A Complete Guide to Canggu, Bali's Bustling Beachside Hub
Welcome to Canggu, Bali’s rapidly developing hedonistic paradise. From riding world-class waves to enjoying the booming foodie scene and indulging in a relaxing massage, there's no shortage of things to do in Canggu. We help you uncover hidden gems, experience the local culture, and find your own bliss in Canggu.
We fell into starry-eyed love with Canggu almost immediately. The memory of our first sunset beach walk is one we wish we could live again, over and over.
Where to begin? With the soft sand underneath our feet, the warmth of the waves rolling into shore, the sight of surfers rocking in the water waiting for the perfect swell? Or the brilliantly hued sunset, bursting with rich shades of orange and gold? Should we start by describing the beach clubs, posed like palaces along the coastline, their lights twinkling as dusk overtakes the beach? All the while, spotlights paint a dance in the darkening sky and floodlights, pointed to the ocean, illuminating the eager tide and tourists in bikinis.
Canggu doesn’t feel real. You blink and suddenly, you’re in a movie set, a picture of fantasy.
But it is real. Welcome to Canggu.
In little more than a decade, Canggu has erupted from a small surf spot to a town of cafes, restaurants, shops, and beach resorts. It is a bustling, energetic, and fast-moving community that offers few pockets of peace and silence but no shortage of possibilities.
This guide serves as an introduction to this wonderfully dynamic and booming beachside town. We cover Canggu’s districts and beaches, provide the down-low on surfing, and offer suggestions on what to do and how to get around. Let’s get started.
Love our photos? They were all edited using our Sri Lanka Preset Pack, which you can purchase here!
CANGGU SNAPSHOT
WHERE | Canggu, west of Denpasar, Bali
THINGS TO DO | Surf, Yoga, Party, Eat, visit Tanah Lot
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK | Shady Shack, Red Gunpowder, The Lawn, La Brisa, Luigi’s Hot Pizza
HOW TO GET AROUND | Scooter, Taxi, Go Jek, Private driver
BEST AREA TO STAY | Leafy Perenenan for a more relaxed vibe
BEST HOTEL | Hotel Tugu
CANGGU TRAVEL INFORMATION
WHERE IS CANGGU
Canggu is a town on the southwestern coast of Bali, Indonesia (see map).
There are three notable neighbouring beach towns nestled along this stretch of ocean: Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu. Canggu sits at the top of this trio. Kuta, the southernmost of the three, is where you find Bali’s one international airport: Ngurah Rai.
There are only 20 kilometres between the airport and Canggu, however, it can take well over an hour in peak traffic - more on that below.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?
A year in Bali, like most of Southeast Asia, is divided into two seasons: the wet and the dry.
During the wet season, monsoons bring heavy rainfall to the island. The skies open without warning, releasing a deluge that turns roads into rivers. This season lasts from November until March. January is usually the wettest month in Canggu.
April to October is in the dry season with August being the driest month in a year.
Temperature and humidity levels are relatively consistent month-to-month. June through September tend to be cooler, but only by a few degrees. The average daily lows are around 24 degrees Celsius, while the average highs are closer to 32 degrees.
Consequently, August is the most popular month to visit Canggu. It’s dry and the temperatures are slightly cooler. That being said, you can’t go wrong during the dry season.
If you visit Canggu in the wet season, just be aware that you will have to plan around the rain. You can’t really do anything outside in rainfall this heavy- and it can rain for hours at a time. Plus, the monsoon weather washes tons of plastic waste onto the beaches. While plastic pollution is always a problem, it looks far worse during the wet season.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND IN CANGGU?
You could come to Canggu for a day or you could stay for weeks. It really depends on your lifestyle and your hobbies.
If you’re looking to spend a day on the beach and an evening in a beach club, then we recommend 2 nights at most.
However, if you’re hoping to sample as many restaurants as you can, throw yourself into surfing, and take it slow… stay for a week. You can have brunch in a different restaurant each day and indulge in lengthy, daily beach walks.
