Unforgettable Things to Do in Canggu 2026

Welcome to Canggu—Bali's coolest laid-back surf town where rice fields meet black sand beaches, surf schools share streets with specialty coffee shops, and yoga studios sit next to beach clubs. 

This is where digital nomads work from cafes, surfers chase dawn waves, and everyone meets for sunset beers. It's trendy without being pretentious, busy without being chaotic. 

Whether you're here to surf, work remotely, or just vibe with the coolest crowd in Bali, here's your complete guide.

Best Canggu Beach Activities

Learn to Surf at Batu Bolong Beach

Batu Bolong Beach is the ultimate beginner surf spot in Canggu with gentle waves and super social vibes. Multiple surf schools line the beach—Bali Surf School, Canggu Surf School, and UP2U Surf all offer patient instructors who actually want you to succeed. 

The beach vibe is incredibly welcoming; you'll make friends while waiting for waves and everyone cheers when someone stands up for the first time. Plus the sunset here is absolutely stunning.

🏄 Essential Info:

• 💵 Lessons: 500k-700k IDR (2-3 hours, board & instructor included)
• ⏰ Best Time: Morning 6-9 AM for cleanest waves
• 🎯 Level: Perfect for complete beginners

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Surf Echo Beach (Intermediate)

Echo Beach serves more powerful waves with longer rides for those ready to level up from Batu Bolong. The beach is wider and less crowded, perfect for practicing your turns without dodging dozens of other learners. 

Grab a cold Bintang at Echo Beach Club after your session and watch other surfers tackle the bigger sets. Just remember—the black sand gets scorching hot by midday, so bring sandals!

🌊 Essential Info:

• 🏄 Wave Level: Intermediate, more powerful than Batu Bolong
• ⏰ Best Time: Early morning 6-8 AM (glassy & uncrowded)
• 🍺 Post-Surf: Echo Beach Club right on the sand

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Chill at Old Man's Beach Club

Old Man's is the OG Canggu beach club that started it all—right on Batu Bolong Beach with beanbags, cold drinks, and zero pretension. It's not fancy like Seminyak clubs; it's relaxed, affordable, and genuinely social. 

Perfect for post-surf hangs or lazy Sunday sessions listening to live bands. The sunset beers start at just 40k IDR and the vibe is pure Canggu soul.

🍻 Essential Info:

• 💵 Drinks: Bintang 40k-50k IDR, super budget-friendly
• 🎵 Live Music: Most evenings starting 8-9 PM
• 🌅 Vibe: Surfer crowd, barefoot casual, sunset sessions

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Watch Sunset at Pererenan Beach

Pererenan (locals call it "Prer-ran") is Canggu's peaceful beach alternative with fewer crowds and the same stunning sunsets. The waves are mellow, the beach is clean, and you can actually find space to breathe without stepping on someone's towel. 

Perfect for families or couples wanting chill vibes away from Batu Bolong's party scene. Just grab beers from a minimart and enjoy local life.

🌅 Essential Info:

• 📍 Location: 10-minute scooter ride north from central Canggu
• 💵 Cost: FREE! BYOB from nearby minimart
• 🏖️ Vibe: Zero tourists, authentic local families

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Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

SUP is perfect when you want ocean time without the surf commitment. Rent boards at Berawa or Batu Bolong Beach (100k-150k IDR/hour) and paddle along the coast during calm morning waters. 

Some places even offer SUP yoga—sounds weird but it's actually fun and seriously challenges your balance. Great core workout with incredible ocean views.

🏄‍♀️ Essential Info:

• 💵 Rental: 100k-150k IDR per hour
• ⏰ Best Time: Early 7-9 AM before wind picks up
• 🧘 SUP Yoga: Available at select spots, 200k-300k IDR

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Cafe Culture & Co-Working

Work From Crate Cafe

Crate Cafe is digital nomad headquarters in Bali—strong WiFi (50+ Mbps), power outlets everywhere, healthy food, and excellent coffee.

