There are plenty of beaches in Canggu and its surrounding areas. All are black, some with fine sand, others with a bit more rough. They are great for surfing, at some you can swim. But with all of these Canggu beaches, you will have great sunset opportunities. Here is where you need to go.
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Beaches in Canggu
Batu Bolong Beach
Batu Bolong is THE Beach in Canggu. If you are wonering what Canggu is like, check it out because both locals, short term tourists and expats hang out here.
You can find lots of sun chairs with umbrellas, you can rent surfboards (and join surfing classes), eat at a BBQ or party at the sand bar at night. The local hotspot Old Man#s is also right there, behind the giant parking lot.
Batu Bolong is always busy and isn’t a place for quiet reflection nor photos without people in them. However, silhouettes of people can make for great photos. And the statue of Hindu god Wisnu all the way over in Uluwatu can be spotted as well in the distance. It is the world’s largest statue, after all.
Insider tip: Fom Canggu Aston hotel you can enjoy a rooftop pool bar as well as beach and sunset views.
Address: Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Echo Beach
Echo Beach Canggu blends into Batu Bolong Beach but it is a little quieter. There are plenty of sun chairs as well and surfing is also super popular. Therefore it’s also never totally quiet.
Plus, there are really nice Canggu restaurants on the way back out, such as La Brisa. The entire area is a treasure trove for foodies.
Address: Echo Beach, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Berawa Beach
Berawa Beach is east of the shortcut and because of the location of Finn’s Beach Club, there is always something going on. You enter the beach through an octopus statue and get really amazing sunsets over the ocean here.
At Finn’s the scooter parking is free – if you can find a spot. There are sun chairs and one or two food stalls as well. Restaurants are found along the street.
Address: Jl. Pantai Berawa, Tibubeneng, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Nelayan Beach
Nelayan Beach used to be more a low key beach for locals and a nice getaway from the crowds at Berawa. However, with Finn’s now operating a shuttle bus between the neighbouring beaches, the crowds have become much more mixed.
You can see dogs being walked, kids playing in the river stream and tourists taking Canggu sunset photos. Neyalan Beach is only a 3 minute drive away from Berawa. Finn’s operates a beach shuttle and there’s parking by the beach for a fee. However, the car parking lot seems still free though.
Address: jalan, Jalan Nelayan No.31, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Beaches near Canggu
Tanah Lot Beach
The beach might not be the actual highlight of Tanah Lot but it’s where the photo magic happens. Depending on the season Tanah Lot doesn’t actually stand strategically for a sunset photo that includes the sun.
The closer you stand, the better your chances. However, the less you see of the sky and the more of the crowds also.
Don’t shy away from walking a little away from Tanah Lot itself and westwards (towards the golf course) along the shore. From the rock pools and cliff rocks, the view is so much more stunning.
Address: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali
Read this too: What to Know Before Visiting Tanah Lot
Kedungu Beach
This beach seems to be super popular with the locals! (Especially for weekend sunsets.) As the beach is well frequented, there is parking right by the beach and quite a few food stalls, too. I visited for a Sunday sunset and already two hours before, it was crowded. Just before sunset, a crazy lot more people flocked to the beach.
To get here, you head west on Tanah Lot Pass until the very end, then turn right and left at Pantai Kedungu and again left towards the ocean. There is a 2000 IDR entrance fee before the big gate.
To avoid the crowds, see a waterfall and have a stretch of beach basically to yourself, stop at the gates and walk down from there. If you are daring, you can even take your scooter past the rice fields and park at the top of the cliff.
Address: Jl. Pantai Kedungu, Desa Belalang, Belalang, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali
Pantai Melasti Bali
This little beach is just a little north of Tanah Lot beach. The sand here is a dark grey, there are a lot of washed up rocks and little pools. You gotta be careful walking around here. As is evidenced by the abandoned flip flops around the beach. (People pick up your rubbish!)
However, I still really liked this beach as it was mostly deserted and there was a small water temple on a rock that was perfectly placed for epic sunset photos.
To get here, you need to turn right after the gate towards Tanah Lot and then right again once you are at the general parking site. Then follow up the path over the bridge and past the rice fields to the rocky black beach.
Address: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali
Mengening Beach
This might be my favourite beach as there rarely is anyone around whenever I visited (which was a few times). Plus, it’s not just a beach with steep cliffs, pretty rock pools and black sand. There is a water temple as well!
Pura Gede Luhur Batu Ngaus is by far not as known as Tanah Lot but really just as pretty if you ask me. It stretches even further into the ocean and makes for both amazing sunset and sunrise photos.
To get here, drive to the village Cemagi. If you follow the main village entrance through the gates, you basically just follow the road towards the ocean. There are a few bends but it’s pretty obvious where to go. Even though there are no signs.
