10 awesome things to do in Canggu, Bali – A first timer’s guide to the coolest surf town.
World-class fitness gyms, beginner-friendly surf breaks, and an incredible café culture…
Canggu is a dream.
Planning a trip to Bali and wondering what to do in Canggu? You’re not alone.
Canggu isn’t just a destination. It’s a vibe.
From sunrise surf sessions to lazy afternoons in quirky little cafés, it didn’t take long to realise that Canggu rewards slow travel, curiosity, and knowing where to look.
But with so many things to do here, it’s easy to miss out on some unforgettable experiences… Especially if it’s your first time.
That’s why I’ve created this guide to 10 awesome things to do in Canggu, handpicked to help you make the most of your time in this sun-soaked, surf-loving corner of Bali.
From beach bars and art walls to padel courts and temples, these are the spots that made me fall in love with Canggu, and I think they’ll do the same for you.
Surfing vibe Canggu Beach.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
What is Canggu like?
It won’t take you long to realise that Canggu is a corner of Bali where time slows down.
The laid-back vibe is everywhere in this little surf town.
I remember walking along Canggu Beach and watching the locals chill with the beach dogs…
Just watching the beautiful sun, as it set below the Indian Ocean.
But there’s also a focused, get-things-done energy here.
Canggu isn’t just for sunsets and smoothies, it’s a hub for creatives, fitness lovers, and remote workers.
Canggu is a patchwork of surf breaks, rice paddies, boutique gyms, and quirky cafés… All flowing together with effortless charm.
And if there’s one thing that truly sets the rhythm of life here, it’s the surf.
There is a strong Hindu vibe across Bali.
The daily offerings by most businesses and locals in Canggu.
Embrace the unique surfing vibe.
Surfing isn’t just a sport in Canggu… It’s a full-blown lifestyle.
Surf boards and dogs… everywhere!
That was my first, and lasting impression… It literally is like a religion to the inhabitants.
Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned surfer, Canggu’s coastline delivers waves, energy, and an unbeatable surf culture that runs deep through the quirky town.
I saw surfboards everywhere — stacked outside cafés, strapped to scooters, tucked under arms at sunset.
The local people definitely plan their days around the tides….
A morning surf, mid-morning smoothie, maybe a nap, then back out for more adventure.
Canggu is the place to be for a unique, but fun lifestyle!
Some choppy waves in Canggu.
Batu Bolong is ideal for beginners, with mellow white water, longboard-friendly, and always buzzing with surf schools and chilled-out locals.
This is where I enjoyed my first Bali surfing experience.
Spots like Echo Beach and Pererenan offer faster, heavier waves if you are more experienced.
If you're planning on staying in Canggu for a while, there are plenty of surf camps and retreats where you can level up your skills with daily coaching, board rentals, and video reviews.
Coconut and chill.
Beyond the beach, the scene keeps going…
There are surf cafés, surf-themed hostels, and loads of board shops if you need wax, repairs, or a new board.
Even if you don’t surf, just watching the locals lineup at golden hour is very entertaining. I loved a Bintang in hand, while watching the locals show me how its done.
There are dogs everywhere in Canggu.
Surfing in Canggu:
Batu Bolong Beach (beginner-friendly).
Echo Beach (intermediate/advanced).
Deus Ex Machina (surf + café + gear).
Canggu Surf Camp / Rapture (great for multi-day coaching).
There plenty of awesome rental shops.
A typical morning of busy surfing seas.
Enjoy the chilled Café culture.
Canggu’s café scene is legendary, and it’s not just hype.
Every theme you can imagine… Modern exteriors… Stylish decor… And very productive environments!
You can expect the best acai bowls, the strongest coffees, and sweetest smoothies as you work.
I spent many morning hours enjoying the ambiance in the most popular spots in Canggu.
It’s hard not to opt for a second cappuccino, as the atmosphere inside the cafes keeps you in there for hours!
There are many colourful creative spots in Canggu.
Everyone is always welcome in Canggu, which is a big draw to Bali.
As I explored all the different places I noticed so many different nationalities all enjoying the chilled lifestyle.
The vibe is the same everywhere: relaxed, open, and welcoming.
Whether you're grabbing a post-surf smoothie, setting up your laptop for some work, or catching up with friends.
If you can, you should café-hop!
Each spot has its own little personality, and no Canggu trip is complete without a true experience of the unique digital nomad culture.
A local spot.
My Favourites Cafés:
My Happy Place: colourful vibes, tasty breakfasts.
Zin Cafe: Three floors, productive environment, delicious local food.
