de-DEen-US
de-DEen-US

Bali

Canggu

Before I came to Canggu, I had only heard that it was the party place for Australians and that hardly anywhere else there are as many digital nomads as in Canggu. In hindsight, I can probably confirm that. Because in Canggu I did one thing above all: partied and met digital nomads.

Accordingly, there is a lot going on in Canggu. The many people cause a construction boom and gridlocked traffic. But despite all this, you can still find rice fields and unspoiled nature in Canggu. The beaches are also never overcrowded. And if you like surfing or want to learn it, then Canggu is the right place for you with its many surf camps and good waves. What's more, the mass tourism does have one good thing: lots of cute boutiques and good cafés. All in all, Canggu is not just a party, but offers a pleasant mix of everything.

As there is so much going on in Canggu, it is a particularly good place to start your trip to Bali. You can get to know other people here, with whom you might even be able to continue your journey or meet up again.

What to see & explore:


Relax at Canggu's beaches

Canggu has beaches without end. The black sand may make them look a little dirty and less appealing at first glance. However, appearances are deceptive. Although the beaches in Uluwatu are more impressive with their white sand, the beaches in Canggu are particularly suitable for surfers - even beginners. I also like the many beach clubs along the coast, where you can sunbathe during the day and enjoy the sunset in the evening. A propo sunset: the sunsets in Canggu were definitely the most beautiful I've seen! One of the best places for that is the Echo Beach Sunset Point.

You can easily explore the beaches in Canggu on foot. For example, start at Seseh Beach, a small, quiet beach, and walk south from there via Pererenan Beach to Batu Bolong Beach. This is particularly popular with surfers. If that's not enough for you, you can walk further to Berawa Beach.


Stroll around the markets

There's one thing you can do particularly well in Canggu: shopping. Be it in one of the cute boutiques or at one of the many markets. You'll find something in every price range. You will find everything from tourist stores with mass-produced goods to inviting luxury boutiques.

However, I liked the markets best. There are several pop-up markets in Canggu and Seminyak, which only take place on certain days. For example, there is a farmers' market every Sunday at La Brisa, where you can find fresh food as well as natural cosmetics and up-cycled fashion. The Love Anchor Market, on the other hand, is a permanent market where you can buy clothes, accessories and decorations. If you are looking for something more artistic, you can check out the Bali Niki Natural Art Market.

The markets are often a little more touristy and the prices may therefore be a little more expensive here and there. However, you are usually supporting local artists, traders and farmers. And you will always have bought a nice souvenir for yourself.


Spend the day at one of the day clubs

Canggu is not only known for its hip cafés and boutiques, but also for its parties. That's why there are so many day clubs. Although things are a little more relaxed here during the day, the atmosphere tends to develop into a good party with every drink and changing DJs.

My favorite day club is Sol's Rooftop. Here you can sunbathe by the pool with a view of the sea during the day and enjoy a tasty snack at sunset in the evening. Every now and then there is a larger party here, but otherwise the atmosphere is more relaxed.

Finn's Beach Club is a little more party-oriented. People often start drinking and partying here during the day. But you should have experienced that, too. I mean, I know worse things than dancing in the pool with a cool cocktail in your hand while listening to good music and looking out to sea.

When the day clubs close, you can move straight on to one of the well-known clubs: Old Man's, Sand Bar or XBar.


Live the Bali lifestyle

Bali is now known as a haven for digital nomads from all over the world. Not surprisingly, with its relaxed vibe, good surfing opportunities and hip cafés that invite you to co-work, it is predestined for this.

If you want to feel and experience a bit of the Bali lifestyle, head to one of the countless cafés in Canggu. Grab a book, your laptop or your tablet and keep yourself busy alongside the digital nomads. The best thing about it: the food in the cafés is always very good. So you can fill your belly with delicious treats right away. I'll introduce you to the best places below.


What else to discover

Canggu is now so touristy that you can hardly save yourself from all the possible activities. However, I almost liked it best to explore the streets either on foot or by scooter, popping into a store here and there. For example, we found a cool organic supermarket or passed one or two beautiful boutiques.

Or you could treat yourself to a little wellness break. Visit the Tonic Day Spa & Botanicals, for example. There you can choose between various massages at good prices. You can also book manicures, pedicures and facial treatments.

One place I never managed to visit, but which was recommended to me several times, is the Tanah Lot Temple. It stands on a rock in the middle of the sea. The sea temple is particularly popular at sunset. If you want to avoid the crowds of tourists, you should therefore come here in the morning.


Where to eat & drink

I ate well everywhere in Bali. Canggu was no exception. Although I tended to go more to cafés here. However, they were all super good. My favorite café is the Crate Café, because they serve very special treats. They just tend to be calorie bombs. I also had a good breakfast at Honey and Monsieur Spoon. The best pastries you get at BAKED. You should also definitely pay a visit to KYND Community and Buongiorno by Sa'Mesa.

If you're looking for a proper meal, you can't go wrong with Mowie's Berawa restaurant. If you prefer something a little more western, Strawberry Fields is a good address for you.


Where to sleep

If you are traveling alone, there are plenty of hostels for you in Canggu. The selection ranges from party hostels to co-working hostels or even hostels with a resort feeling.

On my first trip to Bali, I stayed at the Lushy Hostel (affiliate link) in Canggu. I booked it because a friend was there at the same time. Well, I ended up in the absolute party hostel. I hadn't actually planned that at first, but in hindsight I was actually quite happy about it. Because I met the loveliest people at the Lushy Hostel! Thus, I can recommend staying here at the beginning of your trip to meet other travellers. Maybe you can travel on together afterwards. The location is also quite good, as you can easily reach the most important places in Canggu from here. There are even single rooms and a co-working space. If, on the other hand, you want to experience the digital nomad lifestyle, a friend recommended the Lost Creator House!

However, if you are traveling with your partner or friends, you will find some good Airbnbs in Canggu for little money. On my second trip to Bali, I stayed with friends in a beautiful Airbnb with its own pool, huge kitchen, neat bathrooms and cozy beds. When I think about it, I wish I could go straight back.



I have put together a list of all the places on Google Maps.

You can find the list here.