A Backpacker’s Guide to Canggu, Bali
- Martha Pillin
- Nov 10, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 20, 2024
Welcome to Canggu, Bali's ultimate destination for backpackers craving a mix of adventure and relaxation. Known for its vibrant surf culture, eclectic cafes, and bohemian atmosphere, Canggu offers a unique blend of activities and experiences. In this guide, we'll explore the best spots to eat, sleep, and play in this charming town. From sun-soaked beaches and bustling markets to tranquil hideaways and cultural hotspots, Canggu has something for everyone.
Chapters
When To Go To Canggu
Dry Season (April to October): This is the peak travel period for Canggu, offering sunny skies, warm temperatures, and lower humidity. It’s perfect for outdoor activities like surfing, beach lounging, and exploring local markets. July and August are the busiest months, attracting tourists from around the world, so if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, plan your visit for April, May, or September. The dry season also features cooler evenings, making it comfortable for dining out and nightlife.
Wet Season (November to March): This period sees higher humidity and frequent rainfall, with January and February experiencing the most rain. While the weather can be unpredictable, this time of year can still be enjoyable if you don’t mind occasional downpours. The wet season is less crowded, offering a quieter experience and often lower prices for accommodations. The lush landscapes are at their greenest, and you can enjoy fewer tourists at popular spots.
How To Get To Canggu
From Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS):
Getting to Canggu is relatively straightforward. Here’s a breakdown:
From Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar):
Taxi: The most common and convenient way is to take a taxi directly from the airport. The journey to Canggu takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Ride-Sharing Apps: Apps like Grab and Gojek are also available and can be a cost-effective option.
Airport Shuttle: Some hotels and hostels offer airport shuttle services, so check with your accommodation beforehand.
Accommodation in Canggu
Nyaman Hostel
Rooms: Mixed dorms with spacious beds, privacy curtains, air conditioning, and personal lockers.
Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, bar, and shared kitchen.
Common Areas: Cozy lounge, outdoor seating, and poolside area.
Extras: Surfboard rentals, bike rentals, and yoga classes.
Location: Central Canggu, close to beaches, cafes, and nightlife spots.
Cost: £10–£20/night.
To view the hostel click here
Coco and Pineapple Pants Hostel
Rooms: Mixed dorms with comfortable beds, air conditioning, and personal lockers.
Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, shared kitchen, and garden area.
Common Areas: Outdoor lounge, social spaces, and poolside seating.
Extras: Bike rentals, surfboard rentals, and organised activities.
Location: Quiet area in Canggu, close to beaches, cafes, and local attractions.
Cost: £8–£18/night.
To view the hostel click here
Rhythm and Rumble Hostel
Rooms: Mixed dorms and private rooms with comfortable beds, air conditioning, and lockers.
Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, gym, and boxing/Muay Thai training facilities.
Common Areas: Social lounge, poolside seating, and co-working spaces.
Extras: Fitness classes, surfboard rentals, and bike rentals.
Location: Central Canggu, close to beaches, cafes, and nightlife.
Cost: £12–£25/night
To view the hostel click here
What The Duck Backpackers
Rooms: Mixed dorms with comfortable beds, air conditioning, and personal lockers.
Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, shared kitchen, and bar.
Common Areas: Social lounge, outdoor seating, and poolside area.
Extras: Surfboard rentals, bike rentals, and organised social events.
Location: Convenient location in Canggu, close to the beach, cafes, and nightlife spots.
Cost: £8–£15/night.
To view the hostel click here
Canggu Central Hostel
Rooms: Mixed dorms with comfortable beds, air conditioning, and personal lockers.
Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, shared kitchen, and bar.
Common Areas: Social lounge, outdoor seating, and poolside area.
Extras: Surfboard rentals, bike rentals, and yoga classes.
Location: Centrally located in Canggu, within walking distance of beaches, cafes, and nightlife.
Cost: £8–£18/night.
To view the hostel click here
Roomates Surf Camp
Rooms: Mixed dorms and private rooms with comfortable beds, air conditioning, and personal lockers.
Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, shared kitchen, and surf storage.
Common Areas: Social lounge, outdoor seating, and poolside area.
Extras: Surf lessons, surfboard rentals, bike rentals, and yoga sessions.
Location: Close to popular Canggu surf spots, cafes, and nightlife.
Cost: £12–£25/night.
To view the hostel click here
Sepeda Hostel
Rooms: Mixed dorms and private rooms with comfortable beds, air conditioning, and personal lockers.
Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, shared kitchen, and bar.
Common Areas: Cozy lounge, outdoor seating, and garden area.
Extras: Bike rentals, surfboard rentals, and organised activities.
Location: Quiet area in Canggu, close to beaches, cafes, and restaurants.
Cost: £8–£20/night.
To view this hostel click here
Food and Drink
Canggu offers a diverse range of places to eat and drink. Here are some of my top picks:
Cafes
1. Crate Café: Famous for its modern, healthy dishes and strong coffee.
2. Old Man's: A popular spot with a great mix of coffee, cocktails, and beachside views.
3. The Shady Shack: Offers a range of vegan and vegetarian options in a laid-back setting.
4. Motion Café: Ideal for health-conscious diners with its nutritious menu and fresh juices.
5. Roti Canai Street Kitchen: Offers a unique twist on traditional coffee with a casual, cozy atmosphere.
Brunch Places
1. Betelnut Café: Offers a wide range of healthy and delicious brunch options in a laid-back setting.
2. Cafe Del Mar Bali: A chic spot with a great brunch menu and beautiful beachside views.
3. Milk & Madu: Known for its fantastic brunch menu and family-friendly atmosphere.
4. Nalu Health Bar & Café: Perfect for fresh smoothies, acai bowls, and a relaxed brunch experience.
Restaurants
1. Mason: Known for its modern, upscale cuisine and stylish setting.
2. La Brisa: Offers a fantastic beachside dining experience with a variety of dishes.
3. Sundara: Located at the Four Seasons, it’s great for upscale dining with ocean views.
4. Warung D’Sawah: Features traditional Indonesian dishes with beautiful rice field views.
5. Bali Buda: A health-conscious café with organic and vegetarian options.
6. The Fat Turtle: Popular for its creative brunch dishes and cozy atmosphere.
7. Peloton Supershop: Offers innovative plant-based dishes in a modern setting.
Bars
1. Old Man’s: A popular beachside bar with a relaxed vibe, great cocktails, and regular events.
2. The Lawn: Offers a stylish setting with a fantastic beachfront view, perfect for sunset cocktails.
3. Finns Beach Club: Known for its lively atmosphere, excellent cocktails, and stunning ocean views.
4. La Favela: Features a unique, eclectic décor and a vibrant nightlife scene with great drinks.
5. Pretty Poison: A cool, laid-back bar with a skate bowl, offering a variety of cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere.
Things To Do In Canggu
1. Surfing at Echo Beach & Batu Bolong Beach
Echo Beach and Batu Bolong Beach are popular spots for surfers of all levels. Surf schools along the beach offer lessons, while surf shops provide rentals. If you're an experienced surfer, these beaches provide great waves, especially at dawn and dusk.
Travel Tip
Go early to avoid crowds, especially if you're a beginner. Watch f/or strong currents if you're inexperienced.
2. Relax at the Beach Clubs
The Lawn and Finns Beach Club are iconic spots to enjoy Bali’s sunsets with a drink in hand. Lounge on daybeds, swim in infinity pools, and enjoy great food, live music, or DJ sets.
La Brisa offers a more rustic vibe with a bohemian feel and great seafood. It’s set within a reclaimed wood structure overlooking Echo Beach.
3. Explore the Café Culture
Canggu is a hub for digital nomads and offers some of the best cafés in Bali, featuring healthy, Instagrammable dishes.
Crate Café is famous for its smoothie bowls and huge breakfast plates.
Milk & Madu offers great coffee and all-day breakfast.
Shady Shack is a vegetarian café with a lush, garden-like setting.
4. Visit Tanah Lot Temple
Located just 20 minutes from Canggu, Tanah Lot Temple is one of Bali’s most iconic sea temples. It’s best known for its stunning location on a rock formation surrounded by crashing waves. It’s particularly beautiful at sunset.
Travel Tip
Arrive before sunset to get a good spot for photography. The area can get busy, so plan accordingly.
5. Take a Yoga Class
Canggu is a wellness haven with several yoga studios offering everything from vinyasa flow to meditation classes.
The Practice is a popular yoga studio with traditional Balinese architecture.
Samadi Bali offers daily yoga classes and also has a great organic café and Sunday market.
6. Explore Rice Terraces
Though not as famous as Ubud’s, Canggu’s surrounding rice fields are still beautiful. Rent a scooter and explore the countryside, where you’ll find green terraces and peaceful rural roads.
Travel Tip
Head to the quieter roads around Pererenan for a scenic ride through rice paddies.
7. Shop at Boutiques and Markets
Canggu has a growing fashion scene with many boutique shops selling everything from bohemian dresses to surf gear.
Love Anchor Market is a popular bazaar where you can find unique jewellery, clothes, and home décor.
Samadi Sunday Market offers fresh organic produce and artisanal products.
8. Party at the Bars
Canggu’s nightlife is laid-back yet vibrant, with plenty of options for live music and sunset cocktails.
Old Man’s is a popular beachfront bar, perfect for a post-surf beer or casual dinner.
Pretty Poison has a unique venue featuring a skate bowl and live DJ sets.
9. Join a Wellness Retreat
Wellness retreats in Canggu combine yoga, healthy eating, and mindfulness practices. Many of these retreats also offer detox programs, spa treatments, and fitness classes.
Desa Seni is a beautiful resort with a holistic approach to wellness, offering yoga retreats and organic meals.
Serenity Eco Guesthouse & Yoga offers daily yoga classes, detox programs, and a holistic menu at their in-house restaurant.
10. Enjoy a Sunset Horse Ride
Experience a unique sunset by booking a horseback ride along Canggu’s beach. Several stables, like Kuda P Stables,offer guided beach rides that are perfect for both beginners and experienced riders.
11. Indulge in a Balinese Spa Treatment
Treat yourself to a traditional Balinese massage or a luxury spa day.
Amo Spa is a popular choice for facials, massages, and even hair treatments.
Beauty Lounge offers luxurious treatments, including their famous 24K gold facial.
12. Attend a Sound Healing or Ecstatic Dance Session
Many venues in Canggu host sound healing sessions and ecstatic dance gatherings that are part of Bali’s growing conscious movement scene.
Udara Bali hosts sound healing sessions in their peaceful setting overlooking the beach.
The Temple of Enthusiasm at Deus Ex Machina often features eclectic events like art exhibitions, live music, and open-air movie nights.
13. Take a Cooking Class
Learn how to cook authentic Balinese dishes at a local cooking class.
Balinese Farm Cooking School offers tours of local farms and teaches you how to cook traditional meals using organic ingredients.
14. Explore the Pererenan Area
Pererenan, located just west of Canggu, is a more tranquil area with fewer crowds. Explore small cafés, art galleries, and peaceful black sand beaches. It’s ideal if you want a quieter experience while still being close to Canggu’s hotspots.
15. Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
If surfing isn't your thing, try stand-up paddleboarding at the calmer waters of Batu Bolong Beach. You can rent boards by the hour, and it’s a great way to enjoy the ocean in a relaxed manner.
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