About Canggu

Canggu sits on Bali's southwest coast, about 30 minutes north of Seminyak and has become the island's surf and digital nomad capital. This former farming village turned trendy beach town stretches along several kilometers of black volcanic sand beaches with consistent surf breaks that attract wave riders from around the world. The vibe here is way more relaxed than Seminyak's party scene but definitely more happening than quiet fishing villages.

Temperatures stay around 28-30°C (82-86°F) with ocean breezes, and the area sits right at sea level facing the Indian Ocean. What makes Canggu special is the mix of traditional rice paddies right next to hipster cafes and surf shops. You'll see farmers working in bright green fields while surfers carry boards down dusty lanes to world-class waves. The sunset here is incredible since you're facing west over open ocean.

The main areas each have different personalities - Echo Beach for serious surfers, Berawa for families and beach clubs, Batu Bolong for the digital nomad crowd with co-working spaces and trendy cafes. The infrastructure is still pretty basic with narrow roads that get seriously jammed, but that's part of the charm. It's definitely more developed than it was 10 years ago, but still keeps that laid-back surfer town feeling.

Highlights of Canggu

Echo Beach offers the most consistent surf breaks and incredible sunset views with several beach bars perfect for watching the action. The waves here work for different skill levels depending on the conditions. Tanah Lot Temple sits on a dramatic rock formation just 20 minutes away and is one of Bali's most iconic sunset spots, though it gets super crowded.

The rice paddies scattered throughout Canggu create amazing contrast with the beach scene - you can literally surf in the morning and walk through bright green fields in the afternoon. Batu Bolong Beach has the most happening beach club scene with places like The Lawn and Finn's Beach Club. Old Man's bar is legendary among surfers for cheap Bintangs and live music right on the beach. The street food scene here is incredible with local warungs serving authentic Indonesian dishes alongside trendy health food cafes.

Travel tips for Canggu

Rent a scooter for 70,000 IDR ($5) per day since traffic jams make taxis expensive and slow
Book accommodation well in advance during peak season (July-August) when prices double
Bring cash for beach bars, local warungs, and surf lessons since many places don't accept cards
Pack reef shoes for rocky beach entries and protection from sea urchins in shallow water
Download traffic apps like Waze since roads get seriously congested, especially during sunset hours
Learn basic surf etiquette if you're planning to surf - locals take their waves seriously

Location & map

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Canggu

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Things to do in Canggu

Learn to surf at Batu Bolong or Echo Beach where instructors charge 300,000-400,000 IDR ($21-28) for 2-hour lessons.
Watch incredible sunsets from beach bars while sipping fresh coconuts or cold Bintang beers.
Explore the rice paddies on foot or bicycle for a completely different side of Canggu away from the beach scene.
Visit Tanah Lot Temple for classic Bali sunset photos, though expect big crowds during peak hours.
Try the amazing street food scene from traditional nasi campur to trendy smoothie bowls at health cafes.
Join beach volleyball games that happen most evenings on the main beaches.
Take cooking classes focused on healthy Indonesian cuisine that's popular with the wellness crowd.
Rent bicycles to explore quiet village roads and discover hidden warungs away from tourist areas.

Best time to visit Canggu

April through September brings the best surf conditions with consistent swells from the Indian Ocean and offshore winds that clean up the waves. This dry season also means better road conditions and less chance of rain ruining beach days. The sunsets are most spectacular during this period with clearer skies.

Early morning (6-8 AM) offers the best surf conditions before winds pick up, plus you'll have beaches more to yourself. Late afternoon (4-6 PM) is perfect for sunset sessions whether you're surfing or just hanging at beach bars. Weekdays are definitely better than weekends when traffic becomes absolutely crazy and beaches get packed.

Rainy season (October-March) can mean inconsistent surf and afternoon storms, but accommodation prices drop significantly and you'll find better deals on everything. The wet season also brings bigger swells that are great for experienced surfers but can be dangerous for beginners. If you're not into surfing, the shoulder months of April and September give you good weather with fewer crowds and better prices than peak season.