22 Insanely Fun Things To Do In Canggu, Bali [2024 Edition]

Are you heading to Canggu soon? Here are 22 of the top things to do in Canggu, Bali in 2024.

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Canggu is one of the top travel destinations in Bali right now. You’ll find excellent surfing, bustling markets, and beautiful rice fields in this chilled out town on Bali’s coast.

One of the biggest draws to Canggu is its lively digital nomad and expat scene. This town attracts remote workers and backpackers from all across the globe who are looking for affordable prices, endless activities, and a convenient hub to explore the rest of Bali.

If you’re coming to Canggu in 2024, you’re probably wondering what there is to do there. In this post, I’ll reveal 22 of the best things to do in Canggu, Bali.

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Getting To Canggu

If you’re flying into the main airport in Denpasar, it’s super easy to get to Canggu! It should only take you 40 minutes to an hour to get to the main part of town from the airport.

The easiest way to get to Canggu is by taking a taxi or Grab. If you’ve never used Grab before, it’s pretty much the same as Uber! You download the app in advance and can order a taxi or motorbike taxi with a fixed price.

If you decide to take an airport taxi rather than a Grab, make sure you negotiate the price in advance. My first time in Bali I got tricked into paying $40 for what should have been a $15 ride. A fair price is anywhere from $12 and $20 for the ride to Canggu, depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.

Getting Around Canggu

Once you’re in Canggu, it’s fairly easy to get around. The town is fairly walkable, but there are no sidewalks and the roads are narrow so it can be a bit unsafe.

The main way people get around here is by renting a motorbike. If you’re already comfortable on two wheels, this is definitely the most convenient and cheapest way to get around. You can rent a motorbike for around 50,000 IDR ($3.50) per day.

However, if you’ve never ridden on a motorbike before this is NOT the place to learn. Traffic is crazy, the roads are narrow, and the road rules are much different than in Western countries.

If you’re like me and are uncomfortable driving a motorbike yourself, I recommend taking Grab or GoJek motorbike taxis.

You can order them on your app and get pretty much anywhere in Canggu for less than $2 per ride. You can also order a car if you’re nervous about getting on the back of a bike, but it will cost a little bit more.

[P.S. Planning a trip to Bali soon? Here’s a post that goes over how many days you need in Bali.]

Things To Do In Canggu Bali

1. Go Surfing

One of the top things to do in Canggu is rent a surfboard and catch a wave. There are several beaches in Canggu where it’s possible to catch a surf break and you’ll find surfboard vendors at every beach.

Batu Balong Beach is Canggu’s main beach for surfing and relaxing. This is also the best place for beginner’s to take surfing lessons.

Be aware that there is a reef here so it’s possible that you could scrape your feet and legs up when you fall off your board.

Another surfing spot in Canggu is Echo Beach. This beach is far less crowded than Batu Balong, but is more suited for advanced surfers. The beach itself isn’t the nicest, but the waves here are consistent and big.

Berawa Beach is another Canggu beach that’s located a short scooter ride outside of the main area. There are some good waves here as well.

Berawa is the beach where the famous Finn’s Beach Club is located, so you can grab some poolside cocktails once you’re done surfing.

If you’re not a confident surfer, I highly recommend taking a surf lesson. The beaches in Canggu can be really crowded and inexperienced surfers will have trouble navigating the lineup.

This two-hour surf lesson in Canggu will help you brush up on basics and gain confidence before you hit the water.

2. Catch A Beautiful Sunset

Bali is home to some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world, and Canggu is a great spot to catch a few of them.

Most backpackers and expats head down to the beaches to catch the sunset and socialize.

Echo Beach and Batu Bolong Beach both offer plenty of spots to grab a bean bag chair, order a drink, and watch the sun go down. Some of the beach bars even have live music to enjoy while the sun sets.

