The Best Beaches in Canggu

Canggu is ever growing, and exciting place with lots to offer. Besides some of THE hottest brunch spots, this laid-back surfers' paradise has some of the best beaches in Bali.

We’ll take you on a trip from the most famous beach clubs, to hidden stretches of empty beaches, away from the crowds along the five best beaches in Canggu. We promise that they are all worth a visit.

Canggu beaches 101

Canggu is often described as the somewhat wilder, younger sister of Seminyak. Sure, you will spot the occasional #influencer in the wild, and Canggu has some of the hottest beach clubs on the island.

But not to worry, this town also still has a very strong surf community, and with that comes that cool and laid-back vibe.

You want to head to Canggu beaches if you are looking to surf, or to have a drink as the sun dips behind the horizon – or both of course.

How many beaches does Canggu have?

The three main beaches in Canggu: Berawa, Batu Bolong and Echo Beach. Besides that, there are Neyelan and Pererenan Beach, which makes it a total of 5 beaches. Not counted to the village of Canggu, but an amazing beach close by is the hidden gem of Seseh Beach.

Running from south to north they are all part of the same stretch of sand, with Batu Bolong in the middle, which is also known as the heart of Canggu.

Are you wondering what each of them has to offer? Well, you’re in luck because we looked into exactly that.

Batu Bolong Beach

Located right at the end of the main street in Canggu you find Batu Bolong Beach. This spot is favoured by tourists as well as expats, surfers and locals alike.

The black sand beach, overlooking the Indian Ocean, is one of the busiest beaches on the island and for good reason.

Swimming at Batu Bolong

The beach has plenty more options for a nice hangout and is worth a visit during the daytime too. You can rent a lounger and umbrella for around 50,000 IDR per person.

Batu Bolong Beach is not the best place to go for a swim, unfortunately, as the waves are dumpy on the shore and there are some rocks to the right. Take extra care when going for a dip.

Restaurants & Bars at Batu Bolong

Right at the entrance of the beach, you find perhaps one of the most famous spots in the whole of Canggu: Old Man’s Beach Bar & Restaurant. We love to grab our breakfast here after surfing and hang out during the evening. They have an event every single night, and one of the best views for spotting the sunset – need we say more?

It might be busy here, but there is always a friendly vibe, and it feels safe both day and night.

Another fan favourite on Batu Bolong is The Lawn. Here you can live your best life on one of the fancy beach beds lounging away whilst checking out the surfers or enjoy a cosy, intimate dinner. The Friday nights here are infamous, so you want to block out your calendar for that (and perhaps book one of those fancy hangover IVs for the next morning).

Shopping at Batu Bolong

You can find more than just parties at the heart of Canggu. At Love Anchor along Batu Bolong Street you can find a daily market, but enter at your own risk because walking out there empty-handed has never happened to us.

There are plenty of individual boutique stores along the entire Batu Bolong road leading towards the beach, rest assured you can shop til you drop here!

Surfing at Batu Bolong

Batu is home to Bali’s most notable longboard wave and a popular spot amongst surfers. Watch from your lounger or rent a board for 60,000 IDR (two hours) and paddle out.

If you're new to surfing, it is a good idea to book a surf lesson, which will cost you around 350,000 IDR for two hours. I recommend you book ahead online to not miss out, otherwise, you can find a few good surf rentals at the car park at Old Man’s.

Book your surf lesson at Batu Bolong

Staying at Batu Bolong Beach

Want to roll right from your hotel bed onto a lounger at a trendy Canggu Beach Club?

In that case, you’ll want to book a room at Tugu Bali. Although it will be hard to leave the rooms with their beautiful wooden furnishings and super comfy beds.

Echo Beach

An equally famous Canggu beach is Echo Beach. The beach is located at the end of Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan, just past Dojo Coworking, an institution for digital nomads coming to Canggu.

Swimming at Echo Beach

It's not the best beach for a calm swimming experience, be careful of dumping waves when going for a swim.

Echo Beach has big waves all year round and is therefore very popular with intermediate to pro surfers dominating the horizon. 

Restaurants & Bars at Echo Beach

The sunsets in Canggu are truly breathtaking, and at Echo Beach, this is no exception. Grab a drink from one of the many small warungs and admire the beauty provided by mother nature.

Don’t want to sit in the sand with your Bintang? Head over to La Brisa, a bamboo playground that is described as an oasis at the sea, and the sustainably sourced food here is incredible.

Looking for more action? Join the in-crowd of Canggu at night for a dance and a cocktail (or two).

Shopping at Echo Beach

On Sunday you can find a lovely market at La Brisa from 10 am to 4 pm, supporting local farmers and small businesses selling organic produce, baked goods, natural beauty and much more.

Every Sunday there is also a lovely organic farmers market at Samadi Bali, housing a yoga studio and organic cafe.

