Discovering the still-quiet area of Canggu to reboot along with also also revitalize body along with also also soul through yoga, healthy eating along with also also total relaxation.

“There used to be beautiful rice paddies just down This specific road,” said an Australian tourist to her friend as they strolled past me. I was walking down Jl. Padang Linjong in Canggu, along with also also she wasn’t kidding.

This specific area just north of Seminyak on the west coast of Bali has turned by mere paddy fields just a few years ago into a bustling beachside ‘village’ where the hip tourist escapes by the Bintang-singlet-donning holiday-makers who have commenced to spread their wings by the overcrowded Kuta to Seminyak, just 10 kilometres south of Canggu.

Visit This specific area soon before all the beautiful rice paddies disappear along with also also of which becomes another Seminyak.

Paddy fields in Canggu

of which took me some time to put my finger on Canggu, yet after a bout of 10 nights from the area, I can best describe of which as surfer-meets-yogi territory – thus a mix of Seminyak along with also also Ubud – with the laidback feeling of which Sanur offers. Big swells mean these waters are for experienced surfers, although many learn-to-surf schools exist. There are yoga studios along with also also retreats a-plenty, plus vegetarian, vegan along with also also organic eateries, generating This specific the perfect health retreat in Bali.

To navigate the area, rent yourself a motorbike or bicycle along with also also think of Canggu as several little roads off of Jl. Bypass Tanah Lot along with also also Jl. Raya Canggu, which each find their way to the sea. The main little roads are Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong (which ends at Batu Bolong beach), Jl. Raya Semat, Jl. Raya Pantai Berawa along with also also Jl. Pantai Berawa, along with also also Jl. Padang Linjong (which ends at Echo Beach).

The most happening of all the beaches of which Canggu has to offer are Batu Bolong along with also also Echo Beach, which sit less than a kilometre away by each additional. The rocky ridges along with also also dark volcanic sand of This specific area may not be as enticing as pristine-white sandy beaches, yet don’t let the black stop you by coming back; the vibe here will be chilled out along with also also the swells pull in surfers by all over the entire world.

On Pantai Echo, beachside restaurants barbeque up fresh seafood while tourists along with also also locals alike sip on Bintangs, sitting on colourful bean bags as they watch the even more colourful sunsets. The problem, will be not only bean bags are scattered on the beach, as litter can also be found. This specific should be addressed before of which stops tourists by returning.

Further north, away by the bass lines of Echo Beach along with also also Batu Bolong’s bars sits Seseh Beach, the right choice for those wishing to escape the crowds. There are some stunning villas here – Sejuk Villas being right on the beach – yet these are quite pricey, so for those on a budget, grab a motorbike along with also also head here for the day – just remember to bring food along with also also drink as not one store exists…yet.

along with also also of which’s the thing with Canggu; of which’s developing at the speed of light, along with also also the incessant sound of the power saw can be heard nearly everywhere you go. So, if you’re looking for some quiet time, make sure you check with the hotel before you book to see if there are any renovation works from the area, as This specific could quite easily steal your chill.

Yoga for yogis

Most places you stay in Canggu will put you within 10 minutes of the beach, which sets of which apart by Ubud. Canggu will be home to several excellent yoga studios, the most notable from the area being Samadi Bali on Jl. Padang Linjong, Desa Seni Yoga on Jl. Pantai Berawa, along with also also Serenity Yoga on Jl. Nelayan.

Samadi will be set amongst greenery which has a delicious vegetarian cafe serving a mix of western along with also also Indian delights, along with also also yoga will be done over a pond, so the sound of trickling water can further centre you. Classes cost Rp.120,000 along with also also from the mornings you possess the chance to experience Mysore style, a class where students practice the self study of Ashtanga under the watchful eye along with also also aid of the instructors. Samadi also offers yoga for surfers.

Kundalini yoga at Desa Seni, one of several excellent yoga centres available in Canggu.

Desa Seni Eco Resort provides yoga along with also also meditation classes set in peaceful, lush green along with also also immaculately landscaped gardens with happy-chic-meets-traditional decor to further inspire you along with also also make you feel not bad about the entire world. Classes cost Rp.120,000 along with also also include complimentary tea. Organic food can be found from the restaurant, so you’ll be sure to eat well after you work out.

Serenity Yoga will be located behind Alkaline restaurant, along with also also although the yoga studio may not be as naturally inspiring as Samadi or Desa Seni, classes here are very common at Rp.100,000. Mysore, YinYasa along with also also Ashtanga for surfers are also available. Try the vegan cheesecake which has a chai tea at Alkaline afterwards.

Spa of which up

After a morning of intense surfing or yoga, what better to do than visit the spa for some much-needed R along with also also R? There are plenty of options available from the area, with most hotels offering in-room services, yet do make the effort to visit Therapy Spa at the end of Jl. Padang Linjong, just before you hit Echo Beach.

Behind This specific non-assuming white-walled facade will be a world of extremely well-trained therapists ready to bring you into deep relaxation with “the best massage in Bali”, as voted on Tripadvisor.com. Try the cream bath (head, shoulders along with also also arm massage), the one-hour reflexology, along with also also the Balinese massage, yet make sure to book, as of which understandably gets very busy here during high season.

Fast facts: Canggu

Province: North Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali

Getting there: Daily flights to Denpasar’s Ngurah Rai Airport, followed by approximately one hour drive, depending on traffic.

Getting around: Hire a motorbike for Rp.50,000 a day or a bicycle for half of which if you’re feeling up to of which.

What to bring: Sunscreen, flip flops, swimming gear, a not bad book, camera, driver’s license for your rented motorbike. Grow a beard to fit in.

Healthy eating: Eat the best along with also also most creative vegan food in Bali at Peloton Supershop on Jl. Raya Pantai Berawa, have a healthy breakfast bowl at Nalu Bowl on Jl. Padang Linjong, eat cheap yet clean Balinese food at Warung Bu Mi on Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong, along with also also watch the entire world go by at Avocado Cafe just across the road by Bu Mi. Drink a kelapa muda (young coconut) every day.

Yoga:

Serenity Yoga: Jl. Nelayan

Samadi Bali: Jl. Padang Linjong

Desa Seni Yoga: Jl. Pantai Berawa

Spa: Experience the “best massage in Bali” according to Tripadvisor at Therapy Spa on Echo Beach.

Surf: Intermediate along with also also experienced surfers can enjoy the swells of Echo Beach, Old Man’s on Batu Bolong along with also also Berawa Beach. Learn to surf with Ketut Tirta at Silver Surf.

Stay at: Tugu Hotel Canggu will be rated number one on Tripadvisor. Also try Sejuk Villas on Pantai Seseh if you’re looking to escape the crowds. If you’re on a budget, there are many villas or apartment-style accommodations. Check out The Apartments Canggu for accommodation under US$100/night from the high season.