Canggu [Bali, Indonesia]

As the birthplace of [nusa], Canggu deserves a lot more detail than we could ever hope to include here. With welcoming locals, delicious food, stylish aesthetics, laid-back vibes, and a thriving surf culture, there's a unique blend of modern amenities and traditional Balinese culture that makes for an unforgettable experience. If that wasn't enough, Bali is the only place where you can find the best beer in the world... Bintang :) 

This wonderful beachside town is best experienced not by planning out a detailed itinerary, but instead by learning about the highlights, making friends, and going with the flow. With that in mind we'll keep this limited to the our favourites and essentials, having logged a collective 6 months here, with hopes that it will help you wake up each day ready to choose your own adventure.

Sunset at the Lawn

The Vibe

Canggu has a chic yet casual vibe that attracts travellers from all over the world. The area is popular with surfers, yoga enthusiasts, and digital nomads who flock here to experience it's natural beauty, vibrant cultural scene, and of course affordability. Whether you want to party like a rockstar or vibe like the Dali Lama, Canggu has you covered.

The streets are lined with trendy cafes, boutique shops, and elevated yet health-conscious eateries, bustling markets, and yoga centres. Visitors and locals are friendly and outgoing, allowing the strong sense of community to really shine through. Canggu effortlessly encourages you to slow down, stay present, and enjoy the moment.

Throughout it's cafes, shops, bars, and beach clubs, you'll also notice finely curated music selections which are a huge part of it's allure for us. As an homage to this, our essential Bali playlist is the perfect backdrop for your entire experience.

Lay of the Land

Canggu is comprised of a few different areas, each having a unique vibe and appeal. Infrastructure is not great (no sidewalks for the most part) so riding a scooter or getting ride share is generally safer than walking. See Getting Around for more details.

Rice fields around Canggu make for a nice sunrise mission

Batu Bolong

Batu Bolong is one of the most popular areas in Canggu. It is located right by the beach and is home to some of the more popular beach clubs including The Lawn. It is also known for its surf breaks, making it a popular spot for surfers and surf lessons if you're newbie.

Echo Beach

Echo Beach is another popular area in Canggu, located just a short drive from Batu Bolong. It is known for a long stretch of black sand beach and world-class surf breaks. Echo Beach is our favourite spot to catch sunset with a few (or 12) Bintangs.

Pererenan

Pererenan is a peaceful and secluded area of Canggu, known for its stunning natural beauty and quiet beaches and happens to be our favourite area. It is a great spot for those looking for balance. It's a bit quieter and more relaxed, yet conveniently situated 5 minutes (by scooter) from the party. Pro move: Rip a yoga class at the Path and then stop by the Human Bean for breakike.

Seminyak

While not technically part of Canggu, Seminyake is right next door, and known for luxury resorts, high-end boutiques, and trendy beach clubs such as Finns, Mrs. Sippy, and Potatohead. The area attracts a diverse range of travellers, from honeymooners and families to groups of friends and high-end travers. This is like the Tulum or Mykonos of Bali.

Activities

Canggu is built around surf culture so get in the water!

Surfing

Surfing is what first brought world travelers to Canggu. Surfing culture is present everywhere you go, you'll find surf competitions, surf film screenings, and surfboard shaping workshops.

Canggu has several surf breaks that cater to different levels of surfers. The most popular surf breaks in Canggu are Batu Bolong, Old Man's, Echo Beach, and Berawa. These surf breaks offer waves suitable for beginners to advanced surfers. You'll find the lesson and board rentals by Old Man's.

The best time to surf in Canggu is during the dry season (April to October), when the swells are consistent, and the winds are offshore. However, it is possible to surf in Canggu year-round, with smaller swells during the wet season (November to March).

Yoga

We could honestly write a whole blog post on yoga in Canggu. To us, there's no better feeling than jumping on that scooter after an enlightening Hatha class on your way to crush a healthy breakfast bowl and green smoothie. 