The crowd is laptops and lattes until sunset when it transforms into a social scene. Get there before 9 AM to snag a table because this place fills up FAST with remote workers from around the world.

💻 Essential Info:

• 📶 WiFi: 50+ Mbps, very reliable
• ⏰ Opens: 7 AM (arrive early for seats!)
• 💵 Food: 75k-150k IDR, coffee 45k-55k IDR

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Breakfast at Betelnut Cafe

Betelnut serves what many consider the best brunch in Canggu in a gorgeous garden setting. The coconut chia pudding and green smoothie bowls are Instagram-famous but actually taste incredible. 

It's Instagrammable AND delicious—a rare combo. Expect weekend queues; weekday mornings are much smarter for getting a table without the wait.

🥑 Essential Info:

• 💵 Prices: 70k-150k IDR per dish
• ⏰ Best Time: Weekday mornings 8-9 AM (avoid weekend crowds)
• 🍽️ Must-Order: Coconut chia pudding, big breakfast

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Coffee at Expat Roasters

Expat takes coffee seriously—single origin beans, precise brewing methods (V60, Chemex, AeroPress), and knowledgeable baristas who can discuss extraction ratios. Try the tasting flight to sample different roasts side-by-side. The space is minimal and focused purely on coffee quality. No fancy food menu, just exceptional coffee for true coffee nerds.

☕ Essential Info:

• 💵 Coffee: 45k-65k IDR, tasting flight 100k-150k IDR
• 🎓 Workshops: Brewing classes & cupping sessions available
• 🎯 For: Serious coffee lovers only

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Work at Dojo Bali Co-Working

When cafe WiFi isn't cutting it, Dojo delivers professional co-working with super-fast internet (100+ Mbps), private booths, meeting rooms, and rooftop pool for breaks. Day passes include unlimited coffee and access to networking events. The community of entrepreneurs and freelancers makes it easy to meet potential collaborators or just make friends in the digital nomad lifestyle.

🖥️ Essential Info:

• 💵 Day Pass: 150k IDR (includes unlimited coffee)
• 📶 WiFi: 100+ Mbps fiber, ultra-reliable
• 🏊 Perks: Rooftop pool, meeting rooms, networking events

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Rice Fields & Nature

Walk the Canggu Shortcut Through Rice Fields

This walking path cuts through bright emerald rice paddies connecting Berawa to Batu Bolong—the most scenic commute you'll ever experience. Locals use it daily, and it's infinitely prettier than the traffic-jammed main roads. You'll see farmers working traditional methods, ducks waddling through fields, and get that classic Bali rice terrace photo everyone dreams of.

🌾 Essential Info:

• 💵 Cost: Completely FREE
• ⏰ Best Time: 6-8 AM (golden light) or 4-6 PM (sunset glow)
• 📏 Distance: ~2 km, takes 15-20 minutes leisurely

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Bike Through Pererenan Rice Fields

The area around Pererenan still has extensive rice fields and traditional villages untouched by Canggu's development. Rent a bike (50k-75k IDR/day) and pedal through quiet lanes, wave at farmers, stop at small temples, and experience rural Bali just minutes from trendy beach clubs. It's a refreshing contrast and some cafes even offer free bike rentals with purchase.

🚴 Essential Info:

• 💵 Bike Rental: 50k-75k IDR/day (some cafes offer free with purchase)
• ⏰ Best Time: Early morning 7-9 AM or late afternoon 4-6 PM
• 🎯 Route: No fixed path, explore freely and get pleasantly lost

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Sunrise at Tanah Lot Temple

Just 20 minutes from Canggu sits Bali's iconic sea temple—and while sunset gets mobbed with tour buses, sunrise is magical and almost empty. Watch the temple emerge from darkness as the sky transitions through pink and orange. The 5 AM wake-up is absolutely worth it for the peaceful spiritual experience before crowds arrive.