If you’re looking for other spots to watch the sunset in Canggu, here are some of my favorites:

The Canggu rice terraces
Finn’s beach club

La Brisa
La Laguna

3. Visit The Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot Temple is one of the main cultural things to do in Canggu Bali. The temple itself is actually located on a small island right off the coast. Don’t worry, though. No boat ride is necessary to get here.

You can actually visit Tanah Lot in just 30 minutes by car or scooter from Canggu. During low tide you’re able to walk out across the beach to get to the temple. The entry fee costs 60,000 IDR for adult foreigners, which is about $4.18 USD.

The most popular time to visit this temple is at sunset. You’ve probably seen pictures of Tanah Lot with a beautiful sunset backdrop!

I recommend grabbing dinner and a cold beer at one of the many restaurants along the cliff that overlooks the beach. If the conditions are right, this will probably be the most beautiful sunset you see in Bali!

Don’t want to figure it out on your own? Take a sunset tour to Tanah Lot that includes pickup and drop off from your accommodation and an English speaking tour guide.

4. Shop At The Markets

You can’t come to Bali without picking up a few souvenirs. Canggu is home to several beautiful markets that are perfect for doing your souvenir shopping at.

These are the most popular markets in Canggu, Bali:

Love Anchor – this beautiful market is open every day of the week. You’ll find clothing, souvenirs, and tons of jewelry at the stands in Love Anchor. Prices here are on the higher side but you should be able to do some negotiating.
Samadi Sunday Market – as the name implies, this market is only open on Sundays. Unlike other markets in Canggu, the Samadi market is mostly food vendors selling organic produce and specialty food items. You’ll also find a few stalls with apothecary items and some clothing stands.

If you can’t get enough of local markets, check out this post of the 5 best markets in Canggu.

5. Chill At A Beach Club

If there’s one thing that Bali is famous for, it’s extravagant beach clubs. Canggu has its fair share of beach clubs, with Finn’s being the most popular.

I’ll be honest with you – Finn’s Beach Club is not cheap.

Even with Covid-era discounts, I still ended up paying around 300,000 IDR ($25) for a single (non-VIP) daybed. If you visit when things are back to normal, expect to pay around 500,000 IDR ($35) per person.

The good news is that the bed price counts towards your food and drink purchases and includes towel rental.

I was able to get a fancy cocktail, fresh coconut, and a plate of local food and hit that minimum spend mark. I spent about 6 hours there so I think it was well worth it!

If you don’t want to spend the money for a daybed, you can still enjoy Finn’s table service with no minimum spend.

Just keep in mind that you are not allowed to leave your things at a table when you go swim, so you will have to rent a locker to use the pool facilities.

Other popular beach clubs in Canggu include The Lawn and La Brisa. They’re a little bit more chilled out than Finn’s but still have pools, fancy drinks, and music.

6. Check Out The Cute Cafes

Canggu is home to some world-class cafes, and no visit here would be complete without checking out a few of them!

Whether you’re looking for healthy smoothie bowls, traditional English breakfast, or flaky French pastries, there’s a cafe for everyone here.

These are some of my favorite cafes in Canggu that you need to check out!

The Shady Shack – delicious vegetarian cafe offering smoothie bowls, beautiful latte art, and healthy grain bowls.

I Am Vegan Babe – fully plant-based menu with tons of tasty vegan breakfast and lunch options! I also loved this location right next to a little rice paddy.
Monsieur Spoon – a super popular spot for authentic French pastries and delicious coffees.
Copenhagen – beautifully designed cafe with tons of breakfast and lunch options. Make sure you try the cinnamon rolls!

CRATE Cafe – this was one of my favorite cafes in Bali for healthy breakfasts, delicious coffee, and amazing smoothies. This place is super popular so come early if you don’t want to wait for a table!
Rise & Shine Cafe – a beautiful breakfast spot with a diverse menu. The coffee was also delicious here!

If you’re a coffee lover, I also have a full post about the best coffee shops in Canggu!

