A Day in Canggu, Bali

Rice fields, sunsets and sunshine - all words that once you have stepped foot on the magical island that is Bali, will be synonymous with it forever. Bali doesn't have the rep it has culminated for no reason. It's the perfect amalgamation of all the things that constitute the millennial 'wellness' wave; and well is exactly how you feel after even a few days of being immersed in the environment. I've curated a list of my favourite local places - all within a biking distance of each other, so you'd be able to fit them all into one perfect, sun-soaked, Canggu day... I'm all about convenience. So, let's start our adventure in Canggu with the sun coming up...

M O R N I N G S

(© @samadibali)

After waking up to freshly brewed coffee and the birds singing, myself and my friends would usually kick off a typical day in Canggu by biking to a morning Ashtanga class that takes place at the quaint and quirky Samadi. Whether you're a 'yogi beginner' or 'downward dog veteran', there are classes to accommodate every level. Their updated monthly schedule can be found on the Samadi Instagram. The studio is conveniently located right by Samadi's very own on-site café, where you would have no trouble finding something to sustain your activity induced appetite.

Yoga followed by a fresh shake, a veggie wrap and perhaps a glass of locally sourced and made kombucha, or even a raw chocolate bar if you're in the mood to 'treat yo'self', is the perfect way to  feel fresh and ready to "carpe diem". Samadi has everything at its doorstop that you could possibly need to spend a relaxing day in the sunshine; putting the human capacity to photosynthesise to the test. Whether you're making progress with a new book, listening to the roosters, trying to make small talk with the local goats (they're surprisingly receptive to conversation) or nourishing yourself as much as possible with all things good for the soul and body - you're sure to start the day off with your best foot forward here.

If you're lucky enough to catch one, Samadi also hosts wonderful Sunday markets - where the stalls are sure to spoil you for choice. From fresh fruit and vegetables to handmade jewellery and jam, it's the perfect place to stock up for the week and meet some friendly locals whilst you're at it.

A F T E R N O O N S 

(© @oldmansbali)

A cycle to Old Man's beach would not be complete without a couple stops off at some adorable boutiques. From sunglasses to beach-wraps, the lanes that lead to the beach bars are perfect for some gift acquiring to make it up to everyone you're making jealous with your instagram stories back home.

Once you're at Old Man's Beach, you'll be in the perfect place to get in some surfing lessons into your day if you so wish. Otherwise, there's no shortage of beautiful outdoor restaurants to lounge and read whilst you enjoy a lazy feast under the sun. There's also plenty of ice-cream to choose from here, so be sure to try some of that at this stop.

It was here that I actually counted down the hours for my university results. And, corona in hand, it was probably as relaxed as I could be in that particular situation. Old man's will always have a place in my heart.

A   C O F F E E    B R E A K 

JL BATU. MEJAN 

No.88A, CANGGU, 80361, INDONESIA 

There were a lot of things I wish I could pack up and bring home with me, but this entire establishment was pretty close to the top of my list. We stopped off at Nalu by a stroke of sheer luck, one of those "drive by and fall in love" moments. For a girl who loves planning meticulously - I have pretty seriously considered an entire iCal colour for meal-prepping - this was one of those coincidences that made me re-evaluate how tightly I hung on to the leash of life. I tried the acai bowl (I see those 'basic' alarm bells ringing in your head, but give me a chance here), because each and every spoonful was how I imagine it would feel if Cirque du Soleil performed on your tastebuds. The mixture of smooth, cold acai smoothie base topped with granola and the sweet seasonal strawberries, bananas and desiccated coconut shreds were a match made in millennial heaven. 


Nalu bowls is also conveniently located adjacent to a co-working space named 'Dojo', so if your trip to Bali is destined to be more than just a vacation and you need to get some work done, there is an inviting, harmonious space to do just that. Scattered with content looking people on their laptops and copious amount of (iced) coffee, I can't imagine ever being short of inspiration in a space like this. You would be sure to harness a flow that would assist you in accomplishing everything on your daily to-do list; and then some (*including eating several nalu bowls over the course of the day, of course ;))

S U N S E T S  &  E V E N I N G S 

( © @echobeachcanggu)

Thanks to this trip, sunsets have officially become my favourite slice of the 'daily clock' cake. Echo Beach is the place to watch the famous Bali Sunsets, where the sky is strewed with the most decadent colours I've ever seen. Located above, with spectacular views of Echo Beach, one of my absolute favourite places to grab dinner is no other than the Echo Beach Club. This is especially true if you're a seafood lover, as the decadence of the sunset colours seems to transfer to the tastes presented on your plate. The BBQ smells that begin to waft from here as the sun sets will be sure to get your mouth watering. Dining alongside the magical views, accompanied by the sound of waves; this is the perfect place to end your 'Day in Canggu'.


To conclude, this trip evoked what travel tends to evoke in a person: a sense of size and your place in the world. It brings to mind just how small you (and in turn how small your problems are). It is always a great source of comfort to know how infinite the world is.

If you do get the chance to visit the wonderful Canggu, let me know what you think about it - and be sure to check out the places above that made my visit so memorable. If you have been - what are some of your recommendations? No matter where you go in Indonesia, the wonderful souls there will be sure to make your visit a spectacular one as they welcome you as if you have just arrived home. And by the end of the trip, I can say for sure that Bali definitely felt like a cosy one.