🌅 Essential Info:

• 📍 Distance: 20 minutes from Canggu by scooter
• 💵 Entry: 60k IDR adults
• ⏰ Arrive: 30 minutes before sunrise (check time by season)

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Free Things to Do in Canggu

Join Free Beach Yoga Sessions

Several spots offer donation-based or completely free yoga on the beach. Serenity Eco Guesthouse hosts free morning yoga (donations appreciated), and some beach clubs offer free sunset yoga to attract customers for post-class drinks. It's a fantastic way to meet like-minded travelers and start your day centered and stretched.

🧘 Essential Info:

• 💵 Cost: FREE or 50k-100k IDR donation
• 📍 Where: Batu Bolong Beach, Berawa Beach
• 📱 Schedule: Check Instagram for current times (changes seasonally)

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Watch Surf Competitions

Canggu hosts regular surf contests throughout the year—all completely free to watch. Grab a prime beach spot or a beanbag at a cafe and watch incredibly talented surfers compete. The energy is electric with crowds cheering, DJs pumping music, and the raw display of skill. Check local surf shops for competition calendars.

🏄 Essential Info:

• 💵 Entry: FREE from beach, or buy drinks at cafes for comfort
• 📅 Events: Canggu Classic, international qualifying contests
• 📱 Find: Check @cangguclassic Instagram or local surf shops

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Explore Local Markets

Samadi Sunday Market and Love Anchor Night Market offer free entry and showcase Canggu's creative community. Browse handmade jewelry, vintage clothes, local art, and street food while live music plays. The vibe is genuinely community-focused with artisans you can actually talk to—way better than aggressive vendor markets elsewhere in Bali.

🛍️ Essential Info:

• 📍 When: Sundays at Samadi, select evenings at Love Anchor
• 💵 Entry: FREE (bring cash for shopping)
• 🍴 Food: Street food stalls 30k-80k IDR

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Sunset at Nelayan Beach (Local Fishing Beach)

Nelayan sits between Echo and Batu Bolong with traditional fishing boats and local families—zero tourists. It's less scenic than Instagram beaches but completely authentic and free. Grab beers from a minimart (15k-20k IDR each), bring a towel, and watch sunset with real Canggu locals instead of influencers posing for content.

🌅 Essential Info:

• 💵 Cost: FREE, BYOB from minimart
• 🎯 Vibe: Authentic local life, traditional fishing boats
• 🅿️ Parking: Free roadside parking

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Things to Do in Canggu at Night

Party at La Brisa Beach Club

Built entirely from driftwood and recycled materials, La Brisa on Echo Beach is the most atmospheric spot for evening vibes. Bonfires on the sand, string lights everywhere, waves crashing nearby, and live DJs spinning house and reggae. Come for sunset around 5-6 PM, stay as it transforms into a full beach party with international crowd dancing barefoot in the sand.

🔥 Essential Info:

• 💵 Entry: Free before 6 PM, 100k-150k IDR after (includes drink)
• 🎵 Music: Live DJs nightly, house & reggae
• ⏰ Best: Arrive 5 PM for sunset, party peaks 9 PM+

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Live Music at Old Man's

Old Man's transforms from daytime beach club to nighttime music venue almost every evening. Local and international bands play reggae, rock, and acoustic sets—completely casual, you can show up in beach clothes with sandy feet. Music usually starts 8-9 PM and it gets packed by 10 PM with everyone vibing to the live sounds.

🎸 Essential Info:

• 💵 Entry: FREE, just buy drinks (40k-50k IDR beers)
• 🎵 Schedule: Check @oldmanscanggu Instagram
• ⏰ Music Starts: Usually 8-9 PM nightly

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Bar Hopping on Batu Bolong Street

The main strip comes alive after dark with everything walking distance. Start at Pretty Poison for rooftop cocktails, hit The Lawn for sunset ocean views, continue to Sandbar for dancing and DJ sets, end at Old Man's for live music. The crowd is young, international, and ready to party—perfect for meeting fellow travelers.