THE DISTRICTS OF CANGGU, BALI
BERAWA
Berawa is one of Canggu’s two main vibrant and bustling districts. It stretches from Berawa beach inland, encompassing the main streets of Jl. Pantai Berawa and Jl. Raya Semat. The neighbourhood’s northern border is marked by a river, which separates Berawa beach and Nelayan beach. Everything on the opposite side is Batu Bolong.
Here, you will find no shortage of shops, cafes, and restaurants. There are also several enticing beach clubs, most notably Finns Beach Club and Atlas Beach Fest.
If it’s brunch you seek, Cinta Cafe, Nude, duatiga, and Baked are the most popular spots in Berawa. We also love the restaurants Pels Supershop, Shofuku Ramen Bar, and Lena’s Kitchen.
BATU BOLONG
If you’re not exploring Berawa, you’re probably enjoying Batu Bolong. This district has a lot of beaches. It begins at Echo Beach, ends at Nelayan beach, and includes Old Man’s, Batu Bolong, and Canggu beaches. Its main streets are Jl. Munduk Catu, Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong, Jl. Padang Linjong, and Jl. Nelayan.
Dine, drink, shop, dance, surf— Batu Bolong has it all.
The top beach clubs in Batu Bolong are La Brisa and The Lawn. Our favourite restaurants are Crate Cafe, I Am Vegan Babe, Varuna Warung, and Bahn Mi & Beans. Batu Bolong also has some outstanding coffee shops in Blacklist Coffee Roasters and BGS.
PERERENAN
Berawa and Batu Bolong are the main Canggu districts. Pererenan is a quieter area located on the outskirts of Canggu, away from the madness. Although, don’t expect this calm to last long. Pererenan is picking up speed and it’s only a matter of time before it’s engulfed in the Canggu boom.
No surprise, Pererenan includes Pererenan beach and the main street of Jl. Panti Pererenan.
As far as where to eat and drink, Born Bright and Honey, are two popular spots.
WHERE TO STAY IN CANGGU
Canggu is one of the best places to stay in Bali. There’s the food, the bars, the shopping, the weather, and the easy access to many of the island’s best attractions.. Not to mention Balinese culture with its open-hearted people, deep spirituality, and delicious cuisine (two nasi goreng, please!).
Plus, staying in Canggu can be an experience in its own right. There are nearly endless breathtaking resorts, hotels, resorts, and luxury villas to choose from, as well as ample mid-range and budget accommodation options that will set you up for a fantastic trip.
Canggu is perfect for every kind of traveller, no matter your budget or travel style.
Fortunately, we have compiled a whole Canggu accommodation guide to help!
If the meantime, these are our fave places to stay:
HOTEL TUGU / LUXURY
It’s hard to believe Hotel Tugu is nestled in the centre of bustling Canggu. You are immediately transported into a hidden, jungle paradise made up of dense, opulent gardens, a lotus pond, and traditional bungalow-style villas.
Each luxe villa features a vast, eclectic collection of antiques from all over Asia. The artistically decorated rooms are vibrantly coloured, some lavish in bold magentas while others adorned with jade green. Hotel Tugu strives to tell the story of Balinese culture through design– and in doing so, created an unforgettable experience. The entire property has an air of bygone romance.
Additionally, Hotel Tugu has an award-winning Indonesian spa, five thematic restaurants, outdoor pool, and weekly Balinese dance performances. Some villas come with a private plunge pool, separate in-room spa area, or ocean view. The beach is only 100 metres away.
BOOK | HOTEL TUGU
MAKALI TEMPLE VILLAGE / BEST VILLA
Makali Temple Village is our top pick for eco-minded travellers in Canggu.
This incredible property prioritises sustainability in every aspect from construction to day-to-day operations. It was built using sustainable low-embodied energy materials and a passive tropical design to keep energy consumption low. You can learn more about their sustainability objectives and information on their website - 10/10 for transparency, really.
And if that wasn’t enough, Makali is also unbelievably gorgeous. With its simple design and abundance of white, the property is distinctly modern. There is a large, freshwater pool, framed by a curtain of treetops.
Makali Temple Village is an eight-villa resort with 16 bedrooms. It also has a wellness centre.
