Not so long ago, this sleepy area on Bali’s southwest coast was frequented mainly by surfers seekingepic breaksand travellers looking for low-key vibes amid the rice paddies and black sandbeaches. However, over the past few years the area has really picked up and now it’s popping off with cool surf bars,funky cafes, and all manner of accommodation from laid-back, surfer-friendly digs toluxe boutique hotels. The next time you jet off toBali, we highly suggest checking out some of these ultra-cool places to eat, play, and stay in Canggu (not ranked in any particular order).
STAY
1. Luxe: Hotel Tugu Bali
There’s nothing quite like Hotel Tugu Bali, a unique luxury hotel designed and owned by one of the biggest collectors of Indonesian artworks and antiquities in the country. The hotel is like a living museum with suites set in traditional wooden Javanese houses and decked out with eclectic paintings, carvings, and textiles. Then there are the exclusive villas that seem to float over lotus ponds and restaurants that pay homage to Indonesia’s grand historical eras. Adding to the experience is a serene spa, lush gardens, and easy access to Batu Bolong beach.
Hotel Tugu Bali, JL Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu 80361. p. +62 (0)361 4731 701
2. Boutique: The Slow
This boutique hotel is not to be missed. Enjoy bohemian chic settings at this unique spot which consists of 12 suites along with a restaurant, bar, art gallery and retail store. The eclectic space gravitates around the owners’ personal art collection, with sound by LA’s Reverberation Radio.
The Slow,Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No.97, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia, +62 361 2099000
3. Boutique: Koa D’Surfer Hotel
Located just a short walk from Berawa Beach, Koa D’Surfer offers plenty for surfers and non-surfers alike. The contemporary rooms are kitted out with plush beds and super fast Wi-Fi, and many have balconies where you can catch the sea breezes. Also on site is a rooftop bar and pool that makes for the perfect sunset spot, a contemporary restaurant serving gourmet local and international fare all day long, and a surf shop in case you forget your board wax or rash guard.
Koa D’Surfer Hotel,Jl. Pantai Berawa Gang Sri Kahyangan No. 88, Berawa, Canggu 80361. p. +62 (0)361 474 1328
4. Go holistic: COMO Uma Canggu
New to the COMO Group, gorgeous Uma Canggu sits just steps from the surf breaks of Echo Beach and focuses on holistic wellness with a world-class spa, daily fitness activities, and nourishing cuisine. Each of the airy suites and residences features elegant interiors, but if you really want to stay in style, book one of the three-bedroom penthouses where you can soak up endless ocean views, take cooling dips in your private rooftop pool, and enjoy round-the-clock butler service.
COMO Uma Canggu,Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan, Echo Beach, Canggu 80361. p. +62 (0)361 620 2228
EAT
5. Brilliant brekkies and brunch: Milk & Madu
When Milk & Madu first hit the scene in 2014, it was an instant hit for its fresh Aussie-style fare like smashed avo on toast and brekky bowls packed with goodies like house made yogurt, fresh fruit, quinoa granola, goji berries, and chia seeds. Then in early 2018, a fire nearly burnt it to the ground, but thanks to huge support from the community, the space is back and even better than before. Expect vibrant all-day breakfast dishes, fab sammies and salads, and some of the best thin-crust pizzas in town.
Milk & Madu, Jalan Pantai Berawa No. 52, Canggu 80361. p. +62 (0)851 0278 1872. Open daily 7:30am – 10pm
6. Indonesian eats: Warung Dandelion
It’s getting to the point where you can find Western food on nearly every corner in Canggu, but you can’t come to Bali without trying some of the local cuisine at least once! Warung Dandelion is a great option when you’re craving Indo fare. Set in a wooden joglo that fringes lush rice paddies, this inviting little spot does classic homestyle meals like chicken curry, fresh fish steamed in banana leaves with Balinese spices, and nasi goreng with prawns. Keep an eye out for the cute bunnies hopping through the garden.
