A playground for Bali’s rapidly growing community of cool kids, creatives and digital nomads, Canggu is where green rice fields meet black-sand beaches, surf goddesses meet skater boys, and where morning yoga meets weeknight margaritas. Here, tattoos are free on the right night, motorbikes are custom, beards plentiful, bikinis and denim are the standard uniform and combat boots are acceptable beachside footwear.
Surf goddess? Get thee to Canggu. Picture: Getty Images
Fifteen kilometres northeast of Ngurah Rai International Airport, and around five kilometres north of Seminyak, heading further along the coast from the touristy area of Kuta, lies the surfside hipster paradise of Canggu. Rapidly carving out a place for itself as Bali’s newest must-visit area, this is a great place for travellers or holidaymakers to consider visiting while in Bali.
Less urban streetscape, and more a collection of villages spread out across kilometres of salt and scenery, hire a driver on a full-day rate to help you access the 'Gu highlights. Or, provided you are licensed, grab a scooter for the authentic expat experience.
More Bali holiday inspiration:
Go beyond the Bali cliches. How To Enjoy A Bogan-Free Bali
Bali for families. Bali With Baby: 10 Things To Know Before You Go
Laidback, green and salty, mixed with a super-cool and creative scene, a day (or two) in Canggu will no doubt be an enjoyable addition to your next, or first, Bali wander. Just be sure to pack your denim…
Eat
Meals have become an artistic outlet for the creative souls of Canggu and here you will find the most Instagram-worthy eats and (real) coffee in Bali. The smoothie bowl is a staple of the Canggu-ian diet, and they won’t disappoint at Betelnut or Nalu Bowls. For inventive meals, unique presentation, dim and moody lighting, mixed cool beats and even cooler kids, head to Gypsy or Black Shores Cocktail Bar at night.
Healthy & delicious #nalubowls via @kiaani
A photo posted by NALU BOWLS-Bali (@nalubowls) on
Move
Surf: Home to a handful of decent surf breaks, Canggu is popular with seasoned surfers, but in the right spot, is also great fun for beginners. Try Batu Bolong and Echo Beach to ride the waves.
Yoga: Affectionately known among expats as ‘Canggubud’ (referencing Ubud), the yoga scene is exploding in Canggu. Naturally, the most worshipped guru in town practises in ripped skinny jeans, a man-bun and hoop earrings at the aptly named The Practice. Desa Seni is another spot to practise your asanas.
Shop
In the land where everyone is an aspiring designer, boutiques and pop-up markets filled with locally made wares are dotted throughout Canggu. We like Old Man’s Market on the last Saturday of every month and Love Anchor Bazaar on Sundays.
A photo posted by Love Anchor Canggu (@loveanchorcanggu) on
Relax
Canguu does the chill scene exceptionally well, so grab your icy beer from a renovated ‘70s van, and nestle in among designer picnic rugs, rope swings and local artist-crafted murals at The Lawn or Old Man’s Market.
Swapping high-heeled corporate life for barefooted gypsy-esque wandering, Melissa Llewelyn leapt from her travel marketing career, completed her yoga teacher training in Ubud, Bali, and has spend the past year exploring Southeast Asia, indulging her obsessions in a constant pursuit of salt, sun and yoga and decadent textiles. She now spits her time between Queensland and Bali teaching yoga and writing.
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Visit your local Flight Centre store or call 131 600 for more advice and the latest deals on travelling to Bali.
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