Things to Do in Canggu & Kerobokan

Rapidly expanding Seminyak has already begun spreading north into the Kerobokan and Canggu area. Now home to a healthy ex-pat community, this area also has plenty of accommodation for tourists as well. The beaches can be a bit dirty, but there's lots of great shopping and dining. Villas set amongst the rice paddies and its proximity to the action south make this a popular destination.

The Beaches - Petitenget is technically part of Seminyak, but like I said Seminyak is just spreading too far north now so it got included here! This quiet beach is a nice place to relax and renowned or its sunsets; it's not crowded and lacks the beach vendors found further south in Kuta and Legian. You can also rent horses and gallop along the white sand, just like the lifeguards do! Batu Belig is basically the same as Petitenget though slightly quieter and lined with luxury villas.

Moving further north (or west, depending how you look at it), Pantai Brawa is a nice beach to relax and escape the crowds. There is little by way of warungs and hotels here, though there are a handful of places to stay and eat (check out Legong Keraton Beach Hotel). You can also walk south to Batu Belig or north to Echo Beach. Brawa can be a great surfing venue given the right conditions.

Echo Beach is the main beach attraction in the Canggu area. Warungs and restaurants line the beach, fronting west Bali's most popular surfing venue. Though it often gets very windy here, this spot is busy year-round. If you're just looking to swim or just want to learn surfing, walk just south to the Old Man's area where the surf is far calmer.

Another place to escape the crowds is Pererenan Beach, where a quick walk over the rocks drops you onto a nice white sand beach that you may have all to yourself. There isn't much in terms of accommodations or refreshments here.

The Restaurants - As Canggu continues to turn into one of Bali's most popular areas for ex-pats, the food scene is growing. Of course, it's close proximity to Seminyak and its fine dining is one reason for its popularity.

Eating at Echo Beach is always a must when staying in the Canggu area. The Echo Beach House is very popular, particularly its sunset seafood BBQ's, but the fact is that you pay for the view as the food isn't really that great. If you just want some basic warung-style food, I always hang out at Dian Cafe when I'm in the area; friendly staff, good food, reasonable prices, and it's just next door to Echo Beach House.

The Betelnut Cafe is another popular spot for healthy organic and vegetarian food with an elevated view. Also check out newly opened La Mexicana for a little taste of Mexico in Bali. The popular Bali Buddha chain has a restaurant and grocer here as well, and serves up great, healthy tasting food at a reasonable price.

The Nightlife - Most people staying in this area do so to avoid the hustle and bustle of nights in nearby Seminyak, but it's proximity makes it easy for a big night out there. Betelnut Cafe and Dues ex Machina have regular live music events if you are looking for something to do and don't want to venture too far.

The Shopping - Jalan Kerobokan is lined with shops supplying cool artwork, indoor and outdoor furniture, home decor, and landscaping (from plants to fountains, etc.). It's a great place to get supplies to outfit your villas or homes. However, it lacks the touristy souvenir shops like in Kuta and Legian, but Denpasar is not far and is really the place to go for good deals anyway.

The Other Stuff - Canggu is actually known for its 'paddy fields'. They're a beautiful sight among the local infrastructure and constant development happening in this town. One can walk or bike along the fields, smell the fresh dew in the early mornings, or behold of terraces of fresh greens.

The famous Pura Tanah Lot is just north of Canggu, located on a small rock island just of the coast of Tabanan. This temple is one of Bali's 'seven sea temples' and one of the island's most popular attractions.

Deus ex Machina's Temple of Enthusiasm is a popular place to visit. Custom Motorcycles, surfboards, and art all under one roof with a tasty cafe and plenty of events to boot!