Cemagi
Quiet coastal village west of Canggu with black-sand beaches, rice fields and the Batu Ngaus sea temple at Mengening.
About Cemagi
Cemagi suits people who want villa life near Canggu without living in its traffic. It's a village in Mengwi, Badung, on the southwest coast about 10 km past Canggu, beyond Pererenan. From the airport it's around 22 km by road.
The village is small: 12 banjar on under 5 square kilometres, including Mengening and Seseh on the coast. Behind the beaches it's still rice fields and narrow lanes, with private pool villas dotted between them, while the temple at Mengening pulls in a steady flow of visitors who drive over from Canggu and the villas for sunset. The name comes from celagi, the old word for the tamarind trees that grew here.
The beaches are black sand facing straight into the Indian Ocean. That means big sunsets and rough water. Swimming is risky most days.
You come to Cemagi for space and quiet. Cafés, gyms and nightlife are a drive away in Canggu. The exception is Island Sports Cemagi on Jalan Pantai Mengening, with padel, a fitness studio and a restaurant in one place. We've played there.
Highlights of Cemagi
- Pura Gede Luhur Batu Ngaus. A sea temple on a rocky cape at Mengening Beach, built around 1643 on the orders of the king of Mengwi. At first glance it looks like Tanah Lot, without the crowds.
- Cemagi and Mengening beaches. Black sand, dark rocks and heavy surf. Good for walks and sunset, not for a swim.
- Seseh. The fishing end of the village, where the jukung outriggers are pulled up on the sand.
- Island Sports Cemagi. Two covered padel courts and one outdoor, plus a fitness studio, restaurant and bar. Open 07:00 to 22:00.
Travel tips for Cemagi
- Allow an hour or more from the airport. It's only 22 km, but the road runs through Kerobokan and Canggu traffic, and airport runs to Canggu alone take anywhere from 45 minutes to over two hours.
- Don't swim off the black-sand beaches. The Indian Ocean surf comes straight in here, and conditions are rough for swimmers.
- No racket? Rent one. Island Sports Cemagi has equipment rental, changing rooms and free parking.
- Get a scooter or a driver. Canggu's cafés and gyms are about 10 km away.
Things to do in Cemagi
Watch sunset at Batu Ngaus
The temple sits right on the rocks at Mengening. It faces west. Warungs near the clifftop sell drinks and simple food for the wait.
Walk the rice fields
Cemagi's paddies run right down towards the coast. Walking the lanes between them is the main thing to do inland.
Play padel
Island Sports Cemagi is the only club in the village. If it's booked out, there's plenty more in our Pererenan and Canggu padel guides.
Best time to visit Cemagi
Go in the dry season, April to September, when rain is unlikely and sunset walks to Batu Ngaus are easy to plan. The wet season runs roughly October to April and is heaviest from December to March.
Details checked October 2026.
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