With stunning beaches, amazing surfing opportunities, enlightening yoga studios, and trendy coffee shops, Canggu is an incredible place to while away the days when you want to take a break from your routine. Whether you plan on spending your time partying at luxury beach clubs, admiring thought-provoking street art, or checking out ancient temples, a weekend in Canggu is always a good idea. 

Canggu is one of the coolest destinations in Bali. Buzzing with a high-octane atmosphere that will sweep you up with it, the tropical getaway is brimming with digital nomads, creative expats, talented surfers, and expert yogis. What started out as a sleepy fishing village has been completely transformed into a vibrant destination you’ve got to visit at least once in your life. 

In a similar way to Seminyak and Ubud, Canggu allures visitors with its dramatic views, enormous choice of activities, and fun-filled atmosphere. While it’s certainly not the modest place that it was decades ago, Canggu hasn’t lost its charm and still holds onto its original fishing village roots.

To help you get the most out of your 3 days in Canggu, we’ve created the ultimate travel itinerary. It covers the best ways to get around the coastal resort town so you can save time, as well as the incredible attractions you’ve definitely got to check out. We’ve also included some of our favorite places to eat and drink, plus a handful of extra recommendations if you manage to breeze through our suggestions quicker than you thought. Enjoy!

If you’re still deciding where to stay then make sure to check out our article on the best boutique hotels in Canggu!

How to Spend a Weekend in Canggu, Bali, Indonesia

Getting Around Canggu

The best way to get around Canggu and make the most of your trip is to rent a scooter. You can rent them from many of the hotels in town. If your resort or hotel doesn’t offer them, you’re almost certain to find a scooter rental company just a few steps away. 

They’re incredibly cost-effective – you can usually rent a scooter for around $ 4-10 USD per day! But do note that the traffic can get bad in Canggu, so we don’t recommend driving a scooter unless you have some experience.

Getting gas is a little unusual. When you’re on the road, keep an eye out for shacks along the sides with glass bottles (usually Absolut Vodka bottles) filled with colored liquid. These are gas stations! Pull over and ask for a couple of bottles. Someone there will fill your scooter up – and off you go. Gas is super cheap, with a bottle costing just a few dollars.

The second-best way to get around is on foot. If you’re not planning on venturing off to any temples or rice fields, you can easily enjoy your 3-day trip to Canguu without using any kind of transport.

Canggu Itinerary – Day 1

Crate Cafe

Start your Canggu itinerary with an amazing breakfast at Crate Cafe. This lively place is always brimming with people, so you know the food has got to be good. 

Open from 6 am, the cafe serves all kinds of tempting sweet and savory bowls, toasties, wraps, pastries, and full plates piled high with yummy, local ingredients. As an added bonus, you’ll find loads of lactose-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, too.

The smoothies, freshly-squeezed juices, and coffees are even better than they sound on the menu. What makes this cafe so special is the art gallery. It features a monthly rotating exhibition and gives you the chance to discover new artists. 

Batu Bolong Beach 

Now that you’ve got enough energy, it’s time to head to Batu Bolong Beach for a surf lesson. The Bali Surf School is one of the most highly recommended – and it’s easy to see why. This fantastic school offers private (1:1) and semi-private (1:2) lessons only, so you’ll never be with a big group.

After learning the basics on land, you’ll get 2 hours of practice in the water. It’s amazing how much you can pick up in a short amount of time! Pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation, a surfboard, and a wetsuit are all included in the price. If you want to spend a little more, they’ll even send a photographer with you to snap pictures and record videos.

Love Anchor Canggu Bazaar

Next on your adventure is the Love Anchor Canggu Bazaar. This trendy indoor/outdoor lifestyle center is an amazing place to pick up absolutely everything. It’s filled with shops by famous brands, cute cafes, tempting restaurants, and stalls run by local artisans selling all kinds of handmade treasures.

You can even watch some of the artisans create their works of art in front of your very eyes here. The prices are higher here than in other markets, so keep that in mind. We recommend you avoid the cafes and restaurants here in favor of a more authentic experience for lunch at Warung Varuna. 

Warung Varuna

This traditional Balinese restaurant is hugely popular among locals as well as visitors and serves up all kinds of typical Indonesian dishes for budget-friendly prices. The menu changes each day, according to which fresh ingredients are in season and what special the chef has decided to make that day.

But whenever you visit, you’ll usually find different variations of nasi goreng, mie goreng, and gado gado, as well as a number of seafood and meat skewer dishes. Don’t be put off if the restaurant looks completely full. There’s a second floor where you can enjoy your meal while people-watching on the street below. 

Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot is one of the most impressive attractions in Bali, and although it’s not actually within Canggu, it’s just a 30-minute drive away, making it definitely worth a visit. If you’ve got a scooter, you can ride there yourself. If not, you can sign up for a guided tour which includes transportation from the resort. 

Our favorite time to visit this spiritual temple is at sunset. At this time of day, the dazzling structure looks even more spectacular than usual. If the waves aren’t too high, head down to the black sandy beach directly next to Tanah Lot. This is where you can take the best pictures. 

