Canggu might be Bali’s trendiest coastal hub, where surfboards lean against cafe walls and sunsets are best served with cocktails but sometimes, a change of scenery is all you need. Whether you are craving waterfalls, culture, or a breath of fresh mountain air, the beauty of staying in Canggu is how easy it is to escape for the day.
From ancient temples perched on cliffs to lush rice terraces, here is your ultimate guide to the best day trips from Canggu, each just a drive away, and worth every minute of the journey.
1. Tanah Lot Temple – For a Magical Sunset and Spiritual Pause
Drive time from Canggu: 30–40 minutes
One of Bali’s most iconic temples, Tanah Lot sits dramatically on a rocky outcrop surrounded by crashing waves. It’s not just a temple, it’s a postcard comes to life. Arrive just before sunset, and you’ll see the sky turn golden behind its silhouette, while the sea laps around the base.
You don’t need hours here. A relaxed afternoon walk, a few photos, and maybe a young coconut from a local stall are enough to make the short trip feel special. Travel tip: Check the tide schedule, at low tide, you can walk closer to the base of the temple.
Read more: Exploring Tanah Lot Temple: A Guide to Bali’s Iconic Seaside Sanctuary
2. Ubud – Culture, Jungle Vibes & Coffee With a View
Drive time from Canggu: 1.5–2 hours
If Canggu is the island’s creative edge, Ubud is its soulful heart. A day in Ubud is like stepping into a lush, dreamier version of Bali, filled with artisan shops, temples wrapped in moss, and jungle views that make time slow down.
Start your day with a stroll through the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, then head into town for lunch at a garden café. Don’t skip Saraswati Temple, nestled beside a lotus pond just behind the busy streets. If you’ve got energy left, treat yourself to a jungle swing or a short waterfall walk before heading back. Travel Tip: Leave Canggu early to beat the traffic and enjoy cooler morning air. And bring cash, Ubud is full of handcrafted temptations.
Read more: 6 Alternatives to Ubud You Should Consider Visiting in Bali
3. Munduk – Hidden Waterfalls and Mountain Breezes
Drive time from Canggu: 2.5–3 hours
Tucked into the northern highlands, Munduk is a world away from Canggu’s coastal energy. Here, the air is crisp, the hills are steep, and the waterfalls are straight out of a fairytale.
Spend your day hiking to Munduk Waterfall, Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, or even Melanting Waterfall if you’re up for it. On the way back, stop by Lake Tamblingan or Lake Buyan, both mirror-like and surrounded by untouched forest.
Travel Tip: Munduk is perfect for nature lovers who don’t mind getting a little muddy. Wear sturdy shoes, and pack a rain jacket just in case.
4. Uluwatu – Clifftop Temples and Turquoise Coves
Drive time from Canggu: 1.5–2 hours
For a day of dramatic coastlines and relaxed beach bars, Uluwatu delivers. First stop? Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliff with panoramic views and playful monkeys. If you are there at sunset, catch the famous Kecak fire dance, a hauntingly beautiful performance against the backdrop of crashing waves.
Then, cool off at Padang Padang Beach or Thomas Beach, or go for lunch at one of the clifftop restaurants like Single Fin or Mana. Uluwatu is slower, saltier, and full of barefoot charm. Travel Tip: This is one trip where you’ll want to pack swimwear and sunscreen, then end your day with cocktails overlooking the sea.
5. Jatiluwih – Rice Terraces Without the Crowds
Drive time from Canggu: 1.5–2 hours
Less visited than Ubud’s terraces but arguably more breathtaking, Jatiluwih is a UNESCO-listed landscape of flowing green hills and perfectly layered rice paddies. Walking here feels meditative, just you, the breeze, and the sound of distant farmers at work.
You can walk a loop trail (ranging from 1 to 5 km), then have lunch at one of the hillside warungs with panoramic views. Unlike busier tourist spots, there’s space to breathe here. Travel Tip: Bring a hat, water, and a camera. Early morning or late afternoon is ideal for soft lighting and cooler weather.
6. Bedugul & Ulun Danu Beratan Temple – Lakeside Peace and Mountain Air
Drive time from Canggu: 2–2.5 hours
If you are craving cool mountain weather, fresh strawberries, and spiritual calm, Bedugul is your escape. The highlight here is Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, floating on a serene lake with misty mountains as its backdrop.
Nearby, you can explore the Botanical Gardens, try strawberry picking, or sip hot tea with a view of the lake. It’s a refreshing break from Bali’s coastal heat, and an easy way to reset.
Travel Tip: Bring a sweater, it can get surprisingly chilly up here, especially in the afternoon.
Canggu may be your base, but Bali is your playground. With so many unique places just a short ride away, your trip doesn’t have to stay on the coast. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Munduk, wandering through rice fields in Jatiluwih, or watching fire dancers in Uluwatu, each day trip adds another unforgettable layer to your island story.