BOOK | MAKALI TEMPLE VILLAGE
TAPA TEPI KALI / BUDGET
Looking for a beautiful yet affordable place to stay in Canggu? Tapa Tepi Kali is an elegant, bohemian-style hotel with an outdoor swimming pool, an array of lounge chairs, and a garden area. Tall palms surround the pool and delicate vines hang from the hotel’s three floors, creating an idyllic tropical retreat.
The rooms are rich with earthy tones, natural fibres, and organic textures. Larger rooms have separate seating areas, and some offer immediate pool access.
Tapa Tepi Kali also has an on-site wellness centre & spa, as well as a restaurant. One of their rooms ranges from $70 USD to $95 USD.
BOOK | TAPA TEPI KALI
READ MORE | Where to stay in Canggu
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN CANGGU
EXPLORE THE BEACHES OF CANGGU, BALI
Between climbing volcanoes, clubbing until the sun peeks over the horizon, and chasing experiences that elevate your heartbeat, we can forget about the simple joys that travelling offers. Those exquisite, in-between moments often become the main events of our memories.
If you seek stimulation, Canggu has plenty of it. You can dance the night away, get sent tumbling by a wave as you attempt surfing, and please every single one of your tastebuds. Yet, many of our favourite moments in Canggu happened while simply strolling along the beach. Sometimes, we were trying to get somewhere. Other times, the beach was the destination. But no matter the reason, it’s the sandy walk we remember.
The sunsets from the beach will light up your soul. They’re gorgeous- an absolute gift for the eyes. We maintain that no trip to Canggu is complete without an evening spent on the sand watching the sky turn shades of brilliant orange as surfers ride the waves with the sun at their backs. All the while, the beach clubs slowly turn into twinkling lighthouses as the last light of day fades away.
The main beaches are Pererenan, Echo Beach, Old Man’s, Batu Bolong, Canggu, Nelayan, and Berawa.
“Rivers” divide Pererenan and Echo, Old Man’s and Batu Bolong, and Nelayan and Berawa.
These “rivers” are wide and shallow, so crossing them isn’t a problem. They are, however, heavily polluted from town. We suggest rinsing your feet in the ocean after.
LEARN TO SURF IN CANGGU
Before it was a party town, before the streets were congested with traffic, and before you could shop ‘til you drop, Canggu was a little-known surf spot. If you came to Canggu, you did so deliberately with only one thing on your mind: catching waves.
In spite of the rapid development of the Canggu we now know and love, surfing is still very much in the heart of this beach town. From dawn to dusk, surfers dot the waves along Canggu’s 10km of coastline. Tall and colourful surfboards stick in the sand outside the many beachside board rental shops.
Taking a surf lesson is a quintessential Canggu activity, so there are multiple surf schools designed to teach you the basics. You often see newbie surfers practising their techniques on the sand, pretending to paddle, stand up, crouch, and catch imaginary waves.
In the water, beginners, intermediates, and experts attempt to share space. If you know any surfers, you know of the complicated dynamics between newbies and those with more experience. New surfers tend to get in the way and, understandably, are less familiar with proper surfing etiquette. So if you know what you’re doing, you will inevitably have to dodge some learners.
WHERE CAN YOU RENT A SURFBOARD IN CANGGU?
There are ample surfboard rental shops along the beach, particularly along Pererenan, Echo Beach, Old Man’s, and Batu Bolong. Unless you have a scooter with a board rack for transporting surfboards, renting on the beach is the easiest option.
Different vendors have different selections, so you may have to shop around if you’re looking for a specific board.
There are some board rental stores located within Canggu. However, you need to have a way to get the board to the beach. Additionally, some hostels and hotels also supply board rentals.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RENT A BOARD?
It costs 50,000 IDR to rent a board for 2 hours from any of the rental shops located along the beaches in Canggu. They aren't strict on the 2-hour time limit though, or so they told us. It’s more of a rough ballpark.
Your board rental also comes with a complimentary rash guard (if you need one) and zinc cream.
WHERE CAN YOU TAKE SURFING LESSONS IN CANGGU?
