Wednesday, March 22, 2017

The Ultimate Canggu Travel Guide

Ultimate Canggu Travel Guide

For a laid-back tropical escape, Canggu is the place to be. With its boho vibe, café culture, and surfer style, this is one of the coolest spots in Bali.

Located twenty minutes north of Seminyak, Canggu spans from just north of Seminyak to south of Tanah Lot. Canggu is one of the most up-and-coming areas and features an eight-kilometer-long beach and sweeping rice fields.

While there are a few expats and surfers roaming around, this area is still a bit off the beaten path. Think more hip cafés and fewer kitsch tourist shops.

So, here’s my ultimate Canggu travel guide!

What to Expect in Canggu

What to Expect in Canggu

If you’ve never been to Bali, be prepared to have your breath taken away. Whether you are into luxe living or just want a hammock on the beach, you are going to love it. You can treat yourself every day of the week here on the cheap.

  • Language: The official language is Indonesian, but you’ll also hear Balinese with a smattering of Indonesian mixed in. English is the “third” language of Bali and is in wide use thanks to tourism and large Australian expat population!
  • Currency: Bali uses the Indonesian rupiah as the local currency.
  • Credit Cards and Banks: Cash is king in Bali. Always carry a handful of 10,000 to 100,000 notes (100,000 IDR is about $7.50 USD) for daily expenses and purchases. As of 2015, businesses are not allowed to charge in dollars, so make sure you always have some rupiah on hand. You can easily withdraw from ATMs, which are easy to find all over Bali.
  • Climate: In general, Bali enjoys warm weather year-round—but be mindful of the rainy season, January to April and October to November!

Read More: The Best Time to Go to Bali

Canggu Rice Fields

Getting Around Canggu

Getting Around Canggu

My recommendation is to avoid the traffic of Bali  by renting a scooter—a fast way to zip through the streets and countryside. Traffic is a BIG problem in the Seminyak and Canggu areas. Expect about an hours drive from the airport to Canggu (without traffic).

Renting a motorbike is the “way” of Bali and very cheap. If you don’t feel comfortable driving yourself, you can use the GO-JEK app for an Uber-type service but on the back of a motorbike.

Taxis are the most expensive, and Uber is somewhat banned by a monopoly on taxi service. You can still use Uber, but you need to be very discreet about it and can’t use them to get to and from populated areas. Otherwise, use the Blue Bird app for cab rentals. 

Where to Stay in Canggu

Where to Stay in Canggu

Bali is home to the most beautiful villas and resorts—so you definitely have options!

Rent a Villa or Airbnb

Both of these sites are a good option for finding absolutely breathtaking spots to lay your head. Whatever your style and budget, you’ll find incredible options on Airbnb.

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Luxury Accommodations in Canggu

  • Ametis Villa: An impressive luxury pick, these villas are only a three-minute walk from Batu Bolong Beach. With a woodsy-chic style, every place here is dreamy.
  • Hotel Tugu Bali: Another luxe site located minutes away from the beach, this posh, vintage spot has soaking tubs and private plunge pools.

Private villa in Bali

Mid-Range Accommodations in Canggu

  • Aradhana Villas: For a mid-range option with five-star comfort, these villas with private pools and Balinese architecture are a perfect choice.
  • The Kirana Hotel Resto and Spa: This wellness resort is a mid-range option with first-class Balinese hospitality, an infinity pool, a yoga deck, and so much more.
  • The Chillhouse: This is tropical lifestyle retreat that offers treehouse, bungalow and vills accommodation, along with surfing, biking, yoga, and a wide range of cultural activities. 

Private villa pool in Canggu

Budget Accommodations in Canggu

  • Koa d’Surfer Hotel: With free Wi-Fi, 24/7 room service, and a rooftop pool, this hotel is a top budget pick.
  • Kampung Canggu: A ten-minute walk from the beach, this budget hotel has powerful AC, free Wi-Fi, bike rentals, and an impressive number of other great features.
  • The Hideout Hostel: This boutique surf and yoga hostel is a lovely place to unwind and meet other travelers. Set in a beautiful garden, this place has a self-service kitchen and a yoga shala.