Prepping for a banger of a yoga class at The Practice

The Practice: Nestled amidst the chaos Canggu, The Practice is a renowned yoga studio that combines traditional teachings with modern interpretations. With a team of experienced and knowledgeable teachers, The Practice offers a wide range of classes, including Hatha, Yin, and meditation. The studio's serene ambiance, open-air shalas, and a commitment to mindfulness create a transformative experience for practitioners of all levels. Take a class with Octavio if you get the chance as he's not always on the schedule - he's the founder and vibiest man on earth (besides the Nusa staff of course). 

The Path: Nestled amidst lush tropical gardens, this hidden gem in Pererenan offers a serene environment for yoga. With experienced teachers, a variety of classes, and a strong sense of community, The Path Yoga became our second home when staying next door.

Ubuntu Bali: If you really want to go full-send into the wellness vibe Ubuntu offers onsite accommodations to embark on your eat, pray, love Bali Journey.  If you want to practice Asthanga Yoga in Canggu, this is the place for you and you can always drop in if staying onsite isn't in the cards for you.

Samadi Bali: To be honest this is not our favorite spot - its not bad just mid. They offer the widest variety and most frequent classes. PUT ON THE FREE MOSQUITO REPELLENT OFFERED IN THE STUDIO BEFORE CLASS. We warned you.

Day Trips

Rally the boys, get on those fresh Nmax scooters you just rented and f*cking rip it mate! This is our favorite thing to do in Bali, just get lost with no care in the world.

Kedungu Beach: This area is being dubbed the next Canggu. It's still on the more mellow side, you'll find a completely empty beach, great surf break and Bintangs at beach warungs for about half the price of Canggu

Ubud: We recommend you stay in Ubud for a few nights but if they party of Canggu is calling your name you can reach to Ubud via scooter in just over an hour. Hit the local warungs and monkey sanctuary. The Monkeys love messing climbing all over tourists. Just keep your sunglasses and backpack in the scooter and safe from those sticky little monkey hands!

Waterfalls: There are a number of options within an hour or so scooter of Canggu. Our favorite is Leke Leke and we always recommend getting there early before the crowds.

Nusa founders Rob and Ben getting 'lost' on scooters

Nightlife 

Canggu has you covered 7 days a week if you want to crush Bintangs and party with a bunch of crazy Aussies. If you're staying at Hostel you'll quickly be adopted into the family and taken to the hot spot of the evening. During the week there is typically a dedicated spot where all the party goers hangout with more options on the weekend. If you get sucked into a 5 day bender right when touch down, don't worry, that happens to all of us. Just let your vibe and Bintangs flow with your feelings.

The Farm: Yes, the Farm is a hostel but it's the best way to start off the night. It's guaranteed to have a pre-game with drink specials, extra-large Bintangs and maybe some beer pong (Euros are more into BP than Americans tbh). They have been increasing there security a bit so you might not get in if you aren't staying there.... we'll have more on this later but its the top hostel if your looking for that type of experience. 

Layday Surf Hostel: This is similar to the Farm but less classy and more crazy. They don't care if your staying there or not, show up around 8pm to pre-game and you'll be welcomed with open arms. As an added bonus, the crew will always know the hot spot for the night if you are unsure.

Pro Tip: Give the 'Safari' a go and see if you can break the record. If that's too much try at least one joss shot (powdered RedBull and Vodka). It feels like someone buys a round of these every half hour so theres a good chance you'll get one for free!

Finns (Everyday): Our favourite day club and for good reason. It pops off 7 days a week, always has great music, and the scenery is top notch. We highly recommend getting a table or cabana as there is no fee outside of minimum spend of around $50.

The [nusa] founders shutting down Finns's

Luigis (Monday): A pizza place that parties (hard). You'll have the PNNY crew laying down house and techno from 8pm - 12pm every Monday. Out of all the parties, this one is an absolute must. The line gets long so don't be afraid to arrive early and settle in with a few Bintangs.

