Let’s just get straight to it — if you’re searching for things to do in Canggu, you’ve probably already been bombarded with all the Instagrammable stuff: smoothie bowls, beach clubs, some drone shot of a rice field. Cool, but that ain’t the full story.
I’ve been in and out of Canggu more times than I can count over the past few years. Sometimes for a few weeks, other times months. And lemme tell you, this place is layered. It’s not just some influencer playground — it’s got chill surf, wild nights, lowkey nature spots, and the kind of eats that make you consider never leaving. So let’s talk real-life Canggu — the version you’d hear about from a friend who’s actually been there and figured out what’s worth your time (and money).
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Chill at Batu Bolong Beach (But Don’t Stop There)
Alright, first things first — Batu Bolong is kinda like the gateway drug to Canggu. Everyone ends up here eventually. It’s the social hub, the sunset hotspot, the beginner surf zone, and the spot where you’ll probably meet half of the people staying in your hostel or villa.
But don’t just plop down on a bean bag and call it a day. If you can, rent a board (like, don’t go fancy — go to the local dudes by the warung, they'll give you a better price) and paddle out. Even if you wipe out every damn wave, it’s worth it. The vibes in the water are super chill. No crazy locals yelling at you like in some other surf towns.
Once you’ve had enough of Batu Bolong, wander north toward Echo Beach or even further up to Pererenan. The crowds thin out, the surfers get better, and the sunsets? Same same, but better with fewer iPhones in the air.
Oh — and if you’re really lucky, you’ll catch a beach cleanup. I once joined one randomly and ended up chatting with locals about how the tides shift trash from Java over here. It’s weirdly humbling.
Get Real With Local Warungs — Not Just the ‘Instagrammable’ Cafes
I get it, you came here for avocado toast. But trust me on this — some of the best meals in Canggu are not found under fairy lights or beside latte art. They’re served in plastic chairs under corrugated iron roofs.
Look for places like Warung Bu Mi or Warung Local — yes, these ones are still technically popular, but they’re solid. And the real gold? Warung Heboh on Raya Semat. Pay-by-weight buffet, everything’s hot, spicy, flavorful, and like 20-30k IDR for a full plate. That's, like, under $2.
Ask the lady behind the counter which dish she just cooked. Eat that. The sambal matah here is next-level — just be ready to sweat.
Also, random tip — Balinese lawar (a type of spiced minced meat with coconut) is usually served during ceremonies, but some warungs make it fresh on the weekends. Ask around, especially in less touristy spots, and you might find a killer version.
Learn to Surf (Or Just Pretend You Know How)
So yeah, everyone’s a surfer in Canggu… or at least that’s how it feels. Doesn’t matter if you’ve never touched a board before — this is a solid place to try. It’s not Uluwatu-level intense, but it still gives you a legit wave to play with.
If you're brand new, go to Old Man’s area near Batu Bolong. Softboards are the norm there, and instructors hang out early in the morning. I recommend 7:00–8:30 am — wind’s low, sun’s not brutal, and the waves aren’t too gnarly.
I did three lessons in a week and felt confident enough to paddle out on my own. Met this guy Kadek who’s been teaching for like a decade, and he explained the currents better than any YouTube tutorial I watched before coming. Said it’s not just about standing — it’s about reading the ocean. That stuck with me.
Oh, and if you’re too tired to surf, grab a Bintang and watch from the beach. Half the fun is in people-watching anyway.
Dance (Or Sweat) It Out at The Lawn or SandBar
Alright, nightlife in Canggu can be a lot. Like, you tell yourself you’re just going out for a drink, and suddenly it’s 3 AM and you’re somehow at an afterparty on someone’s rooftop.
The Lawn is the pregame. It’s chill at first — cocktails, music, a great view of the beach. But as the sun sets, it ramps up quick. Pretty soon you’re surrounded by expats, Aussies, and that one guy who’s always shirtless and knows everyone. Drinks ain’t cheap, but the sunset’s worth it.
If you want full chaos, head to SandBar around midnight. It’s literally on the beach, and the floor is sand. No frills, just loud music, cheap arak, and people dancing like tomorrow’s optional. I’ve lost a flip-flop there more than once.
Now, if clubs aren’t your thing, there's alternative nightlife too. Check out Deus Ex Machina’s Sunday nights. Live bands, good food, a mix of bikers, artists, and skaters. It’s got that slightly gritty, ‘used to be underground’ feel that’s still somehow holding on.
Explore the Rice Fields... Before They're All Villas
Canggu’s changing fast. Like, every time I come back, there’s a new luxury resort or coworking café where there used to be just green. That’s why I always recommend doing a proper stroll through the rice paddies — not the touristy Tegalalang kind, but the quieter paths tucked behind Pererenan or along Jalan Pantai Seseh.
