Canggu is Bali’s most loved and most visited neighbourhood at the moment and there’s a lot to see, do and enjoy in the area.
However, if you’re seeking a breather from the crowds and want to see a quieter side of life here, then Canggu has some real hidden gems for you too.
Why Seek Out The Hidden Gems Of Canggu?
Canggu’s meteoric rise to the most popular spot in Bali has filled its most popular beaches such as Echo Beach, Pererenan Beach, Batu Bolong Beach and Berawa Beach.
And while each of these places is still worth visiting, sometimes you want to discover something new without being surrounded by other tourists trying to get the most out of their visit to the island.
Canggu’s quieter corners have real merit, and you can find anything from experienced surfers to local artists enjoying the area’s hidden gems too.
And the best part of exploring Canggu’s hidden gems is that it gives you a chance to support local business people and keep the area feeling special and unique for those who would follow in your footsteps.
So, let’s take a look at our picks for the best hidden gems in Canggu, Bali.
Our 10 Top Hidden Gems In Canggu, Bali
Nyanyi Beach: Stunning Scenery Just A Short Distance Away
Nyanyi Beach isn’t technically in Canggu, but it’s also not very far away. It’s best visited when you head out to the tourist’s favourite spot of Tanah Lot.
It’s a lovely place with dark volcanic sands, dramatic cliff faces, and an attractive shoreline that sees very few crowds.
We’d head to Nyanyi Beach for a romantic sunset stroll, or to grab a little solitude after the hustle and bustle of the town.
It’s a place where you can meditate, read, enjoy a picnic, or just chill in the sound of the waves crashing against the sand.
Intermediate surfers will find that its breaks also offer some fun challenges.
Get there around low tide and you’ll find it’s a great spot for rock pools and collecting seashells. There are no hidden beaches in Canggu, but Nyanyi is the next best thing.
Love Anchor Market: A Vibrant Market Full Of Hidden Treasures
Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong’s best market is Love Anchor Market. A colourful bazaar of all things that you might want to pick up.
From handmade jewellery made by local artists to vintage clothing to artisanal goods.
It’s the perfect retreat for some souvenir shopping, and they enjoy a good bargaining session at Love Anchor Market if you want to give your haggling skills a workout.
You can’t get a better introduction to shopping in Canggu than you can at Love Anchor Market.
We’d also note that the best time to visit is in the late afternoon, when there are no crowds and it’s very relaxed.
Our pro-tip is to take cash as many of the vendors in this place won’t take credit or debit cards.
Serenity Eco Guesthouse Spa: A Sanctuary For Wellness
This charming retreat feels like a genuinely secret spot away from the beaten path as it’s down a quiet alley near Jalan Pantai Nelayan.
We think it stands out from the rest of Canggu’s wellness scene as a pleasant haven of tranquillity.
They offer an open-air setting for massage, herbal scrubs, reflexology and more, and they only use skilled therapists.
We love that they use organic, locally sourced spa products rather than relying on big-name branded products like the chains do.
If you’re an eco-conscious traveller, then this should probably be top slot in your ultimate guide to the island. Just remember to book in advance as it’s not the biggest place and can get full.
The Jungle Trader: A Boutique, Curated Concept Store
If you want souvenirs that aren’t your typical tourist tat, you might want to check out The Jungle Trader instead.
They’re all about ethically sourced local products, and you can discover some seriously hidden gems of the artisan world here.
Check out the textiles, hand-made wooden bowls, rattan lamps and see how each well-crafted item tells a story of Bali in its soul.
This is a very sustainable spot which is just far enough ot of the way to qualify as a hidden gem.
You may be asked to pay in cash for small purchases at this store, so plan accordingly.
Nelayan Beach: A Less Commercial Gem Of A Beach
Nelayan Beach is one of the main beaches of Canggu, but it’s the one that always seems to get overlooked by visitors in favour of the four most popular spots.
That’s good news, as you can watch the fishing boats go out to sea from here sometimes, and there’s still a touch of “old Bali” about this hidden gem.