Boardriders Bali has got you covered for all your surfboard and surfwear needs in Echo Beach.

Further up Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan, you can find another artsy market with lots of souvenir shopping called Bali Niki Natural Art Market Canggu, it's worth a stop, but make sure you bargain.

Surfing at Echo Beach

Although it might not be the prettiest beach, Echo Beach is without a doubt one of the most popular surf spots in Bali. The surf crowds are drawn to the advanced reef breaks, which most of the time are more suitable for more experienced surfers.

If you are just starting out you can of course still have a go. Just book a lesson with one of the many surf schools along the beach. A two-hour lesson costs around 350,000 IDR per person. Book your surf lesson

Is surfing, not your thing? No stress, Echo Beach Canggu is excellent for sunbathing, strolling and yummy food and drinks. You can find many vendors along the beach selling all different types of treats, such as delicious sweet barbecued corn or icy cold (!) coconuts. 

Staying at Echo Beach

If you want to stay around Echo Beach check out the amazing COMO Uma Canggu.

It is everything one thinks of when imagining the perfect Canggu beach hotel, and only a couple of steps away from Echo Beach. If you don’t feel like heading out you can stay in for both breakfast and dinner too.

Berawa Beach

You enter Berawa beach right next to Finns Beach Club.

Does that name ring a bell? We’re not surprised, as it is one of the best-known places in Canggu. Yep, you want to head here to hang with the cool kids, expats, locals and outcasts because literally, the whole of Canggu seems to love this place. With 4 pools, 8 bars and 5 restaurants that really isn’t all that surprising.

Besides being known for its many parties, Canggu is THE brunch spot in Bali (and the rest of the world?).

Back to beach business now. There are many small cafes around Berawa Beach. Another plus? You can rent a beach chair for the day by simply buying a coconut.

Swimming at Berawa Beach

Berawa Beach has big waves and strong currents, making swimming not ideal here. 

Little insiders tip for these black sand beaches: bring your slippers! The sand gets very hot on sunny days, and you don’t want to be walking on them barefoot. 

Restaurants & Bars at Berawa Beach

In Berawa you will find so many Instagrammable cafes, coffee spots and breakfast bars you almost want to add another week to your stay.

Bali Bowls & Smoothies has to be on your breakie-bucket list for… the bowls of course!

7islands Bakery & Café has some of the best coffee in town, and dinner is also highly recommended here.

One of our personal go-to’s is Cinta Cafe, for our pre-yoga smoothie or after-surf bowl.

Shopping at Berawa Beach

Say hello to your favourite new homewares store: Bungalow Living. Located on Jalan Pantai Berawa, this colourful store has so many amazing homewares but also doubles as an art gallery as well as a coffee shop. 

You will find a few more little boutiques along the same street. Don't miss checking into The Jungle Trader and Cove Island Essentials

Surfing at Berawa Beach

Berawa Beach is a mix of reef and sand breaks that are a little less crowded than Batu Bolong and Echo Beach. Perfect for intermediates and suitable for both short and longboarders.

Staying at Berawa Beach

Want to enjoy the sunset from your hotel? Then the luxurious all-suite The Haven Suites is where it’s at. The ocean views from the suits are stunning and are what dreams are made of.

Want a top-secret tip for a place to stay close to Berawa Beach but not right where all the crowds are?

The Hidden Tree Canggu is an amazing three-bedroom villa with a private pool. A little slice of peaceful heaven, yet you still are close to all the cafes, shopping and beach clubs in Canggu. Make sure you book ahead as it's often booked up!

Nelayan Beach

Another place, another beach to surf – minus the hectic crowds. Nelayan Beach is located between Batu Bolong and Berawa Beach, some would call it a hidden gem between all the craziness.

When you arrive by motorbike or scooter, the locals will ask you for a tiny fee to park. It supports them in keeping the area clean and tidy.

Swimming & Surfing at Nelayan Beach

The vibe here is calm and you can watch the traditional fishermen's boats or the kite surfers (if there is enough wind of course). There are a few waves to surf here too.

You can also jump in the ocean and enjoy a swim in slightly calmer waters. Do take caution with the waves though as the beach is not patrolled by life guards and just like on the other beaches of Canggu the waves and currents can be quite strong.

Restaurants & Bars at Nelayan Beach

There isn't much around in terms of amenities or beach clubs here, but you can find some small surf warungs with exquisite local food on offer, but maybe skip the ice in your drinks to avoid a case of Bali belly. Or bring your own water and some snacks.

ZIN cafe is close, where you can grab a bite or join the laptop co-work culture.

Things to See & Do at Nelayan Beach

Make sure to have your camera ready for a little photoshoot.

There are many fisher boats and the old huts at this beach are covered in graffiti and make for a nice outdoor art expo (or background for your next profile pic).

