Canggu Hitlist: The newest and the best from canggu

Hello and welcome to Canggu! Whoever you are, and whatever your tastes, we’ve searched every nook and cranny of the Gu to find you the recipe for your perfect day, and what’s more, we’ve also handpicked the very best Canggu accommodation for you. Even if you know Canggu well, you’ll find something new here – we’ve sought out all the hottest new openings you need to try. Go forth and explore!

Listen Up Party Kings and Queens!

If you’ve come to Canggu to party and have fun, we’ve got plenty of tips for you! You’ll never be short of new and exciting bars, restaurants and clubs, plus a few spas to help you get over the night before. And we have the perfect Canggu accommodation for you.

We’ll start our day bright and early – ha, joke. We’ll start our day around noon, better? You need that beauty sleep. You’re in our 7bed Cassia, 7bed Tara and 5bed Lotus Canggu villas, and you’ve got 25 of your closest friends with you. Last night was crazy. You took full advantage of the entertainment room downstairs and yes, there was a party. There was a DJ in Cassia and you remember disco lights and someone screeching on the karaoke and a bar tender making these amazing cocktails and…it goes a bit blank after that, right? Thankfully the cleaning service has been and everything’s sparkling now. There’s breakfast and there’s coffee. Put on those shades and go and hang by the pool for a bit, until normalcy resumes. Don’t look at that sunken bar by the pool, you can’t face the memory quite yet.

Yes, our Cassia, Tara and Lotus villas are great for party people. Together they can host 44 guests but of course you can book them separately too. Cassia and Tara both have entertainment rooms and TV rooms with karaoke, and all three have sunken pool bars. And they’re in the most perfect central location!

Day time activities for Party Kings and Queens

When you’re ready to emerge, you’ve got your pick of brunch places to help you recover. Berawa has a tonne of our favourites right by your villa – Nude, Hungry Bird, 7Islands – take your pick. But today we need carbs and we need a lot of them, so we’re heading for the Brunch Club. Their Big Brunch Breakfast is going to hit the spot for sure, if a fry up is what you want. If you have more of a sweet tooth, and the patience to wait 30-40 minutes, you have to order the porncakes, big, wobbly Japanese style souffle pancakes with a massive choice of toppings.

If it’s a Sunday, we can’t let you miss Hair of The Dog Sundays at newcomer, PNNY Bites. Yes, it was made for you. 3pm till late, grab yourself a restorative Bloody Mary and a grilled cheese and feel the power surging back into your veins. There’s DJs and there’s often a pop up tattoo artist, if that’s how your hangover’s manifesting today.

Otherwise, let’s accept a bit of help with getting back in the party mood and head over to Canggu’s branch of Spring Spa, a Kiwi owned fun destination spa with a tonne of treatments on offer. Get the Morning After treatment: it’s a signature massage, followed by a hydrating natural eye treatment to get rid of those dark circles and that puffiness, plus a young coconut for hydration – perfection.

Big Night Out for Party Kings and Queens

So what will we do for the big Canggu night out? Of course you have your pick of amazing party options: Finns, Atlas, Sand Bar, La Brisa, Vault. This time we should try out one of the newer places – Motel Mexicola is a well known Seminyak favourite but is relatively new to Canggu and its energetic vibes and eclectic décor make for a perfect night out. Tacos and margaritas for the win!

Then it’s back to your villa for a nightcap at the sunken pool bar. Try to prise that friend off the karaoke if you can.

If you can’t get the dates you need at our Cassia, Tara or Lotus Canggu villas, another Canggu accommodation suggestion is our 4bed villas, Verde, Soho, Under The Sun and Cruz which you can book separately or as a group (all four together can take up to 40 guests). These gorgeous brand new villas with huge picture windows and ultra modern décor are also perfectly located, with great cafes like Nude just a few metres walk away. Each has its own private pool so lounging around as you try to recover from your big night is a piece of cake.

