Canggu Bali: Things to Do, Where to Stay & How to Get from Bali Airport
Planning a trip to the Island of the Gods? You simply can't miss a stop in Canggu. This trendy coastal hub has it all: a world-class surf scene, a vibrant "hip" atmosphere, and a collection of what I consider to be the best dining spots in all of Bali.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect Canggu getaway, from choosing the right neighbourhood to stay in to the must-do activities.
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Where to Stay in Canggu: Neighborhood & Play
men's white crew neck shirt Via Unsplash (by Cassie Gallegos)
Echo Beach: The Chill Coastal Classic
For many, Echo Beach remains the quintessential Canggu experience. It offers a self-contained lifestyle where you can surf, enjoy legendary beachside BBQs, and catch stunning sunsets without ever needing a motorbike.
- The Vibe: While crowds have shifted toward the trendier hotspots of Batu Bolong and Berawa, Echo Beach has retained a peaceful charm. It’s perfect if you want premium amenities like COMO Beach Club or the iconic La Brisa minus the overwhelming bustle.
- Don't Miss: Healthy eats at Shady Shack or a morning session at the local yoga studios.
Batu Bolong: The Vibrant Heart of the Action
Batu Bolong is the undisputed centre of Canggu’s energy. Stretching from the main road down to the shore, this area is a high-octane mix of kitschy boutiques and high-end dining.
- The Vibe: This is the neighborhood for those who want to be in the thick of it. It’s home to famous names like Mason, Old Man’s, and The Lawn. Expect plenty of surf rentals on the sand and the island's "coolest crowd" waiting for the next set.
- Accommodation: Offers everything from upscale luxury hotels to social hostels. Note: Come here for the nightlife, not for a quiet night's sleep.
Jalan Nelayan: The "Gym Alley" Discovery
A relatively recent favorite, Nelayan has transformed into a fitness enthusiast's dream. It’s a slightly more understated pocket of Canggu that offers a refreshing break from the massive beach club scene.
- The Vibe: Known as "Gym Alley" due to the presence of Body Factory, Canggu Studios, and the spinning favorite Zycle. The beach remains largely undeveloped, making it a great spot to watch local fishermen or catch a boat to Uluwatu.
- Highlights: Visit ZIN Cafe for free co-working, Kynd Community for aesthetic plant-based meals, or Serenity Eco Guesthouse for budget-friendly massages and yoga.
Berawa: The Trendy Up-and-Comer
Though reaching Berawa requires navigating the infamous "Canggu Shortcut," the effort is well worth it. It’s arguably the most vibrant area for shopping and modern dining right now.
- The Vibe: Berawa feels fresh and intentionally curated. It strikes a balance between being "vibey" and slightly less congested than the Batu Bolong core.
- Food & Nightlife: Home to the world-famous Finns Beach Club, as well as culinary hits like Mosto, Copenhagen Berawa, and the must-try Dough Darlings.
- Surf: Known for having some of the most consistent and superb waves in the region.
Top Things to do in Canggu
Scenic view of tropical overwater villas surrounded by clear blue water and palm trees in Vietnam. Via Pexels (by thanhhoa tran)
To be fair, Canggu isn’t typically the first place you’d go for a deep cultural immersion or traditional sightseeing—for that, you’re better off heading to Ubud. Instead, Canggu’s charm lies in its transformation: while many of its famous rice paddies have been replaced by a world-class dining and entertainment scene, it remains a premier destination for black-sand beaches and consistent surf breaks.
Ultimately, Canggu is the ultimate "lifestyle" hub. It’s the kind of place where you can easily settle in for a week to balance remote work, high-intensity fitness, spa treatments, and—most importantly—an endless rotation of incredible restaurants.
The Essential Canggu To-Do List
- Beach Club Culture: Spend a day lounging at iconic spots like Finns, The Lawn, COMO Beach Club, or the bohemian La Brisa at Echo Beach.
- The Fitness Circuit: Stay active with spinning at Zycle, yoga at Samadi or Serenity, or a serious lifting session at Body Factory. For something different, try kickboxing at Canggu Studios or a game of padel at Jungle Padel.
