Once a quiet fishing village, activities in Canggu now paint a picture of Bali’s most vibrant and creative coastal escape. Today, this laid-back stretch of coastline effortlessly blends barefoot surf culture with a touch of modern luxury, think rustic beach shacks sitting next to chic boutique hotels and buzzing cafes.
This guide is your friendly companion to experiencing Canggu from sunrise to sunset. From catching your first wave at sunrise to finding the perfect sunset spot with a drink in hand, here’s everything you need to soak up the rhythm of this special place.
Beach and Ocean Activities in Canggu
1. Surfing – The Heart of Canggu Beach
No visit to Canggu Beach Bali is complete without paddling out. The waves here welcome everyone:
- Batu Bolong Beach: Perfect for beginners. Slow, long waves and plenty of surf schools offering quick 2-hour lessons.
- Echo Beach: For intermediate to advanced surfers. Stronger waves and a reef break that demands respect.
- Berawa Beach: A nice mix for both levels, often quieter than its famous neighbor.
2. Watch the Sunset – A Daily Ritual
One of the best things to do in Canggu is simply watching the sun melt into the ocean.
- Batu Bolong & Old Man’s: The afternoon crowd spills onto beanbags and colorful umbrellas, cold Bintang or coconut in hand.
- La Brisa Sunday Market: If you’re here on a Sunday, browse local crafts and organic bites before the golden hour show. This is a hotspot for people who like shopping in Canggu.
3. Beach Clubs & Infinity Pools
Canggu nightlife often starts poolside. Some of the world’s most epic beach clubs line the shore:
- Finns Beach Club & Atlas Beach Fest: Nonstop energy, DJs, international menus, and direct sand access.
- The Lawn: Chill and chic, with green grass and front-row seats to surfers bobbing in the distance.
- La Brisa: Rustic, dreamy, and built from reclaimed wood, pure tropical magic at Echo Beach.
4. Morning Walks & Easy Swims
The black sand beaches stretch for miles, making sunrise strolls one of the simplest what to do in Canggu moments.
- Swimming: Stick to busy, supervised areas near beach clubs. Currents can be sneaky.
- Strolls: The coastline from Berawa to Echo Beach is perfect for barefoot walks, often joined by friendly local dogs.
5. Other Water Sports? Not Really Here
Unlike Nusa Dua or Tanjung Benoa, Canggu Beach isn’t built for jet skis or banana boats. The waves that make surfing so good here make those activities tricky, so just lean into the surf, sun, and slowness instead.
Wellness and Fitness Activities
1. Premium Spas
After all those canggu activities, your body deserves some love. Canggu is home to world-class spas that blend ancient Balinese healing with modern comfort.
- Svaha Spa Batu Bolong: Tucked inside a popular hostel, this gem offers affordable, customizable treatments in a surprisingly peaceful setting. Svaha Spa is ideal for a rainy day in Bali when you need a little extra glow.
- Svaha Spa Nelayan: Located near the quieter Nelayan Beach, this spot feels more private and serene, perfect for deeper, uninterrupted body treatments.
2. Yoga & Meditation
Canggu is a true sanctuary for yoga in Canggu, welcoming everyone from beginners to dedicated practitioners.
- The Practice: A beautiful studio focused on authentic, traditional yoga.
- Samadi Bali: Daily classes plus a weekend organic market—a lovely way to spend a morning.
3. Modern Fitness
For high-intensity lovers, Canggu delivers serious fitness energy.
- Body Factory: A premium gym with ice baths, saunas, and everything you need to recover in style.
- Wanderlust CrossFit: A massive, welcoming box that draws a global community of fitness friends.
4. Recovery Therapy
Wellness here goes beyond the mat. Modern recovery therapies help you bounce back faster. Try Sauna & Ice Bath, the temperature contrast therapy is everywhere, perfect for sore muscles after surfing or training.
Food and Cafe Hopping in Canggu
1. Shichirin Canggu
Looking for a memorable meal while figuring out what to do in Canggu for a day? Shichirin delivers on every level. This Japanese spot offers three experiences in one: watch teppanyaki masters at work in the open kitchen, or grab a seat and grill your own premium meats over a traditional charcoal shichirin.
The Gyu Katsu Set, Aburi Almond Roll, and Pork Collar teppanyaki are all crowd favorites. It’s interactive, flavorful, and a whole lot of fun.
2. Seabird Restaurant
Tucked away on Jl. Nelayan, Seabird brings Mediterranean soul to Canggu cafes and restaurants. The vibe is breezy and stylish, perfect for a post-surf bite or a slow dinner as the sun sets.
The menu leans French and Italian, with standout dishes like Grilled Lobster Tagliatelle and Wagyu Steak Fries. For the best seafood in the area, this spot is a serious contender, with a strong focus on fresh, sustainable catches.
3. Iconic Cafes
No trip is complete without hopping between Canggu cafes. Each has its own personality, from lush rice paddy views to edgy interiors:
- ZIN Cafe: A jaw-dropping bamboo sanctuary, always buzzing with digital nomads.