Most of the beach board rental vendors also offer surfing lessons. Keep an eye out for signs advertising “BOARD RENTAL” and “SURF LESSONS” as you stroll the beach. There are also many surf schools located around Canggu.
HOW MUCH DO CANGGU SURFING LESSONS COST?
A 1-day surfing lesson from one of the surf schools in Canggu costs around 400,000 IDR. Lessons from one of the beachside board rental stalls cost around 250,000 IDR for 2 hours.
A GUIDE TO CANGGU BEACH CLUBS
The Canggu coastline is quickly becoming a strip of extravagant beach clubs. At night, their floodlights bask the beach in a white glow, illuminating the froth of the waves coming into shore. The bass beats, the people laugh, the strobes flash, and more lights dance in the sky.
Even if beach clubs aren’t your thing, the atmosphere they create is like nothing else. It feels as if you have stepped out of reality and into a fantasy world. One where everyone dances to the heartbeat of the waves.
The beach clubs in Canggu are undeniably the best place to dance and party at night. During the day, the vibe is still strong albeit more laid back. You can lounge by the pool, go for a swim, sip tasty drinks, and enjoy the sunshine.
FINNS BEACH CLUB
Finns Beach Club confidently asserts itself to be the best beach club in the world, let alone Canggu. Given its extraordinary bamboo buildings, luxurious pools, and one of the greatest views ever… we aren’t one to argue its claim.
There are 4 pools, 9 bars, and daily DJs for you to enjoy.
THE DETAILS
Where | Jl. Pantai Berawa No.99, Canggu
Opening Hours | 10 am - 12 am
Cost | Free entry
THE LAWN
The Lawn, located on Canggu Beach near Batu Bolong, is a smaller club than Finns. They have incredible live music, which drew us in from the beach on more than one occasion! Whether you’re looking to dance or relax on a chic daybed by the beach, The Lawn has got you covered.
THE DETAILS
Where | Jl. Pura Dalem, Canggu
Opening Hours | 12 pm - 10 pm (Monday - Thursday), 12 pm - 11 pm (Friday - Sunday)
Cost | Free entry
LA BRISA
There’s also La Brisa, found on the north side of Canggu in the Batu Bolong neighbourhood. With net beds, multiple pools, bean bags, and hundreds of lanterns setting it aglow every evening, this place is a vibe. Its decor is chic castaway with outstanding sunset views.
THE DETAILS
Where | Jl. Pantai Batu Mejan, Canggu
Opening Hours | 10 am - 11 pm
Cost | Free entry (some areas do have a minimum spend)
VUE BEACH CLUB
Finally, we have a soft spot for Vue Beach Club, which is a part of the LV8 Resort. It’s on the complete opposite side of Canggu from La Brisa, sitting on the southernmost end. Vue is where you go to sit by an infinity pool and enjoy the ocean view amongst fewer people. We had a lovely afternoon here and enjoyed its chill atmosphere.
THE DETAILS
Where | Jalan Pantai Berawa.100XX Tibubeneng, Canggu
Opening Hours | 9 am - 10:30 pm
Cost | Free entry
MORE THINGS TO DO IN CANGGU
VISIT TANAH LOT
Tanah Lot is arguably one of Bali’s biggest tourist attractions. This picturesque temple perched on an outcropping of rock almost looks too magical to be real. At high tide, the surrounding black sand beach is engulfed by salt water and Tanah Lot becomes an island surrounded by waves and froth.
It’s no surprise that thousands of tourists are drawn to this ancient spot, particularly at sunset.
As with nearly everything famous and beautiful in Bali, it’s hard to talk about Tanah Lot without mentioning over-tourism. Those thousands of tourists do have an impact on visits to this 16th-century temple. Tanah Lot sees nearly 1 million visitors per year. As a result, restaurants and warungs have sprung up nearby to cater to hungry foreigners. Souvenir shops line your path, hoping to persuade you out of your rupiah.
In places this popular, we have found that they are what you choose to make of them. If you focus on the crowds, you will remember the crowds. If you dedicate yourself to a mentality of reverence and appreciation, you will have a different experience.