🍻 Essential Info:

• 🚶 Route: Pretty Poison → The Lawn → Sandbar → Old Man's
• 💵 Budget: 500k-800k IDR for full night out
• 🎉 Peak: Thursday-Saturday busiest, Sunday Sessions legendary

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Late Night Eats at Warung Dandelion

After hours of drinking and dancing, Warung Dandelion serves authentic Indonesian comfort food until 2-3 AM. Order nasi goreng with extra sambal, mie goreng with fried egg, or chicken satay—everything's cheap (30k-50k IDR), delicious, and exactly what drunk-you needs. The place fills with a fun mix of locals and tourists all just happy to be eating good food.

🍜 Essential Info:

• 💵 Prices: 30k-50k IDR per dish (super affordable)
• ⏰ Hours: Open until 2-3 AM, later on weekends
• 💡 Perfect For: Post-party munchies, late-night cravings

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Beach Bonfire Sessions

On quieter beach sections, spontaneous bonfire gatherings happen after dark—groups building small fires, bringing guitars, beers, and good vibes. It's organic and magical; you might join an existing crew or start your own. Just remember to clean up ALL trash and respect noise levels for nearby residents. This is classic Bali traveler experience.

🔥 Essential Info:

• 📍 Best Spots: Pererenan Beach, quiet Echo Beach sections
• 💵 Cost: FREE, BYOB
• ⚠️ Important: Clean up everything, keep noise reasonable

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Wellness & Relaxation

Yoga at The Practice Canggu

World-class yoga in a gorgeous jungle setting with open-air design and lush tropical views. The Practice offers various styles—power vinyasa for workouts, yin for deep stretching, everything in between. Teachers are experienced and welcoming to all levels. Drop-in classes available, so you don't need packages—just show up and flow.

🧘 Essential Info:

• 💵 Drop-in: 150k-200k IDR per class
• ⏰ Schedule: Multiple daily classes, 6 AM to 8 PM
• 🎯 All Levels: Beginners to advanced welcome

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Spa at Bodyworks

Bodyworks offers professional massage and spa treatments at reasonable prices. Traditional Balinese massage, deep tissue, reflexology—therapists are skilled and the facilities are clean. The 2-hour packages combining massage, body scrub, and flower bath are the best value. Go midday when you can usually walk in without booking.

💆 Essential Info:

• 💵 Prices: 250k-400k IDR for 90-120 minutes
• 📞 Booking: Walk-ins okay midday, book ahead for evenings
• 🎯 Best: 2-hour combo package (massage + scrub + bath)

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Sound Healing at The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary hosts sound healing sessions with crystal bowls, gongs, and guided meditation—sounds hippie but it's genuinely therapeutic. The vibrations help release tension and bring you into deep meditative state. Many leave feeling completely reset mentally, physically, and emotionally. Weekly sessions attract both curious first-timers and regular practitioners.

🎵 Essential Info:

• 💵 Cost: 150k-250k IDR per session
• ⏰ Schedule: Weekly (check Instagram for current times)
• 🧘 Bring: Yoga mat or rent one, comfortable clothes, open mind

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Food & Dining

Dine at Finns Recreation Club

Finns is more than a beach club—it's a full entertainment complex with beach access, multiple pools, bowling alley, and excellent restaurants. Family-friendly during day, party central at night. The Sunday roast is legendary among expats. Day passes include pool and beach access with fees redeemable on food and drinks.

🏊 Essential Info:

• 💵 Day Pass: 300k-500k IDR (redeemable on F&B)
• 🍖 Sunday Roast: 250k-350k IDR, book ahead!
• 🎯 Perfect For: Full day hangout, families, pool parties

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Street Food at Night Markets

Skip trendy restaurants and hit night markets near Pererenan or food stalls on Pantai Batu Bolong street for authentic Balinese food at local prices. Try sate (grilled skewers), bakso (meatball soup), martabak (stuffed pancake) for dessert. Everything costs 15k-30k IDR per dish, so 50k IDR feeds you incredibly well.

