Surf, cafés and beach-club sunsets, a temple and rice fields, and an easy day trip.
By Bali ExplorerUpdated 11 September 20267 min read
Canggu rewards a slower pace — but three days is plenty to get the essence: a morning surf, café-hopping, a beach-club sunset, the Tanah Lot temple and a taste of the rice-field lanes, with room for a day trip. Here's how to structure it so you're not stuck in Canggu's famous traffic all day.
The plan:Day 1 surf & café-hop at Batu Bolong, beach-club sunset. Day 2 Tanah Lot temple, rice-field lanes, and a yoga or spa session. Day 3 a day trip (Ubud, Uluwatu or Nusa Penida) — or a relaxed beach-and-nightlife day.
Day 1 — Surf, cafés & sunset
Classic Canggu
Morning: a surf lesson or session at Batu Bolong (Old Man's), then breakfast at one of the cafés.
Afternoon: café-hop, browse the shops, or laze on the beach.
Sunset: a beach club (Finns, La Brisa) or a beanbag-and-Bintang at a beachfront warung.
Day 2 — Temple, rice fields & wellness
Beyond the beach
Morning: a yoga class or a rice-field bike ride through the lanes.
Afternoon: a spa and massage, or explore Pererenan's cafés.
Late afternoon: drive to Tanah Lot for the iconic sea-temple sunset (go early to beat the crowds).
Day one is all about the surf, the cafés and a beach-club sunset. Photo via Wikimedia Commons (CC).
Day 3 — Day trip or slow down
Your choice
Culture: a day trip to Ubud — rice terraces, temples and the Monkey Forest.
Cliffs: a day at Uluwatu — beaches, the temple and the Kecak dance.
Where to stay: central Batu Bolong, beach-club Berawa or the quiet lanes — see where to stay in Canggu.
Frequently asked questions
Is 3 days enough for Canggu?
Yes — three days covers surfing and café-hopping, a beach-club sunset, Tanah Lot temple and the rice-field lanes, plus a day trip or a spa-and-yoga morning, without rushing.
What is the best way to spend 3 days in Canggu?
Day one surf and café-hop with a beach-club sunset; day two Tanah Lot, rice fields and wellness; day three a day trip to Ubud, Uluwatu or Nusa Penida, or a relaxed beach-and-nightlife day.
Can you do day trips from Canggu?
Yes — Ubud, Uluwatu and Tanah Lot are all easy day trips, and a Nusa Penida day trip is doable via a fast boat from Sanur. A private driver makes the longer ones comfortable.
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