When people think of Bali, images of crystal-clear beaches, ancient temples, and jungle retreats usually come to mind. And while all of those exist in abundance, there’s one part of the island that’s redefining what it means to explore Bali: Canggu. Once a sleepy surf village, Canggu has evolved into a dynamic blend of bohemian charm, digital nomad culture, and authentic Balinese roots. But beyond the hip cafes and sunset bars lies a world of truly unique and unusual things to do in Canggu—experiences that offer not only adventure but also cultural connection, personal growth, and unforgettable memories.
Whether you’re a solo traveler searching for spiritual depth, a couple seeking intimate discoveries, or simply someone who wants to go beyond the usual tourist paths, Canggu is a treasure trove of unconventional adventures. From ice baths in bamboo pavilions to art sessions that tap into your aura, Canggu invites you to explore the unexpected. So, if you’re tired of generic guides and want something a little different, you’re in the right place.
What Are Some Offbeat Things to Do in Canggu?
While most travel guides highlight beach clubs and Instagrammable cafes, Canggu has a quietly vibrant alternative scene that only the curious find.
Try a Sound Healing Session in a Rice Field
Sound healing is more than a wellness trend—it’s rooted in ancient healing practices used by Tibetan and Balinese cultures for centuries. In Canggu, this immersive therapy is taken to another level. Picture yourself lying down in an open-air bamboo dome, surrounded by serene rice fields and the scent of burning incense. A trained practitioner plays singing bowls, gongs, and chimes that produce frequencies believed to balance the body’s energy centers, or chakras.
Venues like The Pyramids of Chi (nearby Ubud, but worth the short trip) or local retreats such as Udara Bali and Serenity Eco Guesthouse offer sessions that combine breathwork, meditation, and sound. Scientific studies even suggest that sound baths can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep. This experience is not just relaxing—it’s transformative.
Paint Your Aura or Join an Art Jam
For those looking to unlock their inner creativity, Canggu has several art spaces that push the boundaries of self-expression. One standout experience is aura painting, where local energy healers “read” your aura—a field of energy believed to surround the body—and interpret it through abstract painting. This isn’t just about art; it’s about self-discovery.
Additionally, places like Canggu Studio or the Alternative Beach hostel often host open art jams where both beginners and seasoned artists come together to paint, draw, and express themselves without judgment. It’s a great way to connect with others while doing something therapeutic and unexpected.
Visit the Black Sand Beaches with a Psychic Reading
Beyond the popular Batu Bolong and Echo Beach, Canggu hides lesser-known stretches of coastline like Seseh, Pererenan, and Mengening, where the sand is dramatically black due to volcanic minerals. These beaches are quieter, more mystical, and perfect for introspective walks or picnics during low tide.
In these serene locations, you may come across local healers and spiritual readers offering services like chakra balancing, reiki, or tarot readings right on the sand. Whether you’re a believer or just curious, it’s an intimate and very “Canggu” thing to do—where spirituality meets ocean breeze.
Where Can You Find the Most Unusual Cafes in Canggu?
Canggu’s café scene is wildly innovative. It’s not just about good coffee—it’s about atmosphere, creativity, and health-conscious experimentation.
Have Coffee in a Repurposed Shipping Container
Crate Café, a local institution, is housed in a large, minimalistic shipping container and is known for its raw concrete walls, handwritten menus, and laid-back energy. The open structure allows sunlight and breeze to flow freely, creating a casual but highly photogenic vibe. You’ll often find local creatives sketching, laptop warriors typing away, and travelers sharing communal tables.
This trend of container cafés and eco-builds reflects Canggu’s conscious design ethos—minimal waste, maximum style. Places like Motion Café and Give Café also use sustainable architecture and support social causes, making your brunch not just delicious but meaningful.
Try a Mushroom Latte or Blue Spirulina Bowl
Canggu is a playground for functional foods—ingredients that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Mushroom lattes made with reishi, chaga, or lion’s mane mushrooms are packed with antioxidants and are believed to improve cognitive function and reduce inflammation.
At cafés like The Shady Shack and Kynd Community, you’ll also find vibrant blue spirulina smoothie bowls, charcoal lemonades, and adaptogen-rich desserts. These cafés cater to a community of wellness lovers who want their meals to nourish both body and soul.
What Unique Wellness Activities Can You Do in Canggu?
Wellness in Canggu is anything but ordinary. Here, healing is holistic and often a little wild—in the best way.
