Why the Beach in Canggu Will Disappoint You (And Where to Go Instead)

When you picture Bali, you probably imagine white sand, crystal blue waves, and perfect palm trees, right? That is what social media shows you.

Unfortunately, the beach in Canggu is not that.

I was honestly shocked at what the beaches looked like, and (clearly) didn’t do my research before booking my one-month stay in May.

Before you book your first Bali trip, I want you to be aware of where you can and cannot see white sand beaches. Here is what the beach in Canggu looks like, as well as several places to visit instead.

Why the Beach in Canggu Isn’t That Dreamy

Canggu has exploded in popularity over the years, but unfortunately, the beach hasn’t quite lived up to the hype.

Sure, it’s a hotspot for party goers and sunset seekers, but when you step onto that sand for the first time, you’ll quickly notice it’s nothing like the pristine beaches you see on social media.

The Black Sand Surprise

Let’s start with the obvious—the sand. The beach here isn’t golden or white. It’s black.

This is thanks to the volcanic activity that formed the island, and while it might sound unique, in person, it just looks dull and dirty.

Plus, black sand heats up fast under the tropical sun, making it pretty painful to walk barefoot during the day.

To make matters worse, the sand is coarse and full of rocks. It’s not soft or silky, and you won’t find yourself wanting to lay a towel down and lounge for hours.

Walking along the shore feels more like navigating a rocky construction site than strolling on a tropical beach.

Trash, Stray Dogs, and Animal Feces

Depending on the time of year, especially during the rainy season, the beach in Canggu becomes a dumping ground for ocean-borne trash.

Plastic bottles, snack wrappers, and even larger debris wash up regularly. While locals and volunteers do their best to clean it up, the tides keep bringing more.

Adding to that, packs of stray dogs roam the shoreline. While some are friendly, many are sick, injured, or aggressive.

I witnessed tourists getting nervous as dogs fought or barked nearby, turning what should be a relaxing beach walk into a stressful game of “stay out of their way.”

And yes, there’s also the issue of feces. Between the dogs, the occasional wandering cow, and the general lack of maintenance, you’ll often find little piles of waste along the sand. Gross.

Why Do People Keep Coming to Canggu Then?

I have a hard time answering this question. The traffic is terrible, most of the food is western and not local Balinese cuisine, and many of the expats look and act very fake.

However, the locals are super nice, and outside of Canggu, you can see beautiful temples, rice patties, and go on fun excursions like white water rafting, or this ATV tour I went on.

If you find yourself in Canggu anyway, here are two reasons to visit the beach in Canggu.

Sunset Bars and Social Hotspots

One of the best parts of the Bali Canggu beach experience happens in the late afternoon when people are getting ready to watch the sunset.

Right near Old Man’s Bar (as a location reference), a collection of casual beach bars pop up on the sand with bean bag chairs, cold drinks, and live music.

While the beach itself might not be stunning, the sunsets can be. Unfortunately, the few days I went to the beach, it was raining and cloudy (even though it was dry season)

Beach Clubs with a View

If you’re looking for something off the sand but still have a view of the sunsets, head to The Lawn, Finns, or Atlas Beach Club.

These beach clubs sit right on the sand and offer a mix of pools, cocktails, and DJ sets.

• The Lawn is upscale, has no cover, but is on the smaller side.
• Finn’s has no cover charge, multiple pools, and gets wild during sunset.
• Atlas has a cover charge, has many places to sit (for a fee), and a kids’ area.

You can walk on the beach from Finn’s to Atlas, and then to the Lawn. Google Maps will say that you can’t, but you can. You just need to walk through a little bit of water as you get closer to Old Man’s.

Where to Find Bali’s Real White Sand Beaches

If you came to Bali looking for white sand and clear blue water, you just need to go a little further than Canggu.

Ask your accommodations to help you book a private driver, as this is the best way to get around the island.

My driver for the entire month in Bali is named Edi, and his WhatsApp is +62 (881- 0371-99710). He speaks English well and took me all over the island for a reasonable price.

1. Head South to Melasti or Pandawa Beach (#2 on the Map)

Located on the Bukit Peninsula, south of Canggu, Melasti Beach and Pandawa Beach both offer what most people imagine when they think of Bali.

You’ll finally find soft white sand, swimmable blue water, and towering cliffs (what you see on social media). It takes an hour to get there, and the best thing to do is book a private car to take you.

2. Take a Day Trip to Nusa Penida (#3 on the Map)

Just a short boat ride away from the east coast of Bali, Nusa Penida is home to dramatic cliffs, turquoise bays, and hidden beaches like Kelingking Beach.

Most tours include transport from Canggu to Sanur Pier, where you’ll catch the fast boat to the island.

This is where you can also go snorkeling and wreck diving. Book a day trip or stay for a few nights like I did to make the most of the island.

3. Visit Lombok or Komodo for Pink Sand (#4 on the Map)

If you’re up for a longer trip, head to Lombok or Komodo National Park to see Indonesia’s famous pink sand beaches.

You can book a multi-day boat tour that includes snorkeling with manta rays, visiting Komodo dragons, and relaxing on pink sandy shores.

These tours often depart from Bali or nearby islands and are great for adding a once-in-a-lifetime experience to your trip.

4. Escape to the Gili Islands (#5 on the Map)

The Gili Islands are another popular getaway. These car-free islands are known for their white sand beaches, clear water, and laid-back island vibe.

You can take a fast boat from Padangbai Harbor (a 2-hour drive from Canggu) and tour operators can easily arrange the entire trip for you, including hotel pick-up and return.

Check out this day trip from Bali on GetYourGuide.com.

Final Thoughts

The beach in Canggu Bali might not be the paradise you imagined, but I hope my post helps you plan your trip so you are not as disappointed as I was.

If you want that perfect beach experience with white sand and blue water, plan a day trip or a weekend escape to places like Uluwatu, Nusa Penida, or the Gili Islands.

Know what to expect, and you’ll enjoy it for what it is, while still making time to explore the stunning beaches that Bali really has to offer!

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