So, you want adventure, a backpack, maybe a scooter, some surfer town vibes, Instagram-worthy cafes and maybe some coworking spaces for digital nomads? Well, Canggu in Bali may well be your ideal destination.
Canggu has that ideal mix of laid-back chill and utter chaos that make it enchanting, exciting, thrilling and fascinating all at the same time.
From sipping a flat white in a cafe to wandering the local markets, to planning a day trip to a volcano, to catching your first wave (or wiping out spectacularly for the first time for that matter), you can do it all in Canggu.
In fact, we’d say that many solo visitors are going to find that they lose their heart to this popular area in Bali because once you’ve arrived in Canggu, you won’t want to leave and here’s why.
Why Do Solo Travellers Choose Canggu?
Let’s be real about this – Bali is full of awesome places to have a great holiday, and most of them are very solo-friendly (though we’d probably exempt Nusa Dua and Sanur, which are more for family groups than those seeking individual fun), so why do you choose Canggu?
We think it’s because Canggu is unique, and it’s got all the goodies that someone on their first trip flying solo is going to appreciate. It’s not too quiet, but it’s also not too crazy; it’s got the right vibe.
It has an awesome mix of black sand beaches, you can still see rice fields (which are long gone from Seminyak and Kuta) and there are plenty of expats, digital nomads in the coworking spaces, and regular surfers at the surf schools, for you to make friends on this part of the South West Coast of Bali.
Some say that Canggu is the “new” Seminyak or Kuta, but we disagree; Canggu has its own identity. It’s less polished than Seminyak, far less overbuilt than Kuta, and it’s far more open to those who rock up without a bunch of fellow travellers in tow.
It’s not what it once was, mind you. 10 years ago, Canggu was a sleepy fishing village with plenty of dirt roads and local farmers. Now, it’s begun to blow up, and in 2025, Canggu will be the most popular destination on the island.
But it hasn’t lost its charm. Among the coworking spaces and the digital nomads hunched over their laptops and tourists at luxury resorts, you can find surfers still carrying their boards down to the beaches, farmers still standing in rice paddies, and locals tearing around on their scooters, happily engaging with life.
It’s busy but rarely overwhelming, and that’s perfect when you’re on your own and you want to feel like you belong. The hostels and guest houses often have movie nights and pool parties, the cafes have trivia contests and amazing happy hours, and there are plenty of beach parties to join too.
Sure, you may arrive in Canggu on your own, but by the time you leave, your social media will be packed with new friends that you’ve met here. And we know that’s true because we live here in Canggu, and we’ve experienced all of it.
Where Is Canggu? Understanding The Lay Of The Land
Canggu is the westernmost beach town in the Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Legian, Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu strip of beach towns on the Southern side of the island.
It’s about an hour’s drive, in reasonable traffic, from Denpasar Airport (Ngurah Rai International Airport as it’s known locally) and it’s ideal for those who love a good sunset as this point on the coast sees the sun set over the Indian Ocean lighting up the sky, waves and the wet sand on the beaches in beautiful light.
If you stay in Canggu, it’s easy to visit other parts of the island on a day trip, too – Ubud, Sanur, Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Legian, Kuta, and Seminyak are all fairly close by.
Getting There: Solo Arrival In Canggu
So, most arrivals on the island are going to enter via Ngurah Rai International Airport (usually abbreviated to Denpasar Airport after the capital city of Bali in which it’s found).
As we’ve said earlier, it’s about an hour in normal Bali traffic to get to the area, and traffic can be much lighter or way heavier than you’d expect.
There’s no need to wing things at the airport. Use the Grab or Gojek aapp to summon a ride-share (pro-tip: if you don’t have much luggage, you can walk out of the airport grounds and get a reduced fare).
Depending on the time of day and where you book from this will cost about $10-$15 USD ($15-$25 AUD) and it will save you from haggling with a driver who then wants to rip you off when you get to your destination.
Alternatively, if you’re staying at an upmarket resort, they may be ready to throw in an airport transfer as part of your stay – if they do, this is a great way to get home as it means there will be a driver waiting for you when you get off the plane. But we wouldn’t pay for this service, Grab is just as effective and way cheaper.
