Is Canggu Worth Visiting?

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Canggu is a bit of a controversial destination in Bali, and it can be difficult to figure out if this beach town is still worth visiting or if it’s better to head elsewhere.

People have very strong opinions about Canggu and most either love or hate it. Since travel is a very personal and subjective experience, you might struggle to get good recommendations from friends and aquaintances, since their travel style could be completely different.

As a longterm Canggu resident and Bali trip planner, I can let you know if Canggu is still worth visiting, depending on what you’re looking for on your trip, or if you’re better off heading elsewhere.

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Why you can trust this article about Canggu

Hi, I’m Victoria, and I’m your go-to source for Bali and Indonesia travel information.

I’ve lived on this beautiful island for several years now and visited plenty of times before that, both as a tourist and backpacker. I know how to save money and when to splurge on things, so I’ll introduce you to the best luxury getaways for a special occasion but also the cheapest airport pickups and fun group tours you can join if you want to make friends.

I’ve lived in the centre of Canggu for almost three years now, and before that, I used to come here quite frequently as a tourist since my first Bali visit in 2016. I plan Bali trips for family and friends multiple times per year and always have to decide whether to recommend a few days in Canggu or not.

Many articles you’ll find about whether Canggu is worth it or not are written by tourists who only spend a few days here and then decide if they liked it or not. Since I’ve spent so much time here both as a traveller and a resident, I can give you a different perspective and more importantly, keep this post up-to-date as life in Canggu changes over the years.

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The quick answer: Is Canggu worth visiting?

In my opinion, yes Canggu is still worth visiting, even though it has changed a lot in recent years. But, I wouldn’t recommend it to every type of traveller. Since Bali is so large and has a lot to offer, you might enjoy yourself more elsewhere.

Generally, I would recommend visiting Canggu to backpackers, younger travellers, those looking for great restaurants and nightlife, surfers and people who want to be at the heart of the action.

I would also recommend Canggu for people hoping to stay in Bali long-term and find a community of expats.

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The old Canggu and why people loved it so much

Less than ten years ago, Canggu was nothing but ricefields, a hand full of local houses and a few warungs. It mostly attracted surfers, but there was absolutely no infrastructure, no paved roads or any Western restaurants or modern villas.

In just a few years, it gained popularity extremely fast and became a favourite among backpackers and even more surfers. Between 2016 and 2019, Canggu was a laidback surf town with nightlife and still plenty of rice fields. Popular businesses like Luigi’s, La Brisa, Avocado Factory, Crate or Lola’s became local staples, and Canggu was growing quickly.

People came here as a younger, cooler, less dirty and crowded alternative to Kuta and Legian, and Canggu became incredibly popular among digital nomads and expats.

Then came the pandemic when Canggu’s community became even more tightly-knit, and people became used to low accommodation prices, empty beaches, and villa parties.

As tourism returned in early 2022, many things began to change, affecting Canggu’s charm and appeal for many.

rice fields in canggu

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How has Canggu changed in recent years?

After tourism returned to Bali, Canggu became a hub for foreign investments, large real estate projects, and expats looking for a new home base. There is still a huge amount of construction in the area, and this will likely be the case for the foreseeable future. It’s extremely rare to find accommodation away from noisy construction sites, and large cement trucks commonly clog the main roads.

The road network in Bali in general is not made for mass tourism, but in Canggu, it’s even more severe than in many other areas, due to the lack of major roads leading in and out of town.

The famous Canggu Shortcut, which used to be just a narrow ricefield trail and is now a billboard-covered main road, is frequently so congested that you can be stuck for several hours during rush hour.

Canggu also has an influx of shops, restaurants and bars, which have a very high turn over, since the demand cannot keep up.

Many people feel like Canggu is not worth visiting anymore because it’s not what it used to be, but it’s just different now. You can still find ricefields just a quick drive away, and a lot of what made Canggu special is still there in a way.

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Does Canggu have good nightlife?

A main reason to come to Canggu is definitely the nightlife and I’d say it makes it worth visiting. If you’re looking to go out to clubs and bars in Bali, Canggu is the best place to do it by far.

Kuta and Seminyak’s nightlife is nowhere near as young and cool, and while Uluwatu is starting to catch up, you’ll mostly find expensive beach clubs with large DJ events there.

Canggu has a great selection of clubs and bars, and it’s the only place in Bali where you can party and dance on the beach until the early morning hours. It used to be difficult to find clubs that stay open late in Canggu, but with more options appearing in recent years, that is no longer the case.

While Canggu is generally a little bit pricey, you can find bars and clubs suitable for any budget here, including lots of sports bars and pubs.

mexicola canggu purple light and people dancing in a night club

Is Canggu overcrowded with terrible traffic?

Canggu is definitely a busy and crowded place, there is no sugarcoating it. You won’t find deserted beaches or quiet roads here, so if you’re looking for some peace during your trip, you might be better off going somewhere else.

