider visiting in the shoulder months in May, June and September.

That being said, there is no “bad” time to visit the Island of the Gods. One important thing to note for first time visitors to Bali is that Nyepi, New Year’s day in the Balinese calendar, falls in March (the date changes each year) and during this day the island observes complete silence. Shops and businesses close for the day, and everybody (including tourists) is expected to stay indoors as part of the ritual. The airport is no exception – there are no arrivals and departures on the day of Nyepi and some hotels may not facilitate check-ins and outs during this day.

Another major holiday in Bali to take note of is Galungan and Kuningan, a Hindu celebration which takes place every 210 days. The two major events are 10 days apart, and many Balinese Hindus will spend the festival visiting family temples – many government offices will be closed on Galungan and Kuningan, and some major religious landmarks (like Pura Lempuyang) may close for ceremonies or have different opening and closing times. There may also be fewer Grab drivers around on the streets. It is really a beautiful time to be in Bali, when all the streets are lined with towering bamboo penjors.

👚 What to wear in Bali: The majority of the population on the island are Hindu, and the dress code in Bali is typically fairly relaxed. Beach and vacation wear is the norm, so go ahead and pack your dresses, shorts and crop tops. There is, however, an exception – if you plan on visiting any temple you will need to cover your legs with a sarong and make sure that your shoulders are also covered. You will also notice that most women in Bali dress conservatively, even donning gorgeous traditional attire on certain days during the week and to visit temples – to be respectful, I would recommend that you dress on the conservative side when out and about around town outside of your resort or hotel.

Planning on heading inland to chase waterfalls in the mountains of Bali after visiting Canggu? The temperature can fluctuate significantly over the course of just a couple of hours, so make sure you bring some warm clothes.

🗓️ How many days to spend in Canggu: For a first time visitor to Canggu I would recommend spending no fewer than 4-5 days by the beach.

🚁 Flying a drone in Canggu: You can fly a small drone in Bali for recreational, non-commercial purposes without a license as long as you follow a few important guidelines. Many hotels and beach clubs will have their own policies for drone usage on their property, so it’s best to check ahead before you launch your UAV.

Safety in Bali

The vast majority of visits to Bali are trouble free, and tourism is a (if not, the) major source of revenue for the island. Violent crime against foreigners occurs infrequently, but petty crime including bag and phone snatching is not uncommon. You should keep a close eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. There are a number of common scams in Bali: if an offer seems “too good to be true” or overly convenient, it could very well be part of a scam.

I recommend taking certain precautions such as pre-booking airport transportation with a reliable car service and driver, watching your drink when you are out and about, and letting friends and family know of your travel plans and hotel contact information. Read more about safety in Indonesia and Bali by clicking here and here. Here is more information about local laws and customs in Indonesia.

How to get to Canggu in Bali

To get into Bali you’ll need to fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport near Denpasar. An airport transfer from the airport to Canggu costs approximately 350,000 IDR (US$25 or so) and takes 1-2 hours from door-to-door depending on where in Canggu you are headed and what time you are driving. Mid-day traffic out of Denpasar can be hectic, but if you land in the early morning or late evening you can expect the journey from the airport to Canggu to take just over an hour.

Get in touch with Gede (Whatsapp at +62 812 3689 2841) or Sudewa/Ani (Whatsapp at +62 819 9845 3366) for any long-distance transfers in Bali. We found that their rates are extremely fair, vehicles are clean and they can also provide a forward-facing car seat if you are traveling to Bali with children.

How to get around Canggu in Bali

The best way to get around Canggu is either by local taxi, scooter rental or on foot. You will notice that local ride-sharing companies like Grab, GoJek and Bluebird are visibly unwelcome in Canggu, so you may need to ask your hotel to call a local taxi for you – usually it takes no more than 10 minutes for the driver to show up.

Here is another one of my top Bali travel tips: when you find a driver you like, get their contact information and add them to Whatsapp so that you can get in touch with them directly. In addition to Gede who I mentioned above, we used Made for short trips within Canggu – our baby loved him and he was always punctual and friendly. You can reach Made via Whatsapp at +62 819 9997 5925. Short 15-minute trips within Canggu should cost no more than 50-60,000 IDR, just make sure that you agree on a price with your driver ahead of time.

