" Welcome to the Canggu Bali Guide "

If I’m not sourcing stock for the stores, Canggu would be my go to area to stay. Although Seminyak is great I’ve found Canggu to offer more when it comes to shopping, dining out, exercise and it’s a more creative vibe which inspires me for the stores. It is very surf orientated more so than Seminyak. It has a large expat community of all ages but predominantly it attracts a very young crowd. Another thing to note is it is a very popular area and the traffic can be insanely busy so you definitely need to either stay somewhere within walking distance to everything or plan on using Go Gek (discussed in previous guide) to get around or hire your own scooter.

Canggu is spread out over a very large area but the main surf beach is called Echo Beach. I tend to base myself on Batu Bolong Road. If you locate Crate Cafe this is about a 15 minute flat walk to the beach. It’s slightly away from the hustle and bustle of the centre. However, having said that, all areas of Canggu are pretty populated and busy. If you’re after a quiet holiday, Canggu is not the spot and if you're after a cultural experience I'd suggest other areas such as Ubud or Uluwatu.

Canggu is renowned for dining out and is a foodies paradise. Not only will you be treated to world class cuisine but if you’re interested in interior design many of the restaurants are mind blowing when it comes to their fit outs as international interior designers base themselves in Bali and are commissioned to decorate the eateries. You can find all genres of cuisine so have fun taking your pick each night. Below are a few cafes, restaurants and beach clubs that we have enjoyed during our stays in Canggu.

Canteen
Our favourite go to cafe for breakfast after a morning beach walk. A definite surf vibe and this cafe inspired the cafe layout in Oasis Surf. I like it as there tends to be a slightly older expat crowd dining there. Reasonably priced food. A fantastic delicious menu and great coffee! The owners are always on site so the service is impeccable and so is the food. A must to visit!

Crate Cafe
A very busy cafe with the young crowd. It’s a community oriented cafe. Their motto is “A space where good music, good food, good coffee and good people meet and create good vibes. Well known on Instagram so they’re constantly busy. I find it a little bit young personally but still worth a visit for good coffee and food. There’s also some beautiful shops opposite it. Crate is open nice and early so it is a great place to grab an early morning takeaway coffee.

Penny Lane
Oh my goodness !!!! Delicious is the only word to describe this restaurant and the layout is just stunning. I spend half my time just looking around at everything.   I wish I could just pack it all up and decorate my home with it all. A large menu to choose from and something for everyone. I can highly recommend their salmon dish. When I arrive in Canggu I always head straight there on my first night.

I cannot highlight enough how amazing the shopping in Bali is. It’s a shoppers paradise. Whether you’re after designer threads, cheap rip offs, jewellery, shoes or home decor there’s endless options.   Canggu is no exception. There are so many beautiful stores to choose from. Many expats have moved to Bali and designed their own ranges of clothing and jewellery so there’s that element to be found also in Canggu. It’s not possible to touch on all the stores available as there are so many but the ones listed below are definitely worth a visit and some of our faves. And remember if you’re buying knock off items you have to barter, which can be hard work sometimes but fun when you pocket yourself a bargain.

Satunama
Stylish home decor store, with a range of jewellery and accessories also.

Bali Tailor
My daughter's favourite designer store. They have gorgeous leather shoes and bags all made in Bali.

Magali Pascal
Stunning store is always a favourite with the tourists.

Country Textile
I stumbled across this store opposite Crate Cafe and it’s gorgeous!  

Love Anchor
Canggu’s famous market in the centre of town. It became popular from Instagram so it’s a hub of activity.   It’s pretty cute though and you can find great jewellery, bags, clothing and home decor. But again you have to barter.

Fineline by Katahati
Bohemian inspired jewellery designed by Sabine Katahati. Very intricate and feminine and a must visit if you love this kind of jewellery. I think I could possibly have an addiction to this store. It's so dangerous stepping inside as I want everything.

Amethysta
This is one of my favourite shops. If you love crystals it’s a must visit. Such a pretty store with a huge range of crystals, spiritual books, trinkets and jewellery. I never come away without purchasing something each trip.

Stacked
Super cute jewellery store and piercing studio. As far as I know they also do tarot readings in store too.

Periplus Bookshop
If you love reading this is an incredible book store. My daughter and I visited it countless times this past trip. They have a vast array of books and I can highly recommend a visit. You'll definitely walk out with a book or two.

La Brisa Market
This is open on Sundays only and it's close to Echo Beach. Check it out on Instagram if you'd like more information. It's quite similar to Love Ancher market but on a bigger scale.

Other Stores worth a visit...
LU CIEE, ISLAND TRADERS, PADROL AND BUNGALOW LIVING. The list is endless. There are beautiful shops everywhere catering to all price ranges.

I tend to just go for a beach walk every morning as I love to explore the streets on my way down to the beach. But if you fancy something a little more strenuous whilst on holiday Canggu is also known for its gym’s and yoga/pilates studios. Just do a quick google and you’ll find a suitable one close to where you stay.

I tend to stay in the same accommodation when I visit Canggu so unfortunately I can’t recommend to many. However the ones I have stayed at are below. They are all in good locations and walking distance to the beach. If they’re not your thing maybe use their locations to work from. As I said in my previous Bali guide I use Airbnb, Agoda or Booking.Com to get the best deals for the accommodation below. There truly are so many options for accommodation so look around but remember to always do your research. Always read reviews and definitely not just the first few.

Theanna
4-5 STAR This property is walking distance to the beach. It’s further from the hub than my other options but it has everything you need around it. It takes approximately 20 minutes to walk to the beach. The villa’s are huge, some with a private pool, super clean and it’s just an all-round lovely resort. The staff are so sweet and it’s nice and peacefully quiet.
Click here to view

Vassani Stay
4 STAR Stunning rooms, beautiful pool. Right in the centre of everything. 10 min walk to the beach. The only issue is the rooms can be quite noisy from traffic. Great restaurants and cafes super close by.
Click here to view

Villa Rumba

3-4 STAR 3 Bedroom Villa which is my new go to. 10-15 minute walk to the beach.In a peaceful quiet spot next to the rice fields. Across the road from Crate Cafe. Private swimming pool, housekeeping, huge rooms that each have an ensuite. To note the living area is not air conditioned but the rooms are. It’s spotlessly clean, so comfortable and in a great spot.
Click here to view

Temuku Guesthouse
Can be found on booking.com
3 STAR Owned by the same owners as Villa Rumba, this is a cute guest house on the same driveway. Guest houses are a cheap way to stay in Bali. They have a central swimming pool which is usually surrounded by rooms, each with a bathroom. Guests share a kitchen. From memory the Temuku Guest House costs around $50 NZD a night.

Other Accomodation
I haven’t stayed at either of these properties but they are in a great spot: Zin Hotel and Como Uma.