Canggu is a surftown located on the South West Coast of Bali. With its Bohemian vibe, surf beaches, and café culture, Canggu has become a popular destination for young travelers, yogis, surfers and digital nomads.

Whenever I come to Bali, I always make my way down here because of its amazing atmosphere. I just love this place! It’s usually the first place I come down to to start my holiday, when arriving in Bali after a long flight. Although Canggu is only around 20 km’s from the airport, it might take you a while to get there because of the heavy traffic. It should take you +/- 40 minutes (if you’re lucky) to get there, but be prepared to be in the car for more than an hour.

Why I think you should go to Canggu:

There are so many beautiful, healthy and cool places to eat (really endless opportunities!)
There is a great party scene but in a very laid back kind of way. Nobody cares if you go out in your bikini and flip flops. It’s just all very easy going.
You want to learn how to surf (waves are easier here than for example in Uluwatu)
You want to do yoga or become a yoga instructor. You’ll find amazing yoga classes and retreats here.
You are a solo traveler: it’s so easy to meet new people in Canggu
It has some of the best (and cheap) spa’s and boutiques to score a new outfit
You want to relax but also want to get some work done: you’ll find some of the coolest co-working spaces in Canggu

WHERE TO SLEEP

€ The Farm hostel + Kos One Boutique Hostel (both TOP hostels)

€€ Ecosfera (Echo Beach, top location) + Lila Boutik residence + Lautan Kupu/Kuppu villas + Beyond Bungalows + Villa Oceans Canggu (Air BNB) + The Calmtree bungalows (one of my favorites in Canggu) + (new!) Batukaru suites +Hotel Sagès (stunning boutique hotel) +Dicky Guest house 2 Batu Bolong (so cute and so cheap!) + Kano Canggu

€€€ Own Villa Bali + Jungle room + Villa Fig (Air BNB) + Nirjhara (soooo pretty - close to Canggu)

€€€€ Villa Mana

WHERE TO EAT

It’s almost impossible to create a list with only a few options as there are SO many amazing places but I’ll give it a go:

Penny Lane: this place is perfect for your instagram pictures ;)

The Shady shack: vegan, pretty setting
Ji restaurant: modern japanese & sushi with rooftop terrace
Lola’s cantina Mexicana: amazing mexican food in great setting
Nalu Bowls: smoothie bowls at Echo beach
Milu By Nook (one of my favorites, such a beautiful spot)
SKOOL (new!) - close to The Lawn
The Lawn (pretty beach club with a pool)
Ruko Cafe: brunch heaven
Cafe organic
Moana: best fish restaurant in Canggu. Make sure to make a reservation as it’s super popular
Crate Cafe: breakfast & lunch - hipster place
La Baracca (Italian)
Pomelo cafe: very cute and has a pool for a dip after lunch (Berawa)
La Brisa: DONT SKIP THIS!!
Fabbrica: best pizza in Bali
Mason: best for dinner, one of my favorites
The Slow (dinner)
Billy Ho (dinner)
La Calita Bar y Cocina: very cosy Mexican place, good for couples ;)
Copenhagen Canggu: Nordic inspired all day breakfast and lunch
ZIN cafe: good for co-working in pretty setting
Tropical Nomad Canggu : very pretty co-working space too
Clay Bones (close to Crate cafe)
Koast Cafe Bali (NEW!) - close to echo beach and it has a pool!!!

BEACH HANGOUT SPOTS/SUNSET SPOTS/PARTY

The Back Room at Mason: love love love this place - cocktails and dancing
La Brisa: one of the best beachclubs in Canggu. The design is crazy beautiful and has a few breathhaking pools. Great for sunset. Free entrance.
Como beach club: beautiful pool hang out with yummie food
Alternative beach: new pool hangout spot
The Lawn:very popular beachclub with a pool on the beach. They have parties every Fridaynight. You should DEFINITELY come here in the weekend when they organize the most insane brunch!
Old Man’s: legendary beachbar in Canggu. You can party here every night but especially on Wednesday and Saturday night. (unfortunatly this place didn’t survive Covid, but I’m sure there will be a new concept here soon)
Pretty Poison: old skate park where there are parties every Thursday night.
Sandbar: is a beachparty on the beach next to Old Man’s. Pretty young crowd, starts late.
The Vault: hip underground club
Gimme Shelter: Rock’n Roll and dancing to the oldies
Who’s Your Daddy: weekly parties, each time different location. Check out their instagram to find out where @whosyourdaddybali
Black Sand Brewery : pretty new place with nice food and lots of beer
Black Cat: secret bar situated in the mini market next to Pretty Poisen (look for the fridge that says ‘broken’ and open it…
Surfer’s bar: beach spot at Echo beach (bit passed La Brisa), perfect for sunset beers

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO

Love Anchor Market: cutest little market on Batu Bolong - open everyday
Shopping: You can find a lot of boutiques on Batu Bolong but there are nice stores everywhere (also check my post about the best shops in Bali)
Watch surfers at Echo Beach
Loop Pool Bar: Pool hangout surrounded by ricefields
Atilaco: small but very famous boutique where they sell my favorite beauty products ‘Bali Body’
Tanah Lot : water temple about 30 minutes from Canggu
Amos Spa and Ji-va Spa and Nails care: cheap wellness
Jet Black Ginger: the most insane salon for facials,haircuts etc
Muka Concepts: insane beauty products