Another popular option for getting around Canggu is by scooter, but you may want to consider this option carefully if you are not confident driving a scooter – the roads in Canggu are narrow and there are often pedestrians trying to narrowly avoid traffic on the non-existent sidewalks. Even the smallest of loose rocks can cause an accident (like it did for us towards the end of our trip in Uluwatu)!

My husband has the proper international motorcycle certifications and license, and we paid approximately 65,000 IDR/day for a petrol scooter in Canggu (the daily rate varies across Bali) and 100,000 IDR/day (not including delivery charges) for an electric scooter from Noa Bike (contact them by WhatsApp at +62 822 8890 8988). Ensure that your scooter rental comes with helmets and that you have the proper international driving license in case you are stopped by the local authorities.

The benefit of driving a scooter in Bali is that scooters can often take the little side streets that cut through the main streets of Canggu, and cars have to drive inland before swinging back down towards the beach. A 15-minute car ride within Canggu is often shaved down to just 5 minutes if you cut across using one of the shortcuts on a scooter. If you are a tourist, expect to pay a few thousand IDR when you park your scooter by the beach – you will be waved down to pay the toll.

It is also possible to hire a car in Bali but you should know that parking can be an issue; it is also not recommended unless you have experience navigating very narrow streets filled with scooters zooming by. Your international driving permit may require further endorsement by the local authorities, and you should double check that your travel insurance covers any motor vehicle accidents overseas. Have all your ducks in a row? Great! Looking for the best prices for rental car companies around the world? Click here to book your rental car ahead of your Bali trip. Bookings can be cancelled or amended if your plans change!

Where to stay in Canggu in Bali

Looking for the best accommodation in Canggu? It is easy to get sucked into wanting to book all the Insta-famous hotels in Bali. You know the ones I’m talking about. But these places don’t always make the most sense in terms of location, amenities provided or pricing.

I spent hours researching hotels for our 2 week Bali trip and can personally recommend a few that we loved!

The first is MASMARA Resort in Canggu, a stunning luxury boutique hotel in Canggu, just 150 metres (a 1-minute walk!) from the black-sand Pererenan Beach. The deluxe rooms feature plenty of warm wood finishing complete with cozy textiles and funky prints, or there are a few upper-level two-bedroom suites that also offer a kitchen.

Booking tip: Sensitive to noise and want a quiet room? Ask for room 6, 7, 8, 9 nearest to the pool and furthest from restaurant.

We loved the on-site restaurant and dining on the open-air deck at sunset, but it is also within walking distance from a slew of wonderful cafes, cocktail bars and restaurants – you could go to a different one for breakfast, lunch and dinner for an entire week without eating at the same place twice! Try Monsieur Spoon, WOODS, Cumulus, Zali, Honey, Baked, Shelter and Arte.

The surf at Pererenan Beach is perfect for intermediate to advanced surfers, with plenty of right and left handers peeling down the shoreline. Those looking for even more beaches can venture towards Echo Beach or Canggu Beach, or simply go for a dip in the sun-dappled MASMARA pool.

The wonderful staff at this boutique property in Canggu made us feel right at home. This is perfect if you want to stay close to the beach and restaurants, but prefer to be a stone’s throw away from the hectic crowds of Canggu’s main street down Batu Bolong. Click here to check availability and rates at MASMARA Resort in Canggu.

Another option in Pererenan is the absolutely dreamy 2-bedroom private villa, Casa Gypsy. Tucked away off the main road, Casa Gypsy features an open-air living area and kitchen, airy and spacious bedrooms with their own ensuite bathrooms and a large pool which somehow always managed to be the perfect temperature.

Perfect for those who want a little privacy, the villa was cleaned every day and the management company was always extremely responsive – they can also provide high chairs, pool fences and baby cots for an extra fee.

As Casa Gypsy does not include breakfast and is located about 10 minutes from the beach, it is probably best suited to independent travelers and families who have their own transportation or are familiar with how to use Grab/GoJek. Click here to check rates and availability at Casa Gypsy!

Next up, another boutique hotel in Canggu to check out is Pangkung Sari, located on a quiet side street overlooking the rice paddies in inland Berawa. This cozy, small boutique bed & breakfast is within walking distance from several restaurants and cafes, Pangkung Sari also has a small on-site restaurant serving up some delicious food – we loved their mie goreng and smoothie bowls.

