Canggu is one of my favourite places in Bali. With it's relaxed atmosphere and perfect sunsets, Canggu is a great place for a bit of respite, great food and surfing.
Activities
Canggu is known for its surfing, whether you are a beginner , intermediate or advanced surfer... there are plenty of options. If you head to Batu Bolong beach , you can get 2 hours surfing with an instructor for 350,000 rph (£20ish) . They are absolutely brilliant and have such a sense of humour and they will insist on getting you to stand up if it's your first time!
Directions - If you head to where all the motorbikes are parked , to the right is a bay of different surf huts whereby they will provide you with a surf top, some water and find you the appropriate board.
I think if you aren't a water baby but want to try something new, this is real must as it's brilliant fun, safe and your instructor is with you the whole time. You will feel a great sense of achievement afterwards !
Canggu itself is primarily surfing based hence why it's great fun to go and do it ! There are also some nice little shops , some bars and some great places to watch the sunset. If you time it right , you can get yourself a bean bag in view of the sunset and even a few 241 cocktails to enjoy at the same time.
In the evening if you are fancying something different , the bar Pretty Poison , known as a skating shop, has a more unique take on a clubbing scene. This plot of land is focused around the empty swimming pool in the centre. They utilise this space for local and travelling skaters to have a go at skating themselves. It's brilliant fun to watch, whilst with the opportunity to have a dance in the space next to the skate pool to a great DJ. Great atmosphere ! My advice is that this is only really safe for you as a traveller to go on to skate if you are intermediate - advanced as the pool is quite difficult ! But perfect for observing all the same!
Food and drink
If you're gluten free , vegan or vegetarian Canggu the place to go as it has a vast amount of cafes to suit everyone's requirements . In particular , Crate cafe which does fresh smoothies, eggs of all kinds , Acai bowls , coffee and chia bowls. I felt like I was in heaven here and could have had everything on the menu! Perfect for breakfast / brunch. Please, please , please go ! You won't be disappointed!
In the evening we stumbled across Dandelion restaurant which was brilliant. The staff were very welcoming , personable and you can get 2 indonesian meals and a soft drink each for roughly 140,000 rph (£11). The staff introduce themselves , ask where you are from and are ready for any questions you may have. I even went back twice becuase I loved it so much. If you are into your Italian food , then Labaracca is perfect for pizzas and pasta ( even gluten free )!. The price is reasonable and after being sat down you are provided with complimentary bread , the owner introduces himself which is a nice touch. When in Bali, there are cocktails on offer almost in every bar. My recommendation is to wait for happy hour and get 241 cocktails to save some pennies. Most places are expensive but if you have a proper look around you can get 2 cocktails in happy hour for 80,000 rph (£5). My all time favourite is Old Man's bar, which is located by Batu Balong beach. Not only does it offer lounge seats in the day, but also a thriving night life running regular events. This was my favourite place to relax following a morning of surfing.
I would love to spend a week more in Canggu purely for it's gorgeous food, being a perfect sunset spot and for offering such a relax atmosphere.
I would also recommend checking out Echo Beach and Finn's bar to compete your Canggu experience!
My tips
- Go and do surfing , despite your hesitations , YOU'LL LOVE IT!
- watch out which days the Alternative Beach hotel is doing pool partys ( I think Wednesday's and Saturday's) and get yourself a free wrist band from Luigi's Italian a few nights before.
- Use this place as a place to relax and eat well