- Surf & Sand: Catch a wave at Echo Beach, Batu Bolong, or Berawa. All three spots have plenty of board rentals and local instructors ready to help beginners.
- Work from Paradise: If you need to stay productive, grab a seat at ZIN Cafe or the purpose-built Tribal coworking space.
- Iconic Day Trip: Take a short drive north to visit the breathtaking Tanah Lot Temple, one of Bali's most sacred offshore shrines.
- Unique Adventures:
- Test your strength at Bali Climbing.
- Skip the road traffic and take a scenic GoBoat.id ferry from Nelayan Beach directly to Uluwatu.
- Have a family-friendly afternoon at Taman Segara Madu Water Park.
Where to Eat in Canggu?
people in swimming pool Via Unsplash (by Cassie Gallegos)
Top Cafes in Canggu
Perfect for a slow brunch or a post-surf caffeine hit:
- Crate Cafe: Still the "coolest" spot in town. It’s famous for massive portions and a high-energy atmosphere. Tip: Arrive early to beat the morning rush, as the communal tables fill up fast.
- Shady Shack: A must-visit for plant-based foodies. This garden-style cafe serves up vibrant vegetarian and vegan bowls—the Nori Bowl remains a legendary fan favorite.
- Copenhagen: A unique Danish-inspired concept where you build your own breakfast board. Don't leave without trying their authentic rye bread or the fresh waffles.
- Kynd Community: Now firmly established in Canggu, this pink-hued paradise offers some of the most aesthetic (and delicious) vegan bowls and smoothies on the island.
Top Restaurants in Canggu
For a sophisticated dinner or a "vibey" night out:
- Skool Kitchen: An incredible culinary experience focused on "primitive" over-the-fire cooking. For the best seat in the house, sit at the kitchen counter to watch the chefs work the flames.
- Mosto: This trendy natural wine bar perfectly blends an extensive wine list with innovative "East meets West" small plates—ideal for a social evening with friends.
- Mason: A Canggu staple that continues to draw a hip, consistent crowd. Known for its wood-fired grill and cured meats; the roasted quail is highly recommended.
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How to Get from Bali Airport to Canggu?
people sitting on chair inside building Via Unsplash (by Phil Mosley)
Getting from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) to Canggu is a journey of about 15–20 km. While the distance is short, traffic in areas like Kuta and Seminyak can be heavy, meaning the drive typically takes anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Here are the most reliable ways to make the trip:
Canggu Bali | Pre-Booked Private Transfer (Recommended)
Private transfer is generally the least stressful option. Your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall with a name sign, helping you avoid the "taxi vouchers" and crowds at the exit.
- Cost: Approximately AUD $25 – $40 (around IDR 300,000 – 400,000).
- Providers: Services like Trip.com, or local drivers (often reached via WhatsApp) are popular.
- Perks: Fixed pricing, flight monitoring, and door-to-door service to your villa or hotel.
Canggu Bali | Grab or Gojek
Bali's equivalent to Uber or Lyft. Both apps have official lounges and pickup points at the airport.
- Grab Lounge: Located in the International and Domestic arrival zones. Staff there can help you book if you don't have the app ready.
- Pickup Point: Usually requires a short walk to the "Grab Lounge" or the "Domestic Parking Building" (3rd Floor).
- Cost: Roughly AUD $30 – $45 (IDR 310,000 – 450,000). Prices fluctuate based on demand.
- Note: Fares from the airport are higher than standard city rates due to airport surcharges.
Canggu Bali | Airport Taxis
You can find the official taxi desk just outside the arrivals hall.
- Pre-paid: You pay a fixed price at the counter based on your destination zone in Canggu.
- Metered: Bluebird taxis are the most reputable metered option, though they can sometimes be harder to find right at the arrivals curb compared to the fixed-rate drivers.
- Cost: Expect to pay around AUD $30 – $40 (IDR 300,000 – 400,000).