Go early, like before 9 AM. It’s cooler, less dusty, and you’ll pass local farmers out working. Don’t bring a speaker or anything — just walk, sweat a little, wave at whoever’s out. One morning, I followed a trail near Babakan and ended up at this tiny roadside stand selling fresh coconut water straight from the tree. Cost me like 5k. Absolutely worth it.
There’s also this weird peace that hits you out there — no scooters, no Wi-Fi, just frogs croaking and rice stalks swaying. It’s easy to forget how hectic Canggu is until you find a spot like that.
Work (But Not Too Hard) from a Coworking Spot
Yeah yeah, digital nomad paradise, right? Canggu’s loaded with coworking spots. If you’re on a short trip, maybe skip this part — but if you’re here for a bit, these places can be a game changer.
Dojo used to be the hot spot, and it’s still solid. Fast Wi-Fi, close to the beach, and a decent cafe. BWork’s the new kid on the block — more polished, very aesthetic, AC always blasting. Both are good for getting sh*t done, especially if you're working remote.
But fair warning — they’re not cheap. Expect to pay $10–15/day if you’re not on a membership. If you’re broke like I was on my second trip, lots of cafés offer decent Wi-Fi too (I camped at Machinery Cafe or Canteen for hours on just one coffee — no judgment from the staff).
Café etiquette here’s chill — just don’t hog a 4-person table if you’re solo and the place is packed.
Get a Massage That Doesn’t Feel Like a Factory Line
Massages in Canggu range from divine to... meh. Some spots are literally designed for Instagram, not healing. If you want the real deal, go for places like Goldust or Spring Spa if you're feelin' fancy.
But — and this is a big but — some of the best massages I’ve had came from smaller joints run by older Balinese women. There’s this place near Jalan Subak Sari (I think it’s called Putu's or something close) where the lady did this deep tissue session that fixed a knot I’d had in my back for months. No frills. Just solid technique.
Expect to pay around 100k–200k IDR for a proper hour. If they offer a “healing” or “Balinese energy” add-on — take it, even if you’re skeptical. It’s usually rooted in some legit traditional practice.
Try a Yoga Class, Even If You're a Stiff-As-a-Board Beginner
If there’s one thing I resisted for way too long, it was joining a yoga class in Canggu. I thought it was all bendy influencers and overpriced smoothies after. But when my knees started hurting from surfing and scooter rides, I gave it a shot.
Serenity Eco Guesthouse is my go-to now. Super laid-back, no pressure, and the instructors actually know their stuff. They’ve got classes all day — hatha, vinyasa, even some weird sounding ones like yin & sound bath (surprisingly relaxing).
I did one at sunset and the breeze coming in through the bamboo walls made it feel more like a beach nap than exercise. Also — mats provided, so you don’t need to haul one in your backpack.
Plus, nobody cares if you’re terrible. Everyone’s in their own little zone. And afterward, you can grab a juice and sit around chatting with travelers who are also pretending they’re gonna get up early the next day.
Rent a Scooter — But Learn the Unwritten Rules
You need a scooter in Canggu unless you wanna walk around sweating bullets. Taxis are a rip-off here and Grab/Gojek drivers are often blocked by local banjars (kind of like neighborhood associations).
Renting one is easy — lots of places on Jalan Raya Canggu or even your guesthouse will hook you up. Expect around 60k–80k/day, cheaper for longer rentals.
But here's the thing nobody tells you: driving in Canggu ain't like a lazy beach town. Traffic’s wild. People go the wrong way. Dogs run into the street. Rain turns everything into a slip-and-slide.
Always wear a helmet, even if no one else is. Cops do random stops, especially near shortcut roads like the infamous Canggu Shortcut (yep, it's a proper noun now). I got fined 250k once for not carrying my international license, so carry that or expect to “negotiate.”
Meet People Without Being Super Awkward
One of the best things about Canggu? It’s stupid easy to meet people. Seriously. I’ve met lifelong friends over a Bintang at The Lawn, chatting in a surf lineup, or even while getting my hair cut (true story — guy next to me was also from my hometown).
If you’re solo and nervous about meeting people, just join a surf lesson, go to a yoga class, or post in one of the local FB groups like "Canggu Community." I joined a potluck meetup once through one of those — ended up sharing mie goreng with a Canadian couple who’d been living here for two years.
Oh — and don’t skip the random art nights or open mic events. Deus, The Practice, and even some smaller cafes host cool stuff. You never know who you’ll end up talking to.