With only 6 rooms overlooking the rice paddies, Pangkung Sari is incredibly tranquil. The rooms are basic but very clean, and infused with some traditional Balinese elements; each room has a small patio area for your morning coffee or tea.

What really stands out at Pangkung Sari is the extremely warm and accommodating staff who were so kind and friendly to our family. As the rooms are located side-by-side and the property is fairly quiet, this may be better suited to solo travelers, couples and families traveling with older children. Click here to check rates and availability at Pangkung Sari or head here to check out other highly-rated hotel options in Canggu.

Looking for more options for where to stay in Canggu? Other accommodation options in Canggu that we considered based on extensive research include:

The Bed By the Sea: This adults-only retreat is a small Canggu boutique hotel with 8 rooms. It is within walking distance to Echo Beach and La Brisa, and offers modern, airy rooms with Balinese hospitality. If we were not traveling with a toddler we would have happily stayed here. Click here to check rates and availability at The Bed By the Sea.

ZIN Canggu Resort & Villas: I had my eye on the One Bedroom Bamboo Pool Villa at ZIN Canggu for a long, long time! Located on a street parallel to the busier Batu Bolong thoroughfare, this boutique hotel in Canggu has a pool and fitness centre on-site. Reviewers love the stunning rooms and helpful staff at ZIN Canggu, though some have mentioned nearby construction noise during the day (which is, unfortunately, fairly common in Canggu). Click here to check rates and availability at ZIN Canggu.

We mostly used Booking.com for this Bali 2 week itinerary as the cancellation policies tend to be a little more flexible.

Some additional tips for choosing accommodation in Canggu, Bali:

• Don’t book close to a beach club as it can be noisy – switch to map view if you’re unsure! Our family members who happened to be in Bali at the same time as us loved the first hotel they stayed at, but it was across the street from the new Atlas Beach Club – which meant that they were haunted by house music at all hours of the day and night. This meant that they had no choice but to check out early to get a proper night’s rest. This is not an uncommon complaint in Canggu so do your research if you want peace and quiet.
• Read the reviews and sort by “most recent” to see if any previous guests mention construction noise. Unfortunately there is a lot – and I mean a lot – of development all around Canggu, so you’ll want to have all the facts before you book.
• Book early, especially when visiting Bali in the peak season! You’ll be surprised how quickly the options whittle down.
• Communicate any additional questions or requests with your hotel via Whatsapp ahead of your stay. You can request a high chair or baby crib, airport and intercity transfers or convey dietary restrictions for a smooth trip.
• Arriving late at night? Let your hotel know so that they can have everything ready for you before you arrive.

The best things to do in Canggu in Bali

Though you could easily spend up to a week in Canggu, there is no major “sightseeing” to do and tourist landmarks to head to beyond visiting Tanah Lot and Batu Bolong Temple. Canggu feels like one of those places where you can truly wind down and plan your days around café hopping, surfing, massages and sunset drinks.

Planning your perfect Canggu itinerary? Here are some of the best places to visit in Canggu as well as things you won’t want to skip.

1. See the Canggu rice terraces

Ubud does not have a monopoly on stunning rice terraces in Bali. Though Canggu is on the coastline, there are still some stunning rice terraces located near Pererenan in north Canggu.

These lush terraces are some of the only ones that remain in Canggu as the area becomes more heavily developed with new hotels and restaurants.

To get to the sprawling Canggu rice fields, head down Jalan Pantai Pererenan and walk on foot along this little unnamed side street until you pass the river.

There is also a (dwindling) number of rice fields along Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan (parallel to Pererenan) which leads down to Echo Beach. You can have dinner at HoiAn by MeVui for some authentic Vietnamese fare while overlooking the lush paddies. The best time to visit the rice fields in Canggu is in the early morning or late afternoon.

2. Visit Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot Temple or Pura Tanah Lot is one of the top attractions in Bali and just a 20-30 minute car or scooter ride from Canggu. This magnificent Hindu shrine often appears as if it is floating due to the high tide, but once the tide drops worshippers can walk across the tombolo to the temple itself.

The grounds at Tanah Lot are sprawling with various viewpoints where you can admire Pura Tanah Lot from different angles. You will be in awe of the shining shrine as waves lap and dance across the base.

