The most beautiful places to visit in Bali
December 12, 2023
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Canggu has become perhaps the most popular spot on the island of Bali in recent years in Indonesia. It used to be a laid-back coastal town. However, more and more backpackers and digital nomads are finding Canggu, making Canggu the number one destination in Bali. You can see this in everything, as it is bursting with hip hotspots and trendy accommodations in Canggu. So we share all our tips for Canggu: the most beautiful beaches and sights, finest accommodations and tastiest hotspots.
The best beaches in Canggu
Canggu is the place to be for both beginner and advanced surfers. You won't necessarily find Bali's most beautiful beaches here, but you will find many places to take surfing lessons and relax on the beach. The three most popular places to surf in Canggu are Echo Beach, Berawa Beach and Batu Balong Beach. At all three beaches, in addition to good waves, you have fun tourist and local hotspots to explore.
Echo Beach: the beach to learn to surf with one and all conviviality
Echo Beach is among Bali's most visited beaches and surf spots. The popular nickname overshadows the local name "Pantai Batu Mejan," which refers to an important Balinese Hindu temple.
With its black sand, Echo Beach is certainly not one of the more beautiful beaches. Nevertheless, it is a very nice beach to stay at. The beach bars with lounge chairs, barbecues that are organized and sunsets you can see here make a day at Echo Beach absolutely worth it. The nicest hotspots on Echo Beach are La Brisa and Sandbar.
La Brisa Canggu
At the end of Jl. Batu Mejan, just next to Echo Beach, you can find La Brisa. La Brisa, translated "the sea breeze," is a hip restaurant which looks just like a small Balinese fishing village because of its amazing decor. It is one of the most popular hotspots in all of Bali. It is a wonderful beach club to chill out for the day, but it is also a great place to come at the end of the afternoon to watch the sunset.
Sandbar Canggu
Sandbar, on the other hand, is a cozy beach club located on the rocks with beach beds and beanbags on the beach. The beach club Sandbar is the ideal place to relax after a day of surfing. When night falls, the beach club turns into a lively beach party with live bands, DJs and happy hour.
A day of relaxing on Berawa Beach
Unlike Echo Beach, you will find a white sandy beach at Berawa Beach. The beach has a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean and is best known for the beach club you can find here: Finn's Beach Club.
Finn's Beach Club like La Brisa, is also one of Bali's most famous beach clubs. With a choice of 4 pools, 9 bars, 5 restaurants, a sushi bar and daily DJs and live vocalists, Finn's Beach Club is the place to be on Berawa Beach.
Surround yourself with the locals on Batu Bolong Beach
Batu Bolong Beach offers a fine mix of locals, expats and tourists surfing the waves, hanging out in the warungs and relaxing on the beach. You'll also find the popular and luxurious beach club The Lawn.
Old Man's
At Batu Bolong Beach you will find the hip beer garden Old Man's. Old Man's bar is right across the lava reef from Batu Bolong Beach. Consequently, most visitors drop in right after surfing.
Old Man's is the ideal place to relax during the day with a cold beer and a simple meal such as burgers, fries and salads. The garden has fine wide Balinese-style umbrellas, colorful beanbags and a lawn for sunbathing. However, the real fun begins after sunset, especially during Old Man's Bar's Dirty Ol Wednesday nights.
The Lawn Canggu
Another popular hot spot we tip off on Batu Bolong Beach is The Lawn. This beautiful beach club is loved by locals and tourists alike. There is a beautiful pool, fine music in the background and you can also order tasty snacks. While relaxing on your lounger here you look out over the Indian Ocean.
Tips on where to stay in Canggu
There are several great places to stay in Canggu, from hostels to luxury hotels. We stayed during our vacation in Canggu at Canggu Dream Studios & Villas. A lovely place in the cozy and bustling Canggu, yet away from the crowds.
Go shopping at the La Laguna Gypsy Market
Are you staying in Canggu on the weekend? Then don't forget to visit the La Laguna Gypsy Market visit. At this Sunday market you will find local entrepreneurs with many different organic products and artistic, handmade creations. The market is held between 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. and admission is free. Just after sunset, the atmospheric lights, live music and decorations create a fairytale scene.
Visit the Pura Tanah Lot
Bali has many beautiful water temples and Pura Tanah Lot is the most famous on the island. The temple is built on a rock off the coast and has a magical location. To reach Pura Tanah Lot from Canggu, you need to drive 20 minutes to the Tabanan region in the north of Canggu.
The distinctive Pura Tanah Lot temple - besides its unique location - is known for its extraordinary architecture and mysterious story. According to a legend, the temple was built in the 16th century by a Hindu-Javanese priest. He is said to have used his magical powers to push the cliff on which the Tanah Lot stands toward the sea. Sacred snakes are said to protect the sanctuary of Tanah Lot.
Rituals are still performed today to honor the serpents of Tanah Lot. In the afternoon, the temple provides a ghostly silhouette against the sunset. This is also the best time to visit the site because of the crowds.
The tastiest restaurants and bars in Canggu
Canggu is a heavenly destination when it comes to fine dining. From spotty Indonesian to trendy international hotspots, there is something for everyone. So there are lots of restaurants we can recommend, but the below hotspots in Canggu are ones you definitely don't want to miss.
Rise & Shine
If we're excited about anything in Canggu, it's the abundance of delicious breakfast shops. One of them is definitely Rise & Shine, where, among other things, they have delicious smoothie bowls.
Barboa Bali
Another delicious breakfast hotspot in Canggu is Barboa Bali. For 75K IDR (less than €5.00), we ate a delicious breakfast combo here with avocado toast, a small smoothie bowl and a fresh juice.
Luigi's Hot Pizza Bali
For tasty pizzas and cocktails in Canggu, you need to go to Luigi's Hot Pizza Bali are. There are also regular DJs and live music here.
Penny Lane Bali
The stylish restaurant Penny Lane in Canggu is decked out with alternative artwork, green palms and vintage decor. It really is a picture! A variety of dishes are served here such as burgers, loaded fries and tasty cocktails.
Visit the quaint boutiques in Canggu
That there are more than enough tasty hotspots in Canggu we had already made clear, but what is also abundant: beautiful boutiques. If you love shopping, you'll get your fill in Canggu. There are especially many clothing stores. Don't expect bargain prices, however, because as Canggu becomes more and more popular, the stores also increase in price.
There is also a small bazaar in Canggu: Love Anchor. There are tal of stalls selling beachwear, sarongs, wicker accessories and jewelry. Unlike in boutiques, you can haggle over the price here.
Take a tour of Bali
Would you like to make a round trip through Bali? We would like to help you with an itinerary that suits you. During a personal video interview we will map out your wishes and advise you on the most beautiful places in Bali. Would you rather leave it all up to us? That is also possible! As personal travel consultants we organize your trip completely customized.
Naomi van Hagen
Curious, creative and passionate about travel, I’m always on the lookout for unique destinations where culture, gastronomy and adventure come together. As a travel blogger, I share personal stories and insider tips from countries like Brazil, Greece, Indonesia, Thailand and Peru, from hidden gems and rich traditions to unforgettable culinary experiences. My blogs are based on real travel experiences and in-depth local knowledge. Ready to plan your own adventure? As a personal travel consultant, I’ll help you create a tailor-made trip that perfectly suits your travel dreams.
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