Even if you can’t time your trip to the landmark for sunset, it’s still definitely worth visiting. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is perched on the top of a craggy cliff about 1,000 feet off the shore. It dates back to the 16th century, when it was built as a Hindu tribute to the gods of the sea. The detailed carvings, winding staircases, and mesmerizing religious figures are superb.

Canggu Itinerary – Day 2

Practice

Begin day 2 of your weekend trip to Canggu with a sunrise yoga class at the Practice. This stunning yoga center offers a wealth of wellness-inspired classes that will make you feel like a whole new you. You can check out the online calendar in advance to see what’s happening during your visit.

If there’s an early morning class, we definitely recommend joining in. These classes range from hatha yoga fire and strong morning asana to kundalini mudras and raja yoga meditation, depending on when you’re visiting. Whichever one works with your schedule, there’s nothing like doing gentle stretches and meditation as the sun comes up. 

Not a fan of early starts? Consider participating in one of the later classes instead. The Practice offers morning, afternoon, and evening classes, so you’ll always be able to find one that works with your schedule.

Milk & Madu

After a solid workout, it’s time for a delicious breakfast at Milk & Madu. This hip cafe invites you to unwind while sipping coffee made just how you like it and enjoying some of the very finest breakfast dishes Canggu has to offer. An excellent place to visit if you’re traveling with little ones, this family-friendly cafe provides toys, games, and books to keep children entertained so the grown-ups can relax.

Whether you prefer a sweet or savory breakfast, you’ll find just what you’re looking for here. The menu features pastries, bowls, and sandwiches, as well as brunch-style dishes like smoked salmon toast, the early riser pizza, and crispy corn fritters. There’s even a special breakfast menu for little ones with cheese toasties, pancakes, and fruit plates.

The weekend is the best time to visit Milk & Madu because that’s when all the best activities are held. From live music to art workshops, there’s loads going on, whatever you’re into.

Jatiluwih

As you’ve had such an early start on the second day of your 3-day trip to Canggu, you’ve got plenty of time left for an adventure. Just 1.5 hours away from Canggu lies the lush rice terraces of Jatiluwih – a must one any Canggu itinerary.

This UNESCO-listed site is made up of more than 1,500 acres of rice fields that tumble down the hills of the Batukaru mountain range. Its name comes from Jati which, means “real,” and Luwih, which means “good” or “beautiful.” As soon as you see the place with your own eyes, you’ll understand just how much of an understatement that name is.

This spectacular spot dates back to the 9th century and is teeming with an almost never-ending number of hiking and walking trails. Here you’ll have the opportunity to discover different sections of the terraces and hop over rippling rivers. There are also several small shacks in the area that serve up amazing local food you can dig into while being surrounded by unprecedented beauty. 

Shady Shack

After a long day, you deserve an excellent dinner and you’ll certainly find it at the Shady Shack. This popular dining hotspot serves exclusively plant-based dishes. No matter how much of a carnivore you are, you’ll never miss the meat. The textures and flavors in these dishes are so superb that it won’t be on your mind at all.

Shady Shack’s menu is laden with snack-style light bites, sharing platters, and vegetarian takes on classics such as nachos, burgers, tacos, and burritos. If you’re feeling hungry, we definitely recommend ordering one of the buddha bowls. They’re absolutely huge and are loaded with plant-based protein, so there’s no chance of you going home hungry.

The drinks menu is almost as good as the food menu. Brimming with juices, smoothies, kombuchas, and slushies, the freshly-made drinks here are packed with so many nutrients that you’ll feel amazing after just a few sips.

Canggu Itinerary – Day 3 

Green Spot Cafe 

The final day of your 3-day Canggu itinerary begins with a wholesome breakfast at the Green Spot Cafe. Make sure you take your swimming gear because this cafe is tucked inside the Ecosfera Hotel and specializes in floating breakfasts that you can enjoy in the pool! Taking a dip isn’t obligatory – if you’d rather stay dry, you can enjoy your breakfast on a table next to the pool and enjoy your elegant surroundings.

Here you’ll find absolutely everything you could possibly imagine. From a full English breakfast, breakfast burger, and eggs benedict to avocado on toast, chocolate pancakes, and a croissant sandwich, there are loads of delicious options here. If you want to keep things healthy, the Green Spot Cafe even serves a light and fresh breakfast salad.

Nusa Clay Club 

Next, it’s time to create a one-of-a-kind souvenir at the Nusa Clay Club. This independent pottery school is run by an immensely talented local who will teach you how to make your very own ceramic work of art entirely from scratch. Unfortunately, it can take between a couple of days and a couple of weeks to make a ceramic piece entirely from scratch, but there are other options that you can fit into your itinerary.

You can buy one of the kits that includes everything you need to make a beautiful vase at home. Alternatively, you can buy one of the ready-made pieces – they’re absolutely stunning. If you’re determined to get hands-on, you can paint one of the ceramic pieces that have already been made and take that home with you instead.