Laidback value seekers

Hello, my friends. We met before, back when we were all backpacking, sleeping on trains and living off packet noodles. It’s so nice now, having a bit more money, but still keeping it real. No five star hotels and tasting menus for us, but a comfortable place to stay in a great location, decent food and some fun nights out are now on the cards. For sure we have Canggu accommodation that will suit you perfectly.

Set your bags down in your choice of rooms at Mojo and grab yourself a welcome drink. Bali Comfy Villas picked you up from the airport this time, so you’ve still got the whole day ahead of you. 12bed Mojo is the most affordable of our Canggu villas, and while you may not get your own butler or gym, you’re in a great central location just off Canggu’s main strip. Plus you’ve got your own pool, and your villa is a cool authentic style build, echoing the style of traditional rice barn temples.

Or you could try Amore. This is a complex of four 4bed Canggu villas – rent out just one of them for a small group, or a combination of them if there’s more people travelling with you. With this one, you’re right by Berawa Street with all its cafes and bars. There’s a pool for each villa, and lush lawns around them. There’s some fancier amenities here if you fancy treating yourself a bit more – we’ve got outdoor pavilions, a mini spa with a massage bed, we’ve got Netflix.

A day of exploring for Laidback value seekers

Time to explore! Canggu is perfect for a hipster like you. Rent a bike, get some surf lessons and you’ll fit right in. Have a chat with us about both – we can help you with scooter rental, and our sister company, Surf Is Up Bali, is here to take you to the next stage of your surf skills.

If you want to get out of town and explore a bit, Tanah Lot temple is close by. Grab your scooter and let’s go! Best to aim for low tide so you can walk out to this “floating” icon, where you can get a blessing from a priest there for pennies. It does get busy here with tourists though, be warned! If you want to try something authentic for lunch, head to Babi Guling Men Agus, a stall specialising in suckling pig for IDR25.000 upwards.

Fun that’s Closer to Home for Laidback Value Seekers

If you’d rather stay closer to home, spend the morning at the beach: a bit of surf, the odd fresh coconut, get a nap in, and hit the Bintangs. You could also explore Love Anchor, a bohemian market that sells a bit of everything, seven days a week, and is just cool to have a wander around. Or try newly opened Laksmie Galleri, brim full of bargains and designer replicas.

Maybe your shoulders are sore from lugging your bags around? Canggu is crammed with extra luxe spas but we know of some that won’t break the bank too. Chillax is my top tip: you could easily miss it as from the street it just looks like an ordinary nail salon. But once you’re through those doors, it opens up into a huge spa, fantastic for effective massages at a great price. Their deep tissue massage really hits the spot –  topped off with a gentle foot massage or a relaxed mani-pedi.

Eating Out for Laidback Value Seekers

Where to have dinner? Going authentic is always a good option and easy on the pocket. Warung Bu Mi is one of the best warungs in Canggu – delicious home style food, with presentation at a higher level than you might expect for a buffet. It’s a favourite among tourists and locals alike – always a sign of good food at a fair price. It’s centrally located, and busy, with the food constantly refreshed.  This is a great option for non meat eaters too – the tofu and tempeh dishes are excellent, as are the corn fritters and the pumpkin curry.

There’s also plenty of options if you keep an eye on happy hours and specials. There’s some newcomers that are pretty cool too. Give Luma a go – every afternoon is $10 happy hour spritzers and tasting plates. If you want to splash out, their full menu is Mediterranean fine dining using local produce – but they steer well clear of pretentious, and the price tags are reasonable.

For a crowd of you, another newcomer that offers bang for your buck is Luigi’s Hot Pizza. With metre long pizzas, this laidback, unpretentious joint brings you good food and crazy party nights. This is where the fun happens, Monday nights are club nights so bring your friends and prepare to dance!

