15 Best Things to Do in Canggu, Bali

Canggu's black sand beach — best experienced at sunset with a cold Bintang.

Canggu has a way of getting under your skin. What starts as a two-week holiday has a habit of turning into a month, then two, then a permanent life change. It's a village that somehow manages to feel both wildly cosmopolitan and deeply Balinese at the same time — and once you've had your first morning coffee watching the rice fields sway, you'll understand why.

We've been coming to Canggu for over ten years, and we've watched it evolve from a quiet surf town into one of Southeast Asia's most sought-after destinations. Here's our honest, insider guide to what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in one of Bali's most special places.

Surf the Waves at Batu Bolong and Echo Beach

Canggu is, at its core, a surf town — and the two main breaks bookend the beach strip perfectly. Batu Bolong is the more sheltered of the two, with gentler waves that suit beginners and intermediate surfers. Echo Beach to the north is more exposed and more powerful, better suited to experienced surfers chasing a proper ride.

If you've never surfed before, Canggu is one of the best places on earth to learn. Dozens of surf schools line the beach offering two-hour lessons for around 300-400k IDR. Most will have you standing up within an hour. Even if surfing isn't your thing, watching the local groms tear apart the waves at sunset is entertainment in itself.

The waves at Batu Bolong are perfect for learners and experienced surfers alike.

Watch the Sunset from Tanah Lot

About 20 minutes from central Canggu, Tanah Lot is one of Bali's most iconic temples — a centuries-old sea temple perched on a dramatic rock formation surrounded by crashing waves. At high tide it's completely cut off from the shore. At sunset, with the sky turning gold and pink behind the temple silhouette, it's genuinely breathtaking.

Go later in the afternoon to avoid the worst of the tour buses. Entry is around 60k IDR per person and absolutely worth it for the spectacle alone.

Explore the Rice Fields on Foot or by Bike

The rice fields that weave through Canggu are one of its greatest treasures — and one that's increasingly under threat from development. The area around Jl Nelayan and behind Berawa still has beautiful stretches of working paddies where you can walk, cycle, or just sit and breathe.

Hire a push bike from almost any shop on the main strip (around 50k IDR per day) and head inland. You'll stumble across small temples, friendly locals, and the kind of peaceful scenery that reminds you why you came to Bali in the first place.

The rice fields of Canggu are one of the area's greatest and most threatened treasures.

Eat Your Way Through Canggu's Food Scene

The food in Canggu is exceptional — and increasingly diverse. You can eat world-class Indonesian food for a few dollars, or sit down to a tasting menu at a serious restaurant. Here are some of our personal favourites:

• Warung Dandelion — the best nasi goreng in Canggu, full stop. Tiny, no frills, always busy.
• The Shady Shack — the go-to for wholesome plant-based food in a beautiful bamboo setting.
• Deus Ex Machina — part café, part motorbike shop, part live music venue. One of Canggu's most iconic spots.
• Motel Mexicola — the liveliest spot in town for Friday nights, with great Mexican food and even better margaritas.
• Betelnut — longstanding favourite for fresh Indonesian and Asian fusion in a stunning garden setting.

Explore the Weekend Market at Berawa

The Canggu Community Market at Deus Ex Machina runs on selected Sundays and is a great place to pick up local art, handmade jewellery, vintage clothing, and genuinely good street food. It's also a wonderful snapshot of the Canggu expat and local community — a real mix of people and cultures in one place.

Visit a Traditional Ceremony

If you time it right, you'll encounter a temple ceremony somewhere in Canggu almost every week. Balinese Hinduism is a living, breathing part of daily life here — not a tourist attraction. Women in kebaya carrying elaborate offerings on their heads, gamelan music floating through the streets, incense smoke curling into the air. These moments are unforgettable.

Always dress respectfully (sarong and sash are usually available to borrow at temple entrances), ask before photographing, and approach ceremonies with genuine curiosity and respect. The Balinese are incredibly warm and welcoming to guests who show that respect.

Day Trip to Seminyak and Kerobokan

Canggu bleeds seamlessly into Kerobokan and then Seminyak to the south — and the area between them contains some of Bali's best boutique shopping, galleries, and restaurants. Spend a morning browsing the design stores along Jl Raya Seminyak, then lunch at Sarong or Mama San before heading back for sunset at the beach.

Catch Live Music

Canggu has a surprisingly good live music scene. Deus Ex Machina hosts regular events, Old Man's on Batu Bolong Beach has live bands most nights, and Sandbar is the spot for a relaxed sundowner with acoustic sets. The vibe is always unpretentious — cold Bintang, good music, sand between your toes.

Getting Around Canggu

Canggu is spread out and the roads are narrow. The most practical way to get around is a hired scooter (around 70-100k IDR per day) if you're a confident rider. Otherwise, Gojek and Grab are the go-to apps for cheap, reliable rides. Ask your villa host about private driver options for full-day trips — they're very affordable and much more comfortable for longer journeys.