In recent years, Canggu has established itself if one of the most popular areas in Bali. From epic surf breaks to hipster chic cafes and family-friendly venues, this area has it all. But Canggu is a sprawling neighbourhood with many different nook and crannies to explore. Here is the lowdown of the Canggu streets you need to know!
Jalan Pantai Berawa
Berawa is a cool little surf hub nestled between Batubelig and Canggu proper, with the winding street of Jalan Pantai Berawa snaking through it. Dotted along this long street are cute little boutiques peddling hippie chic apparel and surf gear, with an assortment of hip-as-can-be eateries, ranging from well-established favourites like Milk & Madu and Nude, to a seemingly ever-changing cavalcade of newcomers. The street leads down to Berawa Beach, a favourite among surfers and home to the colossal Finns Beach Club.
Where to stay: Villa Savasana
3 bedrooms
With its pure white decor and swanky rooftop lounge, Villa Savasana exudes relaxed beach house glamour. The best part? A secret shortcut brings you to Berawa Beach in two minutes flat! Check out Villa Savasana here.
The Shortcut
Welcome to the most infamous street on the island! Canggu’s famous shortcut connects Berawa to Canggu proper through cascading rice paddies. The road is very narrow, barely wide enough to fit a single car, and while it is technically one-way for cars, that has done little to discourage two-way traffic, with cars inevitably bringing traffic to a mind-numbing halt. During the pandemic, things have of course quieted down and the now often-deserted shortcut has become a symbol of the pandemic, with people posting wistful memes reminiscing of when driving from Berawa to Batu Bolong would entail an hour spent stuck on the short cut. Ah, the good old days!
Where to stay: Umm… don’t stay close to the shortcut. Really.
Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong
Today, Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong is the bustling main street that pierces through Canggu. Back in the day, Deus Ex Machina (part restaurant, part boutique, part art gallery and part live music venue) was one of the only venues in the area, surrounded by serene rice fields. My how things have changed! These days, you’ll find many of the most well-known restaurants and bars lining this winding strip, with beach clubs like Old Man’s and The Lawn welcoming you to the beach waiting at the far end of the street. To get an idea of just much the area has gentrified, there is now an actual Billabong outlet at the main intersection!
Where to stay: Villa Merayu
5 bedrooms
The light and bright Villa Merayu offers the best of both world: easy access to all the action on Batu Bolong but removed enough to offer some peace and quiet when you need it. There’s an easy shortcut to Pepito Supermarket to pick up groceries and snacks and we love the grassy garden surrounding the pool. Check out Villa Merayu here.
Jalan Padang Linjong
If you want to get a feel of just how fast Canggu is changing, we suggest you take a drive down Jalan Padang Linjong. This narrow little street starts off surrounded by cascading rice paddies, followed by a growing concentration of hipster chic cafes and boutiques. About midway down, there is a cluster of cool cafes, including Copenhagen, Give Café and The Sloth. Follow the street all the way to the beach and you’ll encounter La Brisa – easily one of the most photogenic beach clubs in Bali.
Where to stay: Villa Alocasia
4 bedrooms
Wow wow wow! Villa Alocasia is an impressive, white-on-white villa that’s sure to appeal to those looking for modern digs in Canggu. All enclosed and air-conditioned, this villa offers a refreshing stay framed by frangipani trees, hidden in a private villa enclave just off Jalan Padang Linjong. Check out Villa Alocasia here.
Jalan Pantai Pererenan
Pererenan is technically the next village up the coast from Canggu, though these days, the two areas blend together pretty seamlessly. While Pererenan remains more relaxed compared to bustling Canggu, the area is certainly picking up. Just a few short years ago, this long and winding street was dominated by private villas and residences, but nowadays, the area has its own cool little cafes and restaurants to choose from and more seem to be popping up on a pretty regular basis. The street leads down to Pererenan Beach which has become a popular spot for local families to enjoy a beautiful Bali sunset.
Where to stay: Santai Beach House
3 bedrooms
We love this little bohemian hideout, perfect for beach lovers and bohemian travellers alike. The white themed decor has a relaxed beach house feel to it and with a prime location just off Jalan Pantai Pererenan, it takes just five minute to reach the beach on foot. Nice!
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