If you're heading to Bali, chances are Canggu is somewhere on your list. Once a quieter coastal area known mainly for surf and rice fields, Canggu has grown into one of Bali's most popular places to eat, shop, work, relax and spend a few days by the ocean.
Whether you're visiting for the first time or you've already made Canggu a regular stop, there is plenty to do beyond the usual beach day.
From morning coffee and local markets to sunset walks and boutique shopping, here are 20 things to do in Canggu before you leave.
1. Start Your Morning With Coffee
A slow morning and good coffee are almost a Bali ritual.
Canggu has no shortage of cafés, from small local coffee shops to larger brunch spots. Start your morning with an iced coffee, take your time over breakfast and enjoy the slower pace before heading out for the day.
2. Go for a Morning Beach Walk
Canggu's beaches are worth visiting even if you're not planning to surf.
Head down to the beach early, before the afternoon heat sets in, and take a walk along the sand. Batu Bolong, Berawa and Echo Beach are all popular places to start.
Morning is also one of the best times to see a quieter side of Canggu.
3. Try Surfing
You can't really visit Canggu without seeing the surfers.
If you've never surfed before, Canggu is a good place to take a beginner lesson. There are plenty of surf schools around the main beaches, and experienced surfers will find plenty of waves to choose from.
Even if you don't get in the water, grabbing a spot near the beach and watching the surf is a good way to spend an afternoon.
4. Explore Berawa
Spend a few hours simply walking around Berawa.
You'll find cafés, restaurants, independent shops, wellness studios and plenty of places to stop for a drink. It's one of the best areas in Canggu for getting away from the feeling of having a strict itinerary.
And if you're looking for something to take home from Bali, make time to explore the independent boutiques around the area.
5. Browse Local Boutiques
Canggu is home to a growing number of independent fashion and lifestyle stores.
Rather than sticking to the larger tourist shops, spend an afternoon browsing smaller boutiques. You'll often find locally designed clothing, handmade accessories, jewellery and homewares that you won't see everywhere else.
Berawa Luxe is a Bali-based womenswear brand with a store in Batu Bolong where you can browse our latest collections, knitwear, accessories and everyday pieces in person.
6. Have a Long Lunch
One of the best things about Canggu is that you don't have to rush.
Choose a café or restaurant, order lunch and stay for a while. Whether you're after Indonesian food, fresh salads, pasta, seafood or something in between, Canggu has plenty of options.
Put your phone away, order another drink and enjoy the afternoon.
7. Visit a Local Market
Markets are one of the easiest ways to see a different side of Bali.
Depending on the day, you'll find local produce, handmade goods, clothing, jewellery, art and small independent businesses.
They're also a good place to pick up something small to take home rather than another generic souvenir.
8. Take a Break From the Beach With a Balinese Massage
After a few days of surfing, walking and exploring, book yourself a massage.
From simple local massage spots to more luxurious spas, there are options for almost every budget in Canggu.
A traditional Balinese massage is a particularly good way to slow down after a busy few days.
9. Spend an Afternoon by the Pool
You don't need to plan something every day.
Find a pool, order something cold and spend a few hours doing absolutely nothing. If your accommodation has a pool, make the most of it. Otherwise, several hotels and beach clubs in Canggu offer day passes.
Sometimes the best Bali itinerary is having no plans at all.
10. Watch the Sunset
Make at least one evening about the sunset.
Head to the beach around an hour before sunset, grab a drink and find a spot on the sand. The sky over the west coast of Bali can be incredible as the sun goes down.
Berawa Beach and Batu Bolong are both easy places to catch the evening light.
11. Try Indonesian Food
It's easy to spend a week in Canggu eating food from all over the world, but make sure you try some Indonesian dishes too.
Look for nasi goreng, mie goreng, nasi campur, gado-gado, satay and other local favourites.
For something simple, find a local warung and order whatever looks good.
12. Take a Day Trip Outside Canggu
While there's plenty to do in Canggu, Bali is much bigger than its beaches and cafés.
If you have the time, take a day trip to another part of the island. Visit Ubud, explore a waterfall, head north towards the mountains or spend a day discovering Bali's temples and rice fields.
Even a short trip outside the Canggu area can give you a completely different experience of Bali.
13. Spend an Afternoon Shopping
Save some room in your suitcase.
Canggu is a great place to shop for clothing, jewellery, homewares, skincare and locally made products. Walk around the different neighbourhoods and make a list of the stores you want to visit.
Independent shops are one of the things that give Canggu its character, so don't be afraid to explore beyond the main streets.
14. Try a Yoga Class
Canggu and yoga go hand in hand.
Whether you're a regular yogi or have never tried a class before, there are studios offering everything from gentle morning sessions to more challenging practices.
It's also a nice way to start a slower day after a late night.
15. Explore the Rice Fields
The beaches aren't the only beautiful part of Canggu.
Take a walk or scooter ride away from the main roads and you'll still find pockets of rice fields and quieter streets.
Go in the late afternoon when the light is softer and temperatures are cooler.
16. Rent a Scooter and Explore
If you're comfortable and legally permitted to ride, renting a scooter can make it much easier to explore Canggu and the surrounding areas.
Take the quieter roads, stop whenever something catches your eye and don't be afraid to get a little lost.
Just make sure you have the appropriate licence, wear a helmet and follow local traffic rules.
17. Have Dinner Somewhere New
Instead of returning to the same restaurant, choose somewhere you've never been.
Canggu has everything from casual local warungs to restaurants serving modern Indonesian food and international cuisine.
Ask someone local for a recommendation or simply walk around and see what looks good.
18. Find a Quiet Morning Spot
Before you leave, wake up early and find somewhere quiet.
Grab a coffee, sit outside and watch Canggu start its day. The streets are noticeably calmer in the morning, and you'll get to experience a side of the area that can be easy to miss once the day gets busy.
19. Buy Something You'll Actually Use
Skip the souvenir you'll forget about in six months.
Instead, look for something you'll genuinely use once you're home — a piece of clothing, jewellery, ceramics, homeware or something handmade locally.
A good holiday purchase should remind you of the trip without sitting in the back of a cupboard.
20. Leave Some Time With No Plans
Our final recommendation might be the most important one.
Don't fill every day of your Canggu itinerary.
Leave an afternoon open. Go for coffee. Walk to the beach. Browse a shop. Sit somewhere and watch the world go by.
Canggu is at its best when you aren't rushing through it.
Before You Leave Canggu...
You don't need to do everything on this list to have a great time in Bali. In fact, we'd recommend leaving some room for plans to change.
Have your morning coffee, spend time by the ocean, explore the local shops, eat well and take the long way home.
And before you head to the airport, stop by Berawa Luxe in Batu Bolong to browse our latest collection and pick up something to remember your time in Bali by.
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