Hotel Recommendations in Bali
Bali Hotels
5 star
Great452 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|16.74km from downtown
The hotel is located within a large complex. There are many restaurants just a street away, and it's a pleasant 10-15 minute walk to the Collection mall, or you can use the scheduled shuttle service. The hotel isn't directly on the beach, but they offer regular shuttle rides to and from the seaside. Most of the hotel staff are very friendly, with the exception of a few at the beach. Every time I tried to buy a coconut at the beach, the staff would say they were sold out. And when I tried to order other drinks, they seemed quite annoyed. The room itself was spacious and very clean. They provide four complimentary bottles of water daily, and you can request four more. Any additional bottles after that come with a charge. During breakfast, you can see many small squirrels being fed from little wooden bowls hung on the trees in the restaurant.FromPLN 426
Amazing115 Reviews
Ubud Bali|22.98km from downtown
This is a premium hotel far outside of Ubud center. Be aware you are about 30 minutes from Ubud if you stay here and there really isn't much to do in the immediate area besides stare at the jungle. Staff was outstanding here with frequent greetings by name and remembering you like a Ritz Carlton.
Because I enjoy regular outings I actually found the location quite inconvenient as an hour a day would have to be devoted just to getting to and from Ubud.
The room I got was enormous and included a dining room, sitting room, bedroom, large bathroom. The in room amenities were great including a free restocking mini bar with snacks (no alcohol) and a large smart TV. The bed was huge, soft, and comfortable.
The bathtub was a downside as it was quite small by western standards (not as small as a japanese tub though). I'm not a very big individual at 173cm and I felt it was too narrow and not long enough. Perhaps suitable for petite individuals only. Be aware of that if like me and many Americans you prefer baths over showers.
The property is very large and you will likely want to regularly use the phone to request the on site golf cart shuttles to get around it as otherwise you will spend much of your time walking uphill from the rooms to the amenities near the entrance like the restaurant and pool.FromPLN 320
Great560 Reviews
Jimbaran Bali|14.95km from downtown
We chose this hotel for the last two nights of our Bali trip because it offered excellent value compared to many other resorts in Bali and even other InterContinental properties. The resort itself is huge, with a wide variety of facilities including separate adult and family pools, an indoor gym, a calisthenics gym, beautiful ponds, direct beach access, and very friendly staff. On paper, it seemed like a fantastic choice.
Unfortunately, our stay turned out to be extremely disappointing.
We stayed in room number 4127. On our first night, both of us woke up covered in insect bites despite sleeping tucked under the blankets. Around midnight, we had to spray both the bed and ourselves with insect repellent just to get through the night. The following morning, we reported the issue and requested a room change because we were concerned there might be insects in the mattress. Instead, we were only offered fresh bed sheets and a general cleaning of the room.
Sadly, the exact same thing happened again on the second night. We woke up with even more bites and no longer felt safe sleeping in the bed. We strongly suspected there were bugs hiding in the mattress. We ended up leaving the room in the middle of the night and spent the rest of the night in the hotel lobby because we were too afraid to return to bed.
What disappointed us the most was how the situation was handled. We showed the staff numerous photos documenting the bites over both nights, yet the only compensation offered was to waive a small bill (about RMB 55) for an ice cream and a coffee. Considering we lost two nights of sleep, experienced significant discomfort, and had to spend an entire night in the lobby, this response felt inadequate and did not reflect the level of service we expected.
In addition, the hotel itself feels quite dated. Although it has its charm, many areas appear to have aged significantly. The towels were noticeably worn, wooden fixtures were chipped, and the overall condition suggested the property is overdue for a major renovation.
We genuinely wanted to enjoy our stay because the resort has so much potential. The grounds are beautiful, the facilities are plentiful, and the staff we interacted with were polite and friendly. However, the insect issue and the hotel’s response overshadowed everything else. We hope management takes this feedback seriously and thoroughly investigates the mattresses and rooms so future guests do not have the same experience.FromPLN 737
Great557 Reviews
Uluwatu Bali|19.37km from downtown
The hotel is located on a hill, quite high up, so you definitely need a car to get around. There's one road that's in terrible condition – avoid it at all costs. The hotel is a bit older, so the rooms aren't brand new, but they are comfortable enough. The bathroom is as spacious as the bedroom, which is great. Breakfast was plentiful but not particularly tasty (a common issue in Bali). I bought a voucher for 800 RMB including breakfast for two during a promotion, and using it in June made it a really good deal. However, if it were 1000 RMB per night, I think there would be better options available.FromPLN 637
Amazing569 Reviews
Ubud Bali|16km from downtown
Facilities: Natural, Balinese style
Cleanliness: Excellent
Ambiance: The room's fragrance was fresh and perfect.
