Your Guide To The Best Beaches in Canggu

Bali isn’t Bali without its golden beaches and unforgettable sunsets—and Canggu delivers them in spades. Whether you’re here for world-class surfing, family-friendly shores, or a quiet sunset escape, this coastal hotspot has a beach for every traveller.

Canggu’s coastline represents the soul of Bali’s beach culture, where stunning sunsets paint the sky each evening and world-class surf breaks attract riders from around the globe. This vibrant stretch of black volcanic sand beaches offers something for everyone—from beginner-friendly waves to challenging reef breaks, peaceful family retreats to buzzing nightlife hubs.

After being rooted on the shores of Canggu for a little over six years, watching it evolve into the trendy beachside town it is today, we’ve compiled a detailed breakdown of the best beaches in Canggu!

Best Beaches in Canggu At A Glance

Beach Name	Vibe	Surf Conditions	Best For
Berawa Beach	Calm, Family-Friendly	Beginner to Moderate	Families, Cafes
Nelayan Beach	Less crowded	Windy surf conditions	Wind surfing, sunsets
Batu Bolong Beach	Lively, Busy	Great for all levels	Surfing, Beach Bars
Canggu Beach	Busy, Central	All levels	Surfing, Social Scene
Echo Beach	Surf-Focused, Lively	Large waves	Surfing, Sunset Views
Pererenan Beach	Quiet, Peaceful	Moderate to Advanced	Quiet Retreat, Surfing
Seseh Beach	Tranquil, Remote	Calm, Intermediate	Peace, Natural Beauty

Berawa Beach

What started as a quiet local spot has become one of the best beaches in Canggu, and honestly, Berawa is perfect for that role. 

The waves here are perfect for beginners and seasoned pros alike. The beach has a more relaxed, resort-like atmosphere, thanks partly to the luxury accommodations that have popped up along the shore.

Berawa also works great for non-surfers. The swimming conditions are more predictable, the beach is well-maintained, and there’s less pressure to be part of the surf scene. Sometimes people just want to enjoy beautiful beaches without feeling like they should be riding waves.

The beach clubs at Berawa offer a more laid-back beach club like our Café del Mar Bali. Direct views of the iconic Canggu sunsets, comfortable day beds, quality cocktails and dining options – it’s Canggu’s answer to luxury beach destinations.

Nelayan Beach

Nestled between Berawa Beach and Batu Bolong Beach, Nelayan Beach is a small stretch of black sand. Quiet, unassuming, and stress-free, Nelayan Beach is definitely still one of the best beaches in Canggu. 

Some surfers enjoy the intermediate waves, but strong winds can make it challenging. No worries, time to attach a sail to your surfing experience and dabble in kite surfing (with experts present, of course)! Swimming is not recommended, though, due to strong currents.

Getting to Nelayan Beach is more efficient via online taxis because it can be difficult to walk along the coast due to the two rivers that flow into the sea. But this is where the GoBoat comes to dock from Uluwatu! So if you’re thinking of skipping the long traffic, you can just book your GoBoats and sail away into the sunset.

Batu Bolong Beach

This is where the magic happens, folks. Batu Bolong Beach isn’t just a beach – it’s the soul of Canggu wrapped up in black volcanic sand and endless barrels.

This beach attracts everyone from first-time surfers wobbling on foam boards to Indonesian pros carving up waves like they’re dancing. The surf conditions here work for pretty much everyone and are very beginner-friendly, which explains why it’s always buzzing with activity.

What makes Batu Bolong one of the best beaches in Canggu isn’t just the waves, though. Walk along the sand and you’ll find yourself in the middle of Canggu’s social scene. Beach bars line the shore (including ours!), serving up everything from fresh coconuts to craft cocktails. For a classic brunch in Canggu before your beach session, The Avocado Factory is my go-to.

The sunsets here? Absolutely unreal. When that orange fireball dips below the horizon and the entire sky explodes in color, you’ll understand why people never want to leave Canggu.

Canggu Beach 

Canggu Beach (sometimes called Old Man’s) serves as the area’s main hub. It’s the most accessible beach, right in the heart of everything, which makes it perfect for first-time visitors trying to get their bearings.

The surf here works well for beginners and intermediate surfers. It’s where most surf schools operate, so don’t be surprised to see groups of excited first-timers getting their initial taste of Balinese waves. The bottom is sandy, making it safer for learning, and the waves break in multiple spots, spreading out the crowds.

Beyond surfing, Canggu Beach offers the most convenience, making it one of the best beaches in Canggu. Need to rent a board? There are shops everywhere. Looking for a surf lesson? Instructors line the beach. Want to grab food without walking far? Warungs and cafes are within steps of the sand.

The social scene here is incredibly diverse. Backpackers mix with luxury travellers, digital nomads work from beachside cafes, and families enjoy the relatively mellow vibe. It’s Canggu’s melting pot, and that diversity creates this amazing energy.

Echo Beach 

Echo Beach sits right next to Batu Bolong and Canggu Beach, but the vibe is completely different. While Batu Bolong buzzes with social energy, Echo Beach is all about the surf.