Staying at Nelayan Beach

Neyelan is right next to Serenity Eco Yoga Retreat, which is serene, to say the least. Switch off your phone for a few days and enjoy some real ‘me-time’.

You can stay here too and enjoy a holistic retreat including massages, daily meditation and yoga as well as the outdoor pool, all while being a short 150 m from the beach.

Pererenan Beach

This vulcanic black sand beach is definitely the quietest of all the beaches and is found northwest of Canggu.

Although it is only a couple hundred metres away from Echo Beach, it has a much more local vibe going on. You’ll finally be able to finish that book that has been collecting dust on your nightstand.

Swimming & Surfing at Pererenan Beach

Unfortunately, the sea is not very suitable for swimmers here, and you’ll mostly find surfers conquering the waves here.

Restaurants & Bars at Pererenan Beach

With its local vibe, you won’t find big, fancy beach clubs here. Instead, there are local cocktail trucks selling coconuts, cold beers and some snacks.

The street leading to the beach Jalan Pantai Pererenan has a few good restaurants. Try Masmara, Zali or the Brunch Club Pererenan.

Things to See & Do at Pererenan Beach

Pererenan is on the other side of a little river that you can cross about 100m inland with a small bridge.

If you’re looking for a Robinson Crusoe-away moment just keep walking northwest. You’ll find empty stretches of sand, with the most amazing views for yet another sky spectacle during sunset.

Staying at Pererenan Beach

Want to stay out of the hustle and bustle, and sleep in a peaceful and quiet place?

PNP Beach resort is your spot! This guest house is cute and cosy, and only a few hundred metres away from the beach.

Seseh Beach

We felt a little conflicted about sharing this little hidden gem with you because it is simply so lovely.

Seseh Beach is located northwest of Canggu and Seminyak nearby Tanah Lot Temple. Away from the large crowds, it is quiet, beautiful and most of all relaxing.

Swimming & Surfing at Seseh Beach

Yes, it is also a good surf spot but this is no place for beginners! If you do not feel super confident yet in the water we recommend you paddle out here with a teacher.

On the weekends you might find it a little busier, as local families love to visit this beach.

Restaurants & Bars at Seseh Beach

There isn't much around in terms of restaurants and you will certainly find no parties here.

Try Seseh Sunset Bar for chilled beach vibes and local food options.

O'brothers Cafe & Bar is another place to try for coffee and food at decent Bali prices.

Things to See & Do at Seseh Beach

Truth be told, Seseh has neither shopping nor a big restaurant or brunch scene such as Canggu.

However, if you are looking for a quiet stretch of beach not far from all the action, this is the perfect pick! Seseh Beach is also home to Udara Bali, an incredible place offering yoga classes as well as wellness and detox retreats, ecstatic dance, sound healing and so much more.

Staying at Seseh Beach

Stay beachfront at the 4-star Udara Bali featuring all the amenities you need to relax and let go of any stress. I truly love Udara, no matter if it's for taking a yoga class or staying several days to switch off.

Can you swim at Canggu beaches?

Most beaches have some rough rip tides and either rock or reef bottoms, which does not make them the most friendly to swim.

At the busier beaches, you’ll see flags telling you if it is safe to enter the ocean, which you shouldn’t ignore.

Are Canggu Beaches Clean?

Like beaches all over the world, the beaches in Bali also suffer under the heavy weight of tourism.

Depending on the tides and seasons, the shores can get cluttered with (plastic) waste, reminding us we should make an effort to reduce our wasteful ways.

But where there is darkness, there is light! There are a variety of wonderful initiatives driving the global beach cleanup movement.

So why not volunteer and use some of your free time to give back to the beautiful island of Gods, helping support and improve the coastal and ocean eco-system?

If you want to join one of the beach cleanups you can join in on Saturdays at Old Man’s. In case karma points aren’t enough; you get a free sangria, beer or juice and a goodie bag from Eco Living Bali. If you’re travelling solo it is also a great way to meet some like-minded people!

Canggu vs Seminyak – Which Has Nicer Beaches?

Believe it or not but we say… it is a draw. Both have epic sunsets, awesome beach clubs, restaurants and bars and some of the best breaks to surf.

In Seminyak, lifeguards patrol the beaches, which is something that we haven’t found in Canggu. If you don’t feel confident in the water you might prefer a plunge in Seminyak in that case.

As mentioned, Canggu has got a much younger crowd and is the wilder sister of Seminyak.

Seminyak overall has a bit more of a glam vibe about it. That might be because the surf culture is deeply ingrained in Canggu, which seems to attract a somewhat younger and ‘chilled’ type of people. And thus both attract their own specific crowds.

All in all, we would describe Canggu as more boho, hip and trendy.

Canggu’s beaches have a lot to offer and have something for everyone; from parties at swanky beach clubs to tucked-away surf spots.

We honestly love Canggu’s beaches and we hope you’ll do too!