10 Must Do Things For Tourists In Canggu

This curated guide to the best things to do in Canggu showcases some of Bali’s most iconic attractions along the island’s southwestern coast. At the heart of Canggu lies Echo Beach, a vibrant hub known for its excellent surf breaks, stunning sunset dining, and a wide range of activities suitable for families and solo travellers alike.

From horseback rides along dramatic black-sand beaches and thrilling waterpark adventures to immersive cooking classes led by celebrated local chefs, Canggu offers experiences for every kind of traveller. The list also features Tanah Lot Temple, located around 12 km southeast of Canggu Beach. One of Bali’s most photographed landmarks, this iconic sea temple is simply unmissable.

# Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot stands as one of Bali’s most recognisable landmarks. This ancient Hindu sea temple sits atop a rocky outcrop surrounded by crashing waves, making it a favourite spot for sunset photography. While visitors are not allowed inside the main shrine, the sweeping ocean views and spiritual ambience are worth the visit. The temple complex onshore features smaller shrines, restaurants, souvenir shops, and a cultural park where traditional dance performances are regularly held.

# Echo Beach

Echo Beach is among Bali’s top surf destinations, known for its challenging reef breaks, expansive 180-degree ocean views, and unforgettable sunsets. Located about 35 km northwest of Kuta and Seminyak and 14 km west of Denpasar, the beach attracts surfers during the day before transforming into a laid-back dining hotspot by evening. Thanks to ongoing beach clean-up initiatives by local surf schools and clubs, Echo Beach remains clean and well maintained.

# Finns Recreation Club

Finns Recreation Club is a premier lifestyle and leisure complex in Canggu, offering a wide range of sports and entertainment facilities. Highlights include a fully equipped gym, Bounce Bali Trampoline Centre, Splash Water Park, Strike Bowling, tennis courts, a kids’ club, and a spa. Open year-round, the club offers affordable day passes and memberships. Its sports bar screens live matches, from cricket and football to AFL and NFL.

# Splash Waterpark

Covering an area of 2,400 sq m, Splash Waterpark promises a fun-filled day for visitors of all ages. Located beside Finns Recreation Club on the road to Berawa Beach, the park features modern pools, slides, and safety-focused facilities. The Giant Racer, a thrilling 90-metre slide with a built-in speedometer, is a favourite among adults and teens, while the Speed Racer offers a gentler option for younger children.

# Iboe Soelastri Cooking Class

Held at Tugu Hotel Bali, Iboe Soelastri Cooking Class offers a deep dive into Indonesia’s culinary traditions. Led by renowned chef Iboe Soelastri, whose passion for cooking stems from her grandmother’s recipes, the class teaches participants how to prepare five traditional Javanese and Balinese dishes. Ingredients are selected carefully, and traditional techniques—such as grinding spices with a mortar and pestle and cooking with terracotta steamers—are used throughout.

# Bali Equestrian Centre

Set across 25,000 sq m, Bali Equestrian Centre is run by certified international instructors and houses more than 30 well-trained horses of local and imported breeds. The centre caters to beginners and experienced riders alike, offering lessons, pony rides, and kids’ day camps. Facilities include an onsite restaurant serving breakfast and lunch, a swimming pool, and a playground overlooking the riding arena.

# Berawa Beach

Berawa Beach borders Seminyak and features a striking mix of dark grey and black sand. Known for its peaceful atmosphere, it’s a popular spot for surfers seeking quieter waves shaped by rocky reefs, offering both right and left breaks at high tide. Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents, but beachfront bars make it an excellent place to relax and soak in Bali’s famed sunsets.

# House of Alaia

House of Alaia is a boutique jewellery studio located on Jalan Batu Bolong. Founded by Nea and Christy, the space showcases handcrafted silver jewellery and hosts immersive jewellery-making workshops. Participants can design and create their own pieces using traditional techniques. The full-day workshop runs from 9 am to 4 pm and includes lunch.

# Bali Island Horse

Located at Yeh Gangga Beach on the northern edge of the Canggu area, Bali Island Horse offers scenic horseback riding tours through villages, rice fields, rivers, temples, and even a bat cave. The horses are cared for with guidance from Australian equine nutritionists and fed an all-natural diet. Standard rides last about two hours, with sunset beach rides being especially popular. Full-day excursions combine horseback riding, lunch at Tabanan Monkey Forest, an ATV adventure, and a sunset visit to Tanah Lot.

# The Temple of Enthusiasm by Deus Ex Machina Bali

The Temple of Enthusiasm is the flagship store of Australian lifestyle brand Deus Ex Machina. The Canggu space showcases custom motorcycles, vintage bikes, surfboards, and a working workshop and board factory. An onsite art gallery hosts rotating exhibitions featuring pop art, graffiti, and surf-inspired works. Deus Café Canggu completes the experience with all-day dining, offering international and Pan-Asian dishes, along with cocktails, wines, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages.