I didn’t expect to fall for Canggu the way I did.
What I thought would be a short stop for smoothie bowls and sunset views turned into days filled with black-sand beach walks, early morning surf lessons, and spontaneous chats with local vendors at the weekend markets. Canggu isn’t just a place, it’s a vibe. A laid-back, barefoot kind of rhythm where rice fields hum behind cafés, incense drifts through temple gates, and every golden hour feels like a postcard.
Between turmeric lattes, sea-salt breezes, and the warm chaos of scooters zipping past street art murals, I found a little pocket of Bali that feels both grounded and free.
Here are my 9 favourite things to do in Canggu, from surf breaks and secret alleys to cultural gems and ocean conservation moments. The kind of experiences that made me slow down, look around, and think: yeah, I could stay a while.
Quick Overview: Best Things to Do in Canggu
- Lounge, swim, or surf at Batu Bolong, Echo, and Berawa Beaches
- Catch the sunset over the Indian Ocean at Batu Bolong Beach
- Learn to surf with a local surf school
- Visit Tanah Lot Temple and explore its seaside setting
- Join a Balinese cooking class with vegetarian-friendly options
- Take a non-diver Manta Ray conservation course with Aquamarine Diving
- Hunt for treasures at Canggu’s local markets like Love Anchor and La Brisa
- Discover vibrant street art scattered across hidden walls
- Treat yourself to an authentic Balinese massage at a local spa
TRAVEL
1. Visit the Beaches (and the Beach Clubs)
Canggu is best understood barefoot, on sand, under sun, with salt in your hair. Its beaches, while not postcard-perfect in the traditional sense, have a raw, rugged energy. The black volcanic sand heats up by noon, the waves crash with confidence, and the locals and long-term expats lounge with equal ease.
- Batu Bolong: Arguably the heart of Expect beginner surfers, bean bags, ice-cold coconuts, and the buzz of people who’ve come for one week… and never left.
- Echo Beach: A moodier, surf-heavy stretch with stronger swells and sunset bars that come alive with music
- Berawa Beach: A little more spread out, where upscale beach clubs like Finns and Atlas sprawl beside simple warungs and sandy volleyball courts.
Whether you’re sipping a fresh coconut on a sarong or splurging on a daybed with rosé, Canggu’s beaches are where the day begins — and often ends.
About
Hi, I’m Nitisha. I grew up in a world that told me to follow the script, but somewhere along the way I traded the script for a compass. These days, I follow where my feet and heart lead, from sleepy towns to saltwater coves, capturing stories that feel like home even when I’m far from it.
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