The waves here are bigger, more powerful, and definitely not for beginners. The surf breaks further out from shore, creating these long, clean rides that experienced surfers dream about.

The crowd here tends to be older, more experienced, and definitely more focused on the waves than the social scene. You’ll find surf photographers positioned along the shore, capturing those perfect barrel shots. And the cafes? They’re filled with surfers analyzing wave conditions, sharing war stories, and planning their next session.

The best surf at Echo Beach happens during the dry season (May-September) when the trade winds are offshore. But regardless, Echo Beach remains one of the best beaches in Canggu to visit year-round.

Pererenan Beach

Okay, Pererenan isn’t exactly secret anymore, but it still feels like a hidden gem compared to the busier beaches. About 30 minutes north of Café del Mar Bali, Pererenan offers something precious in Canggu – space to breathe.

The surf at Pererenan works great for intermediate surfers. Not as intense as Echo Beach, but more consistent than some of the beginner spots. 

What really makes Pererenan special is the peaceful atmosphere. Sure, it’s getting more developed each year, but it still maintains this tranquil, almost spiritual energy. You can actually hear yourself think here, which isn’t always possible at the busier beaches.

The sunsets at Pererenan are different too – more intimate, less crowded, perfect for couples or anyone seeking a quieter moment. Some of our staff head here after work just to decompress and remember why we fell in love with Bali in the first place.

Seseh Beach

Seseh Beach remains Canggu’s best-kept secret, even after six years of increased tourism. Located about 40 minutes north of Café del Mar Bali, Seseh feels completely removed from the Canggu hustle.

Seseh is the best beach in Canggu for people feeling overwhelmed by Canggu’s intensity. It’s like hitting a reset button. The beach rarely gets crowded, even during peak season, and the sunsets here feel almost private.

What makes Seseh special isn’t just what’s there – it’s what isn’t there. No aggressive vendors, no crowds fighting for the perfect selfie spot, no pressure to be anywhere or do anything. Just you, the ocean, and one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Bali.

The surf at Seseh can surprise you. When conditions align, it produces some seriously good waves. But because it’s less accessible and lacks the social scene, only dedicated surfers and those seeking tranquillity make the journey.

Tips for visiting beaches in Canggu

• Best overall time to visit: Dry season (May-September) offers the most consistent conditions
• Crowd strategy: Early mornings and weekdays provide the best beach experience
• Surf progression: Start at Canggu Beach, move to Batu Bolong, graduate to Echo Beach
• Local respect: Don’t litter, be aware of your items, and if you’re surfing, make sure you’re aware of basic surf etiquette and always respect local surfers’ priority

Conclusion

The beaches here aren’t just beautiful locations – they’re communities. Regular visitors develop relationships with local surf instructors, favorite warung owners, and other travellers who keep coming back. That’s the real Canggu experience: becoming part of something bigger than just another beach vacation.

Whether you’re here for world-class surfing, Instagram-worthy sunsets, family beach time, or simply to escape the world for a while, Canggu’s beaches deliver. Just remember to slow down enough to appreciate what makes each spot special.

After all, we’ve been serving sunset drinks here for six years, and we still get excited every single evening when that sun starts dropping toward the horizon. That’s the kind of place Canggu is – it never gets old.

Come stop by Café del Mar Bali when you’re ready for that perfect sunset cocktail. We’ll be here, doing what we’ve been doing for six years: watching the waves, serving great drinks, and helping travellers fall in love with this incredible stretch of Balinese coastline.

People Also Ask

1. Which Canggu beach is best for beginner surfers and why?

Batu Bolong Beach is the go-to for beginners. The waves are long and mellow, making it perfect for first-time surfers or those still building confidence. Plus, the sandy bottom is more forgiving than reef breaks. It’s lined with surf schools, so you can rent a board and take lessons on the spot. For a more detailed breakdown, check out our other post!

3. What are the top beach clubs or restaurants at Canggu beaches?

• Café del Mar Bali  – Mediterranean-inspired luxury, infinity pool, DJ sets, and the kind of golden-hour views that make you order “just one more drink.”
• The Lawn – Laid-back but stylish, with cocktails by the ocean and a prime sunset spot.
• La Brisa – Bohemian, shipwreck-inspired décor, fresh seafood, and sunset magic. Their Sunday market is also unmissable.

4. Are there hidden or less crowded beaches worth exploring in Canggu?

Yes—Nelayan Beach is a quieter strip between Berawa and Batu Bolong, with fewer crowds and fishing boat charm. For a more untouched vibe, head north to Pererenan Beach, where you’ll find more locals than tourists and great surf without the bustle.

5. Which beach in Canggu has the best sunset?

Berawa Beach, especially from Café del Mar Bali’s poolside lounges. You get the same fiery skies as Batu Bolong, but with a chic, curated atmosphere and uninterrupted horizon views.

6. What is the best area in Canggu?

For a balanced mix of surf, cafes, nightlife, and premium spots like Café del Mar Bali, Berawa is the sweet spot. It’s close to Seminyak yet keeps that relaxed Canggu charm, with easier beach access and fewer traffic jams than Batu Bolong.