Offbeat Alert: Top 5 Things To Do In Canngu, Indonesia

Southern Bali’s Canngu was once a surfer’s hideaway turned which turned into a digital nomad haven. Originally a space that offered respite from the excessive Seminyak crowds, the enclave has now turn into of the busiest and buzziest corners of Bali, engulfing the neighbouring Pererenan and Berawa towns along the way. Presently, its home to some of Bali’s best beach clubs, restaurants and surfing spots, all the while being a wellness focused destination as well. Here is your guide to experiencing the best of what Canngu has to offer.

Unveil your spiritual side

Ubud might be the spiritual centre of Bali, but Canngu also boasts yoga studios, wellness cafes and meditative retreats. In Berawa lies the wildly popular Desa Senai. Laid out like a Balinese village of thatch roofed houses, the retreat combines its yoga classes with a holistic centre, a restaurant and meditative experiences offered in groups or privately. The Serenity Yoga Studio should also be on your list, as it offers close to twenty meditative exercises that are sure to leave you feeling refreshed. So, pack your bags for Canngu, just not for partying but for enjoying your wellbeing.

Go surfing in some of the best surf spots in town

Canngu first found prominence as a surfing destination when the avid surfers found that the waves of Seminyak and Kuta were becoming too crowded. The 2010s found a lot of surfers moving here, and consequent years have rendered it the most popular surfing spot in the country. It is now a top choice for all kinds of surfers. Beginners can try their luck on the beginner friendly shores of Berawa and Batu Bolong, where the waves break gently, and experienced surfers can choose to test themselves on the pro-grid curls at Echo Beach.

There are one on one surfing camps and training facilities, and surfing boards are offered on rent on the beaches, making the sport accessible for everyone.

Explore the rice fields in the countryside

Get away from the town traffic of the northwestern part of Canngu and escape to the country with a scenic drive to the rice paddy fields and rural areas of Bali. Drive through the seaside villages of Canngu and catch a glimpse of the Seseh and Pererenan rice fields, where you can also stop and see the local farmers tending to the crops. The proximity to the Indian Ocean only adds to the calmness of the relaxed atmosphere and is sure to leave you refreshed. You can also rent bicycles to ride through the fields and stop at local joints for lunch.

Catch the sunset at Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot is arguably the most iconic landmark of Canngu Islands in Indonesia. This ancient Hindu temple is perched on a jutted outcrop of land, surrounded by crashing waves. Pay your respects in the main temple complex of Tanah Lot and then take in the panoramic views that offer the best sunsets, as well as the cultural delights it offers. The main shrine has a number of smaller temple complexes, nearby restaurants, shops and a cultural park where traditional dance performances take place. Make a day trip out of your visit to Tanah Lot to experience the best of what it has to offer.

Sample the best of Bali’s restaurants at Canngu

Canngu boasts of some of the best restaurants that Bali has to offer, rivalling the dining scene of some of the best South Asian cities. Crate Café is the most popular and packed all year round, with its healthy offerings of smoothie bowls and avocado toasts pulling crowds. It has everything from chi chi fine dining to the no fuss seafood culinary playground of SKOOL Kitchen. Canngu has everything, from Japanese inspired restaurants to cafes using local Indonesian produce to recreate Spanish, Italian and Greek staples.