Trip: December 2017
Below is our Top 5 Things To Do in Canggu, Bali, part of the Just Carrying On – Top 5 Things To Do series. These lists are favorite activities, eats, and drinks from our travels around the world—in no particular order.
We visited the island of Bali (in the country of Indonesia) in December 2017, spending 10 days there. We absolutely loved it. Perhaps it was the slower pace, the fresh smell of incense every morning and afternoon, or the yoga. Regardless, it was one of the few places we were sure we’d visit again, even while still there. We spent 5 nights in Canggu, a laid back beach town that is like candy for expats.
1. The Lawn
This place is almost too hip for itself, but so is all of Canggu (and much of Bali for that matter). But it is still so fun. It is an outdoor beach bar with a small pool that includes its own swim-up bar. If you’re not swimming, you can sit on the ground in a cabana-like setting, atop the fake grass and cushions that are gathered under wooden tables and umbrellas. It provides a spectacular backdrop for some of the most gorgeous sunsets of our time in Asia, with the pink and purple blending together in the sky together against the twinkling lights strung around the bar.The drinks are expensive but worth it. So worth it. It was the only bar we paid a second visit to during our 5 night stay.
2. La Laguna Bali
Across town from where we stayed, this beachfront property was the most upscale place we enjoyed the sunset from. There was an indoor restaurant, an outdoor meadow filled with bonfires and brightly colored cushions and a deck where we sat on vintage furniture. The beers were affordable and the sunset was beautiful, lighting up the sky to full effect much after the sun had actually set.
3. Canteen Cafe
Canggu is overflowing with healthy breakfast spots. We tried several (including Motion Cafe and Shady Shack) but enjoyed Canteen the most. The prices were good and the vibe was a bit more laid back compared to some of the hipper places. We went straight from yoga and saw other teachers and students from our class, affirming our initial choice to take a seat. We shared the avocado poached egg toast and smoothie bowl both times. So basic, yes. But so good.
4. The Slow
We ate out for all our meals in Canggu and saved the best for last. The Slow was the nicest and best meal we had. The space beckoned us in each time we passed, with an abundance of hanging plants, gorgeous wooden chairs with clean lines and a Scandanavian/German aesthetic. We created our own full meal by ordering multiple vegetarian sides, creating a delicious spread that was well worth every penny.
5. Samadi Bali with Sunday Market
We practiced at Samadi Bali on a Sunday morning, when a farmer’s market was being held in the space just outside. The inside yoga room was comprised of hardwood floors and large windows that softly lit the space. The room felt lovingly used and an excellent Balinese teacher led our morning flow class.
Honorable mentions
- The Canggu Studio: we took an excellent, unpretentious vinyasa class in this space, where they also offer dance and other exercise options.
- Peloton Supershop: Not the cheapest but one of the best (and biggest) smoothie bowls we had in Bali—and we were definitely connoisseurs at this point!
- The Shady Shack: Just down the street from our Airbnb, we often found ourselves waking early to grab a smoothie or muffin, or swinging by in the evening to grab a delicious chocolate vegan dessert to go.
Top 5 Things To Do in Canggu, Bali is part of Just Carrying On – Top 5 Things To Do series, which offers our best travel recommendations from around the world.