Gigi Susu: My daily flat white and acai bowl was ideal before my daily workout.
Copenhagen: Open faced cafe with some awesome vibes.
Another place to brighten your day up.
Canggu is a vibe.
Head over to Tanah Lot Temple.
If you’re looking for a classic Bali day trip from Canggu, Tanah Lot Temple is a must.
It’s only about 25–30 minutes away by scooter or car, and like I did, if you take a Grab ride, you are in for a very scenic route. We passed through rice fields and local villages on our way…
There is always an unconventional short cut in Canggu!
The temple sits dramatically on a rock formation in the ocean and is one of Bali’s most important Balinese Hindu sea temples… And one of Canggu’s best Instagram spots.
Locals come here to give offerings and pray to the sea gods, and even with all the tourists, it still holds a peaceful, spiritual energy.
It felt like a very authentic place of worship.
The picturesque island temple.
What makes this Canggu day trip really special and unique is its tidal causeway, as during low tide, you can actually walk across the sea floor to the base of the temple
But here's the catch: you can’t actually go inside the temple…
It’s reserved for religious purposes only, so most people come for the atmosphere, the dramatic ocean backdrop, and of course — the photos.
It’s more about the view than the deep cultural experience.
An epic entrance point to Tanah Lot.
But there’s more to the site than just the main temple.
You’ll find giant Balinese split gates, intricately carved statues, smaller temples scattered throughout the cliffs, and beautifully landscaped pathways.
The area is also full of markets, cafés, and ocean-view restaurants, making it easy to spend a few hours here without rushing.
I advise to visit later in the evening after the sun has moved in the sky, as I got very sunburnt during midday.
A very religious site.
Here are some resources to plan your Canggu trip:
Cheap Accommodation - Booking.com, Expedia.com, Hostelworld.com.
Reasonable flights - Kiwi.com
Best tour operators - Getyourguide.com, Viator.com.
Travel insurance - Klook.com.
Local sim cards - Airalo.com.
Rental cars - Rentalcars.com.
Uncover Canggu’s artistic side.
Canggu isn’t just surfboards and smoothie bowls… It’s a creative canvas.
As the town has seen rapid expansion and growth, its artistic side has also grown.
I literally saw street art everywhere!
I found Bali’s energy to be displayed through Canggu’s global street culture.
Walls are constantly being reimagined, with political murals, surf-inspired illustrations, bold slogans, and tropical psychedelia…
All creating a pretty unique destination!
An artistic corner in Canggu.
But why does Canggu have so much street art?
The quirky town attracts visitors from all over the world, and many are creatives who end up staying longer than planned…
Hence the world famous digital nomad scene.
Designers, tattoo artists, DJs, illustrators, photographers, and bloggers are all examples of people who I interacted with on my last trip to Canggu.
The town’s openness, the community feel, and the ever-evolving street walls all fuel that creative loop.
More art.
A quirky alleyway.
There is no shortage of awesome art, so make no mistake, you are going to find a lot of random murals.
I found one of the best places to spot murals is Shortcut Road, which constantly changes…
One day it’s covered in koi fish and goddesses, the next in technicolour skulls and surf slogans.
The alleys near Deus Ex Machina also featured some incredible art when I was last exploring.
Want more than murals?
Berawa Art House showcases local and international work, while Genesis Creative Centre blends co-working with creative studios for music, fashion, photography, and visual arts.
In Canggu, creativity isn’t confined to galleries, it spills onto the streets, into cafés, and some pretty random places…
Art Highlights:
Shortcut Road (street art hotspot).
Berawa Art House (gallery & events).
Genesis Creative Centre (creative coworking).
Weekly artisan markets & local design stores.
The Slow – part café, part gallery, with rotating art and a design-forward vibe.
Bokashi Café – Japanese-inspired café + concept store with an aesthetic that feels like a creative retreat.
Religious themed art.
Visit some famous spots.
Some places in Canggu have earned cult status…
Spots where the buzz starts early, and lasts all day!
Gigi Susu definitely fits into this category, which was evident on my first day in Canggu, when I noticed the queue at the Instagram famous cafe.
The queue just never got smaller, for my whole time in Batu Balong…
Luckily the biggest queue is for takeaway coffees, so I managed to visit a couple of times, and really enjoyed the ambiance, and quirky menu options.
You can’t go wrong with a flat white and an acai bowl…
It was the ideal fuel for my crossfit sessions, and surf lessons.
A very popular spot with the locals.
Another spot that I had recommended to me before arriving in Bali was Luigi’s Hot Pizza.