If you land really late at night and don’t fancy a long slog to your hotel, you might consider booking a place near the airport for your first night and heading to Canggu after breakfast.
When you do get to Canggu, you will realize it’s not the most neatly laid out of places. That’s because it’s really three villages and five beaches all smushed together a bit carelessly, and it’s connected by an illogical mess of streets, alleyways, and dirt paths through rice paddies.
Don’t panic, you don’t have to make sense of it all. Just get to your hotel, drop off your bags, maybe grab a cold coconut, kick back and get your bearings a little.
Where To Crash: Hot Spots For Solo Travellers
OK, so now to the big question, where do you want to sleep? And we should note that because Canggu is super popular, places here can get booked out a long time in advance. We recommend booking before you reach Bali and not leaving things until the last minute, or you risk disappointment on your top picks.
There are loads of options for accommodation here in Canggu, and when it opens, the best place will, of course, be FINNS Bali Resort, but for now, there are some other decent choices.
Nyoman Hostel
Nyoman Hostel is a really popular place with Bali’s solo contingent. It’s near Batu Bolong Beach, and it’s clean and geared towards a very social atmosphere.
There are clean beds, a decent pool, tasty food and a very relaxed family vibe to enjoy here. You won’t find any serious ragers around, just people to chill with. Prices start around $15 USD ($22 AUD) a night, and you can find digital nomads, surfers and backpackers galore here.
Tribal
If you are a digital nomad or if you want somewhere a little quieter, you could try Tribal over in the Pererenan Beach area. It’s got its own coworking space, a pool and a mix of private rooms and dormitory accommodation.
It’s just far enough from the chaos of Canggu to be super chill, but it’s also close enough when you want a great night out. The dorm beds here start at around $20 USD ($30 AUD) a night and a private room starts at around $40 USD ($60 AUD).
Homestays
There are some decent homestays here in Bali, though be warned not all homestay businesses are sanctioned by the local government and you may find yourself evicted if they’re not and the inspectors come to call.
We’d check Airbnb or Booking.com for places around Echo Beach, Berawa Beach and Pererenan Beach. You can often find a guesthouse for around $25 USD ($40 AUD) a night without much hassle. If you’re staying for a long period of time, you can also get discounts on the room rates.
Villas
And of course, the dream life in Bali is a villa with all the mod cons. You’re going to have to stretch your budget for this – $50-$75 USD ($75-$110 AUD) is about right for a one-bed place with a private pool and heaps of Balinese touches.
You’ll find these properties are the most popular of all, though, and if you try and find one once you arrive in high season, you’re going to be out of luck – book in advance.
How Do Solo Travellers Get Around Canggu?
We often hear that Canggu’s not walkable and while it may not be as easy to navigate as the Monkey Forest in Ubud, there’s no doubt that you can get between the restaurants serving Balinese cuisine, the boutique shops and beach clubs without that much hassle on foot.
You need to keep your wits about you, mind you, and during rush hour things can be impossible as sidewalks and pavements become impassable thanks to scooter drivers trying to use them as shortcuts.
But at other times of day, it’s really not that bad. The author lives an hour’s walk from work in Canggu and has regularly made the trip on foot and lived to tell the tale.
Scooters
We don’t love scooters for holiday makers. Sure, they’re cheap but the harsh reality is that Bali’s roads are not very good and the driving here is worse.
If you’re not an experienced motorcyclist, you really don’t want to learn in Bali and even if you are – you will need to be certain you are road-legal.
If you’re not legal (and no hire shop will care if you are or not when they rent you a bike) then you’re not insured because any insurance you have will be invalid.
The most common accident for travellers of any kind in Bali is a scooter accident and medical bills can run as high as $100,000+ in the event of a serious smash.
Ride-Sharing
What we’re all about is ride sharing. The chance to get around the island in comfort for a fixed price before you get in the car.
Grab and Gojek are the local Uber equivalents and you can download both apps easily before you come to Bali.
They’re super cheap compared to taxis back home and very reliable. You can even see their progress on screen while you wait.
Solo Adventures In Canggu: What To Do In The Area
Now for the fun stuff, the reasons that Canggu is the most popular spot on the island today.
FINNS Beach Club
The number one draw in Canggu beyond anything else is FINNS Beach Club. It’s the world’s best beach club and over 2 million people visit the club each year!
