A travel guide to Canggu; things to do in Bali's beach-side town.
Canggu, situated on the southwest coast of Bali, is a vibrant destination that has the perfect blend of beach vibes and cultural charm, with a thriving food and nightlife scene.
Known for its black-sand beaches, chilled, yet fun atmosphere, Canggu was the perfect first stop after travelling for almost 24 hours. The beach-side town has a variety of cafes, beachfront bars, beach clubs and yoga studios. The streets are dotted with colourful street art and the markets make the perfect afternoon to shop local produce.
How to Get to Canggu from Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar)
There are several options for getting to Canggu from Bali’s Denpasar Airport (Ngurah Rai International):
Car Hire: While renting a car is possible, it’s not recommended due to Bali’s notoriously congested traffic, regardless of the time of day. It’s more practical to rent a moped upon arrival in Canggu or use taxi apps for car and moped rides.
Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the airport, or you can use Bali’s rideshare apps, Grab and Gojek, which work similarly to Uber. Simply download the app to book your ride.
Private Transfer: This option offers peace of mind, especially for first-time visitors or late-night arrivals. I opted for a private transfer through SunTransfers, where a driver was waiting at arrivals. The transfer cost around 14 euros and took less than an hour to reach Canggu.
Top Things to Do in Canggu: Ultimate Guide
1. Finn's Beachclub: The Ultimate Day-to-Night Beach Club in Canggu
Finn’s Beachclub in Canggu is perfect for those who want to relax during the day and enjoy a party atmosphere in the evening. This iconic beachfront venue shifts from a laid-back spot for sunbathing to a lively nightclub after sunset. You can show up on the day for a visit, but if you want a guaranteed sun lounger or day bed, booking in advance is recommended.
Booking Options at Finn’s Beachclub
While walk-ins are welcome, securing a sunbed requires pre-booking online. Finn’s offers various seating options:
Single Beds (1 person)
Deluxe Party Beds (6 people)
Booths (6 people)
Super Beds (10 people)
Super Party Booths (10 people)
Platform (20 people)
During our visit, we chose two single beds in the 'Finn’s Beach Party Area,' close to the pool. For a more relaxed vibe, the oceanfront and VIP areas are quieter options.
A Day at Finn’s Beachclub
Arriving at midday provided a chilled start, with the atmosphere gradually becoming more lively as the day turned into night. Finn’s stays open until midnight, so you can enjoy a full day there.
Costs and Booking Details
Each single bed cost about £46 (950,000 IDR), which you can redeem against food and drinks. The table service was excellent, with staff taking and delivering orders directly to your sunbed. The extensive menu featured a variety of food and cocktails.
Upon arrival, you receive a wristband linked to your bed or table, allowing you to order from various bars on-site. Payments are deducted from your initial amount, and any overspending is settled at checkout. It’s easy to spend more than planned—we ended up spending an additional £200 on drinks by the end of our stay!
Tips for Your Visit:
Arrive Early: Midday is ideal for a relaxed start before the evening crowd arrives.
Book in Advance: Beds and loungers fill up fast, especially in popular areas.
Budget for Extras: Plan for potential additional expenses if you’re staying the whole day.
Website: Finns Beach Club
2. Experience the Love Anchor Market
Love Anchor Market is a vibrant hub for shopping in the center of Canggu. This bustling market features over 50 vendors offering artisanal crafts, clothing, accessories and local food. Whether you're looking to shop for unique, handcrafted items or simply browse and soak in the atmosphere, Love Anchor Market is a must-visit. Remember to bring cash, as most vendors do not accept cards.
Website: Love Anchor
3. Go Surfing
I'm only adding this to the list if you can already surf! As a surfing novice I decided to give surfing a go as it was one of the top things to do whilst in Canggu (the sea is full of surfers). The waves are extremely aggressive and it is really hard to do if you aren't experienced with these kind of waves as you get dragged under. I also decided to try body boarding but again this is extremely hard too!
