Once a sleepy surf village with more cows than cafés, Canggu has exploded into one of Bali’s busiest playgrounds— still holding tight to its surf roots but now serving up a full spread of culture, cuisine, and chaos. At the centre of it all, the Holiday Inn Resort Canggu offers a polished yet laid-back base for surfers chasing waves, wellness, and maybe a few too many cocktails.
Initially known for its rice paddies and surf breaks, Canggu is now a hub for digital nomads, expats, and tourists, with a thriving hospitality and nightlife scene. This evolution is marked by increased development and a continuous number of new businesses that look to bring something new to what is now considered a global hotspot.
The Holiday Inn Resort is situated in the thick of the action and is a perfect location in order to be close by to all the necessities including the beach, restaurants, cafes, barbers, gyms, nightclubs and more.
The hotel feels like luxury while maintaining elements of authentic Balinese culture. The warmth and hospitable vibe of the Balinese people can be found across Canggu, but it was particularly on show during my stay at the Holiday Inn where they went above and beyond to ensure I had an enjoyable time.
The rooms are well-sized, modern, and actually quiet—which isn’t always a given this close to the action. I lucked into a suite with ocean views and a Netflix-ready bathtub I didn’t know I needed until I was halfway through a soak. The room also consisted of a walk in wardrobe, lounge area and a balcony, as well as two generously sized beds – making it a perfect option for families.
If you don’t fancy hitting the streets of Canggu, there are both bar and dining options within the hotel. I sat on the rooftop bar and took in the 180-degree ocean views from the infinity pool with a Pina Colada in hand. This was followed by a three course meal at ‘Roomah’, the restaurant in the hotel. The menu had a range of both western options and local Indonesian dishes, all of which were reasonably priced. Roomah reopens each morning for breakfast where the chefs put out a cold buffet spread fit for a king and queen. Additionally, you can also order hot dishes from the brekky menu and it was easy to see why many guests in the hotel were up early chomping at the bit to get a morning feed in.
There’s no shortage of activities to get involved in during your stay. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced surfer there’s waves for everyone in Canggu. On its day Echo Beach provides punchy sand bottom teepees. If the wind is offshore and the banks are right, there will be plenty of fun tubes on offer. If it’s not hollow, there are still plenty of steep sections to work with and you’ll even find a ramp or two. The set up in front of the La Brisa Beach Club is like a skate park for surfers and further down the beach you have the river mouth right which breaks on exposed reef before finishing on the sand. Echo gets busy quick—your best bet is an early paddle-out before the brunch crowds arrive.
If you’re looking for something more mellow, check out Batu Balong which is on the same road and within walking distance of the hotel. The setup lends itself to longboarders who want to cruise or those learning to surf. If crowds aren’t your thing, you can also find some quieter peaks further down at Berawa.
If you don’t want the hassle of travelling with a board, or you’ve never surfed before there are endless options for renting equipment or purchasing a surf lesson.
The best time to visit Canggu for surf is during the Indo dry season between April and October. Outside of these months, you can still score plenty of fun days of waves but are more likely to be plagued by onshore winds and longer spells of rain the wet season.
Finish a surf by lounging on a beachfront beanbag with a cold coconut from one of the many local Warungs or beach vendors. After a long day down the beach, Canggu continues to deliver with a range of luxe spas where you can go get a Balinese massage for a fraction of the price you would pay in Australia, America or wherever you’re from.
If surfing isn’t your thing or you’re travelling with a partner and/or kids, the hotel offers a kids club to keep the young ones entertained and you can book a range of other activities and guided tours through the reception at the hotel. This includes yoga sessions, aqua aerobics, morning cycling, arts & crafts, as well as a cocktail making class. If you’re keen to keep active but don’t fancy getting in the sea, the hotel also offers a 24-hour fitness centre.
One of the standout features of Canggu is its incredible food and cafe culture. Whether you’re into smoothie bowls, gourmet vegan fare, artisan coffee, or authentic Indonesian cuisine, there’s something to delight your palate at every corner. Spots like Crate Café, Milk & Madu, and Copenhagen are must-visits, each offering a laid-back vibe and Instagram-worthy plates. You can enjoy everything from fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas to organic salads and turmeric lattes—every meal feels like a culinary adventure.
Another thing Canggu isn’t short on is beach clubs. In the day venues like Finns and La Brisa are the perfect spots for sipping on some cocktails by the pool. As night falls, they crank the music up and they turn into a partying hotspot. If you want to carry on into the night, clubs like Old Man’s and Motel Mexicola are just minutes away from the hotel and tend to pop off every single night of the week.
Canggu’s got that chaotic charm—surf in the morning, massage by lunch, party by night if you’re game. And while the old Bali purists might scoff at how it’s changed, if you want waves and action on tap, this zone delivers. For a reliable, comfy base with surf access and creature comforts, Holiday Inn Canggu holds up. Click here to book your stay.
Travel tips:
- Getting from Australia is easy. Most airports in major cities fly direct to Denpasar, Bali. Flight time from Sydney and Melbourne is only around 6 hours. Double check when choosing your airline what their terms and conditions are around oversize luggage if you’re considering travelling with boards.
- When arriving in Bali, you can organise a ride from the airport using the Grab of Gojek Apps. You can also easily pick up a taxi but remember to bargain with the drivers, as their first offer might be a bit high.
- You can also easily purchase a sim card from the airport when you arrive too.
- To get around while in Bali you can use the Grab and Gojek apps to book car and bike taxis. They’re quick and efficient. You can also hire a bike yourself, but only do so if experienced on a moped as the roads are dangerous.