La Brisa 

If you didn’t find the perfect gift or souvenir at the Nusa Clay Club, you’re sure to find it at La Brisa. This ultra-cool market takes place each week on Sunday between 10 am and 4 pm on Echo Beach. Designed to support local farmers, suppliers, and small business owners, this popular hangout is an excellent place to find unique handmade gifts that you definitely won’t find anywhere else.

From fresh seasonal fruit, beautiful handmade clothes, and jewelry made with natural ingredients to Balinese coffee, freshly-baked pastries, and organic beauty products, there are loads of wonderful things to pick up here. 

Now it’s time to relax! If you’re looking for something simple, spend the rest of your day on Echo Beach. One of Bali’s most popular surfing spots, this beautiful bay stretches on for miles of golden sand lapped by warm, aquamarine waters. 

When you’ve worked your way through the foodie treats you picked up at the La Brisa market, you’ll find plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants lining the beach where you can treat your taste buds to anything you’re craving. 

For something a little more luxurious, head to La Brisa Beach Club instead. Also located on Echo Beach, this dazzling beach club has a sophisticated yet bohemian vibe. Shrouded in history and culture, the club was built using the reclaimed wood of 500 old fishermen’s boats, which were hand-painted to fit in with the cool beach club vibe.

Don’t worry about arriving late. La Brisa is open from 10 am until 11 pm and serves a full menu of food and drink throughout the day and night. From beer, wine, champagne, and cocktails to mocktails, kombucha, milkshakes, and liquors, you’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice here.

What makes La Brisa Beach Club special is that there are so many different places to hang out. There are beanbag chairs on the beach, private shaded cabanas, regular seating around the bar, and elevated seating in tree-top cabins to choose from. 

Live music is pretty standard here. So look out for posters advertising upcoming events and concerts to find out what’s going on during your visit.

More Places to Eat & Drink in Canggu

Bali’s first avocado bar, The Avocado Factory is the place to go if you can’t get enough avocado:

Here you’ll find the nutrient-packed and delicious fruit in absolutely everything, from smoothie bowls and burgers to toasts and salads. All the avocados served here are from Bali and Java, making them as fresh as possible. We wholeheartedly recommend the avocado pancakes and avocado chocolate mousse – they’re divine! 

When you’re craving fresh seafood, make plans to go to Hippie Fish:

Located directly on Pererenan Beach, this refined Mediterranean-inspired restaurant boasts all kinds of market-fresh seafood, such as calamari, clams, mussels, and shrimp. After you’ve finished devouring some of the most incredible seafood of your life, head upstairs to the rooftop terrace and enjoy a post-dinner cocktail with an epic view. 

A secret cocktail parlor with a clandestine speakeasy vibe, The Shady Fox is unlike anywhere else in Canggu:
Boasting a moody interior design with plenty of red velvet, flickering candlelight, and live jazz music, it’s easy to forget where you are here. The cocktail menu is phenomenal – featuring classics such as a Manhattan, margarita, and spritz alongside creative alternatives like a ridotto, queen of hearts, and mezcal negroni. The attention to detail, from the order the ingredients are added to the glass the drink is served in, is impeccable. 

What to do if you have more than 3 days in Canggu

Indonesian Massage

If you’ve overdone it and need to relax a little, treat yourself to an authentic Indonesian massage. An amazing way to relax and unwind, indulgent massages are available all over Canggu at the beach and from day spas. If you want to treat yourself, make a massage appointment at Spring Spa or COMO Uma Canggu. Both of these locations are incredibly luxurious, with massage experts who know just the right techniques and oils to use to heal absolutely everything. 

Mount Batur

Up for a challenge? Then sign up for an excursion and hike to the top of Mount Batur for sunrise. This once-in-a-lifetime experience invites you on an early morning hike to the peak of an active volcano. The views are sensational along the way and you’ll be snapping pictures non-stop. At the end of your adventure, you can cool off with a shower and enjoy a much-deserved hearty breakfast.

Horseback Riding in Canggu

Canggu boasts some incredible landscapes, and one of the very best ways to explore them is on horseback. On this amazing excursion, you’ll have the chance to ride along Pig Stone Beach and through Bali’s verdant rice fields. It’s a great way to see loads of different types of scenery without wearing yourself out. One of the best things about this trip is that it’s suitable for people of all levels – so you can join in whether you’re an expert or a complete newbie.

Snorkeling Expedition

There are countless fascinating underwater sites scattered throughout the coast of Bali. So sign up for a snorkeling expedition and see them for yourself. This organized trip picks you up from your accommodation in Canggu and whisks you away to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, where you can explore three phenomenal snorkeling spots. With the help of your guide, you’ll have the chance to see all kinds of tropical fish, plus eels, sea turtles, and even rays.

We hope you enjoy your weekend trip to Canggu! Should we add something else to our 3-day Canggu itinerary? Let us know in the comments.

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