Canggu, a trendy area in Bali known for its surf beaches and hip cafes, actually hides a quieter, more soul-soothing side. On a short escape from the city chaos, I stumbled upon seven unique places in Canggu that few people talk about. Not your typical tourist stops, these spots offer different kinds of experiences — from peaceful walks through rice fields to modern-day relaxation therapies.
Here’s my journey exploring hidden corners of Canggu to recharge my energy, refresh my mind, and find my spirit again.
On my first morning in Canggu, I decided to go for a light jog along a hidden footpath surrounded by endless rice fields. The locals call it Subak Uma Desa — a jogging track about 1 km long. As I ran, I was accompanied by a lush green landscape stretching beyond the horizon. The fresh morning air and the soft rustle of rice plants brought instant peace.
Occasionally, farmers would pass by, carrying their harvests, smiling warmly.
I returned their smiles, feeling like I was part of the peaceful village life. Imagine jogging or walking slowly, far from any tourist crowds, with only pure nature on both sides. At the end of the path, I paused at a small gazebo, took a deep breath, and soaked in the warmth of the morning sun.
Subak Uma Desa is truly a hidden gem — a perfect way to start the day with a calmer soul, yet few travelers even know it exists.
After the morning run and a refreshing shower, my stomach began its symphony of hunger. I searched for breakfast and found a hidden café said to have a winning atmosphere. Tucked away in a small alley, Mimpi Grocery welcomed me with its rustic concept and wide open windows. As I stepped inside, I was greeted by a stunning view of rice fields and a small river behind the café.
I chose to sit upstairs, lounging on floor cushions, gazing out over the endless green — completely losing track of time.
Sipping on Balinese coffee and enjoying a fresh smoothie bowl, I felt like I had hidden myself from the outside world.
Around me, digital nomads worked quietly at communal tables, and groups of friends laughed over brunch. I pulled out my travel journal, letting acoustic music in the background fuel my writing.
The café offers a fun “make your own” menu where I assembled my custom toast. The prices were reasonable, and the quality exceeded expectations. No wonder Mimpi Grocery has become a favorite among locals and expats looking for a quieter, more creative café experience.
Late morning at Mimpi Grocery was the perfect fuel-up for both my body and creativity.
As part of my spiritual escape in Canggu, Samadi Bali was a must-visit. Nestled along Jalan Padang Linjong, Samadi is an oasis for yoga lovers and healthy living seekers.
That morning, I joined an open-air yoga class under a shaded pavilion. The instructor gently guided each movement, syncing my breath with the distant sound of waves. Two hours of yoga passed in a blur — drenched in sweat, yet my heart felt calm and refreshed.
After class, I sat quietly for a short meditation, letting peace sink deeper into my being.
Lucky for me, it was Sunday — time for the legendary Samadi Sunday Market. Local vendors set up colorful stalls offering organic products, fresh tropical fruits, homemade kombucha, and vegan treats. The vibe was lively but warm, with expats and locals chatting like old friends.
Soft live music floated through the market, completing the perfect Sunday morning. Samadi Bali isn’t just a yoga center — it’s a community wellness hub where mind, body, and spirit are rejuvenated. I left feeling lighter, happier, and ready for my next adventure.
That afternoon, I wanted to take home something more meaningful than a souvenir shop trinket. So, I headed to Big Tree Silver — a cozy little studio where you can make your own silver jewelry.
For just IDR 450,000, I received 7 grams of pure silver and one-on-one guidance from a professional Balinese silversmith.
In the cool, air-conditioned studio, with free Wi-Fi and bottled water, I slowly learned how to heat, shape, and polish silver into a piece I could truly call my own.
The friendly staff kept the atmosphere relaxed and encouraging, and I loved their motto:
"Don’t buy it — let’s make it together!"
Two hours flew by. I walked out not just with a handmade silver ring, but with a story — a memory I could literally wear and cherish.