Part pizzeria, part open-air party, and built entirely from steel shipping containers, along with seating over 400 people, this place is typical Canggu… Creative, buzzing, and with a unique twist.
The vibe starts casual but shifts as the night rolls, when some nights, the place turns into a full-blown dance floor.
At its core though, and its main attraction is its wood-fired pizzas straight out of Napoli, with proper Neapolitan-style pizzas by Pizzaiolo Marcos Bonotto a big draw for visitors.
An awesome pizza place.
There are a few other places that are worth booking ahead too, especially if you want dinner with a view or a guaranteed table during high season.
Mason in Berawa is one of the best for modern, wood-fired plates, and The Lawn is still the go-to for sunset drinks and weekend DJs — but walk-ins there can be tricky if you don’t arrive early.
If you’re planning a big night, book ahead. The best Canggu spots never stay secret for long!
Don’t-Miss Venues:
Gigi Susu – Instagram famous, long queues, awesome food & coffee.
Luigi’s Hot Pizza – pizza + party.
Mason – modern dining, solid date spot.
The Lawn – beachfront sunset cocktails + DJs.
There are long queues all day long.
A delicious breakfast at Gigi Susu.
Focus on the world class fitness scene.
Canggu might be known for surfing and smoothie bowls, but its fitness scene is next level, and without a doubt, one of the best in Southeast Asia.
Whether you're into CrossFit, yoga, martial arts, or padel, there's a whole subculture here built around movement, community, and feeling good.
For me, Wanderlust Fitness Village became a daily ritual!
It's got that perfect combo of serious CrossFit energy and laid-back Bali vibes. Morning classes kick off the day in the open-air gym, before a healthy breakfast, ice bath and chill time by the pool.
As with all of the CrossFit gyms I visited throughout Asia, it is very welcoming, and any level can turn up and buy a day pass.
Training at Wanderlust Fitness Village was awesome.
If you’re more into racket sports, padel is blowing up here too.
Places like Jungle Padel and Padel Canggu have created buzzing social hubs where you can book a court, jump into group matches, or just hang out with people post-game.
This is arguably my favourite thing about Canggu, it is all built around community!
And that’s the thing… Fitness in Canggu isn’t just about training. It’s social, it’s lifestyle.
You’ll see people hitting early gym sessions, grabbing a protein shake, and then working or chilling in their favourite café.
An ideal day spent in my opinion!
Padel is very popular in Canggu.
Whether you’re dropping in for one class or staying a month, there’s something seriously motivating about moving your body in a place this beautiful.
Top Fitness Spots:
Wanderlust Fitness Village (CrossFit & conditioning).
Jungle Padel / Padel Canggu (padel + community).
Bali MMA (world-class martial arts).
Motion Fitness (great for personal training & nutrition).
MMA is also popular.
Relax with some wellness activities.
Luxury spas, beachfront massages, and daily yoga sessions… Wellness is a core part of the Canggu lifestyle.
It’s the perfect destination to relax and recover.
Some of the favourite parts of my trip were chilling by the pool at Wanderlust after a tough workout.
You’ll find no shortage of high-end spas like Amo Spa, offering cold plunge pools, facials, infrared saunas, and full-body treatments that you would expect from the popular facilities on the island.
From my experience, the cafes definitely also lean into wellness, with a big focus on health.
Vegan options, keto menus, acai shakes, and high protein options - There is no doubt that Canggu’s culture is built around feeling good, and self improvement.
A chilled afternoon at Wanderlust.
And it’s not all high-end either — you can get a decent beach massage for under IDR 150K, right on the sand, while the sun sets in front of you.
If you’re into yoga, studios like The Practice and Serenity Yoga run daily classes.
Whether you're here for a full wellness retreat or just a bit of balance between beach days and Bintangs, Canggu makes it easy to prioritise your health and wellness.
A famous wellness spot.
Head to the popular beach clubs.
The world class beach clubs are still a big draw to Bali for many international visitors, and Canggu is home to several.
Canggu’s rise as a global beach club hotspot began to make total sense to me as I explored the stunning west-facing coastline, enjoying awesome sunsets, and a very chill atmosphere.
You don’t need to be dressed up or spending big to enjoy them either…
Some people come straight from the beach with sandy feet and a Bintang!
There is still the opportunity for VIP daybeds, and bottle service, so it depends which vibe you are looking for.
The newest beach club.
Right now, Finns Beach Club holds the crown as Canggu’s most established and popular spot.
With beachfront pools, multiple bars, and a very fun social scene, it’s no surprise that the beach club is on most Canggu itineraries.