Tanah Lot is located 20-30 minutes by car or scooter from Canggu. Foreigners are not allowed to enter the actual temple.
THE DETAILS
Where | Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency
Opening Hours | 6 am - 7 pm
Cost | 60,000 IDR
GO ON A CULINARY EXPLORATION
Canggu has a fantastic foodie scene. We even dedicated a whole post to it. No matter your flavour, chances are you can find it here.
This beach town is king of the hipster cafe. White walls, pastel accents, minimalist art, smoothie bowls, and delicious coffee can be found in abundance. These cafes are usually on the pricier side but well worth it.
If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you will love Canggu. There are multiple vegan cafes and restaurants with outstanding menus and flavours that will make you (and your omnivore friends) swoon. Most establishments are vegetarian-friendly, including the warungs.
On the subject of warungs, there are several. However, Canggu has been mostly overtaken by Western and European appetites. You almost have to go out of your way to find Indonesian food.
TAKE A YOGA CLASS
Although Canggu may not have the same reputation as a yoga hub as Ubud, you still have a variety of beautiful studios to choose from.
If you’re both a yogi and a surfer, there’s even a yoga x surfing retreat just north of Canggu at Pelan Pelan.
The Practice, Samadi, and Serenity are three of the most popular yoga studios in Canggu. There are plenty of other options, however, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the perfect vibe for your practice.
REWARD YOURSELF WITH A MASSAGE
You’ve surfed, you’ve partied, you’ve danced. It’s hard work! And now the time has come to reward yourself with a massage. This is what your achy body deserves after being pummelled by waves all day and showing off your dance moves all night.
Like most Balinese towns, it’s not hard to find a massage in Canggu. As you walk down the bustling streets, women call out to you, “Massage? Massage!” Sometimes, a particularly dedicated saleswoman will run up to you and begin massaging your arm, hoping to entice you into her shop.
Canggu has everything from simple massage parlours to extravagant spa experiences. It all depends on your budget and your preferences. You can spend anywhere from 140,000 IDR to well over 1 million.
INDULGE IN SOME SHOPPING
If you like to shop, Canggu is your mecca. There are so many fashion boutiques in this small beach town. Thankfully, you won’t find any big companies like H&M… yet. However, there are still lots of chains and international brands.
Fortunately, you can shop sustainably in Canggu- if you know where to look!
Indosole, which makes footwear from recycled materials in Indonesia, has its flagship store in Canggu. Their shoes are cruelty-free, use recycled rubber from tires, and incorporate other all-natural materials. They’re also a certified B corporation.
The Spice of Life is a jewellery brand that recently opened its first brick-and-mortar location in Canggu’s Berawa district. All of their jewellery is handmade in Bali by local craftspeople using recycled silver and sustainably-sourced gold.
Luna & Rose is another ethical and sustainable jewellery (and apparel) shop in Canggu. There’s also Paperclip People (apparel), Indigo Luna (yoga apparel and swimwear), and One Love (vintage).
BROWSE A LOCAL MARKET
Canggu has several local markets during the week offering trinkets, art, produce, apparel, and more.
The Samadi Market is held at the Samadi yoga and wellness centre. Every Sunday from 8 am - 4 pm, you can browse the stalls of organic farmers and local artisans.
La Brisa, a beach club in Batu Bolong, also has a Sunday farmer’s market. Here, you can find organic produce, zero-waste products, and sustainable apparel from 10 am - 4 pm.
Love Anchor Bazaar is an iconic Canggu market, running daily from 8 am - 10 pm (although weekends are when it really comes alive!). Bali Niki Natural Art Market Canggu (daily from 8 am - 9 pm) in Batu Bolong has a little bit of everything and definitely worth a peruse! The cafe and co-working space, Zin has a small artisan market on Saturday.
PARTICIPATE IN A BEACH CLEAN-UP
Plastic pollution is a huge issue in Canggu.
It’s devastating to see the thick line of plastic waste snaking down the beach, and it’s heartbreaking to see how few tourists seem to care. We walk along the sandy strip between town and the ocean, watch the bobbing dots of surfers in the waves, and admire the glorious sunsets. But most of us pay disturbingly little attention to the garbage at our feet.