Shady Pig (Tuesday): There has been a massive void in Canggu party scene on Tuesday since Pretty Poison moved a ways down the road. Use this as an opportunity to hit a speakeasy with top notch cocktails. There is a password every night so make sure to send them a WhatsApp message early in the day asking so you aren't turned away at the door.

Old Mans (Wednesday): One of the biggest nights of the week with an absolute classic spot. There is a beer pong tournament early in the evening that just turns into a big party overlooking Batu Balong Beach.

The Backroom Mason (Thursday): This is the spot to be seen on Thursday with a more sophisticated crowd. A nice intimate setting with a lineup of great house and techno DJs. This spot typically has events on Friday and Saturday as well.

Pretty Poison (Thursday): This is a bit of drive from Canggu but they have a cool open air warehouse with a skate bowl. Watch people shred while crushing Bintangs and music blasts. More of a hostel/backpacker vibe compared to Backroom.

The Lawn (Friday): Located in a prime location right on Batu Belong the Lawn is a favorite of the Nusa Staff writers. They keep it nu-disco and house pumping from 9pm - 1am and if you still want to keep going Sandbar is right next door. The Lawn is a chill vibe during the day as well with a nice pool and decent food. If Finn's is too much and you're looking to relax, this is the spot.

Morabito (Weekends): Want to see every influencer or wannabe influencer in Bali? Then head to Morabito. We're just giving it a hard time, they throw awesome events including well known brands like Boiler Room. This will be more pricey than your standard Bali party.

La Brisa (Weekends): Keep an eye out for the PNNY events that typically happen on Friday or Saturday. The house and techno is loud in the open air, disco ball illuminated, beach front spot - we saw DJ Tennis there and it was a vibe. This is also a great spot for a sunset drink any day of the week.

Sandbar (Late Night - Daily): We saved this for last because if you end up here you will bed ridden in regret the next day. This is the late night spot, it's literally a DJ booth set up over the beach and depending on the tide you might be dancing in the ocean. This is where you'll find the backpacker/hostel crew until 4am or 5am.

Deus Ex Machina (Sunday): If you've made it this far into the bender and you're still wanting more, Deus has you covered. Fairly mellow with a live band every Sunday.

Food

The food scene in Bali is unreal with new spots opening every month and we've only captured a very small bit of it below. You can pretty much find any type of food your heart desires... italian, burgers, noodles, sushi and it's all top draw. It's cheaper to eat out than buy in store and cook so you have a great excuse to eat out every meal.

Rippin' a $3 brekkie of avo toast w/poached eggs and indo cold brew at Human Bean

Cafes

Human Bean (Nusa team favourite): Is it the best food? Great food but probably not. Does it have the best asethtic? Cool and relaxed but nah. Is it packed to the brim with a 30 minute wait from 8am - 12pm  like the "top spots" in Canggu? Definitely not.

This is our favorite cafe. It isn't the best in any one area but it's great all around. Located on a chill side street in Pererenan this Cafe doesn't attract the crowds (which is a good thing), plus the vibe is mellow and they are always playing great music. So much so in fact that it inspired our Cafe playlist. We came here more than half our mornings and don't regret it one bit. They also rotate through great selection of coffee if you're caffeine addicts like us and dinner is solid too.

Koast Cafe (Ben's Favorite): Awesome food and atheistic - they literally have a pool you can swim in. Tucked away off the main road to echo beach which keeps the vibe chill and serine. 

Crate: Can you even write a blog post on Bali without including Crate? We haven't seen one. This is the most popular spot on the island and it shows. After 8am there is a huge line and every table is full. They're known for crazy presentation and instagram worthy aesthetics. If you get on the Bali 6am wake up call health kick this is great place to come before 7:30am and take in sunrise with a great coffee before the crowds arrive.

Rise & Shine (Rob's Favorite): Another heavy hitter especially if you like breakfast burritos. All the food is great but the burrito is the best we found in Canggu. Not a ton of seating so before 9am or after 12pm are the best times to go if you don't want to wait.

Almond: Beautiful concrete design that makes you feel right at home. Located in Pererenan so you know it's chill and the pancakes get the job done if your feeling something sweet.

