Ultimate Travel Guide: 48 Hours in Canggu, Bali

DAY ONE

Morning

Start your day off with one of Canggu’s main attractions: surfing. With world-class waves that crash delightfully onto the shore, shake off that sleepiness and get ready for the exciting vacation that awaits you. Echo Beach is a popular hotspot for intermediate surfers (with stronger and longer waves), bound to entice your inner wave-riding addict. If you’re new to the game, we would recommend Batu Bolong Beach, known also as Old Man’s Beach, with black sand that is oh-so Instagrammable. This is the perfect place for beginners, with smaller waves that will be a lot easier to handle. Berawa Beach is another option as well, albeit a little further from Canggu, but its distance makes this quieter spot a peaky beach break.

Afternoon

Once you’re done hanging ten, go for a well-deserved lunch (or brunch) break. While any of the many healthy cafes around Canggu works, our hearts are rather set on The Shady Shack’s tempeh bowl, or the avocado toast at Betelnut Cafe. At both these places, you’ll be greeted with good views and even greater food. And, with their selection of vegan and vegetarian options, you never need to worry about getting a second (or third, no judgement here!) order in.

Don’t forget to check in to your hotel as well! You can never go wrong with a decent hotel and we are recommending the Ametis Villa for a luxurious stay like no other. The sanctuary will make you feel like absolute royalty. Hotel Tugu Bali is also another option which provides a rustic oasis that is hard to beat.

We are proposing a horseback ride or a mountain bike ride for your next activity. Both options will get you to explore the coastal village of Canggu in different ways. Walk through rice paddies and along the amazing beaches on a beautiful horse, or explore the roads less taken with biking trails for everyone of every level. With time to spare before night arrives, settle into one of the hotspots to see the sunset and watch as the magnificent exchange happens. Tanah Lot is practically famous for its sunset view, so be prepared to share the experience with possibly every other tourist in the area, but the Batu Bolong Beach is an amazing spot as well.

Night

For dinner, you have more than a few options, with the sheer amount of eateries around. If you’re seeking a little fancy dinner, La Finca is a Spanish tapas restaurant that never fails to deliver, while La Baracca is an Italian place that infuses local tastes in their dishes. Deus Ex Machina – Temple of Enthusiasm is the place to go if you’re looking for something a bit different. Happy hour is from 5pm to 7pm, so go during those hours to get a two-for-one drink. And then, kickstart the night of fun at Pretty Poison, an intriguing mix of bar-and-skate park.

DAY TWO

Morning

Wake up, sleepyhead! Canggu is known for the healthy living mantra, and yoga fits the bill to a T, so drop by for an early morning session. We are recommending The Chillhouse, which also provides a surfing and biking experience. Get into your downward dog (hopefully you aren’t too hungover) and feel your body melding into poses, before dropping by Nude Canggu for their crispy Korean chicken burger or Crate Cafe’s brekkie board.

Afternoon

You can’t go wrong with Finns Recreation Club, an entertainment and recreation club that’s perfect if you want to spend the whole day relaxing. Previously known as the Canggu Club, there’s a water park and pool bar, so there’s something for everyone. If that’s not your speed, Canggu’s Sunday Market is a popular choice as well, where you can find fresh produce and handmade jewellery that are sure to delight. It’s only open from 9am to 2pm, so be sure to go a little early

Grab an early lunch with Bro Resto’s dumplings and pork belly potato gratin, or Piring Daun’s vegetarian curry. Then, go for a relaxing spa treatment — because a trip to Indonesia is definitely not complete without the signature Balinese massage. If you’re still up for something fun, consider surfing one more time, or simply take a nice breather by the beaches to enjoy the view and the sun.

Night

End the day with a magnificent dinner at Ji Restaurant Bali, where you can get amazing sushi and cocktails that won’t disappoint. Tugu Bali Restaurant serves up authentic Indonesian fare that will make leaving for your flight that much harder. Be transported into a whole different dimension, of days gone by, and feel yourself wrapping up the trip with a bright smile on your face. Don’t forget to pack your luggage for your plane and, bon voyage!

Lee Hui Bing

Photos: Getty Images

This post was written with the collaboration & support of the Ministry of Tourism Indonesia. Air Asia offers the best connectivity to Indonesia, check out their 15 destinations here!

Read More:

Ultimate Travel Guide: 48 Hours in Taipei

Ultimate Travel Guide: 48 Hours in Seoul

Ultimate Travel Guide: 48 Hours in Melbourne, Victoria