We all love London. But sometimes you have to leave, if only for the joy of the return. This week Leaving London takes us to Bali and the beauty of Canggu.
The beauty of Canggu is that you don’t have to choose. The tiny beach town is a climate that never dips below breezy and mild. It’s green rice fields and undulating coastline. It’s a bustling hive of scooters, surfers and spiritual-seekers. A stroll down the main high reveals independent boutiques packed with bikinis and boardshorts, healthy cafes serving a menu of breakfast bowls and antioxidant-packed smoothies and bars that bring in the night – every night. A once sleepy seaside spot, Bali’s Brooklyn is a mecca for both vacationers and those looking for something more permanent; laid back expats are willingly lured in by the warm days and the balmy nights. And who can blame them?
EAT
Green Ginger Noodle House
No matter where you find yourself at lunchtime, in Canggu one thing is for sure: healthy options are both plentiful and delicious. This teeny restaurant specialises in vegan versions of all your favourite Indonesian and Asian classics, including Chinese dumplings, Singapore laksa and Japanese ramen. Thai red curry, green papaya salad and sticky rice pudding… You get the picture. Expect a bill of around £5.
Mon – Sun: 8am – 10:30pm Jalan Pantai Berawa 46, Br. Pelambingan, Ds. Tandeg 5, Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
STAY
Desa Seni
An eco-chic yoga resort, this tranquil paradise of beautiful antique wooden huts is divided by weaving stone walkways that snake their way around native plants, veggie patches, their food menu is completely homegrown, a beautiful pool and an open air yoga studio. Surrounding rice fields shield the serene spot from busy Bali life, allowing guests to step into peaceful space where they can completely tune out.
Jl. Subak Sari No.13, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
+62 361 8446392
ACTIVE
Surfing: Canggu got popular mainly because of the surf. For the best swells and year-round waves, intermediates look no further than Berawa and Echo Beach. Newbies should ease into it at Batu Bolong. For around 50k rupee for 2 hours you can rent a board from the shacks that line the sand. The rental guys also arrange surf instructors. If you’d rather stay on dry land, choose a clear night to walk from Canggu to Seminyak, Legian and even Kuta. Will take around 3 hours.
SHOP
Deus
A stroll past the lush green rice fields will lead you to this trendy hangout. A cafe, bar, Thai restaurant, bespoke barber and cavernous shop, trendoids and tattoos from all over come for a gander at the custom bikes and boards. On Sunday nights, locals and visitors collide under a blanket of live music and Bintang-fueled dancing.
Everyday 7 am – 11 pm
Breakfast 7 am – 12 pm Everyday
Lunch & Dinner 12 pm – 11 pm Everyday
Jalan Batu Mejan 8 – Canggu Bali 80361, Indonesia