Night Time Fun for Laidback Value Seekers

We think you might be into your music, are we right? If so, Canggu’s newest and hippest record bar might be for you. Ghost Kitchen & Record Bar is a vinyl shop full of hidden gems, with resident DJs, but it also has great food, interesting cocktails and speciality coffees – and an electric atmosphere.

When it comes to nightlife, Canggu was made for people like you! Try old favourites like Old Man’s, Deus, or Gimme Shelter for late nights on the beer with some live music. Or give newcomer Black Sand Brewery a go. If your tastes in beer extend beyond the old Bintang, head here for the great range of craft beers, brewed on site. It has an extensive beer garden to house its ever-growing crowd but however popular, it manages to retain a chill vibe. Fridays are the best night – get there early, grab a bite to eat, and stay until the early hours.

Peace seekers

We get it, you want to escape the crowds. You want to breathe, relax, unclench those shoulders. You want some sun, some beach, maybe some yoga or surfing, some great food, and some quiet time with your loved ones.

We’ve got two Canggu villas we think you’ll love. The first is our Sound of the Sea villa, located in Pererenan. Pick this villa and you’ll wake up to the sounds of the ocean for sure, as this 6bed villa is just metres from the beach. Grab yourself a coffee, sit on your balcony and listening to the birds singing in the nearby rice fields. What will you do today? Maybe test out your surf skills in this world class surf spot? Or take a horse ride along the beach?

Or you could easily just hang out at your villa. You’d never get bored – have a tennis match on the complex’s shared tennis court, or a swim in your own 20m pool. Wind down with a yoga session on the floating platform surrounded by a serene pond. Take a long bath on the balcony of the master bedroom and enjoy the sunset. And if you get tired of serenity, the bustle of Canggu is only 10-15 minutes away by bike.

Seeking Peace Out and About in Pererenan

There’s also plenty to do in up and coming Pererenan. There’s a tonne of great cafes we’d love you to explore, but today we’re going to try a brand new place, so let’s head over to St Ali, a Melbourne-born coffee specialist that’s just set up shop here. It has great brunch options – try the fluffy pancakes! It’s also got an impressive lunch menu starring their signature dish, the St Schnitzel. Or there’s Gimme More, also one of the new kids on the block. Great for brunch, or for their scene stealing strawberry matcha, this is a fun new place full of delicious healthy options.

Spend your day exploring this lovely corner of Bali. Rent a bicycle and explore all the little tracks through the fields, and the sandy beaches where you can watch the fishermen practicing traditional fishing methods. Take a long walk along the coastal path which stretches into the less explored territory of Seseh and Cemagi.

Spa Days for Peace Seekers

Maybe you could use a spa day? Newly opened Sundaymood is right up your street, as it’s all about self care. This is Bali’s very first totally private infrared sauna and ice baths, designed to integrate wellness, recovery, and time for self-reflection. Book a private infrared sauna booth all to yourself for 45 minutes, breath in the hand rolled Balinese incense, select your favourite chroma therapy and just be still. If you want, add on a private saltwater ice bath too for contrast therapy. Fluffy robes, natural materials, neutral colours and minimalist design all add to the calm, relaxing environment.

We know you’re keen on wellness, so there’s also a new opening just over in Canggu we think you’d love. Saya Club is a gym and a spa that’s open 24/7, and offers cool facilities like an ice bath, sauna and jacuzzi as well as a gym and fitness classes. While you’re in the area, maybe check out the new Canggu branch of cool clothing brand DEAF. It’s a bit surfy, it’s a bit hip – right up your alley.

Chilled Evenings for Peace Seekers

After all that, I’m sure you need a little pick me up. Pererenan is packed with cool bars and restaurants. Let’s try out some of the newest. First, we’re going to have a pre dinner drink at the Robatayaki bar on the terrace at Bokashi. We might even stay for dinner, it’s that good. For now, it’s going to be a margarita or maybe a glass of natural wine. The restaurant itself is an eco-conscious concept fusing Japanese and Indonesian flavours and using fresh ingredients from their own organic farm. It’s right by the beach and a perfect spot to chill out.