7. Take A Stroll Around The Rice Fields

There are no shortage of beautiful rice fields around Canggu. While they’re not as dramatic as the rice terraces around Ubud or Sideman, they are still beautiful.

You can easily reach the rice fields from the main part of town by bike or on foot. Walk or ride along Jalan Sempol or Jalan Pantai Pererenan for beautiful rice field views.

I recommend visiting at sunrise to avoid the crowds or during sunset for gorgeous lighting.

You can check out my full post about how to visit the Canggu rice fields here.

8. Join A Fitness Class

If you’re hoping to stay fit while you’re in Bali, Canggu is a great place to base yourself! There are tons of gyms and fitness classes that you can join in on while you’re there.

You can find pretty much any activity you can think of here, including yoga, pilates, boxing, TRX, dance, etc. Here are some of the top rated fitness studios and gyms in Canggu:

The Canggu Studio – offers a variety of classes like Pilates, boxing, TRX, and more. A drop in pass for a single class costs 140,000 IDR ($9.60) and packages are available as well.
Body Factory Bali – a highly rated gym that’s popular with expats and influencers. Day passes start at 295,000 IDR ($20), which includes access to fitness classes.
S2S CrossFit – a CrossFit gym with day passes starting at 100,000 IDR ($6.90) for your first visit.

Wanderlust Fitness Studio – a training facility that offers a variety of fitness classes including weightlifting, aerial movement, mobility classes, and more. An unlimited access day pass costs 250,000 IDR ($17.20).

9. Get A Massage

One of my favorite things about traveling in Southeast Asia is that you can get massages and spa treatments at a fraction of the price you’d pay in Western countries.

Canggu is home to tons of spas and massage places. Just walk down any of the main roads and you should pass a few different places offering cheap massages. You should be able to find an hour long massage for 100k ($7) or less.

If you’re looking for something a little bit more luxurious, I recommend checking out Tonic Day Spa.

Their sunrise to sunset package includes 2 hours of pampering for only 450k IDR ($30) per person. Plus, the interior is SO cute and serene.

Check out my full list of the best spas in Canggu here. I included the best spas for massages, beauty treatments, and getting your nails done!

10. Take A Jewelry Making Class

One of the most unique things to do in Canggu Bali is take a jewelry making class.

If you’ve been to Bali before, you’ve probably noticed that there are tons of jewelry shops and stands in the local markets. Silver manufacturing is a big industry in Bali, so you’ll find lots of silver jewelry here!

If you’ve ever been curious about the jewelry-making process, you should definitely sign up for a class while you’re in Canggu.

Canggu Jewelry Classes offers a few different silversmithing classes that will show you the full process of making jewelry from Bali silver.

11. Get Some Work Done At A Co-working Space

Canggu is a huge hub for digital nomads, which means there are so many great places to get some work done.

Here are some of the top rated co-working spaces:

Tropical Nomad
Dojo Bali Coworking
B Work Bali

Kinship Studio Bali
ZIN Cafe

12. Join A Beach Cleanup

Looking for a way to make a positive impact during your time in Bali? Join a beach cleanup!

An organization called Ocean Mimic hosts a beach cleanup every Sunday at 5pm. Meet outside of Old Man’s on the beach to participate.

13. Take A Day Trip

One of the best things about Canggu is that it’s a great place to base yourself for exploring the rest of the island. You’re just an hour or two away from some of the most beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and rice terraces in the world.

One of my favorite day trips in Bali is Ubud. Ubud is the spiritual hub of Bali and is home to some beautiful temples and natural areas.

If you have time, I recommend spending a few days in Ubud to really see what it has to offer.

If you’re pressed for time, I definitely recommend joining a tour so you can see all of the highlights of this area in one day.

The top things to do in Ubud are see the temples and visit the rice terraces, and this tour includes both of those and much more!

My next choice for a day trip from Canggu would be to explore East Bali. This area in Bali is much less touristy but just as beautiful as other parts of the island.

