Things to see and do in Canggu

Bali, the untamed Indonesian island, hides unique corners, wrapped in a spectacular nature that takes your breath away. One of these magical enclaves is Canggu, a coastal village with amazing landscapes. There are a lot of things to see and do in Canggu, starting with its beaches, frequented by surfers. The reason is clear: the incredible waves and the enviable climate that lasts for most of the year. In addition to the black sands of Canggu, many travelers go there to visit the monumental temples that the village hosts, such as the famous temple of Tanah Lot.

Over the past few years, the number of travelers who choose to visit Canggu during their trip to Indonesia has increased exponentially. That is why the village has undergone a transformation, gradually becoming an idyllic place of tourist enjoyment, well suited to Western travelers. The list of things to do in Canggu is growing: you can go to relaxing spas, enjoy the Balinese dance or immerse yourself in the local market. If you read on, we tell you everything and more about what you can see in Canggu.

What are the best places to visit in Canggu?

1. The Temple of Tanah Lot

Despite not being located in the center of the village, it is a must-go in Canggu, so it was impossible for it not to top the list. Yes, we are talking about the Tanah Lot temple, one of the most frequented temples by travelers throughout the island of Bali. Located just 10km from the village, this temple has a unique location. So, it’s well worth getting a rental motorcycle and heading there.

The temple stands on the coast, in a privileged spot that can only be accessed at low tide. However, this is precisely the reason that makes the visit so special. And despite the fact that you will not be able to access the interior, its facade and the magical views it offers from the top, make the experience something totally incredible.

If you do not want to rent your own vehicle, there are also organized trips from Canggu to get there, or you can also choose to take a cab. As for the entrance fee, it is around 50,000 Indonesian rupiah per head. We recommend that, even if it’s the busiest time, you visit the temple at sunset: the twilight creates a magical effect that you won’t forget.

2. The rice paddies of Canggu

As it is customary in the paradisiac Bali, the exuberant landscapes are the norm and among those that stand out more are the typical rice fields, which you will be able to enjoy when visiting Canggu and its surroundings. Hop on a motorcycle and enjoy the winding roads through the rice paddies. In fact, you can also enjoy these views from certain accommodations and restaurants, so this is a fantastic option to witness the scenery.

The best known rice fields around Canggu are the rice fields of Pererenan and Seseh. As we said, the best way to visit them is to rent a motorcycle and enjoy the experience at your own pace (you can do it in the accommodation where you are). Of course, be careful with traffic, since both in the city and on the roads around Canggu, the pace of vehicles is constant.

3. The beaches in Canggu

Unlike other areas of the island, in Canggu you will find beaches of volcanic origin, with black sand that extends to the horizon and a calmer pace than other areas of Bali. It is for that reason that Canggu is a town in which to enjoy with calm of the sun, the sea and the happiness of the people of Bali. But so that you do not miss anything of what the coast of Canggu offers, we have prepared a brief summary for you.

Canggu consists of four distinct beaches, each more charming than the other one. The most popular are undoubtedly Berawa and Batu Balong: there you can enjoy a very good atmosphere and are perfect for surfing, the sport par excellence of Canggu. Another of the most famous beaches is Echo Beach, with black volcanic sand and many trendy locals. And finally, we find Munggu Beach, the farthest of all and also of volcanic origin. The latter is a perfect beach to hang out with the locals and is also one of the most ideal to enjoy a swim.

4. Canggu’s leisure: spas, surfing and Balinese dance

Canggu has been becoming year after year a place of reference for tourists and it is not surprising. The activities to do in Canggu are countless, so we want to help you decide what to choose during your stay with a small summary. Undoubtedly, the best starting point, especially if you enjoy the sea and sea-related activities, is surfing.

Among the beaches where you have to enjoy surfing, there are different options. If you are very experienced, we recommend without a doubt that you visit Eccho beach. For those who are just beginning their adventures in this sport, the most suitable beach is Batu Balong. Prices for renting a surfboard usually range from 3-5€ at the exchange rate.

But if you’re not into extreme sports, one of the best ways to enjoy your days in Canggu is at the town’s luxurious spas, including Spring Spa Canggu and Amo Spa (though if that’s out of your budget, you can also enjoy massages on the beach provided by locals). Also do not miss the free Balinese dance shows held at various hotels in town (though you’ll have to pay for what you consume, and it’s a must-do).

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What to see in Canggu in 1 day

Canggu is a town with beautiful scenery, stunning beaches and cheerful people. The village and its surroundings are welcoming to carefully explore every corner of its landscape. So that you don’t miss any of the must-see things to see in just 1 day in Canggu, we have prepared a series of tips for your visit.

If you want to make the most of it, we recommend that you get a rental motorcycle and set off to explore the more out-of-the-way spots in Canggu, such as the Tanah Lot temple and the rice paddies in town. After that, head back to Canggu to take advantage of the lure of its beaches in a variety of ways: the possibilities are many.

Where to stay in Canggu

As we know that planning everything that a trip entails is a bit tiring and to make your stay much more enjoyable, we have prepared one with some accommodations for your days in Canggu:

• Surf Lodge Canggu: 10 minutes from the beach, this surf house looks more like an oasis in the middle of the jungle, for its decor with lush vegetation and the pool that welcomes its patio. The price for two nights and two people is 63€.
• Eastin Ashta Resort Canggu: A fantastic four-star resort with spectacular views of Batu Bolong beach, it will make your experience second to none. The price is around 175€ for a weekend.
• Udara Bali Yoga Detox & Spa: Its decor, infinity pools, hammocks and yogic sessions are just some of the things you can enjoy at this fantastic hotel/spa overlooking the sea. The price is 164€ for two people.

Where and what to eat in Canggu

The gastronomy of Indonesia is, without a doubt, one of the main attractions of traveling to the country. For this reason, we have prepared a recommendation of some places where you can enjoy it on your visit to Canggu:

• Sa’Mesa Canggu: A selection of delicious seafood dishes, executed with enviable detail and precision, make Sa’Mesa one of the best dining options in all of Canggu. The price is around €30 per person.
• Mumbai Kitchen: Perfect option to enjoy the overwhelming gastronomic offer of Indian food. But best of all is the price: the approximate cost per diner is around 15€.
• Grazing on the Green: A huge green lawn, a horizon of palm trees and rows of lights are the elements that complement perfectly with the gastronomic offer of Grazing on the Green. You can also enjoy elaborate cocktails after devouring their pizzas.

What should I consider before traveling to Canggu?

• The official currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah.
• It is recommended to carry cash for small stores.
• Cards are accepted at most tourist sites.
• The best time to visit Indonesian beaches is May, June and September when it’s not raining so much and still warm.
• It is not recommended to rent a car to get around the country. Traffic there is very different from European traffic.
• It is best not to drink the tap water, although if it is boiled it can be used for cooking.
• The official language of the country is Bahasa Indonesia, but in the more touristy areas you will be able to communicate in English without problems.
• Be covered for possible medical emergencies: travel insured
• Indonesia is a safe country, but just in case be careful with your belongings, especially in the more touristy places.

How to prepare what to see on your trip to Canggu?

Register on the website or download the free Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travelers’ experiences
• Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions into it.
• Add the stops you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest we indicate in this post as a reference).
• Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes we present in the post).
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of places you visited on your trip to the app and recommend other travelers the things to do in Canggu, Indonesia

f you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Canggu