🍢 Essential Info:

• 💵 Budget: 15k-30k IDR per dish, 50k feeds you well
• ⏰ Hours: Usually 6 PM - 11 PM
• 🌶️ Tip: Ask for sambal level (locals eat it SPICY!)

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Sunday Roast at Mason

Mason serves proper British-style Sunday roast with all the trimmings—Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, rich gravy. It's comfort food that makes homesick expats weep with joy. Book ahead because this sells out every single weekend without fail.

🍖 Essential Info:

• 💵 Price: 200k-300k IDR (includes drink)
• ⏰ When: Sundays only, lunch & dinner sittings
• 📞 Essential: Book by Thursday!

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Unique Experiences

Skateboarding at Pretty Poison Bowl

Pretty Poison features a legit concrete skate bowl where locals and traveling skaters session. Even non-skaters enjoy watching—skilled riders dropping in, pulling tricks, occasional spectacular wipeouts everyone laughs about. The bar serves cold drinks and the whole vibe captures classic skate culture. Boards available to rent if you want to try.

🛹 Essential Info:

• 💵 Bowl Access: Free, just buy drinks to support
• 🛹 Board Rental: 50k-100k IDR if available
• ⏰ Best Sessions: Mornings & late afternoons (cooler)

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Horse Riding on the Beach

Riding horses along black sand beaches at sunset is pure cinematic magic. Several operators near Pererenan and Echo Beach offer rides suitable for all experience levels. Trot along shoreline with waves lapping at horses' hooves, ocean breeze, golden sunset light—guides take photos so you'll have proof it actually happened.

🐴 Essential Info:

• 💵 Cost: 400k-600k IDR per person (1-2 hours)
• ⏰ Best: Sunset rides 4-6 PM (most photogenic)
• 📸 Photos: Included with guide

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Indonesian Cooking Class

Learn to cook authentic Indonesian dishes from scratch including market visits. Paon Bali Cooking Class and Bumbu Bali both offer small group sessions in home kitchens—super personal. You'll make nasi goreng, satay, and sambal using traditional methods, then sit family-style to eat everything while sharing stories with fellow students.

👨‍🍳 Essential Info:

• 💵 Price: 400k-500k IDR (includes everything + transport)
• ⏱️ Duration: 5-6 hours (market + cooking + eating)
• 📖 Take Home: Recipe booklet, new skills, full belly

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Practical Canggu Tips

Best Area to Stay: Batu Bolong for central walking access (but noisy). Berawa for quieter vibes with great cafes. Pererenan for peaceful and cheaper (need scooter). Echo Beach for direct surf access.

Getting Around: Scooter rental essential (60k-80k IDR/day). Main road gridlocked 4-7 PM daily. Rice field shortcuts save time. Grab/Gojek works but surge pricing hits peak hours.

Budget Guide: Warung meals 25k-50k IDR. Cafe brunch 60k-120k IDR. Beach clubs 150k-400k minimum spend. Plan $40-60 USD daily for comfortable mid-range travel.

Safety: Very safe but watch beach belongings. Agree massage prices FIRST. Traffic is biggest danger—wear helmet, drive defensively.

Best Time: Dry season (April-October) for consistent surf and weather. Peak season (July-August) gets crowded. Shoulder months (April-May, Sept-Oct) are sweet spot.

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Final Thoughts

Canggu is where Bali gets perfectly imperfect. It's messy, traffic-jammed, constantly evolving, and somehow exactly what modern Bali should be. Rice fields bump against beach clubs, traditional warungs share walls with specialty coffee shops, and everyone finds their place.

The best things to do in Canggu aren't about checking off attractions—it's about finding your rhythm. Surfing at dawn, working from cafes, exploring rice fields, dancing at beach clubs. Canggu doesn't force a schedule; it lets you create your own Bali experience.

So grab that scooter, find your favorite cafe, learn to surf, make sunset friends. Get stuck in traffic and laugh about it. Order one more beer. Stay longer than planned.

That's the Canggu way! 🏄☕🌅