Traffic can definitely get bad, especially during the summer months when it’s high season in Bali. But luckily, the congested roads are mostly those leading in and out of town, like Jalan Raya Canggu and the Shortcut, while getting around within Canggu itself is a little bit easier.

The best way to avoid traffic is to exclusively use scooter taxis via grab and gojek, or drive yourself. Avoid cars, since they get stuck in traffic.

Unfortunately, Canggu is also not walkable at all and only the main street Batu Bolong has any sort of somewhat usable sidewalks. You can walk from Canggu to Seminyak along the beach though.

is canggu worth visiting despite the traffic

Is there a lot to do and see in Canggu?

A main reason why I sometimes tell people to skip Canggu is that there is just not a lot to do and see here. There are fantastic restaurants and bars, but when it comes to activities that tourists might enjoy, I would prioritise places like Uluwatu, Ubud or Nusa Penida instead.

Come to Canggu to visit the famous Tanah Lot Temple, which is located around 25 minutes further north, to go surfing, do some souvenir shopping or to go out in the evenings. Otherwise, there isn’t a lot to do, so if you’re short on time, it might be better to go elsewhere.

Is Canggu expensive?

Canggu can get expensive, and prices have been rising steadily over the past years. Both accommodation and dining are pricier than other areas of Bali, and drinks especially are more expensive than you’ll find in Kuta for example.

It’s still possible to visit Canggu on a budget though, just expect most restaurants to be a little bit more costly. Generally, a meal in a Western place costs between IDR 80,000 to IDR 100,000 and you can find our complete breakdown of beer prices here.

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Does Canggu have a nice beach?

Another reason why I don’t think coming to Canggu is worth it for everyone is the beach. The beaches in Canggu are not nice and although they’re great for surfing, they’re terrible for swimming.

The sand is grey, and the water is not clear and actually quite dirty, so you won’t get to enjoy the picturesque beach experience you probably came to Bali for.

The currents in this part of Bali are very strong with high waves, and the ground is often rocky, making it less than ideal for swimming.

But, Canggu’s beach is a fantastic place to go and watch the sunset in the evening, so at least there’s that.

If you’re looking for the best beaches in Bali, head to Uluwatu (and checkout these beachfront hotels while you’re there), Padang Bai, Nusa Dua or try Nusa Penida’s Kelingking Beach or Diamond Beach.

sunset at batu bolong beach making canggu worth visiting

Canggu vs other Bali locations

So, what’s a great alternative to Canggu?

Here are our recommendations for other places in Bali if you’re not sure that Canggu is for you.

If you’re looking forGo to
Beautiful white-sand beachesUluwatu or Nusa Dua
Laidback island vibesNusa Lembongan or the Gili Islands
Waterfalls and culture (but also traffic)Ubud
Diving and planting coralPadang Bai or Amed
Mountains, lakes and sceneryKintamani, Bedugul or Munduk
Upscale resortsNusa Dua
Challenging places to surfUluwatu
What Canggu used to be likeKedungu or Cemagi
Busy streets, low prices, nightlife and an older crowdKuta
Upscale restaurantsSeminyak and Petitinget
Great snorkelling and no touristsWest Bali
Swim with turtles and ride a bicycleGili Islands
Decent beaches and an older crowdSanur
Ubud, without the traffic and crowdsSidemen

What type of traveller would enjoy Canggu?

I think whether or not you enjoy Canggu will depend a lot on what type of traveller you are. I would recommend Canggu to you if:

  1. You like to surf or want to learn and are looking for a surf community
  2. You’re a backpacker looking for nightlife and parties
  3. You’re a foodie and want to try lots of different restaurants, including vegan or Italian options
  4. You’re a digital nomad looking for a place to live and work for an extended time period
  5. You love busy places and want to be where all the action is
  6. You want to spend your days at world-class beach clubs
  7. You’re health conscious and want to eat well and have the best gym selection

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Is Canggu worth visiting for tourists?

I generally don’t recommend Canggu to tourists who are only in Bali for a week or two since there are other, more beautiful places to see if you’re short on time.

Also, there aren’t too many tourist activities available, so unless you want to relax in your villa or at the beach every day, you might be a bit bored after a while.

Is Canggu worth visiting for families?

Canggu can be a great place to visit for families, with a lot of family-friendly restaurants nearby. But, the ocean is not safe for swimming with small children, and Canggu is not very walkable, so you’ll have to take a car or bike everywhere.

Is Canggu worth visiting for backpackers?

Canggu is usually a favourite among backpackers, and I highly recommend it, having been one myself plenty of times. You’ll find plenty of budget-friendly hostels and lots of parties. My top recommendation is the Tipsy Gypsy Hostel, which has a fantastic location and is the best social hostel in town by far.

Is Canggu worth visiting for couples?

Canggu can be great for couples who like to go out, especially because of the selection of romantic restaurants for a date night. But, if you’re looking for a serene honeymoon stay, you might not enjoy Canggu as much.

hippie fish rooftop dinner date at sunset

Is Canggu worth visiting for digital nomads?