Tonight’s dinner is at another new opening. Woods Pererenan is our new favourite. Entirely crafted from reclaimed wood and with gorgeous views of nature, Woods offers a delicious dinner menu with plenty of vegetarian and vegan choices – but don’t mind me, I’m having the short ribs. It’s also an excellent call for brunch and lunch.

Maybe a nightcap before bed? We love new bar Casa Mezcal – it’s tucked away above Origen (which we also love!) and – as the name suggests – specialises in artisanal mezcal cocktails. It’s intimate, it’s chilled, it’s the best place to unwind after your perfect day.

But let’s head back home now, because the most restful place of all is in your Canggu villa, by the pool, listening to the sound of the ocean and nothing else.

Peace Seeking in Cemagi Beach

Our second Peace Seeker option is a little more off the beaten track. Ambalama 7bed villa at Cemagi beach is only a five minute drive away from bustling Canggu, but here the vibe is more quiet. You’ve got it all here: a stunning villa, peace and quiet, a gorgeous beach on your doorstep, and all the amenities you could wish for just a short drive away.

Spend your day in blissful peace just within the grounds of your own villa. This one is huge: set in 5.900 sqm, this villa features Bali’s largest and most diverse micro forest. Hide yourself away among the 1.000 trees and 100 different species that are all native to Bali. There’s also a huge lawn and a fabulous 24m semi Olympic pool (as well as a separate kids’ pool). Or enjoy your restful setting from the two storey pavilion (with a second private pool), taking in the views over the nearby beach with a cocktail or a coffee.

There’s plenty of room to lose yourself in the villa complex too. Ambalama is made up of five villas – there’s the master villa (with three bedrooms) and then there are four guest villas (each with one bedroom). The master villa has its own pool and boasts a truly stunning master bedroom – it’s not just that it’s enormous, it’s that it has a balcony that looks out over the ocean and the rice fields. Heaven!

Finding Peace around Cemagi Beach

If you’re staying here, you might not want to venture far from the villa. The beach is just a short walk away – head down here for the day, and stay until sunset, when the beach warungs come alive.  Further afield, you have black sand beaches, temples and waterfalls to explore. Heading inland a little will take you to Tabanan, home of coffee plantations and rice terraces (Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Bali), Vihara Dharma Giri, the huge reclining Buddha, and the ancient palace of Tabanan Anom, one of the oldest royal palaces in Bali that dates back to the era when Tabanan was a kingdom in itself. I’ve never seen this place crowded, so for those of you who like the space and quiet to wander around in peace, it’s a great choice.

And if you want to try out a cool new place for dinner, we strongly recommend Luna beer garden at Luna Beach Club in Tabanan. This newly opened cliff top beer garden and smokehouse offers stunning views of the ocean and delicious smoked, grilled and wood fired American and Latin American food. It’s got a great range of beers too.

Cool mums and dads

Canggu is a great choice of location if you’ve kids in tow – relaxed and family friendly, there’s plenty here to keep your children of any age entertained. And we have great Canggu accommodation for families – we can provide the safety essentials such as pool fences, cots, high chairs and we can arrange babysitting or nanny services for you too.

Wake up in our Karang 3bed Canggu villa. Brew yourself up a nice cup of coffee and sit in the wooden dining area, watching over the tropical garden, while the kids splash about in the pool. This villa is great for families – it’s right in the heart of Berawa, within walking distance of Berawa beach and family-friendly cafes. There’s an air conditioned TV room and a great supply of games and puzzles. Bedroom-wise, you’ve got two super king beds and one king bed – one of the super kings can be converted into two single beds if you prefer.