Service: Very attentive
We canceled another hotel and switched to this one. The location is excellent; a small path next to it leads directly to the back entrance of Yogabarn, and the popular Pison restaurant is right next door. Ubud's bustling shopping street is also nearby. If you're looking for plenty of activities, this is a top choice. Breakfast was delicious. The hotel's toiletries—shampoo, conditioner, and body wash—smelled wonderful, and I even bought a set before leaving. Unfortunately, the lotion was out of stock. My question now is: How can I purchase it, and can it be shipped domestically? How can I contact you?FromPLN 580
Business travel
Good424 Reviews
Seminyak Bali|6.6km from downtown
I chose Sense Seminyak Hotel mainly because of its strategic location—it’s right in front of Eiger and adidas stores, which made shopping super convenient for me. After that, I easily took a Gojek ride to Seminyak Beach to catch the sunset.
The location is definitely a big plus, with everything you need nearby. It’s also a popular choice among travelers because the price is very reasonable for what you get.
A great option if you’re looking for convenience, good value, and easy access to shopping and the beach!FromPLN 46
Very Good413 Reviews
Sanur Bali|7.01km from downtown
Prama Sanur Beach Bali is an established resort offering great value for money. Its biggest draw is the private beachfront, perfect for catching stunning sunrises, cycling, and enjoying water sports right from the hotel. The pool is large and surrounded by lush greenery. However, since the hotel has been around for a while, the rooms and bathrooms show their age. Overall, it's a good choice for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize a wide range of facilities and relaxing sea views, and aren't overly particular about the newest amenities.FromPLN 334
Very Good328 Reviews
Kuta Bali|10.42km from downtown
Really nice hotel, excellent value. I was only there for 1 night, but wish it was longer. Great location nearby the airport and plenty around the local area.
Room was very spacious and well equipped.
The stand out was the food from the room service, which was very inexpensive, and was exceptional (pictured), would highly recommend.
Staff all polite and friendly.FromPLN 59
Great744 Reviews
Kuta Bali|9.39km from downtown
I had a wonderful stay here. The location is excellent — close to the airport, the beach, and shopping centers. The service was top-notch.
That said, the breakfast buffet wasn't for me; I didn't find much on offer that suited my taste. I also stayed two nights and ran into a bit of a crowd late at night on the ground floor — other guests were having a party, drinking and shouting.
Overall, it's a good pick.FromPLN 215
Very Good407 Reviews
Seminyak Bali|6.77km from downtown
I stayed here for a week and had a wonderful time. The spacious room, large bed, and comfortable balcony overlooking the fields made every day enjoyable. I'm truly grateful to all the hotel staff for their kind and friendly service at all times. They were incredibly prompt in handling issues like the faulty security box and running out of toilet paper, which I really appreciated. The breakfast buffet was fantastic, offering not just Indonesian dishes but also bread, desserts, and fruits. I especially loved the terrace seating where I could enjoy the morning breeze and sunshine. The hotel's location is excellent, close to a big beach club and the beach, with convenience stores and restaurants within walking distance, and Grab taxis arriving quickly. This was a truly wonderful trip, and I'd love to stay here again.FromPLN 92
Breakfast
Very Good362 Reviews
Ubud Bali|21.48km from downtown
The cliffside infinity pool offers stunning views of the rainforest terraces and valleys, with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets – perfect for incredible photos.
Enjoy ultimate privacy in a secluded rainforest villa, quiet and peaceful, far from the hustle and bustle of Ubud.
The butler service is attentive, there's a 24-hour front desk, free city shuttle, professional spa, and the floating breakfast is amazing.
The rooms are spacious, with Zen-inspired Balinese decor, clean, tidy, and have excellent terrace views.
Forest yoga and rice field trekking provide a healing and relaxing experience, making it ideal for a romantic honeymoon.
