15 Best Things To Do In Canggu, Bali

Canggu is the kind of place that immediately draws you in. We originally planned on staying for just three days, but ended up spending nearly a week exploring its chill coastal vibes, indulging in local eats, and making the most of the adventure-packed activities this corner of Bali has to offer. It’s a mecca for adventure seekers, surfers, foodies, and anyone who loves a good sunset. 

But what really sets Canggu apart is its blend of energy and laid-back charm. Picture bustling streets lined with hip cafes, rice paddies stretching into endless green, and beaches buzzing with surfers and live music enthusiasts every evening. 

Whether you’re searching for a low-key vibe or keen to dive right into the chaos of Canggu, our list of the 15 best things to do in Canggu will help you make the most of your time here. We’ve even thrown in our personal experiences, so you know what to expect. All you have to do is grab your sunscreen and get exploring.

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15 Best Things To Do In Canggu, Bali

1. Catch a Sunset at Pererenan Beach  

Location: Pererenan Beach, Canggu 

If you ask us, sunsets in Canggu are non-negotiable. Pererenan Beach is one of the best spots to soak up those fiery hues. It’s less crowded than Batu Bolong Beach but still offers the perfect surfers-meet-locals vibe.

We recommend grabbing a bean bag at one of the nearby beach warungs with a cold coconut in hand. Watching the sun dip into the ocean while surfers ride their last waves of the day is magical. Keep your camera close – it’s ridiculously photogenic.

2. Indulge in Local Eats at a Warung

Location: Warung Sika, Warung Yess, or Varuna Warung

Forget the touristy restaurants for a day and venture out to a local warung. These family-run eateries serve up authentic Indonesian dishes like nasi campur (a mix of rice, veggies, meat, and sambal) for very pocket-friendly prices.

Canggu has an impressive lineup of warungs, but our absolute favourite was Warung Sika. We feasted on a huge plate of delicious satay chicken skewers, sautéed tempeh, and greens for under $5 AUD! Don’t skip Warung Yess either, where you can sit back and relax in their lush garden restaurant while devouring generous portions of nasi campur.

For more information on what a warung is and our top 6 favourites, check out our guide to the best warungs in Canggu.

3. Sip On Smoothie Bowls And Coffee At One Of Many Epic Cafes

Location: Zin Cafe, Roots, or The Garden Canggu  

Canggu’s cafe game is next level. Whether you’re after an expertly brewed flat white, a matcha latte or an acai bowl, the options are endless and so good you’ll spend most of your time wandering from one cafe to the next.  

Zin Cafe was our go-to spot for working remotely, offering peaceful spaces and a menu packed with healthy options. For something playful, head to Roots, where you can build your own smoothie bowl. And if you’re after brunch, Garden Canggu does a mean smashed avo.

But if you’re on the hunt for the best coffee in Canggu, don’t miss BGS Coffee Bar. Their brews rival some of the best we’ve had in Australia, though the quality does come with a slightly higher price tag!

4. Hit The Famous Surf Breaks

Location: Batu Bolong Beach, Echo Beach 

Canggu has long been a popular surfing destination, with consistent waves and cheap lessons and rentals. Batu Bolong Beach is beginner-friendly, complete with rental shacks and instructors who’ll have you catching waves in no time.

For more experienced surfers, you have a choice of Pererenan Beach, Canggu Beach, The Sandbar and Echo Beach – each offering its own appeal. But all these sports are known for their fast-paced waves, intense vibe and pure surfing energy. Pro tip – always watch the locals, they’re like poetry on water.

For more information on the surf breaks at Canggu, check out the detailed guides on Surf Indonesia’s website.

5. Chill Out On The Beach

Location: Canggu Beach, Batu Bolong Beach

While you won’t find powdery white sand on Canggu’s coastline, its beaches bring a fun vibe, with plenty of bean bags and lounge chairs perfect for kicking back and watching the surfers.

Our favourite beaches to lounge and swim at are Batu Bolong and Canggu Beach. Both offer plenty of food options, lounge chairs, and you can easily walk from one to the other. Pick Canggu if you want to watch advanced surfers while lazing with a coconut, or Batu Bolong if you want to grab a surf lesson yourself.

6. Get Your Shopping Fix

Location: Love Anchor Bazaar, Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu Center 

Canggu’s shopping scene combines local craft markets with boutique stores offering a wide variety of fashion from all over the world. Love Anchor Bazaar is your go-to for unique handmade jewellery and gifts, while Canggu Center is awesome for finding boutique clothing.

If you’re after something more modern, head down Canggu’s main street – Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong. Here, you’ll find countless stores stocked with eco-friendly swimwear, handwoven bags, and homeware that feels straight out of your Pinterest feed.

7. Sip Cocktails At A Beach Club 

Location: The Lawn, Finns Beach Club  

For those who prefer sipping cocktails by the pool with an ocean view, Canggu’s beach clubs won’t disappoint. The Lawn offers live music, chilled vibes, and epic mojitos, while Finns Beach Club is where you can spend an entire day lounging in style with infinity pools aplenty.