Address: Cemagi, Mengwi, Badung Regency, Bali
Cemagi Beach
The little village west of Canggu and Pererenan is lucky enough to have two beaches! First, there is Mengening Beach with the temple and just a stroll further lies Cemagi Beach. It isn’t big and after temple festivals, there quite a lot of offerings litter the beginning of the beach.
But if you walk more towards Mengening, you can see local boats resting on the black sand and beautiful palm tree lined villas. Plus, you basically have the beach to yourself. It isn’t a big hangout spot like other nearby beaches.
I wouldn’t come here just for the beach but you can easily scoot from here to Mengening and get two beach sunsets in one!
Address: Sea, Cemagi, Mengwi, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Munggu Beach
Munggu Beach has its own entrance sign (Munggu painted on rocks) and there are food and drink stalls with seating opportunities for a laid back ocean feel. It is not a crowded beach like Echo Beach and there are no beach seats to rent.
The beach is more natural, has good waves and wonderful rice fields further in. If you go straight up north, you will pass by a unique house with a golden bell shaped roof, which is quite photogenic.
Address: 9428+F8 Mengwi, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Seseh Beach
Seseh Beach basically blends into Munggu Beach but it’s the less crowded part of the beach stretch. It has a few nice rocks poking out of the shoreline. Colourful boats are propped up on the dunes, overlooking rivers flowing into the ocean.
The distant palm trees of Cemagi Beach make for a beautiful silhouette against the pastel sunset sky. It isn’t a terribly exciting Canggu beach but can easily be combined with soots up to Cemagi and Mengening Beach for the final beach sunset photos.
Address: Cemagi, Mengwi, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Pererenan Beach
Just west of Canggu and separated by a small river, you can find Pererenan. Drive all the way to the end and you will be greeted by a tall seaside statue. You might spot some surfers in the distance.
On the eastern side of the beach, you can get comfortable on colourful seats and in hammocks at the beach bar. To the west, the beach is basically empty except for the occasional kite-flying. There are a few nice rock pools around the statue, good for reflection photography.
Address: Jl. Pantai Pererenan No.171, Pererenan, Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Batu Belig Beach
La Laguna is one of the prettiest sunset spots in Canggu and has its own beach access. If you just want the beach, head down to Batu Belig Beach, though. You can watch kit flyers and enjoy quit views over the sunset.
If you want food and drinks, there are plenty of ocean view bars and restaurants as well as the occasional beach party.
Address: Jalan Batu Belig, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Seminyak Beach
If you are staying in Seminyak, chances are your villa is close to the beach. Since Seminyak is one of the more popular towns in Bali, you will always find it busy.
But if sunset photos is what you’re after, don’t fear. Most tourists stay on the dry sands and only a few take photos around the edge of the water.
You will get beautiful reflections on the sand and if the spray isn’t too bad, you can even gaze all the way to Echo Beach from here. (At least I fancied I did.)
Address: Seminyak Beach, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia
Read this too: The Best Seminyak Villas for Every Budget
Best Time to Visit Beaches around Canggu
To really capture the glorious Bali sunsets, you have to come during dry season. In wet season, the chance of it raining or being entirely overcast are way too high. When I stayed in February, I didn’t see any sunsets.
However, to avoid the busiest time of peak season, come just before and after wet season, such as in September, October or March. At that time, the clouds are starting to roll in but the sun still manages to poke out of them, making for fascinating photos.
Also, don’t forget to make your way to your preferred photo spot at least 20 minutes in advance. This way, you can still see the sun before it sinks into clouds on an overcast evening. Then stay at least 20 minutes after the official sunset. It is then that the colours really explode and transform quickly.
Read this too: Why You Can’t Visit Beaches During Nyepi
Best Canggu Beach Accommodation
Low Budget Places to Stay in Canggu
Most hostels in Canggu are more inland rather than by the beach. There are some near Echo Beach, however, a better experience can be had at La Boheme, on east of the shortcut. It has a nice swimming pool and is only a 4 minute ride away from Berawa Beach. There are tons of amazing Canggu restaurants and eateries around, too!.
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An amazing low budget stay, just 2 minutes from the beach is Serenity Eco Guesthouse. All rooms are private and sleep two people. There is a shared swimming pool and ensuite bathrooms. A special bonus about this guesthouse is the fact that it is green. It uses the grey water waste system and natural insecticides and pesticides.
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Mid Range Hotels in Canggu
Canggu Beach Apartments sits super close to Batu Bolong Beach (900m) and looks super stylish. Its ensuite rooms are well lit, tastefully decorated with lots of details.
The hotel comes with swimming pool, seating and dining area. You can even book units that include seaview balconies/terraces and there is a kitchen you can use as well.
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Sense Canggu Hotel has a super long pool and wraps around a quiet little seating area and pool bar. You will feel super fancy and that at the price of a hostel room in Europe! The décor is kept minimalist yet luxurious. Each room has its own lounge area and some have a terrace.