4. Exploring Seminyak: A Day Trip from Canggu
Seminyak, just a 30-minute taxi ride from Canggu, offers a vibrant mix of activities for tourists. While we chose not to stay in Seminyak due to its bustling, tourist-heavy atmosphere and abundance of resorts, we definitely wanted to experience the highlights of the area for a day. Known for its lively atmosphere, Seminyak boasts a variety of restaurants, bars, and beach clubs, making it a popular destination for visitors to Bali. The area also features plenty of shops, stalls and roadside vendors, adding to its energetic vibe.
Some of the things we did in Seminyak:
Motel Mexicola (great Mexican restaurant)
Potatohead Beach Club (we just went to the bar for drinks without booking and you can use the pool)
Ku De Ta Beach Club
La Plancha Bar (amazing spot to watch the sunset on beanbags on the beach)
5. Relax with a Massage or Beauty Treatment in Canggu
Canggu is known for its luxurious spas and wellness centres. Escape the bustling streets to a local spa and get a massage or beauty treatment. We visited Lotus Spa a few times whilst in Canggu. The spa setting is tranquil and they have an extensive menu of treatments from blissful massages to invigorating body scrubs and luxurious facials, each experience is meticulously crafted by the experienced staff.
Multiple locations (+62 819-9974-8221)
Where to Eat & Drink in Canggu: Top Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars
Canggu has become a culinary hotspot in Bali, offering a diverse range of restaurants, cafes and bars that cater to every taste and preference. Whether you're in the mood for a healthy brunch, international cuisine, or a cocktail by the beach, Canggu has something for everyone.
I've done a full blog post on the Best Restaurants in Canggu, but here if a brief summary, as well as some bars:
Best Spots for Breakfast and Lunch in Canggu
Crate Cafe – Known for its creative menu and vibrant atmosphere, Crate Cafe offers an incredible selection of healthy breakfast option.
Milk and Madu – A popular spot for a laid-back brunch, Milk and Madu serves up delicious coffee, tasty breakfast dishes and fresh salads, making it perfect for a relaxed breakfast or lunch in Canggu.
Nüde – A cafe offering fresh, organic dishes, Nüde is a must-visit for breakfast or lunch, known for its beautifully plated dishes and focus on wholesome ingredients.
Best Places for Dinner in Canggu
Lacalita Bar y Cocina – Enjoy flavorful Mexican dishes and refreshing cocktails at Lacalita, a vibrant spot perfect for a fun dinner.
Billy Ho – For a more contemporary dining experience, Billy Ho offers an innovative fusion of Australian and Asian cuisine in a modern.
Finn’s Beach Club – With stunning ocean views, Finn’s Beach Club provides the perfect setting for a relaxing dinner by the beach, offering a range of delicious meals and cocktails in a luxurious atmosphere.
Motel Mexicola – In Seminyak, but added it because it was wroth the trip. A lively, colourful venue serving up some of the best Mexican food in Bali, Motel Mexicola is a favourite for both its food and vibrant ambiance.
Best Places for Drinks in Canggu
You should book all of these in advance if you want to be seated
Finn's Beach Club Canggu - Located by the beach, Finn’s Beach Club is the ultimate spot for drinks in Canggu, offering a lively atmosphere, signature cocktails and stunning ocean views. A must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy a drink in style.
La Brisa Canggu - Experience the laid-back vibe of La Brisa, one of Canggu's most popular beach clubs. Famous for its cocktails, beachfront location, and boho-chic decor, it’s a top choice for those looking to have a drink while watching the sunset.
The Lawn Canggu - The Lawn offers a chic beachfront setting where you can enjoy refreshing drinks and delicious food. With its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, it’s perfect for enjoying a cocktail while overlooking the surf.
Old Man’s Canggu - A local favourite, Old Man’s is known for its casual vibes, beachside location, and affordable drinks. Perfect for surfers and tourists, it offers a great selection of drinks in a relaxed, friendly environment.
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