Surprisingly, it’s not the most expensive club (not by a long shot) and it’s one of the most welcoming environments for solo folks because of its excellent security in the venue.
There’s live music from DJs all day long, amazing entertainment, delicious food and drink from their onsite restaurants, an awesome infinity pool and some of the comfiest day beds you’ve ever seen.
It’s not really a trip to Canggu if you don’t visit FINNS and the good news is that if you’re on a budget – there’s no entrance fee and you can sit at the bar without committing to a minimum spend.
Surf Lessons
Berawa Beach and Batu Bolong Beach are top surfing destinations for beginner and intermediate surfers looking to hone their skills in the Bali surf.
Echo Beach, on the other hand, is for more advanced surfers looking to add the final touches to their surfing game before heading to Uluwatu and its pro-level surfing beaches.
Lessons are cheap and there are surf schools and camps all over the Canggu area. You can hire equipment cheaply and easily on the beach too – so there’s no need to buy or bring your own board to get started.
Yoga Retreats And Yoga Classes
Ubud may be famous for being the home of yoga in Bali, but Canggu’s no slouch in this department and there are yoga schools and camps all over the area.
Try Serenity Yoga or Samadi Bali to see if they’re your vibe, but if they’re not there are plenty of other options.
A drop-in class is usually $10-$15 USD ($15-$22 AUD) and it’s the best way to find out if a yoga centre is for you. You’ll make loads of friends at yoga classes too.
Afterwards, why not head to one of the many spas in the area and continue your wellness journey by being pampered within an inch of your life?
Fitness Classes And Gyms
Canggu is also full of great gyms, from Nirvana Life Gym to Rock Gym and so many more.
These are oddly one of the more expensive items in everyday life in Canggu, and you can expect to pay around $10-$20 USD ($15-$30 AUD) for a day pass, and there’s a bit of a discount for longer memberships.
The Canggu Beaches (Batu Bolong Beach, Berawa Beach, Echo Beach, Pererenan Beach and Nelayan Beach)
There is no “Canggu Beach” per se; the area that’s called Canggu Beach is, in fact, 5 beaches that pretty much run into each other.
The most popular and famous is Batu Bolong Beach, which is great for surfers but very busy and crowded at times. The area around this beach is great for shopping.
Berawa Beach is the home of FINNS, and there’s plenty to do in this area too, but it’s a bit more relaxed than Batu Bolong.
Echo Beach is not the beach in the famous song by Martha and the Muffins, but it is home to a posh hotel and some challenging surf.
The two beaches that don’t get as much attention are Pererenan and Nelayan. So, if you want somewhere just to chill and enjoy a quiet beer, they might be your top spots.
All the beaches in Canggu have black sand, and that means they get super hot to the touch during the day, so always wear something on your feet when walking on the sand.
The best time to see these beaches is at sunset when the water has soaked the sand and the glorious light show in the sky is reflected in the waves and on the beach before you. White sand has nothing on this for spectacle.
Rice Fields
There are fewer rice paddies in Canggu than there used to be, but there are still more than enough to go and take a stroll in them, enjoy a cup of coffee at a cafe in the rice terraces and get some cool Instagram shots.
Go a bit out of the main town towards Tanah Lot temple to find the best rice fields in this area.
Local Markets And Boutique Shops
There are several local markets in Canggu and more boutique shops than you can count.
It’s not quite the shopper’s paradise of Seminyak, but it’s not far of,f and if you love your stylish beachwear or need some surf kit, this is the place to find it.
Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple is not in Canggu, but it’s only a short drive from Canggu, and it’s one of the most incredible sights in Bali.
The temple sits on a small island offshore from the mainland,d and it’s best viewed at sunset when the light hits the temple; it’s truly splendid.
Solo Feasting: Where To Find Delicious Food For One In Canggu’s Local Restaurants And Cafes
Bali is very much used to catering to people travelling by themselves, and you won’t find it awkward heading into a restaurant or warung here and asking for a table for one.
We’re big fans of Sunshine Warung on Jalan Pantai Berawa, which has a good range of local and international dishes for cheap and excellent fast Wi-Fi if you need to check your emails while you eat.