In total, Finns has got three pools, eleven bars (including swim-up ones), three party restaurants, seven kitchens, and daily DJs or live vocalists keeping the energy high.
The party all unfolds right on Berawa Beach, right in the heart of Canggu.
Just a short walk down the beach, you’ll now also find Atlas Beach Club, which opened in 2022.
It’s making big waves as the largest beach club in Asia, with modern facilities, massive pools, and a full-blown festival vibe.
Both clubs are within walking distance of each other, so you can enjoy both vibes on your day of fun by the Indian Ocean in Canggu.
Famous ‘Finns’.
Enjoy a sunset walk or beer.
You can’t visit Canggu without catching at least a few sunsets… And honestly, they hit differently here.
With its west-facing coastline, Canggu has some of the best sunset views in Bali, and arguably my whole Asia trip, with its golden skies, and surf-perfect waves.
I loved grabbing a beer and watching the ocean full of surfers… Typical Canggu!
There’s no shortage of ocean-view bars lining Batu Bolong, and each one has its own vibe, although all of them are worthy of sunset!
The beach is full at golden hour every night also, which creates a social atmosphere, and I also noticed live music on the beach several nights of my trip.
The crowds flock for sunset every night.
And while Bali’s Monkey Forest in Ubud is all about dense jungle paths and ancient temples tucked into the trees, Canggu is the opposite.
Wide open skies, an ocean breeze and a colourful horizon that seems to stretch forever.
It’s a different kind of vibe, and a good reminder of just how diverse Bali really is.
I loved getting my daily steps in with the epic scenery.
A beer and a live performance.
Shop in the quirky bazaars.
As I explored Canggu’s bazaars, I quickly realised that they aren’t your average tourist markets…
With a mix of boho fashion, local crafts, and quirky souvenirs, all with that beloved beach-town personality
The most iconic one, and my favourite is Love Anchor Bazaar.
Located right in the heart of Batu Bolong, the bazaar is open daily, however, it is Sundays when the atmosphere really comes alive.
Randomly from my experiences in many different Asian bazaars, wooden-style souvenirs are huge in Canggu.
From mini surfboards and beachy signs to intricate animal carvings and trays, they reflect the island’s earthy, handcrafted aesthetic.
It’s that typical beach look which the beach houses and Airbnb in the area showcase.
A popular bazaar in Canggu.
You’ll also come across handmade jewellery, shell art, incense sticks, natural skincare, and those classic Bali tees with Canggu’s awesome surf culture showcased.
There are at least 4–5 regular markets happening weekly across Canggu — including pop-ups at cafés, beachfront markets, and boutique-style bazaars in Berawa and Pererenan.
Even though my backpack was full from my long South East Asia adventure, it was worth wandering through for the atmosphere alone. Some fun people-watching, live music, and very colourful market stalls.
Where to Shop:
Love Anchor (Batu Bolong – daily, best on Sundays).
La Brisa Farmers Market (Sundays – eco products + food).
Samadi Sunday Market (organic, wellness-focused).
Pererenan Bazaar (occasional pop-up).
Looking for some souvenirs.
FAQ about visiting Canggu.
Still have questions about planning your trip? Here are some of the most common things travellers wonder before visiting Canggu:
What’s the best time to visit Canggu?
The best months are April to October, during Bali’s dry season.
You’ll get plenty of sunshine, smaller chances of rain, and clean morning surf. December to February can be wet but still lively — just expect passing showers.
How do you get around Canggu?
Most people rent scooters (about IDR 70K/day) to zip between beaches, cafés, and gyms.
Alternatively, Grab (or Gojek) bikes and cars are cheap everywhere. Just be prepared for the infamous Canggu shortcut traffic at peak hours.
Is Canggu good for digital nomads?
Absolutely. With strong Wi-Fi, countless laptop-friendly cafés, and coworking spaces like Zin and Dojo, Canggu is a remote work hotspot.
The vibe is laid-back but productive — you’ll see plenty of MacBooks next to coconut bowls.
Is Canggu family-friendly?
More than you might think. While it’s known for surfing and nightlife, Canggu also has loads of family villas, kids’ play cafés, and calm beach spots. Berawa is especially popular for families.
Canggu vs Seminyak or Ubud — which should I pick?
Canggu is all about surfing, café culture, and boho energy. Seminyak is more polished, and you should think upscale beach clubs and boutique shopping.
Ubud is the spiritual, jungle heart of Bali, perfect for yoga and rice terrace adventures. Many travellers combine all three.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.