Surfing Canggu: Bali's Coolest Beach Town

The Surf

Canggu has three main breaks: Echo Beach for the most consistent waves, Old Man's for beginners and improvers, and Batu Bolong Beach in the centre of town. All three can be surfed by intermediates; Echo Beach gets serious on a good swell. Board rentals are everywhere (from 50,000 IDR per day) and lessons are inexpensive and well-run.

The Coffee Culture

Canggu's café scene is exceptional. Revolver Espresso, Nude Coffee Roasters and Shelter Coffee all produce excellent specialty coffee in spaces designed with genuine care. Breakfast at any of them — smashed avo, açaí bowls, coconut pancakes — sets you up perfectly for a morning surf.

Where to Eat

Penny Lane does the best wood-fired pizza in Bali, in a garden setting with fairy lights. Shady Shack is a vegetarian restaurant that makes vegetables genuinely exciting. Betelnut Café blends Southeast Asian flavours with Western technique brilliantly.

Nightlife Without the Chaos

Unlike Kuta, Canggu's nightlife is relatively low-key. La Brisa is a bamboo beach club with live music and craft cocktails. Finns Beach Club is the large-scale option with pools and DJs. The Social does late-night burritos and cold Bintang — sometimes that is exactly right.

Getting Around

Canggu is best explored on a scooter (100,000 IDR/day to rent; international driving licence required). Traffic has become challenging — allow extra time for any journey between 3-7pm.