Canggu
I definitely think it it worth going to Canggu for a couple of days depending on how much time you have to spend in Indonesia. It is definitely worth going if you want to catch some waves, watch the sunset, go out for drinks and dancing, get some coffee in really good coffee places, eat good food in diversified restaurants, find some really nice clothes and jewelry in shops or the Sunday market in La Brisa, enjoy your day at a beach club or simply relax by the beach.
Personally, I lived there for nearly two months and it was difficult to say goodbye.
That said, Canggu is one of the most touristic places in Bali so don’t expect the traditional Balinese experience! Canggu is the extension of Kuta and Seminyak, but still remains slightly more authentic, especially in the northern part.
👉🏼 NOTICE: Canggu is saturated with places to stay at, coffee places, restaurants of all sorts, accommodation of all sorts, all kinds of gyms, rentals, etc. I have tried to resume the best places I’VE BEEN to, but there are probably even better places and a lot more to discover depending on the budget you have and your specific preferences! 👈🏼
How to get around in Canggu:
You may access certain places on foot depending on where you are staying, but eventually you’ll need to hop on a scooter. You can either rent one in one of the many rental shops (or ask your hotel/hostel if you can rent on from them!) or order a Gojek or a Grab.
Rent a scooter at Scooter rental Kita Bali with Citra. The prices are the best and the scooters are just great + the owner is a sweetheart. They will bring your scooter at your accommodation for free.
Yamaha vario: 65.000/day
Yamaha Lexi: 85.000/day
Were to stay in Canggu
Hostels:
Nyaman Hostel is a family type of hostel that organizes events every night. It is really well kept with a nice swimming pool, common areas and areas to chill. It is close to everything so no need to hop on a scooter every time you want to go to the beach or in the center.
Sepeda Hostel is a very social hostel surrounded by rice fields. You get a free breaky to start the day and the rooms and the overal place is really clean!
Nunu Bali retreat Hostel - I have not slept there - but i went there for a yoga class and the place is truly beautiful; surrounded by nature, it is a huge property with two pools and the accommodation is super welcoming as well as its host.
The Farm Hostel - If you are looking for a more party type of hostel without it being an actual party hostel then this one is for you. The staff at reception is so nice and welcoming, the beds are made every day and the common areas are appealing. You will probably need to have a scooter or order a Gojek to go to the beach/more central areas, but this is the case for most places anyways.
Best Canggu Hostel - The name is a little dared but it is not a bad hostel. Beds are comfy, people are chill and mostly respectful. The hygiene in general should be taken care of with a bit more seriousness. No breakfast included but they have a restaurant if you cannot be bothered to leave the hostel. The bottom line is, what you get is really good for the price you pay (6 euros a night at the time of writing)
Guesthouse:
Bali Brothers is THE PLACE you want to go if you want to get out of the main Canggu area and stay in a typical balinese accommodation. Although the road next to it can get a little noisy during the day, it is perfectly fine at night time. The guesthouse is located in the Northern part of Canggu which will allow you to discover amazing typical restaurants and Indonesian life. The rooms are super cozy, there is a shared kitchen, an open co-working/yoga area and a pool.
Five rooms - Another to go place to stay if you have it at 12 euros/night. It is a very simple room with a very simple bathroom but perfect if you need some rest. The bed is very comfortable and you have a little private balcony.
Top food, coffee, and brunch spots in Canggu
$ = 1-5 euros / $$ = 5 - 10 euros / $$$ = 10 and above (Dish only)
Top brunch spots in Canggu:
Kedai Bantan Canggu - $ - OMG what a gem. This is why you should move around and let your curiosity guide you. This place is a bit off center and serves the kind of food you would find anywhere else BUT still with a little twist to it. The inside has a cozy, retro style to it and the staff are lovely. As it is off center the prices are unbeatable. 10/10
I recommend the Smash avo (as for your egg to be sunny side up instead of boiled) it comes with grilled cherry tomatoes, olive oil and sliced almonds and cashews.
TMO coffee canggu - $ - Slightly located remotely from the center, this is the perfect place to brunch and work/read. You have a breakfast deal for 70k tax included and it is sooo worth it. 10/10
I recommend the cappuccino or matcha, both yummy. The smash avo is great too, as well as the pesto omelette and their smoothie bowl (when they use Yava Bali for the granola you know they want to do things the right way). As for the dishes, I recommend the Budha Bowl, so tasty as they marinate everything.
Copenhagen - $$ - is one of the best brunch spots because you can choose a series of small portions to create your own brunch board. It can get very busy so ensure to go there early or be prepared to queue. 8/10
I highly recommend their home made Rye and Cinnamon Roll as well as their smoked salmon and Raspberry jam!
Mostly - $$ - beautiful atmosphere, beautiful food. 9/10
I recommend going there for breakfast, the french toast (with banana bread), and the scramble signature. Very good cappuccino and Matcha Latte
Milk and Madu - $$ - Everything there is really good. The eggs your own way and adding your favorites to it is a must. I also recommend their Orchard bowl (fruit salad with lots of different caramelized nuts, dates and yoghurt) as well as their Monkey magic healthy smoothie. 9/10
Fold - $$ - Is a french bakery that serves delicious pastries. 9/10
Village green Canggu - $ - They have an incredible deal for breakfast, for whatever drink you take you get your breakfast for free from a specific selection of items. The place itself is not that cute but if you are very hungry you’ll definitely be satisfied. 8/10
Hungry bird - $/$$ - They have good quality sets of breakfast in a really nicely decorated place.
