5 Things to Do in Canggu: Where Every Plan Turns Into Three More

Things to do in Canggu

Here we are on another article about Canggu, because things to explore in this little bubble are endless. I have written a few articles about Canggu restaurants alone, and then a guide for first-timers, and now, onto a deeper dive, things to do in Canggu. Or maybe more like, what do you actually do when you live here?

The funny thing about Canggu life is how quickly you realise that people here are somehow always busy doing absolutely non-urgent things haha. One person is heading to pilates, another is rushing to Hyrox, another is getting ready for an ice bath, while someone else is already on their second iced latte discussing “creative burnout” at 10am. If you feel attacked, don’t worry, I’m one of these suspects too lol.

Ok, so here’s the best that I can do to summarise the fun things to do in Canggu.

Eat absolutely everything

One of the best things to do in Canggu is simply eating your way through it. The food scene is insanely diverse. In one day you can have Indonesian warung meals, Australian brunch, Japanese ramen, Italian pasta, French pastries, Mexican tacos, aaaaand more, aaaaand somehow all within 10 minutes of each other. Dangerous for both your wallet and your self-control, I guess.

You can read my articles about Canggu restaurants here:

What else is there to do but eat? From left to right: Muda by Suka, Soogi Roll, Cure

Welcome to Bali’s Capital of Wellness

I wasn’t joking when I mentioned about people going to Hyrox because I feel like the wellness era never ends here. I’m interested to know how many regular gyms there are in Canggu alone, not to mention yoga and pilates studio, jiu jitsu and MMA gyms, padel courts, and other sports centre for other types of sports. Canggu is the it place for wellness activities whatever you like it or not, and so that’s why “wellness” sits at number two on this list.

My go-to gyms and some recommendations:

Woven Jiu Jitsu (Jiu Jitsu and mobility)
Wellness Gym (Weightlifting, pool, sauna, and magnesium pool)
Alpha Gym (Weightlifting and sauna)
BYND Fitness Club (Weightlifting and lap pool)
Undefeated Gym (Weightlifting, pool, sauna, steam room, and ice bath)

Recovery but make it social

Recovery culture in Canggu deserves its own category because people here recover harder than they party. Ice baths, steam rooms and saunas, sports massages, IV drips, breathwork – you name it.

Recovery spaces have also become such a social thing here. Sometimes people don’t even go because they’re sore, they go because their friends are there, and afterwards everyone gets smoothies together. A very Canggu thing to do.

My go to recovery spots:

Amo Spa (Sauna, ice bath, steam room, jacuzzi, pool, hammam)
The Block (Sauna, ice bath, jacuzzi, pool)
Island Spots Club (Sauna, ice bath, jacuzzi, pool)
Air Seseh (Sauna, ice bath, pool)

Recovery, lift, recovery. From left to right: Bynd, Wellness, Air Seseh

Catching (or Watching) Waves

I don’t surf, and ironically I’m kind of just okay with beaches. But surfing is basically the unofficial daily ceremony of Canggu. People either head out super early in the morning or go for a sunset surf session in the afternoon. If you’ve never surfed before, don’t worry, there are plenty of surfing lessons around Canggu too. So you can absolutely live out your surfer life for a day if you want.

Question, though…what do these surfers do for a living that they have all the time in the world to be at the beach every single day? Because I want that job.

Beaches I go watch people surf:

Cafe hopping like it’s a full time job

Ok this one, I do a lot. There are cafes absolutely everywhere, some are for working, some are for people-watching, some are for post-workout matcha, and some are clearly designed for someone to sit dramatically with a laptop answering emails.

I would say, spending a slow morning cafe hopping is one of my favourite things to do in Canggu. Good coffee, good food, good weather, and nowhere particularly important to be.

My regular coffee spots :

Final Thoughts

I feel like this is why so many people end up staying in Canggu longer than planned even though it’s crazy busy. The lifestyle here has a way of pulling you in. Your day starts casually with coffee, and before you know it, you’ve somehow been out all day doing a bunch of other things, hehe. Hope you find this helpful and thank you for reading!