Be aware of mosquitoes and geckos: it's inevitable in a rainforest villa, and you might occasionally find small lizards indoors, so definitely come prepared with mosquito repellent.FromPLN 331
Great555 Reviews
Jimbaran Bali|14.1km from downtown
• Location: Close to the airport and the ocean. Easy access to shops, currency exchange booths, cafes, street food vendors, and massage parlors.
• Room: Spacious with all the essentials: a safe, slippers, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shower gel, and shampoo. The view was of a soccer field and local houses, but it was noisy at night even with the windows closed; we could hear motorbikes racing on the road. The lack of a balcony wasn't an issue; we dried our clothes in the room.
At one point, the air conditioning stopped working, but we reported it to reception, and they fixed it quickly.
The shower drained poorly, likely due to a lack of slope towards the drain.
• Breakfast: Varied, with sliced cheese and cold cuts, a vegetable and salad station, an omelet station, several types of fruit, fried fish, chicken in various sauces, rice, pasta, a self-serve soup station, but the pastries were cold 😓.
I didn't like that smoking was allowed at the tables.
• Pool: Overlooking Jimbaran Bay. Absolutely beautiful. I wanted to explore every corner. The pool looked clean, and all the tiles were intact. There was a bar nearby where you could order drinks and food at reasonable prices.
• Ocean: A straight 5-minute walk down a quiet street. The beach is being cleaned this year. The most beautiful sunsets are only here 😍. The hotel doesn't have its own sun loungers and umbrellas, but you can rent them on the beach without any problems.
Overall, the hotel offers excellent value for money. The cost is affordable for such a great vacation.FromPLN 156
Amazing1151 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|19.15km from downtown
The hotel grounds are expansive and the lobby is quite grand, with a nice aesthetic. However, the rooms and elevators are really showing their age. The lettering on light switches is completely worn off, and you can barely read the labels on the shower gel bottles – I don't know why the hotel hasn't replaced them yet. While the room was spacious, it felt too old for the price. On the positive side, there's an indoor kids' play area and a small water slide, which the children absolutely loved. There aren't any convenience stores nearby, which was a bit inconvenient. Overall, a one or two-day stay is more than enough here.FromPLN 1,756
Very Good176 Reviews
Nusa Dua Bali|14km from downtown
This hotel is a very good choice 👍🏼 I am a little picky, but here’s my review:
Pros:
✅ No damp smell, well ventilated ( I was worried about this)
✅ No insects in the room. There might be some geckos 🦎 (which is normal and expected) but I didn’t see any.
✅ Very clean in general
✅ Comfortable bed
✅ The service is amazing
✅ The staff is very friendly and helpful
✅ The breakfast is very good, there are plenty of choices.
✅ Their restaurant is also very good, in case you don’t want to go out of the resort.
✅ The vibe at the beach is nice and if you like water sports it is also good.
✅ The pool is huge and very nice
✅ Reasonable price (but it will depend on the season and demand)
Cons:
😑 Sound proof can be better, one can hear everyone from the pool (the sound enters from the main door)
😑 The beach is not the best for swimming, and is a bit dirty in general (not the hotel’s fault)
😑 The gym can be better as there are only 3 machines (spinning, treadmill and elliptical) the dumbbells are fine
✅😄 Overall, recommended! I was happy with my stay at this hotel!
It is good to give it a try!FromPLN 384
Great186 Reviews
Jimbaran Bali|15.75km from downtown
We really enjoyed our stay at Mövenpick and were very happy with our overall experience.
The hotel itself is beautiful, with a stylish and thoughtful design throughout. Our room was spacious, comfortable, and beautifully designed as well. The service was excellent, and the staff were always friendly, responsive, and genuinely willing to help whenever we needed anything.
The only downside was breakfast. At times, it felt like there were simply more guests than the restaurant and staff could comfortably accommodate, which made the experience a little hectic and the service less smooth than in the rest of the hotel.
Apart from that, everything was wonderful. We truly enjoyed our stay and were very pleased with the hotel, the service, and the atmosphere. Thank you to the entire team for making our time at MövenpickFromPLN 494
FAQs about Canggu Bali
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