This East Bali tour includes all of the highlights of this area and is really affordable for a full day trip!

Other great day trips from Canggu are Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Uluwatu, and climbing Mt. Batur.

14. Grab A Drink At A Trendy Bar

There are no shortage of trendy bars to grab drinks at in Canggu. Here are some of my favorites:

Little Havana – this was my favorite spot to grab a drink in Canggu. It’s a little hole in the wall kind of place but the drinks are delicious and all of the bartenders and servers were so fun!

Deus Ex Machina – it’s a bar, tattoo parlor, and a coffee shop! Eclectic and fun vibes.
Black Sand Brewery – a popular taproom with tons of indoor and outdoor seating.
The Shady Pig – cocktail bar with speakeasy vibes and regular live music. A little bit pricey but the service is excellent.

Sand Bar – a beach bar with chilled vibes, live music, and an amazing sunset view.

Want to catch some live music? Here are some awesome live music venues in Canggu.

15. Visit A World-Class Waterpark

Did you know that one of the best waterparks in the world is located just 45 minutes outside of Canggu? Waterbom is a world-class waterpark that is home to some crazy waterslides, beautiful pools, and relaxing lazy rivers.

The tallest waterslide in Asia, the Climax, can be found here. For this ride, you start off with a countdown timer that releases a trap door beneath your feet.

You’ll drop down almost vertically and then enter a an inverted loop before you’re shot out at the end.

If you’re not the extreme adrenaline type, there are also plenty of slower waterslides and relaxing lazy rivers for you to enjoy!

There’s also an onsite restaurant serving up plenty of Asian and Western dishes.

16. Go Horseback Riding

Did you know you can actually ride horses in Bali?

Royal Sport Horse is a horse stable in Canggu that offers horseback riding, horse lessons, day camps for kids, and other horse-themed activities.

Their most popular package includes riding horses through a picturesque village and either on the beach or through the rice fields.

You have the option to ride for 1 hour, 1.5, or 2 hours. This would be such an incredible experience at sunset!

This stable also offers pony camps for kids. During this full or half day experience, kids will have the opportunity to learn how to ride and groom a pony.

Kids will also be able to visit with other animals at the petting zoo, including bunnies, goats, and birds.

If you’re looking for an organized tour with hotel pickup included, this horseback riding tour will take you through lush rice fields and along beautiful Pig Stone Beach.

Beginners and experienced riders are welcome!

17. Admire The Street Art

You may not know this, but Canggu is home to some amazing street art! Take a walk down the streets and enjoy the beautiful murals on the buildings.

Your first stop should be the ALLCAPS Open Air Gallery. It’s the main location in Bali for graffiti and street art enthusiasts to show off their skills. You’ll find more than 40 murals painted by local and international artists.

18. Enjoy Some Live Music

There’s no shortage of live music in Canggu. On any given night you can find a live band performing in a trendy bar or at the beach.

Some popular live music venues in Canggu are:

The Lawn
XBar

Backyards
Pretty Poison (temporarily closed as of May 2022)
Sand Bar

Deus Ex Machina
The Shady Pig

19. Stay At A Luxurious Villa

There are SO many dreamy villas to stay at in this part of Bali, and a lot of them are surprisingly affordable! For under $100 per night, you can stay in a beautifully designed private villa with a pool.

Make sure to book your villa well in advance because a lot of the best ones book out pretty early!

20. Play Padel

Have you heard of Padel? I’ll be honest, I hadn’t even heard of this game before playing it at a facility in Canggu.

The sport is basically a cross between tennis and squash, and it’s super popular in some European countries.

Jungle Padel is the first multi-court padel club in Bali. The facilities were beautiful and featured four panoramic courts. They also had a cafe, changing area, and equipment shop onsite.

If you’re spending a lot of time in Canggu and are looking for a sport to play, I definitely recommend renting a Padel court for a few hours and trying it out!