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10 Jan 2025 by Bella in Info

Getting Married in Denmark: A Step-by-Step Guide (Part 2)

Getting Married in Denmark: A Step-by-Step Guide (Part 2) So you’re here because you’re either a mixed-nationality or mixed-religion couple looking for a way to get married without the endless paperwork headache, or you’ve already read my previous article, “Getting Married in Denmark: A Step-by-Step Guide (Part 1)” and you’re now ready for the next steps. Either way, welcome! Getting Married in Denmark: A Step-by-Step Guide (Part 2)And Then What’s Next?Before Your Civil CeremonyOn Your Wedding DayA Little Closing Note The Next Steps After Document Submission Once the big admin work is done, the good news is that things get a lot simpler. All you need to do is wait patiently while the agent (Getting Married in Denmark) submits your application and receives your approval from the Danish government. When the approval comes in, you’ll be asked to choose the city hall for your ceremony. Here’s a friendly heads-up: popular venues like Copenhagen City Hall tend to be fully booked unless you secure a date months in advance. Our agent sent us several options; many of them incredibly charming, including a castle-like city hall in the countryside! We loved it, but since my in-laws were joining us, we chose Copenhagen for convenience. Once you’ve agreed on an available date, your agent will take care of the booking. Copenhagen City Hall, where I got married :) And Then What’s Next? After securing your date and venue, it basically turns into a mini wedding planning session (if you’re also hosting a reception). But if, like us, you’re simply going to sign papers and enjoy the moment, it feels more like planning a holiday with a sprinkle of romance hehe. Even though we only had a civil ceremony, I still prepared a dress and bouquet. If you don’t want the hassle of ordering flowers, Copenhagen City Hall rents bouquets - practical and stress-free! The agent can also recommend florists, photographers, and other vendors if you want extra help. They truly are a wedding one-stop-shop. You may like this article: 48 Hours in Amsterdam - A Quick Trip, Big Memories Before Your Civil Ceremony You’ve made it to Copenhagen… now what? One day before your ceremony, you need to register you and your partner at the same city hall where the ceremony will take place. If you’re in Copenhagen, you’ll find the registration counter inside the little gift shop to the left of the main entrance. That’s where you check in and leave your passports. Don’t worry, they won’t keep them for long. They have a rule about not holding passports for more than a certain number of hours or something. While waiting, you’re free to wander around, grab an oh-so-good smørrebrød with fresh Scandi salmon, and treat yourself to a Danish pastry (or three! You go, friend!). By the time you’re done snacking, your passports will be ready, woot woot! :) Me and my best friend Deisha (husband is too shy to be on Kata Bella hehe) On Your Wedding Day “Follow the hearts!” That’s what the lady at the registration desk told us - and she meant it, literally. Heart stickers on the floor guide you to your room. Once you reach the end of the trail, wait there until someone comes down and calls your names. Then it’s time to say “I do!” I had a quick peek online at what the room looked like, but nothing prepared me for how beautiful it was. The murals felt straight out of a Hans Christian Andersen storybook, the kind I grew up reading. We were told they represent the journey of love from the first meeting to a shared life together. Speaking of Hans Christian Andersen, our celebrant ended our ceremony with a quote that has stayed with me ever since: “The whole world is a series of miracles, but we’re so used to them we call them ordinary things.” A Little Closing Note If you’re considering Denmark for your civil ceremony, take this as a sign: it’s worth it! The process is straightforward, the atmosphere feels magical without being stiff or formal, and the experience becomes a beautiful memory rather than a bureaucratic nightmare. If you love simple, meaningful moments (with the bonus of pastries and fairy-tale murals), Denmark might just be the perfect place to start your forever. Oh and by the way, congratulations on your engagement! And good luck!