If you come to Canggu, do what you can to leave it better than you found it… or at the very least, do not allow it to get worse without trying to make a difference.
As you stroll the beach, take some time to gather the plastic that has washed ashore. Bring an extra bag and fill it with plastic. It won’t take long for you to fill it.
There are also two weekly beach clean-ups that you can (and should) participate in. It’s the very least we can do for this beautiful island that gives so much to visitors.
THE DETAILS
Who | Canggu Beach Clean-Up or Trash Hero Canggu
Where | Vue Beach Club at LV8 Resort / Pura Batu Bolong by Old Man’s
When | 5 pm - 6 pm every Tuesday / 4:30 pm every Sunday
HOW TO GET AROUND CANGGU, BALI
ON FOOT?
Honestly, probably not. We found walking around Canggu to be incredibly stressful. Normally, we’re the sort of people who happily walk across towns and easily rack up 10,000 steps a day. Canggu, however, does not provide a peaceful background for long, meandering strolls. Canggu is a madhouse.
The streets in Canggu are narrow and over-trafficked. There are no walking paths for pedestrians, so you are forced out onto the crowded roads as cars and scooters squeeze by you. We actually got hit by a car mirror and then nearly forced into a ditch by cars that did not (or could not) give any space.
So we do not recommend traipsing along Canggu roads unless you’re on a main shopping street.
If you want to travel Canggu on foot, take the beach. The beach became our highway during our stay. We found this to be the fastest way to get from Batu Bolong to Berawa, especially during peak traffic hours. You avoid the immense congestion on the winding roads, plus you can enjoy a wonderful walk on the beach!
SCOOTER
Scooters (aka motorbikes) are the optimal way to get around Canggu. They’re highly manoeuvrable and capable of squeezing through congested traffic. Canggu is still a small town, in spite of the high traffic volumes, which makes it ideal for scooter travel. Anywhere you may want to go is only a few kilometres away.
If you choose scooting as your main method of travel, you have two options. You can either rent a scooter or use a scooter-hailing service like Gojek or Grab.
Renting a scooter is our favourite way to get around, however, there is something pretty wonderful about hanging onto the back of a motorbike as the local driver weaves through traffic, leaving you free to take in the world around you.
Scooter rentals in Canggu cost 75,000 - 100,000 IDR per day or 450,000 - 550,00 IDR per week. Renting for a week almost always gets you a better deal. There is some variation in cost between different scooter rental businesses, so contact a few before making your final decision. You can often find their WhatsApp numbers on Google or simply pop into one of the many rental shops found around town.
To use Gojek or Grab, you need to download their respective apps. Your account needs to be verified with a phone number, so we recommend setting that up before arriving in Indonesia. The reasonable fares are set by the app. However, prices do increase during peak hours (and when it’s raining) and it can be hard to find a ride. (We once waited 40 minutes for a 10-minute ride.) In non-peak hours, you can travel almost anywhere in Canggu for 12,000 IDR.
CAR
We don’t find cars to be an efficient way of getting around Balinese towns, particularly Canggu. The traffic here is some of the worst on the island, and cars only make the congestion worse. Plus, getting from A to B takes so much longer because you get stuck in traffic. Cars cannot navigate around congested areas like scooters.
If you’re leaving Canggu for a day trip (or just arriving), taking a car makes more sense. But save yourself the time and the trouble, do not rely on cars within town.
Gojek and Grab, which are essentially the Uber and Lyft of Indonesia, are the cheapest car hire options available. You can order a ride directly to your pickup location using one of their apps. The prices are set and standardised, so no haggling is required.
There are traditional taxi services but these tend to be more expensive. Bluebird is considered to be the best taxi company in Indonesia. However, our one experience with Bluebird did not fill us with confidence. The driver wanted 4x the normal price, which even shocked a nearby Canggu local who overheard the conversation.
Our advice? Stick to Gojek or Grab.
