Best beaches in Canggu : my top choice 2026

Hi there!  

Eric here again. So as some of you know, I have been living in Canggu Bali for a few years now, so I know the area pretty well. And I will be blunt and straightforward: beaches in Canggu are not the best. And UNFORTUNATELY, same for the whole  Bali (sorry 😢). I would say that only Uluwatu has nice beaches. It is often black sand, not clean, very rough waves, and crowded. If you want nice beaches (coconut trees, white sand etc), go to Lombok or Gili island. 

In the article below, I expand a little bit outside Canggu, to give you a better choice  

My favourite for sunset drinks: Batu Bolong 

My favourite for surf: Echo beach  

My favourite for quiet and no crowd: Seseh beach or Pererenan beach  

To avoid (ugly): Batu belig 

Please note : most of those beaches can be done by foot . You can just walk from one to another  

Best Beaches in Canggu: Not the Prettiest but Amazing Vibe

I’ve been living the dream here in Canggu, Bali, for a while now, and I’ve got to tell you, the beaches are more than just a place to catch a wave. They are the pulse of this vibrant community, each with its own unique vibe and a story waiting to be told. Forget what you’ve heard about Bali’s beaches being all white sand and crystal clear water; the volcanic black sand beaches Canggu offers are a whole different kind of vibe And trust me, I’ve seen them all. From the surfer’s paradise to a tranquil, hidden gem, let me give you the lowdown on the best beaches Canggu has to offer, written by someone who’s actually got sand between their toes and a sun-kissed grin on their face. 

Trick of the trade : You will find below some nice bar / beach clubs recommendations . But if you are on a budget , stop at the supermarket before, buy a few drinks and enjoy the beach . They is some cheap local finger food for sell on the beach too  

The Main Event: Batu Bolong Beach

You simply can’t talk about Canggu beaches without starting at the heart of it all: Batu Bolong beach. This is where the magic happens, folks. It’s the most famous and, honestly, the most happening spot. Think of it as the friendly, bustling epicenter of Canggu. The waves at Batu Bolong are long and mellow, making it the perfect playground for beginners and longboarders. I’ve spent countless mornings here, watching new surfers wobble into their first wave, their hoots of triumph echoing down the shore. It’s an infectious energy that will get you pumped, even if you’re just there to watch people-watch. 

Walk along the shore, and you’ll find a mix of locals and tourists, all soaking up the sun and the incredible atmosphere. The beach is dotted with colorful beanbags and simple warungs (local food stalls) selling iced coconuts and corn on the cob. The sunset? It’s a full-blown event. The sky turns into a masterpiece of fiery oranges and deep purples, and the silhouette of surfers on the horizon is a sight you won’t soon forget. This isn’t just a beach; it’s a lifestyle, and it’s one you’ll fall in love with instantly. 

Surfing can get very busy. Opt for an early morning session ( sunrise 06 am ) , and you will have an amazing experience

In short: Busy for sunset, great for surfing. And you can have a drink at Old man’s pub just after. You can even party all night  at Motel Mexicola or Sand bar . The beach is big 

The Hip and Happening: Berawa Beach 

Just a short scooter ride away from the hustle of Batu Bolong, you’ll find Berawa beach. Once a quieter alternative, Berawa has blossomed into a chic and stylish destination. It’s a fantastic beach where Canggu locals and expats flock to for a more relaxed, but still vibrant, scene. The waves here are great for a variety of skill levels, and it’s a popular spot for both surfing and swimming. 

What really sets Berawa apart is its incredible collection of beachfront venues. This is where you’ll find some of the most famous beach clubs in Bali. Imagine lounging on a daybed with a fresh juice in hand, the beats of a DJ creating the perfect soundtrack as the sun dips below the horizon. It’s an epic spot to meet people, dance a little, and simply feel the good vibes. Berawa beach offers that perfect blend of action and laid-back luxury, making it one of the top Canggu beaches on my list. 

In short : very busy for Sunset , not the best for Surfing, and it is a smaller beach . It can be loud too with the two big beach clubs behind ( Finns and Atlas ) . However, nice for sunset drinks and you can even get inside Finns beach club for free . Try it out !  

The Surfer’s Sanctuary: Echo Beach

Now, for those of you who are a little more serious about your waves, let’s head to Echo beach. Located at the northern end of the main Canggu beach stretch, Echo is a whole different beast. The waves here are more powerful and the reef breaks mean it’s best suited for intermediate and advanced surfers. You’ll see some incredible surfing here, with talented locals and pros carving up the waves with effortless grace. 

Echo Beach is famous for its incredible seafood BBQ restaurants that line the sand. As the sun sets, the air fills with the delicious aroma of freshly grilled fish and sizzling satay. You can grab a table right on the sand and enjoy an ice-cold Bintang while watching the last surfers of the day get their fix. The vibe is a little more focused on the surf, but the camaraderie and appreciation for the ocean are palpable.

In short : Perfect for surfing . Not too pretty ( back sand )  . Every evening you will get peoples gathering for sunset . One of my favourite place is La Brisa beach club ( Nice down to earth beach club ) . One of my top  beaches in Canggu  

The Peaceful Neighbor: Pererenan Beach

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, a little slice of paradise awaits just north of Echo Beach. Pererenan beach feels like a true hidden gem. It’s not as busy as its southern neighbors, and that’s precisely its charm. This is where I go when I need to clear my head, take a long walk, and just listen to the sound of the ocean without a hundred other conversations swirling around me.