24 May 2026 by Bella in Info

Canggu Travel Guide: Surviving Bali's Busiest Neighbourhood

Canggu Travel Guide Canggu is only a tiny dot on the map of Bali, and yet more and more people seem drawn to that little dot more than anywhere else - sometimes forgetting there’s so much beauty on the other sides of the island too: rice fields, waterfalls, mountains, and the sea to dive into (literally). But I get the appeal. Canggu somehow has everything packed into one neighbourhood. If you don’t mind the always-busy streets, it’s the capital of fitness culture, surfing, food, food (yes, I mentioned food twice on purpose because there are just SO MANY good spots), recovery culture, remote work life, and… a traffic simulator too. Most people arrive in Canggu thinking it’ll just be a quick Bali stop. Then suddenly they’re extending their villa stay, signing up for Hyrox sessions they never planned to take, and debating which oat milk flat white is “the best in Berawa.” It happens fast. So if you’re looking for a proper Canggu travel guide, here’s the insider version. You may also like this article: What It’s Like to Live in Bali: Cost, Culture, and Everyday Life AREAS TO STAY Batu Bolong Crowd-o-metre: 9/10 Spoiler alert, it's probably the heart of Canggu chaos because this is pretty much the main strip that has everything. If someone says they’re “in Canggu,” there’s a high chance they mean Batu Bolong. Here, you’ll find: Busy cafés, warungs, and restaurants on basically every corner Convenience stores every few steps (you’ll never be far from iced tea or instant noodles) Medical centres and pharmacies for all your Bali emergencies Shops selling everything from surfwear and jewellery to random little knick-knacks Beach bars, breweries, live music spots, and sunset crowds All kinds of massage places, from 150K local spots to fancy 1Mill spa experiences Scooters everywhere, all the time Digital nomads with laptops in cafes Stay here if you are: A solo traveller who wants everything within walking distance A couple or single traveller who enjoys being in the middle of the action A remote worker A café hopper or coffee lover Someone who likes having options for literally everything A first-timer in Bali who wants the full “Canggu experience” Billie's, one of my favourite souvenir shops in Canggu Berawa Crowd-o-metre: 8/10 Every part of Canggu is busy, but Berawa feels a little more like an area where people actually live, mainly because first-time Bali visitors tend to gravitate more towards Batu Bolong. It’s still lively, but slightly more residential. There are also lots of brunch spots, nice restaurants, and gyms. Here, you’ll find: Restaurants with playgrounds and bigger spaces that are more family-friendly Healthy cafés, smoothie bowls, salad spots, and every kind of wellness food Villas - from cosy tropical stays to massive designer villas Coffee shops that have been around long before Canggu became "Canggu" Mid-to-upscale restaurants with cuisines from all over the world Fitness centres, recovery centres, and dance studios Boutiques, beauty salons, and concept stores Stay here if you are: A couple or family Planning to explore other neighbourhoods, since it’s slightly closer to Seminyak A foodie who wants international dining options Into fitness, wellness, or remote-working culture Pererenan Crowd-o-metre: 7/10 Pererenan is slightly less chaotic because it’s not right in the centre of the Canggu madness. Rice fields still exist here - they haven’t all turned into villas, cafés, or gyms every other month. The vibe feels more residential and slower-paced compared to Berawa or Batu Bolong. Areas like Tumbak Bayuh and Tiying Tutul are great options if you want a quieter stay while still being close enough to all the Canggu comforts. Here, you’ll find: Small boutique hotels and villas in quieter streets A mix of fitness spots - from local gyms to fancy wellness clubs, padel courts, martial arts gyms, and recovery centres More relaxed cafés, warungs, and restaurants A calmer remote-working crowd compared to Batu Bolong Stay here if you are: Wanting to stay close to Canggu, but not directly inside the chaos Not super into partying every night Into surfing, fitness, or wellness Happy to trade convenience for a slightly calmer atmosphere Okay with driving further for malls or bigger shopping areas - with Bali traffic, it takes 1-2 hours to get to Kuta Cure, one of the newest seaside restaurant and bar in Canggu PLACES TO EAT IN CANGGU I’ve written a few articles about restaurants in Canggu — from cheap eats to smarter dining spots — which you can find here: My Little Canggu Restaurant List - Part 1 My Little Canggu Restaurant List - Part 2 Bali on a Budget: Cheap Eats in Canggu for Under 100K 5 Must-Visit Best Coffee Shops in Canggu, Umalas, and Nearby Areas BEACHES AND SUNSET SPOTS If it’s your first time in Bali, or in Canggu, you might notice that the beaches here aren’t the postcard-style turquoise beaches people usually imagine when they think of Bali, like the ones in Uluwatu. The sand is dark here, and these aren’t really the kind of beaches people come to quietly sunbathe all day. In true Canggu fashion, the beaches here are more about the social life. Surfing, sunset drinks with friends, beach bars, music, people-watching, and somehow running into the same people everywhere you go. Canggu sunsets are basically a daily ritual. Around 5pm, everyone somehow ends up facing the ocean - surfers still sitting in the waves, people on bean bags with coconuts or Bintangs, kids running around, dogs playing on the beach, and someone inevitably playing acoustic music nearby. A few local beaches worth checking out: Batu Bolong Beach - probably the most social and busiest beach in Canggu Berawa Beach - popular for beach clubs and sunset hangouts Echo Beach - known for surfing and sunset spots Pererenan Beach - less hectic, with a more local and residential feel compared to central Canggu. Seseh Beach - technically a little outside of Canggu, but worth mentioning if you want somewhere quieter There are often community activities on the beach, like this grappling session my gym Woven organised TRAFFIC REALITY CHECK This part belongs in every honest Canggu travel guide: the traffic. It can get really chaotic, especially during high season, rush hours, sunset time, and dinner hours when everyone seems to leave the house at once. A distance that looks “close” on Google Maps can sometimes test your patience, your scooter skills, and your decision to stay in Canggu. The usual traffic hotspots: The famous Canggu shortcut - the worst that could happen is a full-on gridlock with scooters squeezing through every possible gap Berawa junction - somehow busy at almost every hour of the day Batu Bolong main road before sunset and dinner time Any road near beach clubs during sunset hours Random tiny streets that suddenly become two-way traffic with 200 scooters and one confused car Best strategy: Stay close to the area you’ll spend most of your time in Don’t over-schedule your days Drive a scooter or use Gojek/Grab if you’re not comfortable riding Leave earlier than you think you need to Accept that “5 minutes away” in Canggu is sometimes emotionally optimistic So yeah, Canggu is a strange little bubble where wellness trends, digital nomads, smoothie bowls, rice fields, and traffic chaos somehow all coexist together. Some people absolutely love it, some people leave after two days overwhelmed, and somehow both reactions make complete sense. Hope you find this Canggu travel guide useful. Have a fun trip, stay safe, and always wear a helmet when you’re on a scooter - even if you’re only going 200 metres away. Thanks for reading!