Though there is no strict dress code for tourists, Tanah Lot is a religious site and regularly hosts pilgrimages. I would recommend being mindful of your attire when visiting Pura Tanah Lot to be respectful – skip the revealing tops and dresses and stick to longer skirts or pants as well as tops that cover your shoulders.

The most popular time of day to visit Tanah Lot is during sunset, and this is when the crowds are really heaving as the tour buses start to roll in one after the other. You can head there before sunset to secure a spot, or simply head there in the late afternoon and escape before the crowds arrive.

The Tanah Lot entry fee is 60,000 IDR for adults and there is a small parking fee for scooters and cars.

3. Check out Batu Bolong Temple

Batu Bolong Temple or Pura Batu Bolong is sometimes mistaken for Pura Tanah Lot as they are located in the same area, and as a result people leave it off their Canggu itinerary. This striking sea arch houses a Hindu Shrine atop the hanging cliff – the shrine itself is not open to tourists.

The best place to view Batu Bolong Temple is from the adjoining cliffside – from there, continue walking south for 5 minutes and you’ll find yourself at Tanah Lot Temple.

This attraction near Canggu is often skipped because the majority of visitors simply flock to Tanah Lot instead. However, your Tanah Lot ticket actually grants access to the entire grounds – including Pura Batu Bolong!

4. Surf, surf and surf

Canggu is one of the most popular places to surf in Bali, and once you set your eyes on the waves you’ll understand exactly why surfers from around the world love this part of the island. There are an incredible number of beach breaks to suit all levels of surfers up and down this part of the western coast.

Popular surf spots in Canggu include Batu Bolong Beach in front of Old Man’s where many Canggu surf schools run beginner lessons, as well as Echo Beach and Pererenan which are well-suited to intermediate to advanced surfers looking for powerful peeling waves.

There are some strong rips and big waves which make certain beaches in Canggu dangerous for swimming, so be wary and careful.

If you want to try your hand at surfing in Canggu, expect to pay approximately 50,000 IDR for board rental from beach shacks (mostly foam boards available) and 350,000 IDR for 2-hour one-off surf lessons.

For more experienced surfers, if you have not brought your own surfboard then consider renting a surfboard for around US$20 per day. As we had heaps of luggage, my husband left his board at home and rented a fun Hypto Krypto for the week. You can rent a surfboard in Bali here – my tip is to check the inventory and see what boards are available, and then message them on Whatsapp (+62 821 4774 4855) for same or next day delivery.

These guys offer free delivery to Canggu, Seminyak and Kuta and can pick the board up as well when you’re done with it after a few days. They have a clear policy regarding damage fees and do not charge if you break the leash but are able to give the broken leash back to them.

You can pick up extra fins or leashes from many surf shops in Canggu including Rip Curl or Billabong. We picked up an extra leg rope and new boardshorts from Onboard Store in Batu Bolong, though they also carry a huge range of surf accessories.

Looking for the perfect Canggu accommodation near the beach yet away from the crowds? Click here to check availability and rates at MASMARA Resort in Canggu – we loved our stay at this boutique hotel. The rooms are spacious and the staff are incredibly warm and hospitable. It is just a 2 minute walk from Pererenan beach (a fantastic Canggu sunset spot).

Alternatively, check the rates and availability at Casa Gypsy up the road from MASMARA. This 2-bedroom villa offers you a private pool, open-air pavilion lounge and kitchen area. We loved the airy, light-filled space and the privacy it offered.

For those considering other areas in Canggu I recommend checking rates and availability at Pangkung Sari, a small and cozy boutique B&B overlooking a small rice field in Berawa. You can head here to check out other highly-rated hotel options in Canggu.

Looking for even more options for where to stay in Canggu? Other accommodation options in Canggu that we considered based on extensive research include The Bed By the Sea (an adults-only small hotel within walking distance to Echo Beach) and ZIN Canggu Resort & Villas (stunning rooms a stone’s throw from the busy Batu Bolong main road).

5. Go café and restaurant hopping

Simply put, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to incredible cafes in Canggu serving up a range of cuisines – from local Indonesian meals to delicate French pastries and scrumptious smashed avocado on toast.