21. Enjoy Canggu’s Nightlife

If you like going out to parties or clubs, you’ll have plenty to choose from in Canggu! This area of Bali has plenty of world-class nightlife options.

These are some of the most popular party spots in and around Canggu:

Luigi’s – Monday night is the night to go out at Luigi’s. This pizza restaurant transforms into a night club on Mondays and it gets super busy!
The Lawn – You’ll find DJ’s, pricey drinks, and big crowds at this beach club.

Deus Ex Machina – A tattoo parlor, bar, and coffee shop all in one. They’re well known for their Sunday night parties.
Gimme Shelter – A live music venue that is a popular spot to party on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Old Man’s [CLOSED] – Old Man’s used to be the spot to party in Canggu, but they have been closed since the pandemic started. The building was demolished in April 2022 but the owners have announced plans for another venue in the future. I added it to the list just in case they reopen soon!

22. Eat At A Local Warung

things to do in Canggu - eat at a local Warung

Even though there are smoothie bowls and vegan cafes around every corner, you can still find good local food in Canggu!

Try out the local fare at a Warung (which just means a small family-owned restaurant).

Here are some of my favorites in town:

Warung Local
Bu Mi Warung
Warung Jaba

My favorite dishes are vegetarian Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Tempeh Satay, and Mie Goreng (fried noodles), but there are so many local dishes to try while you’re there!

Things To Know Before Visiting Canggu

They drive on the lefthand side of the road in Bali. Make sure you look both ways before crossing the street!
Canggu (and Bali in general) is a very safe spot to travel. The main thing you need to look out for here is petty theft, especially phone theft. Keep your personal belongings close to your body and wear your bag or purse so that it’s not facing the street. I also have a full post about safety in Canggu with tons of tips.

Public transportation is pretty much nonexistent. You’ll need to rent a motorbike or rely on motorbike taxis and private drivers to get around.
Check the bill for added service fees. Tipping is not required in Bali but leaving a small tip is always appreciated. Just be sure to check the bill before you tip because the service fee may have already been added, especially in areas like Canggu.
Lots of restaurants accept card payment now, but some are still cash only. There are quite a few ATMs around town, so you shouldn’t have any problems getting cash out.

Where To Stay In Canggu

There are so many different accommodation options for every budget in this part of Bali. Here are my top recommendations for where to stay in Canggu:

Hostels

Canggu has some of the most AMAZING hostels I’ve ever seen. I always stay in hostels when I’m traveling alone because it’s so easy to meet new friends and find out about activities and excursions.

Here are the top rated hostels in Canggu:

The Farm Hostel – this hostel was still closed when I was in Bali in April 2022, but it recently reopened and it looks incredible! It’s beautifully designed, in a great location, and has amazing reviews.
Lay Day Surf Hostel – I stayed at Lay Day for three nights and had an amazing time! The rooms are pretty basic but the pool area is beautiful, the atmosphere is amazing, and the staff were all super nice.
Kos One Hostel – this has to be one of the most beautifully designed hostels I’ve ever seen! It’s a little bit pricey but the pools and gorgeous interiors make up for that.

Hotels

If you’re not a fan of hostels, don’t worry! There are tons of hotels in Canggu that will fit any budget and preference. You’ll find everything from budget home stays to luxury resorts.

Here are the top rated hotels in Canggu:

Lila Loka Homestay – this is a highly rated, budget-friendly hotel in Canggu. It’s only a 20-minute walk from the beach.
Bali Natha Beach Front – this hotel is a great mid-range option for travelers. It’s clean, offers plenty of amenities, and is located just 2 minutes from the beach.
MASMARA Resort Canggu – looking for a taste of luxury? MASMARA is a high-end resort that is located just steps from the beach. You’ll enjoy amazing views, luxurious amenities, and an awesome location in Canggu.

This post was all about the most amazing things to do in Canggu Bali.

22 Insanely Fun Things To Do In Canggu, Bali [2024 Edition]

Getting To Canggu

Getting Around Canggu