Canggu, Bali, is a polemic topic among travelers and digital nomads. Do we love it? Do we hate it? I guess it’s fair to say it’s both.
This is the region of Bali that received the largest flows of foreigners moving to stay. With a door to the ocean and more gentle waves then Uluwatu, it soon attracted surfers and young travelers, which attracted people willing to start all the kinds of businesses this new population would like to consume.
That, of course, had some consequences. The traffic situation is the first thing you will notice: it is packed and chaotic most of the time. I don’t recommend driving here if you are not experienced with scooters. Canggu is also the least Balinese region of Bali: it is almost a western colony now, which is a bit uncomfortable to watch to be honest. Because of that
On the bright side, it offers the best opportunity for long term travelers to create connections and find a community. It’s a place to combine social life with wellness, since it offers so many options of gyms, beach clubs, and spiritual experiences.
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- 🛍️ Best Shopping Spots in Canggu
- 🍽️ Best Restaurants & Cafés (Especially Healthy & Veggie-Friendly!)
- 💪 Best Gyms & Fitness Studios
- 🏝️ Best Beach Clubs in Canggu
- 🌊 Activities & Things to Do in Canggu
- 🌞 Final Tips for Enjoying Canggu
🛍️ Best Shopping Spots in Canggu
If you can’t be without your shopping for too long, know that Canggu is home to some amazing boutiques and markets. With so many entrepreneurs moving there, you can find many brands with that lay-back, coastal chic style.
The place to go for some high-end store is the Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong street.
If you are more into the local crafts & food vibe, check these markets:
- Love Anchor Market – A weekend staple, this market is perfect for picking up cute clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs. Location: Batu Bolong Street. Open daily, 9 AM – 9 PM.
- Samadi Sunday Market – A great place for organic produce, eco-friendly goods, and handmade crafts. Location: Samadi Bali, Padang Linjong. Every Sunday, 9 AM – 2 PM.
- Old Man’s Market – Held once a month, this vibrant market is perfect for thrift shopping and unique local finds. Location: Old Man’s Bar, Batu Bolong Beach. Usually the last Saturday of the month, 9 AM – 3 PM.
- La Brisa Farmers Market – Ideal for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and eco-conscious shopping. Location: La Brisa, Echo Beach. Every Sunday & Wednesday, 8 AM – 12 PM.
Buy some handmade jewelry, crochet dresses, and please don’t forget a flower hair clip.
Finally, if you are a thrift lover I have not forgot you! If you are experienced in this art, you know how to look for the signs sending to second hand stores around the city – you will be able to find a few. But you can also use this opportunity yo find some vintage gems and high-end pieces at the Now or Never Bali store.
🍽️ Best Restaurants & Cafés (Especially Healthy & Veggie-Friendly!)
Canggu is a paradise for foodies, and if you’re into fresh, organic, and plant-based meals, you’ll find plenty of options.
🌱 Healthy & Vegan-Friendly Spots
- Shady Shack – A must-visit! This open-air café serves some of the best veggie burgers, smoothie bowls, and raw cakes in Bali.
- The Avocado factory– You will not be without your avocado dose in Bali! This café offers both healthy and indulgent meals with this beloved ingredient. Just be aware they have separated regions for laptop use, due to the demand for tables.
- Crate Café – A no-frills, bustling spot known for its generous smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and delicious coffee.
- Revolver Canggu – The place with the most delicious strawberry matcha! Always a good spot for a brunch.
- Motion Café – Focuses on clean eating and macro-balanced meals, great for fitness lovers.
💪 Best Gyms & Fitness Studios
Canggu is a heaven for fitness enthusiasts, offering everything from yoga and CrossFit to surf training and boxing.
- Body Factory Bali – A high-end gym with state-of-the-art equipment, personal training, and recovery facilities. It’s one of the most expensive ones, and it’s known for being the gym the influencers go to.
- Wanderlust Fitness Village – A CrossFit-focused gym with great group workouts and open-air training. Perfect if you prefer to socialize in between dumbbells exchange.
- Surya Gym – A more budget-friendly option with a solid selection of equipment and classes.
- Nirvana – Last but not least, my favorite and the gym I went to for the six months I lived in Bal. Nirvana is full-wellness club, with gym, recovery facilities, coworking space, and pool area. Not to mention more than 100 classes every week! It’s not on the budget side, but is definitely worth the price.
🏝️ Best Beach Clubs in Canggu
For those young in the heart, Canggu has no shortage of amazing beach clubs. With iconic Bali sunsets, these places
- Finns Beach Club – One of the most famous beach clubs in Bali, with infinity pools, sunbeds, and a great vibe.
- The Lawn – A laid-back beachfront spot with great music, food, and sunset views.
- La Brisa – A stunning bohemian-style beach club with rustic decor, delicious seafood, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Como Beach Club – A more sophisticated option, part of the COMO Uma Canggu resort, offering fantastic food and cocktails and views for when you want to feel expensive.
🌊 Activities & Things to Do in Canggu
Life in Canggu is not made only of gym and parties.
🏄 Surfing
Canggu is one of the best places to learn how to surf, with plenty of beginner-friendly waves and surf schools. If you are not into the active side, you are also welcome to practice surfer watching.
🚴 Exploring & Adventures
Although Ubud is more filled with cultural and nature gems, you can also find some here in Canggu! When you need to be away
Tanah Lot Temple – A must-visit sea temple, especially at sunset. A bit north of canggu, you might like to join a tour and watch the traditional fire dance.
Rice Field Walks – Although not so easy to find in Canggu, there are still some rice fields for some greenery during sunrise or sunset.
Yoga with Puppies Class – there are plenty of yoga classes around Canggu. But if you can add puppies to it, why wouldn’t you?
Take a Jewelry Class – Learn how to make your own jewelry with silver in a workshop. Canggu has some of the best options.
Go Snorkeling in Nusa Penida and Lembongan– my favorite day trip while in Canggu. You can also stay for some days in these islands! I do believe the guided tour is very worth it though. They take you at your hotel, arrange and pay for the speed boats, and take you for amazing snorkeling points. Pray for the ocean Gods to be able to spot Manta Rays!
Of course, you can also take a day trip to other parts of the island, like Ubud. Stay tunned for more guides!
🌞 Final Tips for Enjoying Canggu
- Download Grab – It’s the best way to get around, but be careful and wear a helmet! Sometimes there is surveillance and fines for people without helmets.
- Be mindful of the tides – Some beaches have strong currents, so check conditions before swimming.
- Enjoy the digital nomad scene and connect – If you work remotely, you can find plenty of travelers doing the same.
- Stay eco-conscious – Canggu is a beautiful place, so do your part by reducing plastic waste and respecting the environment.
- Respect the culture – although many visitors overlook this aspect, remember you are in other people’s country. Many oh them actually have in tourism their main source of income. Be respectful and contribute as much as you can!
There is one thing I can tell you about Canggu: love it or not, you will remember your days here forever.🌴✨
Have you been to Canggu? Drop your favorite spots in the comments below!