It was tempting to go back to our favourites over and over again, but we made it a point to try as many Canggu cafes as possible during our Bali trips.

You can’t go wrong with Baked, Honey, Monsieur Spoon (which happens to have an amazing indoor play area in Pererenan) and Zali for amazing coffee and modern Lebanese food.

For dinner, Arte serves up delicious wood-fired pizzas and Shelter is a crowd favourite as well. We also loved the food at WOODS and Cumulus.

On Thursdays, book yourself in for a traditional Indonesian dinner and Balinese dance and music show at MASMARA Resort – it was such a treat to experience Balinese culture paired with incredible food.

Visiting Canggu with kids? Make a beeline for Milk & Madu in Batu Bolong (large outdoor and crafts space).

We also really liked the Milk & Madu in Berawa (smaller outdoor play area and small face painting/arts & crafts space) where you’ll get to sit down and enjoy your meal while they play.

6. Drop in to a yoga class

Practicing yoga is one of the top things to do in Canggu – what better way to start the day than to wake the body up with a gentle hatha or vinyasa class?

There are many yoga studios in Canggu to choose from – Chandra Yoga offers a number of Vinyasa and Hatha yoga classes throughout the day in their treetop shala; Radiantly Alive offers Vinyasa, Yin as well as regular workshops; Guan Yin Yoga has something to suit everyone including meditation sessions, led-Ashtanga classes and yoga for surfers; and The Practice offers a Hatha-heavy schedule in the heart of Canggu. These are just a handful of Canggu yoga studios to get you started!

7. Have a relaxing beach day

The beaches in Canggu are not just for surfers. From Pantai Berawa up to the black-sand Pererenan beach, it’s not hard to find a spot to hang out at for the day for a decompression session.

A quick word of warning, particular Canggu beaches are popular dog walking spots for dog owners – the upside is that you get to see tons of adorable doggos. The downside is that not all dog owners are particularly responsible and you may need to watch where you step or lay your beach towel down!

The shore break at certain beaches in Canggu are also dangerous and there are parts of the beach that may appear to be sandy, but are actually rock or reef. Watch where you step and be careful as you are swimming in or out.

8. Wind down with a sunset drink

The sunsets in Canggu are legendary, and it draws thousands of people to the shoreline to admire the blending colours of the fiery sky as the sun goes down for the evening.

The beaches of Canggu come alive at around 5 PM each afternoon, as street food hawkers set up for the night and children bring their kites out to fly.

It’s one of the best free things to do in Canggu, or you can find yourself a comfy beach beanbag and buy a few cold Bintangs from the local beach warungs.

Alternatively, book yourself into La Brisa for sunset drinks – they have a number of options for tables and cabanas for groups of friends and family (some with a reasonable minimum spend).

The table service is fantastic and there’s a wide range of drinks and food to go with the sky on fire.

9. Spend the day at one of the many Canggu beach clubs and day clubs

The day and beach clubs in Canggu are mind-blowing – some even feel like mini cities of their own with in-house water parks, restaurants, bars, gyms, showers and children’s play areas.

Finns Recreation Club and Finns Beach Club near Seminyak is a firm-favourite for people visiting Canggu, with a huge range of activities (including Splash waterpark!) for the whole family. You can purchase a discounted Finns Beach Club and Recreation Club day pass here.

The Lawn is a very hip and happening beach club in Canggu which has hosted international artists and DJs. They have regular weekly DJ line-ups and events.

Looking for something more laid back? Try the COMO Beach Club housed in the 6* resort, though you’ll need to call ahead to check whether they are accepting outside guests.

We found ourselves going back to La Brisa on Echo Beach every other night – the bohemian-meets-jungle décor is stunning, and while it has every potential to be one of those pretentious “are you on the list?” types of places, we were always warmly welcomed by their friendly staff. It is very child-friendly and perfect for a relaxing day on the beach.

If you have a small group of friends visiting Canggu together, book yourself one of these unique “kubus” by the pool!

We also enjoyed spending an afternoon at Valle, a pool and day club overlooking the rice paddies inland from Echo Beach. The long pool was perfect for a refreshing dip and we enjoyed the Japanese-inspired fare – the flat white coffees were also surprisingly spot on!