That evening, the inner child in me wanted to play.
In nearby Pererenan (just next to Canggu), I discovered Wild Art Experience — an interactive art studio where creativity knows no bounds. Here, you can splash, spray, and throw paint without fear of making a mess!
Upon arrival, the staff handed me an apron and safety goggles. Armed with water guns filled with colorful paint, we blasted huge white canvases, creating wild abstract patterns.
We also tried balloon dart painting — popping balloons filled with paint for unpredictable bursts of color.
And then came spin art: pouring paint onto spinning canvases, creating mesmerizing swirls.
For over an hour, we laughed, splattered, and totally forgot the stress of daily life. By the end, I walked away with a colorful artwork, a souvenir full of joy rather than perfection.
Wild Art Experience is a new hidden gem in Pererenan, perfect for those who crave a different kind of fun while visiting Bali.
After all that activity, I craved true relaxation.
The next morning, I headed to Solace Float in Canggu — a flotation therapy center offering a uniquely futuristic way to reset the mind and body.
It was my first time trying floating therapy, and admittedly, I was a little nervous. But the friendly staff explained everything: I would float effortlessly in a pod filled with highly concentrated Epsom salt water — essentially experiencing zero gravity.
Inside the private room, the pod looked like something from a sci-fi movie. Warm, dim lighting and soft music guided me into the warm water. As I closed the pod lid, the world outside disappeared. Darkness, silence, weightlessness.
At first, my mind raced. But slowly, I surrendered to the rhythm of my breath. Floating there, I felt tension drain from my body, my spine completely free from gravity’s pull.
For 60 minutes, I drifted between wakefulness and dreamlike meditation. Time lost all meaning. It was the deepest relaxation I had ever felt.
When the session ended, soft lights stirred me awake, and I stepped out feeling as if I had slept for a thousand years. A cup of warm tea in the lounge completed the experience.
Solace Float blends technology and wellness perfectly, yet remains a hidden secret in Canggu — a must-try for anyone seeking true mental and physical reset.
Of course, no trip to Canggu would be complete without a beach moment. But instead of the typical crowded beach clubs, I craved something quieter.
Pererenan Beach became my sunset sanctuary. Just next to Echo Beach, but with a completely different, more local vibe.
At the entrance, a towering 12-meter statue of Gajah Mina — the mythical elephant-fish ridden by the Sea God — greeted me proudly atop the rocks.
The beach stretched wide with dark grey sands and shimmering waters. A few surfers caught the last waves of the day as the sun dipped lower.
I found a spot on the sand, away from the small crowd of beanbag loungers sipping beers. As the sky turned gold and orange, I watched surfers silhouetted against the setting sun. No loud music, no crowds — only the sound of waves and the whisper of the wind.
The sunset at Pererenan Beach felt personal, quiet, and deeply calming.
It was the perfect way to end my days of escape — finding peace not far from the usual buzz of Bali’s tourism.
Two days in Canggu was all it took to recharge my soul and rekindle my spirit.
From early morning runs in silent rice fields, creative coffee breaks, silver crafting, wild painting sprees, to floating in bliss and chasing sunsets — every moment felt personal and unforgettable.
Canggu isn’t just about Instagram hotspots — it hides a gentler, deeper side for those willing to look.
If you ever need a break from the noise of life, I hope you’ll follow this trail and discover your own secret side of Canggu. And to explore it all smoothly, you'll want reliable, stylish transportation.
Bikini Garage — Luxury Car Rentals in Bali is your go-to choice. Cruise through Bali in style with their fleet of dream cars — from the spacious Toyota Alphard, the adventurous Jeep Rubicon, the iconic Mini Cooper, the sporty BMW Z4, to the luxurious Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Pick your perfect ride and unlock a new level of Bali exploration.
Recharge your energy and discover your second home in Canggu. Step off the beaten path — you might just find the peace you’ve been searching for.
