Faces of Bali - Canggu

Canggu, an extension of Kuta beach development as a beach resort, offers a perfect escape from the tourist crowd. Many private villas or Balinese style cottage built with a blend view of rice terrace and ocean. Most of the villas are built and own by expatriates but many of them available for short or long term lease.

Located approximately 35 minutes from Bali’s International Airport, and 20 minutes to the popular area of Seminyak, With  lush green rice terraces and spectacular views of the Indian Ocean this area would have to be classed as untouched and offers a quiet and relaxed atmosphere.

Canggu close to the large tourist spots on Bali but remarkably laidback and undeveloped, there are only a few hotels here. The surfers usually gather around a warung (small food stall) at the beach, where they can exchange their experiences.

Most of the population around Canggu still makes a living of agriculture and fishing, and a traditional life with religious ceremonies is still maintained. You can still see a cremation ceremony in front of the hotels, this never happens on Kuta or Sanur anymore. This is not the place for heavy nightlife, but to get away and relax for a few days it can be a good alternative.

For the surfers, Canggu is an exposed reef break that has consistent surf, during Dry Season (May till October) is favoured time of year for waves hunters.

Someday around June - July at the day after Saraswati Day which is known as Banyu Pinaruh day, during the sunrise so many people from around Bali taking a ceremony of ritual bathing and drink traditional medicine (made from many various leaves) at canggu beach. It’s a Balinese culture  procession which is aim to clean the body and soul from ugly influence. “Banyu” means water and “Pinaruh” mean wisdom. In other words, we must have wisdom which always flows like water and which is useful for human kind. We pray for Dewi Saraswati (manifestation of God) to give us cleverness and wisdom.

The attraction of Canggu apart from the surfing is its tranquility and lovely views of rice fields… But that’s just an old story. Right now i can only see too many villas … and less rice field.