10. Indulge in a spa treatment

You can’t go wrong with a spa treatment in Bali, and luckily for you Canggu has many top-notch spas. Book yourself in for a relaxing Balinese massage or treat yourself to a much-needed manicure and pedicure.

We loved our afternoon getaways to the Adore Spa – extremely comfortable boutique spa on the main strip in Pererenan run by a team of lovely ladies. We’ve been back time and time again for dreamy massages and perfect pedicures.

Want to book a Canggu hotel that is close to the beach, within walking distance of amazing cafes and restaurants and has sophisticated-yet-cozy rooms? I highly recommend MASMARA Resort in Pererenan, Canggu. We are already missing our time there and planning our next trip back! Click here to check availability and rates at MASMARA Resort in Canggu.

We also loved our stay at Casa Gypsy, an airy, light-filled 2-bedroom villa up the road from MASMARA. This villa offers you a private pool, open-air pavilion lounge and kitchen area. Check the rates and availability at Casa Gypsy.

For those considering other areas in Canggu I recommend checking rates and availability at Pangkung Sari, a small and cozy boutique B&B overlooking a small rice field in Berawa. You can head here to check out other highly-rated hotel options in Canggu.

Looking for more boutique hotel options in Canggu? Other accommodation options in Canggu that we considered include The Bed By the Sea (an adults-only small hotel within walking distance to Echo Beach), and ZIN Canggu Resort & Villas (stunning rooms a stone’s throw from the busy Batu Bolong main road).

Travel tips for visiting Canggu with a baby

Heading to Canggu with kids? You’re in for a real treat. Bali was our first international family travel destination with our 1-year old infant. Everything was a little intimidating, especially with a teething baby that had just started walking. Don’t even get me started on the sleep issues.

There’s a reason why everyone travels to Bali with children – it’s because Bali is so darn baby-friendly! We loved it so much that we traveled back to Canggu the very next year with a toddler!

The Balinese staff at almost every place we visited was all too happy to run after our baby and help keep him entertained while we shoveled food into our mouths, and were extremely accommodating with special requests for off-menu baby-friendly meals like steamed vegetables and pasta.

After some trial-and-error we managed to make the trip work for us – here are some top tips for visiting Bali with a baby.

Worried about bringing too much luggage? You can rent any baby gear including travel cots and car seats for around US$5 or AU$7 a day. We used Bali Baby Hire – it was easy to coordinate the equipment booking via e-mail and they even dropped off and picked up all the gear for us.

Book a driver with a child car seat. I recommend getting in touch with Gede or Sudewa (number at the top of this Canggu travel guide) who can provide a forward-facing child car seat. If you need a rear-facing baby car seat for younger children book one for your trip via Bali Baby Hire.

Stock up on diapers and baby food in Canggu. You can easily buy diapers and baby food from Carrefour near the international arport or from the local Pepitos supermarket.

Be prepared if your baby gets sick in Bali. Many Canggu hotels will have a pediatrician on call, make sure you ask if your baby requires medical attention. Otherwise, head straight to BIMC private hospital in Denpasar. You can also buy baby paracetamol in liquid form from Guardian pharmacies.

Many hotels may not have a cot, or may be adults-only. Double check with hotels if they are able to provide a cot, as they might not even if the hotel’s booking page says that they can. MASMARA Resort provided a brand new baby cot complete with diaper changing table and mosquito net for us, and it was all set up for us in the room ahead of our arrival. Casa Gypsy also had a kitchen including a microwave and fridge which we found helpful for preparing meals for our little one.

Make sure your hotel has a shallow pool area. Babies and infants will love playing in the shallow ends of pools and it keeps everyone safe and happy for hours, especially when the ocean is too rough to swim in. MASMARA Resort has a shallow section, and Casa Gypsy has a long step on one end that our toddler loved frolicking in.

The vast majority of restaurants and beach clubs in Bali have kids menus and high chairs. If you are looking for kid-friendly cafes and restaurants in Canggu I recommend Milk & Madu on Beach Road or its Berawa branch for play areas, Monsieur Spoon in Pererenan which has a lovely indoor kids area and Parklife kids club and restaurant which has a fun water play area.

We especially loved having lunch overlooking rice paddies at Parklife, and their nasi goreng was simply delicious.