Perfect accommodation options for Cool Mums and Dads

If Karang doesn’t suit you, we’ve several other villas in the area that are great for families. Close by Karang, we also have 3bed Marton and 3bed Tamantis (there are three identical 3bed Tamantis villas) – if you’re a large extended or blended family group, you can book these together. The five villas together (Karang, Marton and all three Tamantis villas) comprise 15 bedrooms, hosting up to 37 guests. All above villas are within walking distance to Berawa beach.

We love Marton for a family group as not only does it have a pool and loads of outdoor space, it also has its own pool table and a separate entertainment room downstairs, so you can let the kids watch their film while you enjoy your own in the living room.

Another cool option for families is Jumah 4bed Canggu villa. It’s also just minutes away from the beach, and has an enormous lawn that’s perfect for kids to run around on. And there’s a 20m private pool, which has a shallow end so it’s safe for your younger children too. Plenty of seating in the garden and inside the villa, including a lounge area and an outdoor bar with stools, means that the adults can make the most of their holiday while keeping a weather eye on the kids.

Day Time Fun for all the Family

With all these locations, you’re just a short hop from the beach – the perfect place to spend a few hours. You’re right by Finns Beach Club too, and Finns Recreation Club is in easy reach.  This has everything your kids could hope for: there’s Splash Water Park with four world class waterslides plus gentler water rides for smaller children including Crazy Creek gentle water course ride. There’s also Bounce Trampoline Centre, Strike Ten Pin Bowling and Cubby House Kids Club.

It’s lunch! Pop into Made’s Warung, and let the kids loose on their indoor and outdoor playgrounds. They also offer daycare and all sorts of workshops and activities – check out their Facebook page for the latest schedules. Milk & Madu is also a good call. As well as a great brunch, they have  toys and coloring paper for children as well as a cool mini-play area. Another favourite, Milu by Nook has recently added a playground space for younger kids.

For the afternoon, you have to try out new opening, Mai Main. This huge kids’ playground – the biggest in Bali! – has everything! Ball pools, slides, a flying fox ride, trampolines, soft play, sand pits, interactive video games, indoor AND outdoor playgrounds, swimming pools, a little train, a café, even a petting farm with goats, rabbits, guinea pigs and pigs to feed. It also hosts some special events like children’s foam parties, pizza making and slime making – keep an eye on their website for details.

Kid Friendly Evenings for Cool Mums and Dads

How about a pre-dinner cocktail for you, and a bit of poolside fun for the kids? Head over to The Lawn. You can hang around the swim up bar while your kids play on the vast lawns. There’s kid friendly snacks too, if they’re getting a bit peckish already.

Dinner! If your kids are up for a bit of fun, you could do worse than newcomer Ding Ding Hot Pot with its exciting hot pot dining experience. Choose your broth base (top tip – the 8 hours chicken bone broth is delicious) and then you can all dive in, picking from meats, seafood and veg to cook in the pot.

Then let’s all head home. Get out the Scrabble board, or curl up together and watch a film until you all nod off. Goodnight!

Luxe living

If you want to enjoy Canggu to the max, in style and glamour, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got a fabulous new Canggu villa you’re going to love – Canggu 318. This spacious 5bed villa set in 1.400 sqm of land is great place to spend your day, with all its many different spots to chill in relaxed, luxurious comfort. Have a quick morning swim in your 9mx4m private pool before sitting at the open space dining room or maybe one of the two terraces to take your breakfast, served to you daily. Do you have time to suntan for a while by the pool? I think you do, because, frankly, you can get to the beach or to Finns beach club in a short walk from this Canggu accommodation, so what’s the hurry?

Chilled Days for Luxe Living Lovers

Where do the beautiful people spend their days? Take your pick. Maybe one of Canggu’s wonderful beach clubs – Finns, Atlas, The Lawn, which do you prefer? A good choice for you, my queen, would be Finns VIP. This sister beach club is right next door to the Finns Beach Club we all know and love. And it’s a true celeb style, five star experience. It’s super glam. There’s a champagne bar, there’s a sushi bar. You have valet parking and even a surf valet service. There’s sunglasses cleaning! On top of this is a world class spa and you can even rent a private Penthouse. Lie by the pool, order mimosas and oysters and pretend you’re even fancier than you are.