There are some nice warungs in the area around this beach, and once you’ve finished with some breathtaking views out over the ocean, you might want to stop in one of them for a nice Nasi Campur.
It’s also the only beach in Canggu, where you often see people swim – though we’d recommend against it, the currents all along the coast can be very unpredictable and even strong swimmers can be pulled out to sea.
Bali Buda Shop: A Store For The Sustainable Lifestyle
On Jalan Pantai Batu Megan, you will find Bali Bud,a which is both a green and healthy restaurant as well as a store for the sustainably minded.
They sell an interesting range of products from wellness items to home goods to natural soaps and more.
So, if you want a meaningful souvenir and, perhaps, a tasty lunch too, it’s a good place to visit.
We love their reusable tote bags that you can purchase to carry your goodies home in or as a souvenir in their own right.
Samadi Sunday Market: Connect With Local Farmers
Sundays are the ideal time to relax and discover the slower side of island life.
Bail’s best Sunday market is Samadi Sunday Market in Canggu. It brings together people from all over the community to show off exciting creations from the local area.
If you like organic produce (the klepon – rice cakes are great) and homaemade crafts, you’ll really enjoy this place.
We’d recommend getting there as early in the morning as possible to avoid the heat and to get the freshest produce.
Make sure to take a reusable bag to keep things sustainable.
Rice Field Walks: A Tranquil Escape And An Authentic Balinese Experience
The area’s rice fields are still very much in existence, particulary if you get out towards Batu Megan or Pererenan and if you get off the road and walk down the paths, you’ll find a very differnet side of Bali.
It’s a hidden gem in plain sight where you can enjoy a peaceful walk, bike ride or even grab some Instagram shots at sunset.
Just make sure to wear sturdy shoes, in case it gets a bit muddy.
Motion Cafe: Open Air Goodness
This lovely open-air cafe is a perrenial favourite of in the know digital nomads and attendees of the nearby gym.
It’s all about organic, gluten-free and often plant-based dishes that really hit the spot.
We like Motion Cafe as a spot to hang out when you just want the world to slow down for a while.
Warung Bu Mi: Delicious Balinese Cuisine
Everyone should try a warung or two when they come to Bali. This places near Batu Bolong Beach is a great place to start too.
It’s cheap, tasty and their takes on Balinese food are entirely authentic.
You can’t make a reservation, you just rock up and pull up a chair. The food is all about bold, fresh flavours with no pretentions.
The ayam betutu is the star of the show, but get there early, it often sells out.
FAQs
What’s The Biggest Attraction In Canggu, Bali?
Without a doubt, there’s one place that outshines all the other local businesses and attractions in Canggu, and that’s FINNS Beach Club.
We don’t want to blow our own trumpets, but of the 6 million international visitors to Bali last year (2024), more than 1 million visited FINNS. That’s 1 in 6 international arrivals.
And many of those people came more than once. There’s nowhere else on the island or in the world quite like FINNS.
If you love great food, beautiful sunsets, cold drinks, luxurious daybeds, infinity pools, non-stop entertainment and having a good time, you’re going to love FINNS.
FINNS Beach Club is, quite simply, the world’s best beach club, and while it may not be a “hidden gem”, it’s the jewel in the crown of any trip to Canggu. In fact, we’d argue that you can’t really say you’ve been to Bali until you’ve been to FINNS.
Final Thoughts On Hidden Gems In Canggu
Canggu is no longer a small village of lush greenery, rice paddies, and secret spots galore but that’s OK, there’s still a very authentic experience of Balinese life to be found in the area alongside its more popular attractions.
The hidden gems on the list above are all within walking distance or just a short drive from all the main areas of Canggu. They offer you the chance to get off the beaten path and to escape the crowds, away from the main street,s and find the kind of experience you usually only read about in travel blogs.
You don’t have to be surrounded by tourists all the time when you visit Canggu, you can relax and discover a unique cultural experience instead. Of all the places in Bali, Canggu is the most exciting and its best kept secrets are only revealed to the tenacious explorer.