- Milk & Madu: Beloved for family breakfasts overlooking green rice fields in Berawa.
- Revolver Canggu: Home to some of Bali’s most legendary coffee, served in a gritty-chic hideaway.
- The Shady Shack: A dream for plant-based food lovers, smoothie bowls and vibrant vegetarian plates right by the paddies.
Shopping and Local Markets
1. Traditional & Artisanal Markets
Forget the mall. The real treasures are found at these vibrant Canggu street market gems:
- Love Anchor Bazaar: An icon in Batu Bolong, housed in a striking wooden building. It’s the perfect spot to hunt for silver jewelry, breezy swimwear, and boho home decor that screams Bali chic.
- Samadi Sunday Market: Every Sunday, this market transforms Samadi Bali into a wellness wonderland. Think organic veggies, homemade granola, and natural body care, all from the local community.
- La Brisa Sunday Market: Set right on Echo Beach, this dreamy market strings up vendors under swaying coconut trees. Handcrafted goods, artisan finds, and a soundtrack of crashing waves, it’s one of the most unique things to do Canggu has to offer.
2. Boutique Shopping
Canggu’s independent boutiques are where personal style comes to play.
- Jl. Batu Bolong & Jl. Pantai Berawa: These buzzing streets are lined with clothing stores. From Deus Ex Machina’s custom lifestyle pieces to airy linen dresses made for tropical heat, you’ll want to pack an extra bag.
- Concept Stores: Many shops here double as cafes or art galleries, turning a quick browse into a slow, immersive afternoon.
3. Home Decor & Lifestyle
Furniture lovers, take note. Many visitors leave Canggu with more than just a tan.
- Canggu Shop: A favorite refill station for eco-friendly products and healthy bulk groceries.
- Local Art Galleries: Tucked along the beach roads, small galleries offer contemporary paintings and modern twists on traditional Balinese rattan, perfect souvenirs with a story.
Cultural & Outdoor Exploration
1. Culture & Spirituality
Just a short drive from the surf crowd, a different side of Bali reveals itself.
- Tanah Lot Temple: Only 20–30 minutes from Canggu, this ancient sea temple rises dramatically from the ocean. Sunset here is pure magic, the golden light hits the rocky outcrop, and the temple glows like something out of a dream.
- Batu Bolong Temple: Perched right on Batu Bolong Beach, this temple is very much alive with local worship. If the timing is right, you might catch a traditional ceremony with gamelan music drifting through the salty air.
- Kecak Dance: Keep an eye out for afternoon performances near Canggu or Tanah Lot. The rhythmic chants and fire-lit storytelling are unforgettable.
2. Outdoor Adventure
Canggu’s surroundings are an open playground for the adventurous.
- Horseback Riding at Sunset: Gallop along the black sands of Pererenan or Yeh Gangga Beach as the sky turns gold and pink. It’s pure romance, even if you’ve never been on a horse.
- Ricefield Cycling: Just a short pedal toward Seseh or Pererenan, the crowds melt away. Rent a bike and lose yourself in emerald green rice paddies—early mornings are best, when the light is soft and the air is cool.
- ATV & Motocross: For those who prefer mud over meditation, ATV tracks wind through rice fields, rivers, and bumpy jungle trails. Expect to get dirty and grin the whole way.
3. Village Life
Not far from the bustle, traditional village life carries on at its own gentle pace.
- Seseh & Pererenan Trail: Head west and you’ll find the Canggu of a decade ago. Quiet roads, family temples, and thatch-roofed homes tucked between coconut groves. It’s the “real Bali” everyone talks about.
- Canggu Shortcut: Once a beloved scenic rice paddy route connecting Berawa and Batu Bolong, this road is now famous for traffic, but if you look past the scooters, you can still glimpse the green fields that gave it its soul.
Unique & Family-Friendly Activities
1. Mai Main Canggu
This spot has quickly become a favorite for families searching for best things to do with kids in Canggu. Mai Main is a bright, welcoming space where little ones can run, climb, and explore in both indoor and outdoor play areas.
It’s fun and thoughtfully designed, with plenty of room to burn off energy. Meanwhile, parents can settle into the cafe with a coffee and a meal while still keeping an eye on the action. It’s the kind of place where playdates happen naturally, and everyone leaves happy.
2. Ceramics Classes
A few local art studios in Canggu offer pottery and ceramics classes just for kids. It’s messy, playful, and wonderfully imaginative. Children get to shape, paint, and create something with their own hands, and bring home a one-of-a-kind souvenir made entirely by them.
3. Cooking Classes
Several restaurants and cooking schools around Canggu welcome families with open arms. These Balinese cooking classes are designed to be simple and hands-on, making it easy for kids to join in.
They’ll learn about fragrant local spices, squash, lemongrass, and taste their own creations. It’s delicious, educational, and a beautiful way to introduce children to the flavors of Bali.