Shady Shack is a great spot for vegans who want to demolish plant-based meals for reasonable prices. I am Vegan Babe and KYND are also popular vegan spots.
A good place for brunch is Copenhagen, with an awesome eggs benedict, and there are endless restaurants to choose from at night, though we recommend visiting Monsoon at FINNS at least once.
But be aware that some of the smaller local places here don’t take cards, so make sure to have a little cash in your pocket when you eat out.
Making Friends In Canggu: The Social Side Of Travelling Solo
One thing’s for certain: you don’t need to be lonely when you travel by yourself. Canggu’s a great place to connect with others.
Hostels and guesthouses are a goldmine of social activity – movie nights, yoga classes, pool parties and much more.
Cafes are great too; just strike up a conversation over a latte. You don’t need to try hard. “Where are you from?” is a great ice breaker.
There are also regular events, promotions, etc. at all the restaurants, bars, etc., in the area – most of which are advertised on Instagram rather than websites, Facebook, etc.
Staying Safe On Your First Solo Trip To Canggu
OK, Canggu is a very safe place to be most of the time, but… you still have to be sensible about things.
While violent crime is rare (and when it does happen, it’s usually between drunk foreigners and not instigated by the locals) you can fall victim to petty crimes like pickpocketing and bag snatching. So, take some time to read up on how to keep safe from these crimes.
Scooter accidents are the biggest worry and then the “Bali belly” ( a catch-all term for a huge number of potential stomach upsets). But most people manage to avoid both of these things by not riding scooters and never drinking the tap water. (Seriously, stick to bottled or filtered water only).
We’d also recommend as a precaution that you take a Grab or Gojek home late at night, even if walking short distances, just in case.
A Simple Budget For Staying In Canggu For Solo Travellers
You do not have to spend a fortune in Canggu to have a great time here, An example budget per day might be:
- $15-$20 USD ($20-$30 AUD) a night for hostel/guesthouse accommodation
- $5-$10 USD ($7-$15 AUD) for food mixing up warungs and cafes.
- $5-$10 USD ($7-$15 AUD) for transport using Grab/Gojek
- $5-$20 USD ($7-$30 AUD) for activities from surf lessons and yoga lessons to pottery classes and much more
- $10-$20 USD ($15-$30 AUD) for some little luxuries like spa treatments or beers
Of course, you can spend much more than that if you want to and if you want to stay in a luxury villa, eat at nothing but fine dining spots and have the best of everything, the sky’s the limit on how much you get through in Canggu.
FAQs
How Many Days In Canggu Will Be Enough?
OK, so how many days do you really need in Canggu? It probably depends on the way you want to approach things. If you just want a quick taste of the area, say surfing, a smoothie bowl, and a sunset cocktail or two, then three days could well be enough.
On Day One, you’d head down to Batu Bolong Beach and grab a board and some surf lessons from one of the surf schools or surf camps in the area. On Day two, you head down to Tanah Lot and stop to enjoy a coffee at one the Canggu cafes in the rice fields.
Then, on the third day, you could hit one of the yoga studios early in the day, stop for brunch somewhere like KYND and finish up with sundowners and a night at FINNS Beach Club, the world’s best beach club.
But if you want to really make the most of the area and soak in the fun atmosphere that solo travellers love about this area, you could go with 5-7 days.
That would give you time to check out Echo Beach and Pererenan Beach. Spend some time at a cooking calls, make some friends with the other solo travellers and digital nomads in your hostel and spend some time chilling with a cold coconut.
Where’s the Best Place To Go In Bali For Solo Travellers?
So, where should those travelling solo hang out in Bali? Hands down for us, it’s Canggu. Why? Well, it’s the perfect mix of chilled-out experiences and the high-octane buzz of vibrant nightlife and beach clubs that solo travellers really love.
You can enjoy the picture-perfect black sand beaches like Berawa Beach, go surfing, enjoy a cold coconut or cocktail at sunset, and it’s just not as hectic as Kuta’s beaches get, for example. Nor is it quite as snooze-worthy as a yoga retreat in Ubud.
The area’s social scene is incredible, and the hostels are crammed with digital nomads and fellow backpackers all looking to spend their first day at FINNS or share a cold Bintang by the hostel pool.