Canggu is definitely worth it for digital nomads and you’ll love the selection of coworking spaces and work-friendly cafes around. You’ll also find an active community of other remote workers to network with.

Reasons why you will love Canggu

Here are our top reasons why you will love your time in Canggu

1. The great surf breaks

Canggu is known for its surf community, and it’s suitable for both beginners and advanced surfers.

2. The busy nightlife

Canggu has great bars and nightclubs and you can go out any day of the week here.

3. The many beach bars and restaurants

Canggu’s beach may not be the prettiest, but it has plenty of warungs, restaurants and bars for sunset drinks or dinner. It’s also a hotspot for breakfast and brunch cafes.

4. The great expat community

It’s easy to make friends in Canggu, with community events taking place almost every day.

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5. The incredible selection of international restaurants

Canggu is fantastic for foodies, with all types of restaurants, including vegan, Italian and romantic dinner options.

6. The many rental villas

Canggu has an expansive selection of villas, so you can find reasonably-priced Airbnb rentals. Affordable long-term rents are a bit harder to come by, unfortunately.

private villa in canggu

7. The sunset culture

Everyone in Canggu goes to watch the sunset on the beach in the evenings, and it’s always magical.

8. The many gyms and health-conscious lifestyle

Canggu is the place to eat healthy and work out, so if that’s what you’re into, you’ll love it here.

Reasons why you might not like Canggu

Not everyone loves Canggu, and here are common reasons why people are sometimes disappointed after their trip.

1. It can be dirty

Canggu’s ocean and many of the streets can be a bit dirty and polluted. Unfortunately, that’s the case in many areas of Bali, but Canggu definitely isn’t the cleanest.

trash and plastic in river making canggu not worth visiting

2. The traffic is overwhelming

If you’re staying in Canggu, you’ll be stuck in traffic; there is no way around it. Try to stick to scooters and plan your day with plenty of time, just in case.

3. The beach is not the prettiest

Batu Bolong Beach, Berawa Beach and Echo Beach all have grey sand and murky water. They’re still great for sunset but not the best for swimming.

4. The nightlife is loud

If you don’t like to go out, you might not enjoy the loud bars and clubs, so make sure your accommodation is very far away.

5. There is a lot of construction

There is construction almost everywhere in Canggu, so it can be loud or just generally unpleasant to look at.

6. There isn’t much to do

Do not come here for the many activities, unfortunately, except for surfing, drinking and visiting Tanah Lot Temple, there isn’t much to do.

temple next to tanah lot temple with yellow leaves

7. It’s touristy

If you’re looking for authentic Balinese culture and experiences, you won’t find them here. It’s very touristy and not great for those looking for the real Bali.

8. It’s overpriced

Canggu can be expensive, so budget a bit more and expect to spend some money, especially at beach clubs.

9. The taxi mafia can be exhausting

You’ll constantly be asked if you need a motorbike taxi, and although generally, gojek and grab are far safer and more reliable to use in Canggu, there are restricted areas you need to know about where the apps don’t work.

canggu taxi mafia for grab and gojek making it not worth visiting

Is Canggu worth visiting FAQ

Is Canggu still worth it?

Canggu is definitely still worth visiting for backpackers and those who love nightlife.

Why is Canggu so popular?

Canggu is popular because of surfing and going out, even though it used to be more of a laid-back destination.

Is Canggu better than Seminyak?

Canggu and Seminyak are very imilar, but Seminyak is generally more touristy with an older crowd, while Canggu attracts more young backpackers or expats.

How long should I spend in Canggu?

Three to four days are generally more than enough for Canggu.

Before you go…

You’re ready to make up your mind if Canggu is for you or if it might be better to skip it. We think you might also like our other Bali guides, so check out our hotel recommendations for Sanur or Nusa Penida.

You might also like our list of things to do on your birthday in Bali or this review of the best group tours to join.

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If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post, please leave a comment below or contact me.

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Victoria Heinz

Victoria is the founder of Guide Your Travel and has been a travel writer for ten years. She has a Master of Arts in International Relations and Politics and is a managing partner at a marketing agency in Indonesia, giving her unique insight into local culture and customs. Originally from Germany, Victoria has been living abroad for eight years in countries such as Australia, the UK, Spain, Malaysia and Indonesia. Today, she calls Bali her permanent home and helps over 200,000 people plan their trips around the world every month.

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Hi! I’m Victoria, a travel blogger from Germany and the author of Guide your Travel. I write about my favourite destinations in Europe, South East Asia and digital nomad life in Bali.

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Hi, I'm Victoria

Welcome to Guide your Travel – a blog about South East Asia and how to travel on a budget.

I’m a blogger, writer and photographer and love to introduce my favourite destinations to others and encourage them to see the world.

I’m originally from Germany but spent four years living in the UK, quite a bit of time in Spain and Malaysia, and am now travelling full time with a home base in Bali, Indonesia.

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