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IN BALI
Responsible, sustainable travel is what we’re all about here at TCW HQ, and this is especially true when we travel to places suffering from climate change and plastic pollution, such as Jaipur.
TRAVEL DURING SHOULDER SEASON | Shoulder season is the time before and after the peak season when things are quieter, cheaper, and more enjoyable. Travel then to reduce over-tourism, and extend the season for local operators
DON’T BUY BOTTLED DRINKS | Please, for the love of the ocean: DO NOT BUY SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BOTTLES! You'll understand why when you see a bunch of plastic bottles bob past you in the open sea. Buy one of these fantastic bottles instead
USE LESS WATER | To help reduce the pressure on water supplies, keep your water usage to a minimum. We know that’s hard to do on holidays, but quick showers, and turning the tap off when brushing your teeth, cleaning etc. really help
DO YOUR OWN CLEANUPS | See rubbish on the beach, forest or town? Pick it up, and dispose of it properly. If every traveller helped out during their holiday, the beaches, oceans and forests would be a much happier place for it
DON’T USE PLASTIC BAGS | Pack a reusable tote and use these to carry your snacks, drinks, or new souvenirs instead
LEAVE NO TRACE | Limit your consumption of plastic, and opt for sustainable / zero-waste alternatives instead. Pack a reusable water bottle, bring your reusable coffee cup, and if you can’t sip your cocktails without a straw, bring a metal or bamboo one along instead. And never leave a trace...
BE ANIMAL-FRIENDLY | Don’t participate in any form of animal tourism/abuse, and observe animals from a distance
SUPPORT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY | Visit a locally owned restaurant for a meal, which means both supporting the local economy and community, and also giving you a real authentic experience.
DRESS (AND BEHAVE) APPROPRIATELY AT TEMPLES | You must show respect towards the locals and their culture. This includes dressing and behaving appropriately at temples, including wearing pants or a sarong while within the temple grounds (some temples may ask you to wear a sarong even if you are in pants).
BALI PACKING ESSENTIALS
Travelling through Bali comes with a unique set of needs.
To help you have a comfortable, happy journey, we recommend bringing the following items with you:
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE | THE BEST INVESTMENT WE’VE EVER MADE! We use the Grayl water purification bottles, which allow us to fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world (including train taps!). We used this bottle throughout India without issue
A TOTE BAG | The humble tote is a versatile little lifesaver when on the road. They're plastic-free, small, easily foldable, and can pack a surprising amount! Check out this range of beautifully designed, personalisable totes bags here
BIODEGRADABLE WET WIPES | Keep clean without destroying the planet!
HAND SANITISER | This is not something we’d actually recommend normally, but we now live in Covid times... so this can be a bloody great investment
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ADAPTER | You’ll need an international plug to keep your gear going!
POWER BANK | Don’t get caught out without power for your devices
EYE MASK | For those annoyingly early sunrises!
BIO-FRIENDLY TOILETRIES | Avoid damaging and chemical-heavy products and facial scrubs with microbeads altogether. We recommend Lush solid shampoo, conditioner and bodywash bars, ocean-friendly sunscreen (Stream2Sea), a mooncup is a great investment for “that” week and Lip balm for the sun
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN BALI
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
For all travellers | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
For digital nomads | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
Car Insurance | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF BALI
Check out these essential posts to help you have the best trip ever:
CANGGU | Our guide to bustling Canggu, Where to eat and drink in Canggu, Where to stay in Canggu
UBUD | The best things to do in Ubud, Where to eat and drink in Ubud, Where to stay in Ubud, How to visit Tegalalang Rice Terraces
ULUWATU | The best things to do in Uluwatu, A guide to Bingin Beach, How to visit Padang Padang Beach, Where to stay in Uluwatu
BALI’S BEST WATERFALLS | How to visit Leke Leke Waterfall, A guide to Nungnung Waterfall, Our guide to the stunning Sekumpul Waterfall, Discover Tibumana Waterfall
THE BEST OF BALI | The best Bali 7-day itinerary, Our complete Bali Guide, How to get around Bali
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Read our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO BALI WITH THESE POSTS!
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That, and you're officially a legend.
