Canggu is the perfect place to start your journey through Bali. Only an hour away from Bali’s international airport, we decided to stay in Canggu for 2 days and 2 nights which we felt was the perfect amount of time to spend here. It is maze of really cool hangouts, beach clubs, health cafes, yoga temples and has long stretches of beach. It’s the new hipster spot that is popular among expats and surfers.

Our driver that we booked via the Airbnb picked us up from Bali airport. We were expecting a standard taxi, but instead we got into a boy racer car with funky disco lights. When I say this guy’s driving was crazy, I mean really crazy – I started reciting my prayers.

We finally reached the Airbnb, named Markisa Villa which was a gorgeous villa with a private pool. We chose this place due to its really high reviews and its location. It was a few minutes’ walk from La Brisa beach club and in the middle of where we want to be the next day.

La Brisa Beach Club

As soon as we arrived in the accommodation, we put our bags down, changed and then made our way to La Brisa beach club. It was not the easiest walk from our accommodation as I am pretty sure we walked through some private property and through some dodgy alley ways to get there but it was only a 5 minutes’ walk, so it wasn’t too bad. It was pitch black when we arrived and we were completely blown away by this trendy beach club. I loved the tropical and aesthetic Arcadian vibes with its mix of modern and nature amenities and decorated with fishing nets and old fisherman boats. The atmosphere was just so chilled and cool.

We ordered two delicious mocktails, calamari and chips. The food was so good! We just chilled here for a few hours talking and soaking in the atmosphere. We also noticed Michael Carrick was sitting in the table next to us with 2 friends.

When we got back, we tried to trace our steps back to the Airbnb but we got super lost. When we did find the alleyway back, we noticed that the gate leading to the street of our accommodation was shut. There was also a group of local men standing outside the gate speaking loudly with each other. The britishness in out came out and so we tried to quietly tiptoe back the way we came to avoid them seeing us. They then called out to us and contrary to our initial judgement of them, asked us if we were alright or lost. We told them that we need to either open the locked gate or find another way to get to the other side. They pulled open the gate slightly and created a gap for us to walk through. This was truly an eye-opener to just how friendly people are over there and that we should learn to trust and let go of any negative thoughts and fears we have.

As soon as we arrived to our accommodation, we got into the private pool (which was cold but refreshing) and just continued chilling there. It was an amazing first evening in Bali and I would really recommend this accommodation and visiting the nearby La Brisa.

Breakfast at Milk and Madu

The next morning, we text the house keeper if they could arrange a scooter for us to rent. We paid around 50k and they brought it to our front door. I just can’t believe how easy and cheap everything is here. The first thing we did when we left the accommodation was try and fill up petrol. We were initially looking for a large petrol station but then we were told by a local that you can actually just buy petrol from the side of the street. It looked like you were buying fruit juice or slush!

We then went to the highly-recommended restaurant called Milk and Madu. It was jam-packed, which is always a good sign. The food was wonderful and was bursting with fresh ingredients and flavours. The coffee was excellent so I was one happy girl.

Love Anchor market

We then stopped by Love Anchor Market which is Bali’s most iconic market located in the heart of Canggu. Conveniently, they were located a few minutes’ drive from our brunch spot so we thought to go here before surfing to digest. I was so impressed by this market as it sold everything from clothing and homewares, to souvenirs and jewellery. Make sure you haggle!

Surfing at Berawa Beach

Khaled and I are relatively new to surfing, but for some reason – we both had this sense of confidence when we got here thinking ‘this is going to be easy’ and ‘no, of course we don’t need a lesson – we just need a bit of practice’. How wrong we were as the waves put us to shame (as to the onlookers’ amusement). We rented two boards for 60k IDR each for 2 hours. There were also options to grab a 2 hours lesson for 35k IDR if you are new to surfing. When we first hired the board, we were annoyed that there wasn’t a 3-hour option but trust me when I say this – 2 hours is plenty of time.

In all fairness to us, the ocean conditions weren’t the best that day but we spent a good chunk of time getting beaten by the ocean in all angles.  When we thought 2 hours passed, we checked the time, and only half an hour past. You do have to be careful if you are still a beginner – at one point, Khaled and I were quite far from the shore, a big wave came and I couldn’t get to my board in time and the wave made me do somersaults in the sea. Khaled couldn’t see me and was shouting my name for a good 20 seconds but then saw me rolling back at the shore. I found it quite funny but he was super worried about me – the sea is no joke!

Regardless to say, we really enjoyed surfing and catching a handful of waves and just laughing at how overly confident we were at the beginning. It was such a great atmosphere as it’s a popular place for surfers – so would definitely recommend this if you surf!

Party at Finns Beach Club

After being beaten by the waves, we thought to check out the famous Finns Beach Club which was a few minute’s walk from where we were. We really enjoyed relaxing on the sunbeds, drinking mocktails and soaking in the sun from here.

We only spent a few hours before heading to the next destination. They had great shower facilities which was useful for our case as wouldn’t have access to a shower until we get to Ubud, later at night.

Chill at Pasut Beach

Back on the scooter, we drove one hour past mainly local village roads to the famous black sand beach called Pasut Beach. Its surrounded by hundreds of palm trees and much quiet than the other beaches we passed by. Being a volcanic coastline, Bali has quite a few black sand beaches which are formed from remnants of lava and other volcanic debris.

We didn’t stay long here as we wanted to watch sunset at Tanah Lot. We hopped onto the scooter and drove around 20 minutes to the temple.

Watch Sunset at Tanah Lot

When we researched about things to do in Canggu, Tanah Lot came up as one of more iconic sights in the whole country.

Tanah Lot is an ancient shrine on a rock near the coast of Bali. It dates back to the 16^th century and was supposedly built by Dang Hyang Nirartha, founder of the Shaivite priesthood in Bali. Nirartha was travelling along the south coast of Bali and spent a night in this picturesque rock in the sea where he was convinced it was a holy place for worshipping the Balinese sea gods. The name translates to ‘Land in the Sea’ and is one of seven sea temples built along the coast of Bali. When there is high tide, the temple has the dramatic appearance of floating on the sea.

Make sure you check out the sunset at Tanah lot as its pretty legendary.  

Another unique looking sea temple that is just a short walk from Tanah Lot is Batu Bolong. It sits on a rock arch overlooking the ocean.

Entrance costs 60k IDR (£3) as of 2022 but this may change. It does get very crowded and turning into a bit of a tourist trap with market-style souvenir shops lining the whole entrace to the beach, so that’s just something to be aware of.

Dinner at Lolas Cantina Restaurant

Getting hangry, we decided to end the day by grabbing some Mexican food. This restaurant was recommended by my friend Ashley who lived in Bali and it lived up to the expectations. The food was so delicious and the atmosphere was even better.

After a very long day, we headed back to the airbnb where we stored our suitcases and then arranged for a driver to take us to Ubud – our next destination for 3 days. I absolutely loved our short but eventful time in Canggu and if time allows, would recommend staying here longer.