Last but absolutely not least, here is my top tip for traveling to Canggu with kids: need an extra pair of hands to wrangle your little one? There are many experienced nannies in Bali who you can hire by the hour (or day, or even your whole trip) to help you out so that you can actually sit down and eat your meal, go for a surf, practice yoga or go for a massage.

I highly recommend getting in touch with Febri from Feby’lous Bali Nanny or Ani from Mom’s Nanny Care – we have personally used both services. We first met Ani in 2022 and she joined us for a few lunches and afternoon play sessions over the first 2-3 days to see if it was a good fit, and she since joined us again through Bali for three weeks in 2023 – our toddler just loves hanging out with her, and she is incredibly playful and watchful over him.

Get in touch with Febri or Ani as soon as you know your dates for visiting Canggu as experienced nanies are in high demand! The rates are extremely reasonable – 65,000 IDR (US$5 or AU$6.5) per hour with a minimum of 5 hours per day. The rate usually covers travel to and from Canggu, but if you are hoping for the nanny to join you elsewhere in Bali a small fee may apply to cover their petrol fees.

Where to go after Canggu

Canggu is a perfect fly-and-flop destination, but you can also kick off or end your Bali trip here. Planning your Bali itinerary and not sure where to go after Canggu? Here are a few options:

Canggu to Ubud: Ubud in central Bali is one of the top tourist destinations in Bali and often touted as the cultural capital of the island. It is famous for its emerald cascading rice terraces in Tegallalang, thousands of Hindu shrines, powerful waterfalls and art museums. Ubud is approximately 30 kilometres or an hour’s drive from Canggu.

Canggu to Munduk: Munduk in northern Bali is a hidden gem that remains somewhat off-the-beaten-path. It is surrounded by dozens of waterfalls and is a stone’s throw from one of the holiest Hindu temple complexes in Bali – Pura Ulun Danu Beratan. Munduk is located approximately 70 kilometres or two hours by car from Canggu. Read my guide on the best things to do in Munduk.

Canggu to Uluwatu: Uluwatu in the southern Bukit Peninsula is popular for its white sand beaches, world-class surf and outrageously stunning clifftop views. Uluwatu is only 35 kilometres or so from Canggu but the road into Uluwatu through Denpasar is often crowded with heavy traffic, so you can expect the drive from Canggu to Uluwatu to take closer to two hours. Read my Uluwatu travel guide here.

Canggu to Sanur: The coastal beach town is an underrated Bali destination, popular with families and known for fewer crowds than Canggu. The white sand beaches are a big draw, as is the long boardwalk spanning the length of the Sanur coast. The car journey should take approximately 1 hour. Read my Sanur travel guide here.

Canggu to Seminyak: Seminyak is probably the most popular tourist city in Bali. It offers a whole range of swanky beachside resorts and world-class restaurants, along with the perpetually busy Potato Head beach club. Again, the roads between Seminyak and Canggu are extremely busy so set aside more time than expected for the car ride.

I hope this guide to Canggu in Bali helps you to plan your perfect getaway!

Ready to plan your trip to Canggu? I highly recommend MASMARA Resort in Pererenan, a boutique hotel steps away from the beach. We also loved our stay at Casa Gypsy (also in Pererenan), a stunning 2-bedroom villa complete with a private pool. For solo travelers and couples looking for a quiet retreat check out Pangkung Sari in Berawa, a small and cozy boutique B&B overlooking a small rice field. You can head here to check out other highly-rated hotel options in Canggu.

Looking for more boutique hotel options in Canggu? Other accommodation options in Canggu that we considered include The Bed By the Sea (an adults-only small hotel within walking distance to Echo Beach), and ZIN Canggu Resort & Villas (stunning rooms a stone’s throw from the busy Batu Bolong main road).

You may also enjoy these reads:

• First time visitor to Bali? You may find this 2 weeks in Bali itinerary helpful
• Headed to the mountains of Bali after Canggu? Here is my guide to chasing waterfalls in Munduk
• Next stop: Ubud! Read my guide to exploring the cultural capital of Bali
• Venturing to the Bukit Peninsula? You’ll want to read this guide on the best things to do in Uluwatu
• Looking for a quiet beach destination in Bali? You might also want to consider traveling to Sanur
• Southeast Asia is one of the most exciting regions, but there are many common misconceptions about this part of the world. Read this before you travel to Southeast Asia!

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