The waves here are consistent and perfect for those who want to practice their skills without a huge lineup. The vibe is bohemian and serene, with a few low-key warungs and cafes tucked away, offering a quiet spot to read or journal. Pererenan is one of those hidden beaches Canggu offers that feels like a secret, even though it’s been a local favorite for years. If you’re a creative soul or just need a moment of peace, this is your spot. 

In short : Fed up of Canggu craziness ? I understand . Drive 5 min up north to that beach and you won’t be disappointed . Way more quiet . More down t earth, less party . . Nice places to eat too .  

If you really want to see nobody : drive 10 more minutes to Seseh beach  

The Authentic Escape: Nelayan Beach

Tucked away between Berawa and Batu Bolong, you’ll find Nelayan beach. This is a special place, a glimpse into the Canggu of old. Nelayan translates to “fisherman” in Indonesian, and it lives up to its name. You’ll see colorful traditional fishing boats, called jukung, lined up on the sand, waiting for their next journey. 

Nelayan beach offers a quieter, more authentic experience. The black sand is soft, and it’s a wonderful spot to simply sit and watch the local fishermen go about their day. It’s not a place for big parties or massive crowds, but a place for reflection and connection. It’s an authentic hidden gem. The sunsets here are just as spectacular, but with a peaceful intimacy that you won’t find at the more famous beaches. If you’re looking to capture the true, unassuming spirit of Bali and get away from the main Canggu beach scene, this is an absolute must-visit. 

In short : more quiet beach , great for swimming or Sun bathing . Less peoples . and I love the street leading to that beach ( amazing cafés etc ) . Perfect if you want a little bit more privacy . But still, you are between both of the busiest beach in Canggu, so you will get peoples  

🏄 5 Essential Things to Do on Canggu’s Beaches

Canggu, located on the west coast of Bali, is a dynamic destination that seamlessly blends its original landscape of rice paddies and palm trees with a modern, bohemian surf culture. Its coastline, known for its unique black sand beach (or black volcanic sand), offers a vibrant mix of activities centered around the ocean view. Here are five essential things to do on Canggu’s main beaches, such as Pantai Batu Bolong and Pantai Batu Mejan. 

1. Catch a Wave with a Surf Lesson

Canggu is arguably the best place in Bali for beginner and intermediate surfers. The stretch of sand from Batu Bolong to Echo Beach is famous for its consistent surf break. Taking a surf lesson is the best thing to do early in the morning, which is often the best time before the sun gets too intense and the crowds build up. You’ll find instructors offering lessons right on the beach, making it a great place to learn. Experienced riders will find the strong waves here provide a challenge, particularly near high tide. Even during the wet season (or rainy season), the early morning can offer the perfect wave before any onshore wind picks up. 

2. Experience the Sunset at a Beach Club

As the day cools down, Canggu’s beachfront becomes a social hub. This is the perfect place to relax and witness a breathtaking Balinese sunset. While smaller, independent local warungs offer a cozy, relaxed atmosphere, massive venues like Atlas Beach Club have become a popular place. Promoted as the world’s best beach club, it features a massive infinity pool and extensive entertainment, though it does charge an entrance fee. Alternatively, simply grab a beanbag from one of the many beach bars along the sand for a more affordable and equally stunning night time experience. 

3. Dine on Local and International Food

The Canggu canggu area is renowned for its best restaurants and exceptional beachside offerings. Beyond the big clubs, the area offers a wide variety of good food. You can find simple, delicious Indonesian meals at the warungs right on the sand, or explore the area around Deus Ex Machina for hip cafes. The ability to enjoy great food while looking out over the ocean view makes the coastline a great spot for dinner. This culinary experience is one of the best ways to spend an evening in Canggu. 

4. Relax and Sunbathe

While Canggu’s beaches aren’t known for the soft white sand or calm waters of the Bukit Peninsula (like Pandawa Beach) or the east coast of bali (Sanur Beach), they are still a great spot for sunbathing. Many areas offer rental sun loungers and umbrellas. It’s the perfect place to unwind after exploring the nearby rice fields. While the clear blue water may not match the clarity found near the Nusa Islands or Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, Gili Air), the stunning natural landscape provides a truly cool place to spend your day. 

5. Explore the Coastline by Foot or Bike

The most popular beach areas have easy access and connecting trails. During low tide, you can often walk long distances on the compacted black sand beach. Exploring the length of the coast allows you to discover different surf break spots and find your own favorite spot away from the main crowds. This is a good place to capture photos of the powerful great waves crashing on the shore, a quintessential Canggu experience. 

A Final Word on the Beaches of Canggu, Bali

Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a sun-worshipper, the beaches in Canggu have something for you. From the lively energy of Batu Bolong to the serene beauty of Nelayan beach, each spot has its own unique story. They are not just strips of sand; they are vibrant hubs of culture, community, and incredible natural beauty. 

I’ve spent countless hours at these beaches, from sunrise surfs to sunset cocktails, and each one has left a lasting mark on my soul. This is what makes Canggu so special—it’s not just a destination, it’s an experience. The community, the waves, the food, and the incredible sunsets all come together to create a feeling you just can’t get anywhere else. So, next time you’re in this part of Indonesia, grab a board, a book, or a cold drink and get ready to fall in love with the soulful, funky, and fresh beaches Canggu has to offer.