The cafes in Canggu are ideal for helping solo travellers connect to those around them, too and it’s not too hard to get around, either. You can walk or jump in a Grab or Gojek without breaking the bank.
It’s a safe area for travelling solo (though we still wouldn’t recommend taking enormous risks at 2 a.m. for obvious reasons), and you can still get plenty of value for money in the local warungs and cafes.
Ubud’s too hippy, Seminyak’s too flashy, but Canggu is the spot – it’s raw, welcoming, and it’s got that vibe you won’t want to miss out on.
Is Canggu Easy To Get Around?
Canggu is sometimes easy to get around, and sometimes, it’s a bit of a pain. The trick is to have a plan before you set out for somewhere.
Walking’s not the most popular way to get around, but despite endless blog posts suggesting you can’t even get to the local restaurants without taking a scooter, you can. You just need to be careful and keep a close eye on the traffic and the surface of the road.
You can rent a scooter for cheap, but we don’t really recommend doing so. The number one cause of sad ends to a Bali holiday is a scooter accident.
It’s hard to be road-legal here, and if you’re not road-legal, your insurance is worthless.
Grab and Gojek are the way forward. You can get a proper air-conditioned car to take you around the area for about $3 (USD – $5 AUD) one way, and there’s no need to haggle. The ride-share apps’ prices are fixed.
Is Bali Good For Solo Travellers?
Yes! We think Bali is a solo travellers’ paradise, in fact. The island’s got all you need to enjoy a solo trip. It’s got the right vibes, it’s completely affordable, and it’s a very laid-back place where you can rock being solo and never feel lost.
Places like Canggu are awesome for solo travellers with hostels, cafes, and beaches where it’s really easy to make new friends. A sundown session at FINNS is often the perfect bonding experience.
Head into Ubud, and you’ll find rice fields, temples, and yoga and meditation workshops galore.
And Bali is pretty cheap for travel still, you can find hostels from $10-$25 a night depending on where you are on the island. Meals are as little as $3 in a warung and not much more in cafes and mid-range restaurants.
Most of all, the energy of the island is welcoming and kind. You’re going to feel at home in Bali wherever you go when travelling solo.
Will Solo Female Travellers Have Any Issues In Canggu?
It’s unlikely that solo female travellers will have any particular issues in Canggu. Canggu is a chilled-out place with a nice vibe, and it’s generally safer than most cities back home.
There’s very little violent crime in the area (or indeed in Bali as a whole), and you will find most approaches are more “do you wanna grab a smoothie?” than something creepy.
You’ll certainly see plenty of solo female travellers in FINNS, surfing, enjoying lattes at the cafes, etc. and no one bats an eyelid about it.
However, that doesn’t mean that there are no risks at all. Nightlife, as with anywhere in the world, can get rowdy – drunk guys are drunk guys, and if you find yourself with doubts, just walk away, trust your gut.
Some petty theft happens, like bag snatching, so use your common sense and keep your valuables safe. Scooter accidents are the most common way to get injured, and we recommend that solo travellers stick to ride-sharing apps to avoid problems..
We’d also recommend joining the “Canggu ladies” group on Facebook for advice from other women in the area before you hit the beach clubs.
Is Canggu Good For Beach Clubs?
Yes! The world’s greatest beach club, FINNS, is in Canggu, and there’s a thriving scene around it.
Nearly 1 in 8 visitors to Bali make a stop at FINNS, and that’s because its reputation precedes it.
It’s the best place to enjoy a day in luxury in the Bali sun, being waited on hand and foot, enjoying amazing entertainment, delicious food and ice-cold drinks.
It also has the best sunset view anywhere on the island. A trip to Canggu without going to FINNS isn’t really a trip to Canggu at all in our book.
Final Thoughts On Solo Travel In Canggu
A trip to Bali will almost always include a trip to Canggu because it’s the most popular spot on the island. It’s one of the most famous experiences in Southeast Asia, too.
It’s a great place to learn surfing, for a solo traveller to enjoy an exciting first trip to Bali without too much risk and to experience many of the awesome experiences that Bali is famous for.
We’d say that it’s the perfect destination for some solo travel because it’s safe, laid-back, and so much fun! The best thing you can do is book your trip to Bali and Canggu and see for yourself what the big deal is.