I recommend the Veggie breakfast. Their pastry really do look good too! Please try them for me
Top coffee Spots in Canggu:
BGS or the cool coffee spot where everyone goes after a surf session to relax around a good cup of coffee and delicious pastries (they have the best chocolate banana muffin!). It is located inside a shop that sells cool sunglasses and surf t-shirts. 9/10
Sunday Kitchen has the most refined coffee you may ask for. From their Kyoto coffee tower (coffee infused with fresh orange), to their delicate choice in coffee grounds, you will definitely enjoy your morning/afternoon/evening coffee there. They have a very nice food menu too. 9/10
Top restaurants in Canggu:
Local
Gidiyon home cooking - $ - is by far the best restaurant serving local food that I have been too. I don’t know how they do it but every dish surprises me. Everything is prepared from scratch, such a wonderful address! 10/10
I recommend the Gado-Gado, the Vegetarian Pad Thai, the Penang Laksana Vegetarian and the Grilled Makrel
Bu Mi - $ - is another restaurant serving local food. Here the concept is you choose as many ingredients as you want and the bill adds up depending on what you took. 8/10
I recommend the pumpkin curry, the grilled chicken leg, the garlic mushrooms and beans with tempeh.
International
Arte - $$ - Italian cuisine a street away from Pererenan Beach. The atmosphere is great, very cozy with lots of books to choose from if you want to read. 8,5/10
I recommend the pesto gnocchi or the Alla norma Bigoli. Their wines are gorgeous too, especially the Monte Pulciano (red)
The Shady Shack - $$ - is a good vegetarian/vegan restaurant. Food and atmosphere are great. 7/10
I recommend the Halloumi burger or the bowls as well as their slushies.
Eggstra - $$ - is specialized in eggs but not only. There will be an egg here and there in the dish recipe but you’ll find some really interesting combinations. 8/10
I recommend the Green Buckwheat but I am sure there are other dishes worth trying!
Rize Bali - $$ - Very good for brunches too (western), it has an Indian menu with VERY tasty food. 10/10
I recommend the mango Lassi or the rose lassi, the Masala dosa (with cheese) and the chicken Biryani
Ji - $$/$$$ - Japanese restaurant super close to Batu Bolong beach with a nice menu and a very nice rooftop terrace. 9/10
I recommend taking the Gyoza as well as the grilled salmon
N.B. in Canggu and other places around Bali, many places will add an extra 10% for taxes and an extra 5% for service. An extra 3% can be added if you pay by card.
Sports in canggu
Where to workout in Canggu:
Depending on what equipment you need and the price you are prepared to pay, here are 3 gyms that you may like:
Pucuk Gym: You’ll find nothing fancy, not even air conditioning, but it is a nice atmosphere where everyone work out for themselves and not to show off. They sell protein shakes and bananas. They have everything that you need for a simple workout.
Daily fee: 35,000IDR / week: 125,000IDR
Brother Gym: 50.000 IDR/day, 300.000 IDR/week - the best gym i’ve been to in Canggu without paying your monthly salary.
Obsidian: This is the high end type of gym. You will find absolutely all that you need; from machines I had never seen before to luxury showers.
Fee: Daily: 250,000 IDR/ weekly: 1.200.000 IDR/ 1 month: 1.800.000 IDR
Best yoga in Canggu:
Nunu Bali Hostel has a very good selection of Yoga classes and is located in paradise. I had the Yoga Nidra class with Tamuna at 6pm and it was wonderful. Tamuna also gives Ashtanga classes at In balance
Serenity Bali also has a very good yoga class schedule. I took the Hatha class with Quino and it was very professional.
Best surf spots in Canggu:
From Berawa to Pererenan beach you will find many surf spots. You will find many local surf schools along the beach.
2 hours private lesson price: 350.000 IDR (incl. board, zinc, and top)
N.B. For beginners I recommend going to Kuta as the waves are smaller and the ground is sand (and not reef like Canggu!)
For padle enthusiasts:
You can go to Jungle Paddle. They have two around Canggu. Price for 60 min is 130.000 IDR/person, and 190.000 IDR/ person for 90 min.
Activities in canggu
Watch the sunset - from Batu Bolong up to Cemagi beach you’ll find many cozy spots to sit down, have a whole coconut or a beer and enjoy sunset. Special mention to Putuk and his family who is owning a little, simple, but friendly beach bar (directions: turn right at Pererenan statue and sit on the blue bags)
Have a stroll on the beach - The beach goes on for kms so you can enjoy a long walk.
Visit Tanah Lot temple - The temple dedicated to the sea gods.
Try out one of the beach clubs - I recommend La Brisa
Go to the Sunday Market in La Brisa - They sell food, jewelry, clothes and all kinds of products worth trying.
Get a massage - I recommend going to Chillax and ask for Dewi. 75k/30 minutes foot massage, 180k/1h Balinese massage
Going out in Canggu
La Brisa beach club - For a more laid back atmosphere
Finns beach club - if you like a lot of people with many pools and bars this is the place for you!
Pretty poison for a skater’s vibe.
Old Man - Always a lot going on there! good vibes guaranteed
Mexicola - There have really good cocktails and Michelada!