Warung Dandelion, Jl Pantai Batu Bolong No. 10, Canggu 80361. p. +62 (0)896 2296 5413. Open daily 5pm – 10pm
7. Pizza: Luigi’s Hot Pizza
There’s nothing like pizza to satisfy those hunger pangs. If you agree with that statement, you can’t miss this hotspot. The menu is simple. Choose from a variety of pizzas, some sides if you need and delicious cocktails and vino to wash it all down with.
Luigi’s Hot Pizza, Jalan Batu Mejan Br. Canggu , Kec. Kuta Utara , Kab.Badung, Badung, Bali, Indonesia, +62 811-3944-450. Open daily: 5pm – 12am
8. An Innovative Izakaya: One Eyed Jack
If you’re looking for fab food in a cool setting, you can’t go wrong with One Eyed Jack. This happening little spot has a real gastropub feel with dark walls, supple leather benches, and hanging lanterns that give a soft glow. The chef comes by way of the Nobu group, and whips up Japanese-inspired dishes with a contemporary twist. Start with a lychee martini or some sake, then tuck into shared plates like the tuna tacos with wasabi aioli or pork tonkatsu sliders.
One Eyed Jack, Jl Pantai Berawa c89, Canggu 80361. p. +62 (0)819 9929 1888. Open daily 5pm – 10:30pm
9. Healthy Eats: Watercress
Good food and healthy eating is the name of the game at this Australian style cafe. Enjoy delicious dishes made with sustainably sourced ingredients amongst minimalist rustic and tropical design.
Watercress,21a Jl Batu Belig, Kerobokan, Tibubeneng, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361 Indonesia,
Tel: +62 85102808030, Open daily 7:30pm – 10pm
DRINK
10. Old Man’s
The beach bar vibes run high at Old Man’s, a sprawling, open-air spot just steps from Batu Bolong Beach. During the day you can grab tasty eats like burgers, salads, and seafood under the thatched roof pavilion before heading off to catch some swells. The long oval bar draws in an eclectic crowd, especially at sunset when punters flock in for one-for-one drink specials and post-surf banter. Stay on after the sun goes down, because they often throw huge parties with live bands and DJs.
Old Man’s, Jl Pantai Batu Bolong No. 117x, Canggu 80361. p. +62 (0)361 846 9158. Open daily 7am – 1am
11. Deus Ex Machina
Part bar, restaurant, custom bike shop, and surfboard shaping studio, Deus Ex Machina is pure hipster haven. They serve great coffee and food all day long, but the place really kicks off in the evenings when the garden packs out with peeps mingling over cold beers and custom cocktails. The Sunday Sessions are particularly popular with people pouring in from all over the island to groove out to local bands and mingle under the stars.
Deus Ex Machina, Jl Batu Mejan No. 4, Canggu 80361. p. +62 (0)811 388 315. Open daily 7am – 12am
12. Monggo Bar & Resto
If crowded bars and banging beats aren’t really your thing, then Monggo may be a much better option. This hidden gem has a neighbourhood bar kind of feel with an interesting mix of expats who hold fort at the bar and friendly bartenders who often remember guests by their name after just one visit. Happy hour is from 5pm to 7pm everyday with two-for-one deals on select beers and cocktails.
Monggo Bar & Resto, Jl Munduk Catu No. 8x, Canggu 80361. p. +62 (0)361 937 4227. Open daily 9:30am – 1am
13. Beach Clubs
If you’re looking for a spot to spend the entire day, book a day bed at Finn’s Beach Club. Choose from fresh juices, hop onto a paddleboard, swim in the Indian Ocean or just soak up the sun. Don’t forget to munch on some of the great sushi options or the nachos (trust us, you won’t want to miss those.) Laze to the great tunes playing in the background and after the sun goes down move the party over to the dancefloor.
Jl. Pantai Berawa, Tibubeneng, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia. Open daily 9am – 11pm
14. The Lawn
If you’re looking for a smaller and more intimate day club to hang out at, this is your answer. Lounge by the pool or own the lawn, take a dip into the pool and nibble on some of the great bites coming out of the kitchen like the truffled four cheese mac & cheese balls and the tahition tuna ceviche. It’s also a beautiful spot you can come just come by for lunch or dinner. Be sure to check back with them on the live music you can also catch