A spa day is always a good shout. For the utmost in pampering, try Gold Dust. This is an excellent one stop shop for all the pampering you could wish for, from hair to nails to feet – plus full body treatments, of course. Don’t miss their piece de resistance, the 24K Gold Facial, an anti ageing skin rejuvenating treatment with real gold that’s the darling of Instagram. This is the perfect location for a spa party – round up some friends and enjoy a day of pampering, with the 24K Gold Facial, a foot massage and a deep nourishing hair spa plus wine and nibbles.

Top Spots for Luxe Shopping

Let’s do a spot of shopping before dinner. Men, head to the newly opened second branch of Highball at Jalan Nelayan for a cool new outfit. And then everyone has to check out new lifestyle village, Desa Kitsune. It marries chic Parisien style café culture with outdoor lounging, gourmet dining, designer shopping and lively parties. All the good things! First stop is Maison Kitsune for fabulous outfits straight from Paris. Then unwind with a Coconut Matcha Float at Café Kitsune in the Courtyard, and check out their homewares too – or perhaps take a dip in the pool. You might even want to come back here later: it’s also home to Ina Re, a fabulous new restaurant that blends Mediterranean and Latin flavours in a delicious series of sharing plates. And on Tuesdays and Fridays, the Garden comes alive with DJs and dancing.

The Finest Dining for Luxe Living Lovers

But when it comes to dinner and cocktails, all of Canggu’s your oyster. Tonight, let’s try some of the hottest new openings – we’ve got to see and be seen after all. If you’re in the mood for high end Japanese, newcomer SHUN- Omakase Counter can’t be missed. This is an intimate chef’s table experience, with only 8 people at each sitting. The menu is ingredient led and changes daily, featuring 14 – 19 courses and personal interactions with the chef. Only the very best for you.

We also love Longtime, a newly opened modern Asian concept that’s dressed up in a style we can only call espionage chic. Sophisticated, cool and thoroughly delicious, we think you’ll love it too. There’s also an incredible cocktail list.

Or how about Vore Restaurant and Bar? This is all about dry aged meats, Italian technique, and wood-fired flavours. It’s no middle of the road resto either – this place is your go-to for delicacies like Foie Gras Stuffed Fillet Mignon and hand crafted cocktails.

And we can’t let you leave without trying Margaret Bistro. It’s pretty new but has already become one our favourites. It’s a fusion of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with some of the best pizzas and cocktails we’ve tried.

Back to the Villa for Luxe Living

After all that, you might want to head back to your beautiful villa for a nightcap in your extensive gardens. If you want an alternative to Canggu 318, we’d also really recommend Sally 17bed complex, which is made up of several smaller villas, so you can pick which one fits your group the best. The jewel in the crown of this complex, and our pick for you, is the 4bed Imperial House villa, with its 17m pool and 1.750 sqm of space. Come back here after your night out and curl up in your own private home cinema, or take cocktails up on the rooftop terrace of the master suite. Who’s the queen? You’re the queen.

So, there you have it. Have you picked out your Canggu villa yet? Hope to see you soon!

To find out about:

The ultimate guide to Bali accommodation click here.

What’s new in 2024 in Seminyak click here.

The best villas to stay at in Bali click here.

The Bali Villas of the month click here.

The best private pool villas in Seminyak click here.

The Seminyak hitlist click here.

Grab these villa deals in Seminyak and Canggu quick here.

For luxury villas to fit all budgets and sizes click here.

For information on large villas in Bali click here.

To learn about Bali family villas during your school summer vacation click here.

Your guide to the best villas in Canggu whatever your needs here.

For more information on things to do in Bali click here.

The 10 must do day trips in Bali click here.

For more informaton on where to stay in Bali click here.