Canggu Beach’s dark-sand shore and untamed palm trees sit on the southern coast of the 90-mile-long island of Bali, Indonesia, facing the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. The beach area is within walking distance of the village of Canggu, a locally sourced coffee hub with cafes lining each street.

Visit any one of Canggu’s daily pop-up beach markets and shop for handmade clothes, art pieces, and organic produce, or spend your days on Canggu Beach any time of year, because rain or shine, you will have plenty of entertainment from surfing to impressive sunsets. Once you work up an appetite, choose from one of many local restaurants packed along the coast and sample traditional dishes such as lawar, a spicy mixture of coconut, vegetables, and minced meat. Outside of the Canggu area, rice and coffee-growing villages like Ubud and Kintamani make for enticing day trips amid Bali’s sprawling green farmlands.

The major airport in Bali is Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). Bali’s terrain can make driving on your own a challenge, so it’s best to take a taxi or set up a private shuttle from the airport to Canggu Beach. Keep in mind there are no public transportation options from the airport to Canggu. Once you’re at Canggu Beach, you can get around on foot, by rental bike, or take a taxi. Local minibus transportation, called bemos, are also available. A bemo can take you short distances within the town, but they will make stops along the way. You can hire a private driver for your stay as well.

Canggu Beach has a tropical climate, meaning it stays hot all year round. The two distinctions in Canggu’s weather are the dry season, and the rainy season, which is usually from November to March. You can embrace the extra rain by visiting one of Bali’s many waterfalls, such as Tegenungan Falls, an hour’s drive east from Canggu. Winter also brings out ideal surf conditions, so head to the beach to lounge and watch — or join — the local surfers. In the dry season, explore other beaches near Canggu, such as the swim-friendly, dark-sand Nelayan Beach. Poolside Canggu and Bali villas are spread across the island, and you’ll also find beachfront rentals within walking distance of Canggu Beach.

Canggu Traditional Food

Order a traditional local dish like nasi campur — rice served with small portions of spiced meat, vegetables, and fried nuts — at a Canggu Beach restaurant or a warung, a small, family-owned food establishment. Bali is also known for its homegrown coffee, and there are plenty of cafes in Canggu. You can also dine with beachfront views at any of Canggu’s beach clubs.

Pura Tanah Lot

One of the country’s most important sea temples, Tanah Lot sits atop a tree-studded rock formation around 300 meters offshore. Walk over at low tide and explore natural sea caves on the way, provided that you’re prepared to encounter resident sea snakes. At sunset, the sight of the grass-roofed Hindu temple’s ocean backdrop is spectacular, but don’t expect to be the only one admiring the view at this time of day. Although the drive usually only takes around 20 minutes, it can take longer at more popular times.

Beach Hopping

Spend time at as many of the stunning beaches lining Canggu’s coast as you can. Several are within a short walk to the north and south of Canggu Beach. The closest are Nelayan Beach, Batu Bolong, and Echo Beach, each a picturesque destination in its own right. Watch the surfers for early morning entertainment, swim or lounge during the daytime, and stay late for the dramatic sunsets.