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Best Luxury Hotels in Canggu
For lazy sunset photos, Aston Canggu is the best thanks to its rooftop pool and terrace. Just be aware that there are buildings between the Aston Canggu and the beach, so you won’t have a “natural” sunset photo. Still, the walk to the beach takes only 2 minutes.
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Right by Echo Beach, Hotel Tugu is pure luxury with seaside terraces and full five stars. The interior design is classic Bali chic with deep chocolate browns, natural materials and crisp white sheets in four poster beds. The hotel has 5 in house restaurants!
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How to Get around Canggu
By Car
You can rent cars for trips around Bali or rent a taxi. In the second case, stick to BlueBird taxis as they are official and have a taximeter. Make sure you don’t step into a copycat car by using the free My Blue Bird Taxi app.
The widely used Go-Jek app also offers taxis and you can see the fare price in advance. Just know that some areas around Canggu, especially villages, don’t allow Go-Jek pickups. Taxis might accept your ride but will not come to you and barter for extra pay. That’s not uncommon. I’d cancel and search for another.
There isn’t public wifi on Bali streets but most cafes and restaurants have good wifi. If you want to be flexible and not have to dine or drink before getting on the internet, get a local sim card. Another option is to bring a wifi hotspot like this one I am using worldwide.
By Scooter
There are plenty scooter rental shops all over Bali, including around Canggu beaches. For the utmost freedom and flexibility, getting a scooter in Bali is key. You really can’t just walk around easily, scooter is the way to go.
Renting a scooter costs between 50K to 75K IDR daily and 300-400K IDR weekly and 600-1000K IDR per month. You can bargain, too!
Don’t forget to test drive any scooter that is offered to you to test the brakes, wheels, signals, lights and horn as well as check for damages. Get a helmet and wear it, too. Insurance isn’t typically included.
Don’t forget to test drive any scooter that is offered to you to test the brakes, wheels, signals, lights and horn as well as check for damages. Get a helmet and wear it, too. Insurance isn’t typically included.
Should you not want to ride your own scooter, you can always order a go-jek scooter ride to get around. See the Go-Jek tips above.
By Bus
There aren’t public buses operating in and around Canggu. Services like Kura-Kura bus just offer rides between main Bali tourist areas in south Bali (Seminyak, Denpasar, Uluwatu, Ubud) for 20K IDR.
Top 5 Items to Pack for Beaches in Canggu
- Travel guides – Handy Lonely Planet travel guides are great for exploring Bali’s historical and cultural sights. Tanah lot isn’t far, a trip down to Uluwatu or nearby Ubud is a great idea. Such guides can help you find those spots. But Canggu is everchanging and it changes fast. For up to date tips on foodie hotspots, for instance, check facebook groups and blogs. Here are my Canggu restaurant tips.
- Mosquito Spray – Beaches are prime mosquito territory. Since Bali mosquitoes can also carry diseases such as Japanese encephalitis or dengue, always spray yourself with insect repellent before going out and carry it with you for longer trips. If you can, cover up with longer, loose and airy fabrics. Those also help with sun protection.
- Sunscreen and After Sun – The sun in Bali is no joke. Even wearing level 50 sunscreen and only being outside for an hour caused my (granted, super pasty white) skin to get a really bad burn. Sunscreen and aloe vera After Sun like from Banana Boat gels are super expensive in Bali. So bring them with you.
- Sarong – The plastic seats on scooters reach scorching temperatures easily when left outside. So cool them down with precious water from your bottle or put a sarong or light scarf on it. Even if it’s not too hot, the plastic seat and consequent sweating may cause skin irritation anyway. (Speaking from experience.) Plus, sarongs can be used to cover up before visiting temples. Win win!
- Travel insurance – Sadly enough, there are quite a few bike accidents happening in Bali. Happening to both experienced and newbie scooter drivers, as well as people just walking around. You might get a serious case of Bali belly or food poisoning. Or you might fall asleep on the beach and get second degree burns and have to see a doctor. What I am saying, you should get travel insurance. Not just for Bali, but generally when you travel.
Read this too: Full Female Packing List for Bali
Should You Visit Multiple Canggu Beaches?
That depends on how much time you have or if you are quite happy with your local beach. For switching up my photography game and finding new objects and angles, I love exploring as many beaches in Canggu and surrounds as I possibly can.
Also, with Canggu sunsets, you never know what colours you get that day. It is ever changing and sometimes when it looks quite misty, that might actually help with the colours, too.
You really never know how the sunset turns out until you turn up. (Yes, I am high fiving myself for the mediocre word play right now. Hehe.)
Read next:
The Top 25 Bali Waterfalls and How to Find Them
Ultimate Guide to Visiting Tanah Lot Temple Near Canggu
How to Get to Sekumpul Waterfall in BaliHow to Get to Pura Ulun Danu Bratan – The Bali Water Temple
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