With international travel back in full swing post-COVID, travellers are more anxious than ever to get out and see the world. In particular, Bali has always been a popular vacation destination for Australians looking to escape the humdrum of everyday life and explore the natural beauty of the island. First, it was Kuta, then Legian, then Seminyak, and now it’s Canggu that is emerging as Bali’s newest hot spot and tourist destination. So, pack up your Bistro St. Tropez board shorts and resort wear because today, we’re checking out Canggu, the new ‘it’ place for Aussies in Bali.
About Canggu
Canggu is a small coastal resort village located on the south coast of Bali, right along the oceanfront. What used to be only rice patty fields and forested areas, Canggu has since transformed into the ultimate vacation destination in Bali with gorgeous sandy beaches and an invigorating nightlife scene. Today, there are many new must-visit bars and restaurants plus several trendy, modern villas being built for tourists to enjoy. Canggu is also home to many ex-pats, including Aussies but also Europeans, Brazilians, and Russians, proving that you may come to visit for a quick getaway, but your heart will want to stay forever.
Places to Visit
With many new restaurants, cafés, and bars popping up in Canggu, you might wonder which ones you should check out first. So, here are a few of our favourites.
Nüde is a local Canggu café that emphasises the importance of achieving balance to create a healthy mind and body. It claims it’s ‘sometimes naughty, sometimes nice,’ saying you can stop in for a healthy chicken and avocado salad with green juice one day, and the next, you’re opting for a pulled pork burger with a Bintang.
Calling all avocado lovers! The Avocado Factory Canggu is going to be your newest obsession. As the first avocado bar to open in Southeast Asia, it has a variety of visually stunning menu options that taste even better than they look. This is a must-try for travellers who love themselves some avocado.
At the Crate Café, it’s all about keeping it fresh and simple. Starting with locally sourced ingredients, they not only deliver an exceptional dining experience but also focus on creating an active and engaged community within Canggu.
If you’re hoping for more of a restaurant rather than a café, the Sa’Mesa Canggu offers an upscale Italian dining experience for you and your guests. They invite you to count the memories, not the calories, so be sure to try out one of their signature dishes or specialty cocktails during your next trip to Canggu.
For those travellers wanting to eat their meal outdoors, the Mason is a chic Mediterranean restaurant that features a terrace and several wood-fired oven and grill menu options. Enjoy a handmade cocktail and cured meat tray while their unique ambience brings the feeling of being at the beach right to you.
Perhaps you’re looking for some amazing Mexican cuisine during your stay in Canggu. Look no further than LACALITA! Using high-quality, local ingredients along with specialised imported spices, their mouth-watering dishes will make you wonder if you’re on vacation in Mexico or Bali!
Things to Do
There are many other things to do and see in Canggu besides visiting these lovely cafés and restaurants. Here is a quick run-through of some list-topping experiences in Canggu.
Tearing up the surf at Canggu Beach is one of the most popular activities to do while on the island because there is surf for all ages and experience levels. Within Canggu Beach lies Echo Beach, known for its world-class waves, and Batu Bolong (colloquially known as the Old Man), which is an ideal spot for beginners and longboards. And don’t forget to bring your favourite Bistro St. Tropez resort wear because these beaches are also perfect for enjoying an evening hangout while you watch the sunset over the crashing waves.
If you’re looking to get the full tourist experience, then you need to add visiting the Pura Tanah Lot in Canggu to the top of your travel list. Located 300m off the shore on a rock in the ocean, Pura Tanah Lot (meaning Land in The Sea) is one of the most famous temples in Bali, dating back to the 16th century. It’s one of the seven sea temples set around the Balinese coast, and there’s a legend that venomous sea snakes guard the temple against evil spirits and intruders.
For a completely free activity that you can enjoy during your stay, be sure to check out Canggu’s street art. In 2017, ALLCAPS Open Air Gallery teamed up with the foundation PangeaSeed to organise the Tropica Festival, which featured local and international street artists and was meant to raise awareness regarding the environmental issues that the area faces.
Finally, for the true adventure seekers, you can hike an active volcano in Canggu. Yes, you read that right. If you’re interested in pushing your limits, the Mount Batur sunrise trek is for you. You will have to wake up extra early so that you can be transported to the base before hiking up the side of the active volcano, reaching the summit right around sunrise. Many consider this journey a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but this hike is not for the faint of heart.
If you want to find other things to do in Bali, check out our other blog "Top 9 Amazing Things To Do In Bali With Your Family" by clicking here.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Canggu is quickly becoming the ‘it’ spot in Bali for Aussie travellers to slow down and unwind. So, slip into your Bistro St. Tropez premium men’s board shorts and enjoy a little fun in the sun at one of the beaches in Canggu before heading to a local food hot spot for your next meal. Or, you could always throw on your favourite resort wear outfit from our collection to go check out the many tourist attractions in the area. Ultimately, nature, culture, and tourism have all come together to create an amazing vacation destination like no other in Canggu, Bali.
