BALI TRAVEL GUIDE: CANGGU

Although Tom and I have been to Bali a number of times, we had never made it to Canggu. So it was nice to explore a different area for a change.

To be honest, I wouldn’t say we got the best feel for it. Unfortunately we were rained out   most of the days we were there, so spent much of our time hanging out at our villa instead of exploring.

If you’re looking for beaches, I would definitely suggest heading to the Uluwatu area, but in terms of food… Canggu is hard to beat. Especially for vegans.

THINGS TO DO

Eat. Most of what we did here was eating – you are seriously spoiled for choice. But more on that below. Other fun things:

Tacos and Tattoo Tuesdays at Deus Ex Machina
Yes, you heard right. Free tattoos, well minus the cost of a taco platter and a Bintang. You do have to be prepared, and get there early as there are very limited spots.

Surfing at Echo Beach
Whilst the beaches may not be the prettiest I’ve seen in Bali, there are some waves. Good for learners, depending on the day, and plenty of places to hire boards new Old Mans

Tanah Lot Temple
We didn’t make it here ourselves, re: rain and a 20minute scooter ride. But it was recommended for sunset. A temple on a rock off the coast. It apparently can get quite touristy, but if you have some time, its meant to be quite beautiful.

Massage at Therapy
Actually the best massage I’ve ever had….ever. A little more pricey in Bali terms, but worth it (roughly $35 AUD for a 90min massage).

WHERE TO EAT

Okay, this part I feel like I can comment on. Because eat we did. My husband and I are both vegan, so obviously we direct our attention to specific places that cater to our needs, but vegan or not these places are ABSOLUTELY worth heading to.

The Shady Shack
It’s highly rated on Tripadvisor, and for good reason. The food here was hard to beat. We went for both breakfast and lunch, and boy, we were not disappointed at all. There was a coffee smoothie (whose name I’ve since forgotten) that I couldn’t recommend more highly, and the vegan carrot cake was just to die for!

Peloton Supershop
This entirely plant-based restaurant was INSANE. Had some of the best pancakes of my life here (vegan or otherwise). And their pulled jackfruit tacos are just heaven. Would eat here everyday of my life if I could. Definitely worth checking out whether you are vegan or not, I think you’ll be impressed either way.

Crate Cafe
Coffee was pretty decent for Bali, and the food was delicious, healthy and fresh. We went for breakfast and had some delicious quinoa, pea and tempe scramble type situation that got me seriously inspired to try and replicate at home.

The Lawn
Perfect for sunset drinks as it is absolute beachfront. Great atmosphere and perfectly photogenic with umbrellas, festoon lighting and cacti galore. Food was also pretty delicious – their more modern take on a traditional Indonesian Gado-Gado was super delicious.

WHERE TO STAY

We stayed a few nights at Casa Ocean View – a villa you can book through Airbnb. There are 4 rooms that can be booked separately. It is also close walking distance to most of the places I mentioned above. It was the perfect villa for rainy weather too as there were so many great spots to hang out without feeling too claustrophobic.

We also stayed a couple of nights at Jungleroom. I would highly recommend this place. Yoga and healthy breakfast included – their coconut chia pudding was one of the best ever! You stay in one of the unique hundred year old wooden houses. Perfect chill out space around the pool. You will definitely need a scooter to get into the main part of town though.

Other places I’ve had recommended to me:

The Slow | Villa Phoenix | Fella Villas

 

Would love to hear your thoughts and recommendations for the next time we come back!