Basil Cafe: This cafe gets lost in the shuffle but has a ton of options from tacos to local cuisine to eggs benedict. The green smoothie bowl is fire!

Canteen Cafe: Compared to the top cafes this places doesn't have quite the same vibe but we found ourselves coming back here time and time again. Normally not as crowded and a great green smoothie for our healthy lads out there.

Relaxing brunch scenery at Koast

Warungs

If it's your first time in Indo, warungs are basically holes in the wall that serve local cusine. Nasi goreng (fired rice) or mie goreng (fried noodles) are the most common dishes served with veggies and meat. These are great for lunch or a quick dinner with a full meal typically costing $2 USD.

Varuna Warung: Great food, nice staff, good prices and indoor/outdoor seating to chill out. 

Warung Jaba: Located on the main strip of Canggu this spot is a favorite of locals and ex-pats alike.

Nasi Campur at a warung in Ubud

Dinner

Mason: One of the influencer hotspots in Canggu so make sure to wear your favourite resort shirt to fit the vibe. Mostly a western menu with great ambience if you're looking for a nicer night out.

Bottega Italiana Pererenan: Yes, italian in Indoneisa. You'll feel like you've been transported to small pasta shop in Rome. Great food and chill atmosphere (because you know... Pererenan).

Shelter (Rob's Favorite): Tucked away in Perenenan is the vibiest dinner spot with an excellent menu with top-notch fish options. A must hit but can get busy on the weekends.

Woods: Global cuisine is served with coffee & cocktails all day at this chill, tree-filled hangout.

Beta testing the Friday Resort Shirt at the Lawn

Where to Stay

There are tons of options from $5 a night to $500 in Canggu so you can chose based on the vibe of your trip. We put a few of our favorites below and always recommend doing a bit of research yourself:

The Farm (Hostel/Budget): The Farm will always hold a special place in our hearts as it was the first place we stayed on our inaugural visit to Bali. Top notch facility that feels more like a resort than your standard hostel and rather social. Hang by the pool all day, make some friends, pregame in the cafe upstairs and then go out to the hottest event the evening in Canggu. The biggest benefit of staying in a hostel is the 'tribal knowledge' of where to go, what to do and what to know. It's great place to start a trip for 2 or 3 nights even if hostels aren't typically your thing.

Shore Amore (Middle): The nusa dudes recommend another spot in Perenenan? Yah, we are and I hope you're catching on to it. Staff are super friendly and helpful, the pool is dreamy, there's a spa in the hotel so it's easy to get a lazy massage. The rooms are comparable with nighest places in Canggu at half the price.

Como (5-Star): Tbh we never actually stayed here but our rich Dutch friends and we spent plenty of time taking advantage. Pretty much the only beach front resort in Canggu with insane pools and built in beach club to chill at during the day.

Villas: An endless selection of Pinterest worthy tropical villas at your fingertips on Airbnb. This a great option for groups or once you make friends.

Break time at the Nusa HQ villa

Getting Around

Scooter: This is truly the only way we recommend getting around and half the fun of Bali. Top end Nmax run about $150 a month with cheaper option around $75. We always recommend the Nmax as they're in good shape and safer than cheaper options. Wear your helmet! If not you may be pulled over and hustled by the local police.

Grab/Gojek: Basically Uber and great option if you aren't Comfortable with riding a scooter. Download the app before arrival so you can grab one at the airport and avoid being ripped off by the local taxi companies. Highly available across the island hotspots.

The sheer beauty of perfectly lined up scooters

When to Visit

Like many tropical destinations, Canggu has a dry season and rainy season. Dry season is May through October, and is general the best time to visit from a weather perspective. Wet season runs from November through March during which, you’ll find fewer tourists.

We've found that spring is generally the best balance of weather and crowds (April-ish). Though wet season isn't too bad, it typically is clear in the mornings and rains for 1-2 hours in the afternoon/evening.

Co-founder Rob aka Bali Bob ready to sell you a timeshare