The vibrant hub of Bali's southern region is renowned for its lively atmosphere, blending the rustic charm of beach-shack cafes with a touch of sleek sophistication, creating a relaxed and trendy surf culture.
Where to shop for: eclectic knick-knacks
The Jungle Trader was one of the first to appear when this part of the island started blossoming into the hippie hangout it is today. In a small store, Sydney native Tammy McLain has curated a collection of kitchenware, jewellery and interiors with a hefty dose of tropical kitsch: brass pineapple-shaped bottle openers, cushions with palm-tree embroidery, and more than a few straw beach bags and hats. Whatever isn’t designed in-house and created in collaboration with local artisans, who produce home accessories such as zebra- and leopard-print pillows, is sourced from around Indonesia. The indigo throws and oversized light shades in particular are worth seeking out.
Address: Jalan Pantai Berawa 46X, Berawa, Canggu, Bali, Indonesia
Telephone: +628 135 361 1112
Website: thejungletrader.com
Pictured: The Jungle Trader
Where to shop for: CONCEPT-STORE finds
Opened in 2018, Cove Island Essentials embodies present-day Canggu in all its new-age, free-spirited glory. The interior takes cues from Ibiza and coastal Mexico with its whitewashed, cement-floored and round-arched aesthetic, while the goods are on the softer side of spiritual. There are crystal-infused body mists, marble incense holders, sage smudge bundles with palo santo sticks and rose quartz next to the shop’s own line of linen dresses and carefully selected vintage homeware – Turkish kilim rugs and terracotta vases. A few doors down, The Attic x Lilya, by the same owner, has batik dresses and ruffled blouses, as well as bucket bags from Colombia and homegrown beauty products.
Address: Jalan Pantai Berawa No.50, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 812 3757 5775
Website: coveislandessentials.com
Pictured: Cove Island Essentials
Where to shop for: casual looks
Parisian flair meets Bali style at Magali Pascal, one of the island’s biggest fashion success stories. Founded by the eponymous French-born designer in 2005, the brand now has four stores, and the sleek space on Batu Bolong, the main boulevard, is where a smart crowd shop for satin playsuits and oversized draped dresses. Further up the road is Yöli & Otis, a women’s and children’s wear label famous for wrap blouses and dungaree dresses in natural materials and textiles coloured with plant dyes including turmeric, henna and indigo. Among its bestsellers are organic-cotton baby slings, cute muslin onesies and tiny floaty linen dresses to match the grown-up versions in signature white, olive and beige.
Address: Jalan Raya Pantai Berawa 12a, Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 0821 4629 2007
Website: yoliandotis.com
Pictured: Yöli & Otis
Discover Handmade Ceramics at Quince
If you're on the hunt for handmade ceramics during your Bali vacation, look no further than Quince. This charming boutique, run by the talented pair - Armen Jaya (Bali-born) and Michelle Jaya (from Australia), offers tangible ceramics in an array of subdued hues. Every piece is crafted by local artisans, adding authentic touch to the collection. The ceramics are not only available for purchase but also used in the store's adjoining café.
The café serves up mouthwatering comfort food and beverages like cashew milk lattes, courgette fritters heaped on flaxseed toast, or coconut pancakes topped with spiced up cinnamon butter. It's situated on a porch concealed under the lush green frontage, making it the perfect spot to relax and absorb the vibrant atmosphere near Berawa Beach.
Address: Jalan Pantai Berawa No.51, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Telephone: +62 813 3852 2529
Website: instagram.com/quince
Dining Destinations in Canggu
Canggu is an epicurean wonderland brimming with nutritious, delicious, and soul-comforting eateries where one can munch on more than just green produce. Kick-off your day with services at Two Trees Eatery or the Crate Cafe, both renowned for their overflowing fruity chia bowls and vibrant turmeric lattes that will warm up your mornings. Coffee lovers will enjoy the abundance of cafes nestled amongst the picturesque rice fields and streets, particularly Ritual Coffee & Eatery for their robust espressos. For an afternoon feast, try the noteworthy halloumi burgers and delectable jackfruit tacos at The Shady Shack. Wind down your adventurous day with an invigorating cocktail at La Brisa, an inviting space adorned with cozy beanbags, situated on the scenic Echo Beach.
Two Trees Eatery, twotreeseatery.com
Crate Cafe, lifescrate.com
Ritual Coffee & Eatery, facebook.com/ritualcoffeeshopandboutique
The Shady Shack, facebook.com/theshadyshackbali
La Brisa, labrisabali.com
Accommodation Recommendation
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Canggu with a stay at The Slow, a chic 12-room boutique retreat that embodies the authentic spirit of the town. The brainchild of fashion designer George Gorrow and his wife Cisco, the hotel seamlessly interweaves brutalist concrete designs with tropical teak wood and features a beguiling selection of mid-century modern furniture, all accentuated by an illustrious display of artworks from Gorrow's creative associates. While Canggu offers a distinctive charm, Bali is brimming with other luxurious accommodation options as well. Explore additional high-end options in the cultural hub of Ubud by using this comprehensive list of 5-star Ubud Hotels - https://www.all-balihotels.net/en/ubud-hotels-15271/5-stars/. The on-site restaurant at The Slow offers a palette of comforting, global dishes fused with local Balinese flavors – the caramelized half chicken with Sichuan salt and fermented chilli mayo, and the baby radish with smoked garlic cream are not to be missed. An onsite boutique stocks stylish T-shirts from Gorrow’s Non-Type label, and a vast collection of Cisco’s magnificent ceramic and wood tableware provides a unique retail experience. After your remarkable stay in Canggu, if you wish to explore other destinations in Indonesia, visit tophotels.com to find the best accommodation on your future trips. Here, you will discover a variety of top-notch hotels across the archipelago that promise a first-rate travel experience.
Insider's guide to Canggu, Bali
Owned by George and Cisco Gorrow, The Slow is a distinguished boutique hotel in the heart of Canggu, Bali.
They recommend visiting Samadi Market on Sundays to purchase fresh, organic vegetables, delicious coconut yogurt, and vegetarian samosas. Ibu-Ibu, a non-profit group supporting homeless mothers, also sets up a stand at the market, selling an array of handcrafted dolls and accessories.
For a dining experience that merges tradition with innovation, the Gorrows suggest Ulekan, a contemporary interpretation of the classic warung roadside café that dazzles the palate with authentic Indonesian flavors in a graceful setting.
A haven for surfers, Dream Good Surf Store offers an impressive selection of trunks and boards, ranging from playful twinsets to traditional logs ideally suited for the various wave conditions at Canggu.
The Gorrows' favorite locale for appreciating stunning sunsets? Berawa's shore bars, with The Naked Coconut standing out in particular. An order of fresh coconut spiced up with a dash of rum and a twist of lime adds the perfect zest to the breathtaking view.
Limited Edition concept store
Bottle openers at The Jungle Trader
The Jungle Trader lamps and baskets
Quince