Experience Ice Baths and Fire Ceremonies
If you’re looking to challenge your body and mind, Wim Hof Method workshops are hosted at venues like Therapy Canggu and Samadi Bali. These sessions involve breathing techniques followed by a plunge into a tub filled with ice water. The shock stimulates circulation, improves resilience, and boosts mental clarity. It’s not easy—but it’s deeply rewarding.
In contrast, fire ceremonies are more spiritual. Based on Balinese Agni Hotra rituals, these ceremonies are usually led by a priest or healer and involve chanting, intention-setting, and releasing symbolic items into the fire. It’s a purifying experience that connects you to local spiritual traditions while encouraging self-reflection.
Attend a Full Moon Cacao Ceremony
During full moons (which hold spiritual significance in Balinese Hinduism), cacao ceremonies are held at places like Udara Bali, The Practice, or even beachfront settings. Cacao is used ceremonially to open the heart and deepen meditation. These gatherings may include ecstatic dance, guided visualization, and live drumming—creating a sacred and communal atmosphere under the stars.
Raw cacao is rich in magnesium and mood-enhancing compounds like theobromine, making it a natural plant medicine with both spiritual and physical benefits.
Are There Any Hidden Gems in Canggu Most Tourists Miss?
The true charm of Canggu lies in the nooks and crannies that don’t appear on Google Maps.
Wander the Secret Shortcuts Between Rice Fields
Canggu is crisscrossed with jalan tikus—tiny, scenic shortcuts used by locals on scooters. These narrow paths weave through rice paddies, local homes, and hidden warungs (small eateries). Rent a scooter or bicycle, get off the main road, and let the winding trails surprise you. You might pass a traditional ceremony, a family temple, or even a duck crossing.
These detours offer a glimpse into rural Balinese life and are often more peaceful than the crowded tourist routes.
Visit a Goat Farm That Sells Fresh Cheese
Yes, there’s a small goat farm near Pererenan that produces artisan cheese using traditional methods. It’s not always advertised, but locals can point you to it. Here, you can learn about the milking process, meet the goats (great if you’re traveling with kids!), and enjoy a cheese tasting with homemade crackers and fruit.
Supporting small, sustainable farms is one of the most meaningful things you can do in Canggu, and this is a prime example of an off-the-beaten-track gem.
How Can You Experience Canggu Like a Local?
Tourism in Canggu is booming, but the essence of the town remains rooted in its creative and community-driven spirit.
Attend a Local Open Mic Night or Spoken Word Event
Canggu is brimming with local talent. On any given week, venues like Black Cat Mini Mart (a speakeasy hidden behind a vending machine) or The Practice host open mic nights, live music, and spoken word poetry slams. These events often run by donation and create a relaxed space for artists, writers, and travelers to share and connect.
Joining one of these events makes you feel like more than a tourist—you become part of the creative ecosystem that makes Canggu so unique.
Watch the Sunset from a Rooftop Temple
Instead of crowding into a noisy beach club, consider climbing to the rooftop of a guesthouse or small temple at sunset. Many boutique stays offer communal rooftop lounges with sweeping views of the ocean and rice fields. With a simple drink in hand and the sound of gamelan music in the distance, this becomes a sacred, peaceful way to end the day.
Why Choose Canggu for Unique Experiences in Bali?
Canggu is not just a destination; it’s a state of mind. It attracts travelers who are curious, conscious, and eager to dive deeper. What makes Canggu truly special is its ability to blend the unconventional with the soulful. Whether it’s in a cacao ceremony, a goat farm visit, or an aura painting session, the experiences here go beyond the surface.
If you’re seeking things to do in Canggu that are truly unique and unusual, let this be your invitation to explore with an open heart. You might just discover something unexpected—not only about Bali, but about yourself.
End Your Offbeat Canggu Adventure with True Balinese Bliss at Happy Sway Spa
After a day of sound healing in the rice fields, creative expression through aura painting, and soul-soothing cacao ceremonies, there’s no better way to complete your unique Bali journey than by immersing yourself in pure relaxation at Happy Sway Spa. Whether you’re unwinding from a full moon ritual or just seeking a moment of stillness after exploring Canggu’s hidden gems, Happy Sway Spa offers a curated escape that perfectly balances tradition and tranquility.
With two serene locations in Uluwatu and Kerobokan, Happy Sway Spa blends holistic Balinese techniques with a luxurious, sensory experience—from deep tissue massages and reflexology to floral baths and herbal body scrubs. It’s more than just a spa visit—it’s a continuation of your inner journey in Bali. So when you’re ready to soothe your senses and reset your energy, let Happy Sway Spa be the final chapter of your offbeat adventure.