8. Join A River Clean-Up

Location: Various locations, organised by Sungai Watch  

Want to leave a small positive impact while you’re here? Join a river clean-up with Sungai Watch, a local initiative dedicated to tackling Bali’s pollution problem one river at a time.

We signed up for a half-day event, where we helped clear an illegal dumping ground. It was both eye-opening and rewarding to play a small part in making Bali cleaner. Even if diving knee deep in rubbish isn’t your thing, you can help in many other ways. Check out their website to see how you can donate, or find a beach clean-up – which doesn’t require you to get quite so dirty!

9. Find Your Flow with Yoga

Location: Samadi Bali, Serenity Eco Guesthouse

Canggu is a paradise for yogis, whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a curious beginner. With countless studios and resorts offering yoga on-site, you’ll discover unique experiences led by teachers from around the globe.

The three most popular studios (for good reason) are The Practice, Adda Yoga and Samadi Yoga & Wellness Center. Each offers a one-off drop-in or a discount for multiple class passes. You’ll find every class from traditional Hatha and Vinyasa to more unique options like Qi Gong or Kundalini.

10. Hire A Scooter And Explore

For the ultimate Canggu adventure, rent a scooter and hit the open road. It’s hands down the best (and cheapest) way to explore the nearby rice paddies, hidden cafes, and local temples like Pura Tanah Lot.

Scooter rentals are everywhere, with prices starting at around 70k IDR per day. Remember to always wear a helmet and sort out your international licence before heading to Bali – authorities are cracking down on tourists who don’t follow the rules. 

If riding a scooter makes you nervous, don’t worry – taxi services are super easy to find and perfect for a full day of exploring.  For short trips, apps like Gojek or Grab are convenient, and the rates are affordable.

11. Pura Tanah Lot  / Explore Bali’s Spiritual Side at Pura Tanah Lot

Location: Tanah Lot, Tabanan  

Just a short scooter ride from Canggu is Pura Tanah Lot, a temple that seems to float on the ocean during high tide. It’s a must-see for first-time visitors, not just for its spiritual significance but also for its jaw-dropping beauty. Entrance costs 75k IDR per adult, and the best time to visit is during sunset when the horizon glows in vivid shades of orange.

Even though this place can get very crowded, and there are plenty of cheesy souvenir stalls, the energy of the temple grounds and the overall vibe make it totally worth it – as long as you’re prepared for the crowds!

Pro Tip: Wear modest clothing to show respect when exploring temples, and carry a sarong – which is often a requirement to enter sacred grounds.

12. Visit A Local Sunday Market  

Location: Samadi Sunday Market, La Brisa Sunday Market

We’d heard so much about the amazing Sunday markets at Samadi and La Brisa before arriving in Bali, but poor planning on our part meant we missed both of them! We were absolutely gutted, so we want to make sure you don’t miss out too.

Samadi Market and La Brisa Market (aka LYD Market) run every Sunday and bring a farmers market vibe to life. You’ll find fresh organic produce, local food stalls, eco-friendly beauty products, and so much more. These markets are all about community, fresh goods, and friendly vibes. Chat with local artisans, discover unique eco-friendly products, and snack on delicious organic treats.

13. Book A Day Tour

Short on time? A day tour from Canggu is the perfect way to experience Bali’s highlights, from the majestic Mt. Agung and Ubud’s lush rice terraces to the dramatic cliffs of Uluwatu. Most tours include transportation and a knowledgeable guide to share captivating insights into the local culture. All you need to do is relax and soak it all in.

We booked all our tours through Get Your Guide, a user-friendly online platform that offers a wide range of tour options from trusted providers. Having everything conveniently in one place, along with reliable support in case of any issues, made the entire process seamless and stress-free.

14. Indulge in Delicious Smoothie Bowls

Location: Doppio, Superfood Canggu  

Canggu’s smoothie bowls are iconic. There is seriously no better way to begin the day than loading up on fresh and nutritious bowls before heading off on an adventure. The most delicious smoothie bowls we found were at Doppio Cafe and Superfood Canggu. 

But even if these two cafes aren’t close enough to your accommodation, we guarantee you’ll find some smoothie bliss as soon as you walk out onto the streets of Canggu.

15. Party With Live Music & DJs

Canggu is a paradise for night owls and party animals. Its streets are alive with bars and beach clubs pulsating with energy and an irresistible atmosphere. For those who love the club scene, Old Man’s is a must-visit. If you prefer the beach club vibe with stunning ocean views, head to The Lawn Beach Club. Don’t forget to check out their website to catch all the epic live performances coming up!

Final Thoughts

Canggu blends adventure, relaxation, and vibrant culture into one glorious package, making it a place you’ll want to return to again and again (trust us, we know this firsthand). But we’ll leave you with a word of advice – to avoid disappointment like we did, plan your trip to ensure you spend a Sunday in Canggu exploring the farmer’s markets!

We hope our list of favourite things to do in Canggu has helped you plan your trip. If we’ve missed your favourite activity in Canggu, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below. And as always, please feel free to get in touch via Instagram if you have any further questions.

Happy Adventuring 🙂