Authored by Hannah Belger

Located on the southern end of the island, Canggu has become one of the trendiest parts of Bali, mainly because of its chilled vibes, beautiful beaches and the nature surrounding it.

It’s stuck somewhere between a traditional coastal village and an up-and-coming resort area, with great surf breaks, wellness programs, and, surrounded by beautiful green paddy fields, when you base yourself here you never feel too far from nature.

Close to the bigger and busier Seminyak, Canggu the perfect base for those who want to be near the action, while still enjoying the traditional feel Bali has to offer. Despite recent development the whole place has managed to retain something of a more traditional feel than other parts of the island.

The following are 7 things to love about Canggu. There are plenty of things to see and do, and this is a great base to get acclimatized before heading off to explore the rest of the island.

7 Things To Love About Canggu Bali

Surfing Paradise

Whether you’re an experienced surfer or a beginner, Canggu offers great surfing spots for everyone. There are many different black-sand beaches to choose from, and great surf breaks that line the whole coastline, drawing surfers from all around the world.

Some of the most popular haunts are Batu Bolong and Old Man’s surf spots. Both of these locations are suitable for beginners and anyone who enjoys slow-riding, long waves. Although they do offer a great surfing experience, they are often crowded, which can kill the mood for the more experienced surfer.

If you’re more of a lone surfer and wish to catch the wave alone, Pererenan Stairs and Berawa Beach surf spots might be best for you, as they’re lesser known among tourists.

Looking to gear up before you go? Check out this guide to beginner surfboard brands on SkiSurfWake.com

Stayin’ (or Becoming) Fit

So, you finally decided to take the big leap, buy that ticket to paradise and turn your life upside-down. Well, Canggu is the perfect spot to turn your life around and start making healthier choices.

Both CrossFit and yoga are popular pastimes in Canggu, and there are a plethora of fitness and yoga places you can choose from.

Many places offer free first lessons, so you can choose the one that suits you best. If you plan on taking regular classes, don’y expect it to be as cheap as everything else is – the prices are similar to those you would pay back home!

All the Colorful, Healthy Food

With all the yoga, CrossFit and meditation, it would be a shame not to eat healthily. Luckily, most of the Canggu restaurants have healthy vegan options and while you’re there you must certainly try one of the warungs, where traditional Indonesian food is served.

Even though most of the restaurants serve vegan, colorful smoothie bowls (it’s basically a foodie paradise over there), don’t worry – there are still plenty of places where you can soothe your junk-food cravings.

The restaurant and café scene is so diverse now, that consulting a travel guide for Canggu to find the absolute best places to eat out should be a must.

Peaceful Rice Paddies

Opposite to its neighboring town Seminyak, Canggu is a more laid-back, peaceful place, surrounded by nature. If you’re looking to get away from the crowd and calm your mind, a bike ride through Canggu’s rice paddies is the way to go.

Pink Sunsets

No matter how bad of a day it was, enjoying the pink Canggu sunset at the end of it, always makes it better.

Choose your perfect spot to enjoy it from – whether it’s the Berawa beach or Tanah Lot temple. This is one sunset that will mesmerize you and make you forget about all the worries of the day.

You can kick back with a beer or a coconut, enjoy it with a group of friends, let off some steam and prepare for a new, exciting day.

Budget-friendly Accommodation

It’s no secret that Canggu is popular among expats because of its appealing cost of living. And for the traveler, this means having access to a huge range of budget friendly accommodation.

Canggu has it all, hostels for young travelers who are just looking for some fun, as well as higher-end accommodation for people looking for affordable luxury. A lot of Canggu villas are also available at a cost you would usually associate with luxury hotel room.

Most of the time too, accommodation around Canggu comes with an excellent WiFi connection, plenty of co-working spaces and other attractive facilities.

Weekend Markets

The best way to shop in Canggu is by visiting the weekend markets. You’ll be able to pick up quality, organic food, and beautiful jewelry, though even if you’re not buying, visit just for the experience.

Most markets are accompanied by live music, delicious street food and lots of smiles and positive vibes. It’s a really electric and vibrant atmosphere to immerse yourself in.

The weekly organic market is held every Sunday near Echo Beach, where you can buy locally grown fruits and vegetables, baked goods and more. Old Men’s Market is held every last Sunday of the month and it’s filled with clothes, handmade products, and organic food.

This list could go on, it was difficult choosing just the seven best things about Canggu. Bali may not be a big island, but it is the kind of place you could spend a lifetime and still feel like you have barely scratched the surface.

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Hannah is a biology professor who loves to travel and cook. Right now she is living in Australia, but she desires to visit Europe, and eats authentic French baguettes in Paris.

When she is not working, she is writing for Carolin’s blog Breathing travel about her traveling adventures.