26 Oct 2026 by Bella in Info

Rainy Season Guide: Indoor Things to Do in Bali

Indoor things to do in Bali Unlike countries with four seasons, Indonesia has only two: the wet season and the dry season. Both come with a tropical climate in most parts of the country, so expect warm temperatures alllll yearrr longgg, hehe. In Bali, the rainy season typically begins around October or November and lasts until February or March. While some travellers see the rain as a holiday hurdle, others welcome it as a chance to enjoy Bali at a slower pace, with cooler temperatures and a different kind of charm. And there are still plenty to do, even when it's pouring. From cosy cafes to creative workshops, here are some fun indoor activities to add to your Bali itinerary this rainy season. Indoor things to do in BaliA spa escapeA little sweat between feastsRecovery dayGet in touch with your artsy side!Play time for the little travellersCoffee and cosy cornersMake the most of your stay A spa escape Imagine this: rain pattering outside while you're tucked away in a cosy spa, surrounded by the soothing scent of frangipani or lemongrass. A Balinese gamelan plays softly in the background as you surrender to the goodness of a traditional Balinese massage, ahhh so good. And with many spas in Bali being very affordable, one spa day might turn into two, three, or who knows? When in Bali, let the pampering begin! A little sweat between feasts Holidays usually come with a little weight gain, but how about some muscle gains this time? hehe. Apart from endless cafes and restaurants, Bali has plenty of lovely gyms and studios offering everything from yoga and Pilates to HYROX, boxing, and MMA. Whether you're a fitness buff or just fancy trying something new, squeeze in a workout before heading off for that well-deserved buffet brunch..or lunch...or dinner...or all of them! My Go-To Gyms in Canggu for Strength Training, Classes, and Recovery Recovery day Rainy days are a pretty good excuse to take a break, especially if your body could use one too (after all the workouts!). Many gyms in Bali have recovery facilities like saunas, ice baths, steam rooms and pools. Some even have hammams, magnesium pools, infrared saunas and jacuzzis, while there are also wellness centres dedicated entirely to recovery! You'd be surprised how easily you can spend a whole afternoon just...relaxing. Get in touch with your artsy side! Bali has plenty of workshops to keep you busy on a rainy day, whether you're into painting, pottery, silver-making, or just want to try something for the plot. We've rounded up some artsy-partsy activities below. Go have a look, pick one, and make yourself a little holiday souvenir. Get Crafty: 8 Creative Classes and Workshops in Bali Play time for the little travellers If you're holidaying with kids, a little rain doesn't have to put a damper on the fun. From indoor playgrounds where they can run wild to museums where they can get curious, there are still plenty of ways to keep the little ones entertained. Some of the spots from our previous article below are fully indoors, making them perfect for rainy days. Have a browse and save a few for your next rainy-day adventure! Fun Kids Activities in Bali: A Little Something for Every Age Coffee and cosy corners There's something about rainy days in Bali that makes coffee taste even better. The sound of raindrops, a cosy corner by the window, and a good cup of coffee in hand. No rush, no plans, just you and your caffeine fix. There are soooo many lovely cafes in Bali to hide away in and romanticise the rainy season. Here are a couple of Kata Bella coffee lists featuring our picks around Canggu and Denpasar. Kata Bella's List of Good Coffee Shops in Denpasar Best Coffee Shops in Canggu, Umalas, and Nearby Areas Make the most of your stay Very often, we pick a dreamy resort or villa for our holiday, only to enjoy it for a few hours because we're too busy exploring outside. But if you're visiting Bali during the wet season, take it as a sign to slow down and actually enjoy the place you're staying in. Snuggle up in that comfy bed, catch up on your favourite shows, order some comfort food from room service, or simply spend some quality time with your family or friends. If you're in Bali with kids, here are some ideas of hotels with family rooms to check out. Family Friendly Hotels in Bali with Adorable Family Rooms Rainy season doesn't have to ruin your Bali holiday. If anything, it's a good excuse to slow down, try something new, treat yourself to a massage, discovering new cafes, or simply enjoy that lovely accommodation you booked. Sure, you might have to shuffle your plans around a little (and keep an umbrella handy, hehe), but Bali still has plenty to offer when the skies turn grey. So, don't let the rain stop you from having a good time! Hope you find this article useful, and happy holiday!