Where to Eat in Canggu

Where to Eat in Canggu

The best meal of the day is breakfast—it’s cheap and delicious, and cafés are everywhere you look. But be prepared for mind-blowing sunset dinners with stunning views while in Canggu!

  • Satu Coffee: For some of the best coffee on the island, as well as tasty vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free nosh, get to Satu.
  • Nude Canggu: For fresh foods and all things healthy, Nude Canggu is perfect for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone looks for a light meal.
  • Bali Fruit Bowl

  • Crate: Full of unique and healthy picks, this café is a foodie’s heaven.
  • Milk & Madu: For a European-style breakfast and lunch, this is a great café. It’s got outdoor seating and good Wi-Fi, so it’s also a nice place to unwind for a bit.
  • Milk & Madu

  • Deus Ex Machina: This café is located between the Temple of Enthusiasm and the rice paddies of Canggu and is a wonderful fusion of Indonesian culture and Western cuisine.
  • Cafe Organic: This cafe serves amazing breakfast and lunch all day, as well as fresh smoothies, juices and acai bowls. They have a location in Seminyak and just opened a new place in Canggu!
  • Cafe Organic Canggu

  • Peloton Supershop: This combo vegan café and bicycle shop is all about eco-friendly living. It’s also got tasty grub!
  • The Shady Shack: Here you’ll find a breezy, vegetarian cafe that overlooks the rice fields of Canggu!
  • La Laguna Canggu

  • La Laguna: This gypsy-inspired “rustic chic” spot has a beachfront bar and a restaurant you will definitely want to try.
  • Tugu’s Restaurant: Ready for a fancy dinner out? Travel back to ancient Indonesia for a romantic adventure through the history of the country as you explore the artifacts and artwork at Hotel Tugu, and then sample authentic Balinese fare.

What to Do in Canggu

What to Do in Canggu

  • Beaches: Canggu is a beach lover’s dream. You could easily spend a lazy afternoon enjoying the beauty of Batu Balong or Echo Beach.
  • Go to the Spa: Check out the Goldust Beauty Lounge. I HIGHLY recommend everything it’s got! I’m also a big fan of the Tugu Spa.
  • Hang at The Lawn: This beachfront restaurant is a must-see. It’s an idyllic locale to hang out on a sunny afternoon or sip coconut mojitos at night.
  • Monkey Forest Ubud

  • Day Trip to Monkey Forest in Ubud: Smack-dab in the jungle, Ubud has its fair share of monkeys. But be careful! They are super aggressive. Don’t make contact or interact with the monkeys unless you have bananas. I found them most friendly at the beginning of the forest where they probably get the most food. For the best photos, walk a bit farther into the forest—when you pass a long trail, you’ll get to a stunningly beautiful temple area.
  • Finn’s Beach Club: This beach club offer beachfront daybeds, 2 pools with live DJs daily, 6 bars, a restaurant and spa, all in one location!
  • Surfing: There is world-class surfing all over the place and it is one of the most popular activities in Canggu. Berawa is good for surfers of all levels. A bit more advanced? Head to Old Mans or Batu Bolong Beach.
  • Yoga Barn

  • Yoga: Bali is a yoga mecca. There are yoga retreats going on all the time as well as resident yogis who offer daily classes. Check out The Practice if you’re interested!
  • Canggu Sunday Market: With an eclectic mashup of arts, crafts, and tasty homemade treats, this is the place to be on a sunny Sunday morning.
  • Old Man's sign in Canggu

  • Old Man’s for Nightlife: For a fun night out, check out the drink, food, and music at this local hot spot.
  • Tugu Cultural Evening: The local culture of Canggu is fascinating. Be sure to check out the local music and dancers at Tugu Cultural Evening while sampling the fantastic Balinese food.

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I’ll be hosting Blogging Mentorship Retreats in partnership with the Institute of Code this summer in Canggu!

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Read Next: The Ultimate Bali Travel Guide

 

SHOP my favorite Bali-inspired styles!

The Ultimate Canggu Travel Guide is a post from: The Blonde Abroad



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