Canggu is known as a destination for expats, hipsters, digital nomads, and the young and beautiful. But if you’re over 40 and feel like you might not be cool enough for Canggu, keep reading. Here’s one day in Canggu : the perfect itinerary for travellers over 40.
Have coffee on the beach
If you’re on a timezone where you wake early, go to Times Beach Warung because it opens at 6am. Times gets busy so getting there early means you’ll be able to get the best people watching spot. You could stay for coffee, or stay all day, the choice is yours.
They have an uber cool surfer vibe and is a place that tourists and travellers alike love to go. It’s also a popular place for expats to take their dogs. Just know that you may have a furry friend staring at your eggs bene if you sit on the beach.
In Bali if you want your coffee hot, request it ‘extra hot’ because it often comes out luke warm. Times however always serve piping hot strong coffee. Good, but not for the faint hearted.
If you want somewhere quiet & laid back, try Manta The Oasis. They open at 7am and are beside the river at Nelayan Beach. With tropical yellow striped decor, a straw roof and a cool beach style, you’ll get that relaxed Bali vibe.
Get in some exercise
Give one of the great exercise options a go, even if you only have one day in Canggu. There are many high quality establishments to choose from. Enjoy your usual fitness routine in a new environment, or have a go at something you’ve never tried before.
Here are just a few of the fitness options in Canggu.
Go for a run.
I don’t do the run clubs here because most people in them are in their 20’s to early 30’s. Having said that, anyone is welcome to attend. Whenever I run in Bali, I go alone & just before dawn. This means there is less traffic and it’s not too hot.
If you want to try a run club here are some good options.
6.15am Crate Cafe – Rise n Run
6.30am Body Factory – Hot Girl Run Club on Fridays
7am Body Factory – Continuum Athletics on Sundays
Things to note : If you run on your own, you might encounter street dogs that bark or chase you. Most street dogs are harmless & friendly. If one is a bit barkey, stop running and walk directly past them. The dogs will leave you alone once you’re past their domain. It can be intimidating at first but once you know how to manage it they’re not scary at all.
Grab a yoga class.
Yes there is a blog dedicated to yoga studios coming (wink). My favourites are The Practice & Empowered Yoga. I also go to Samadhi, Serenity & the Path in Pererenan if the schedule fits. You could also go further afield to Udara for something a bit different.
Canggu’s variety of yoga classes is awesome and whatever your preference you will likely find it here. Many studios often have extra long specialty classes like Breathwork and Kundalini Activation as well as Yin & Sound Healing.
Work out at the gym
Gyms here are pricey, and some of them can be intimidating if you are over 40. But in true Canggu style, there’s something for everyone if you’re in the know. I enjoy Avenue Fitness for somewhere unpretentious. They have an extensive amount of equipment, group fitness classes, a stretching room & jacuzzi & ice plunge. They’ve also been recently renovated and although not cheap, they’re not expensive either.
I also like the gym at Zin Fit. They don’t have a great variety of equipment but it’s very affordable. They have classes like zycle (spin), reformer & stretch. They also have a spa & a very nice restaurant.
A three month membership gains you access to the pool massages, smoothies and a whole lot of other goodies.
Play Padel
This one I haven’t done personally, but friends and family have. Padel is taking the world by storm as a relaxed mix of tennis, badminton & squash. You can go solo and you’ll be paired up in a group of similar level. Alternatively you can rent a court by the hour.
Visit the Odd Cat or the Puppy House
Bali’s stray animal problem is slowly improving, thanks to the many charities working overtime to eliminate suffering. For something a bit different, go and hang out with the orphaned animals and gived them some love & attention. On Wednesdays you can visit the puppy house at Bali Paws & play with the dogs. Sadly, they can no longer advertise their location due to the amount of animals that get dumped on their doorstep. Send them a message about coming to visit the dogs and they’ll give you all the details.
Any day of the week you can attend the cafe at the Odd Cat Bali and visit the orphaned cats.
It’s not essential to make a donation, but the charities here are overwhelmed and under funded. Every donation or purchase helps.
Have lunch and a swim at La Brisa
There are tonnes of beach and paddy clubs in & around Canggu. La Brisa has a relaxed boho vibe and lots of shade. I call it the over 40’s beach club. It’s kid friendly too, with a section dedicated to families. The most sought after spots have a minimum spend, but if you want lunch and a beverage it’s not hard to reach it. Alternatively some tables don’t have a minimum spend if you just want a light snack & a swim.
Go to the spa
Yet another past time that Canggu is known for is its spa treatments. Whether you want affordable or luxe is up to you, because Canggu really does have it all.
You’ve only got a day in Canggu, so you might have a tight schedule. Spend an hour relaxing at one of the world class spas before you move onto your next adventure.
Check out my blog about the Best Spas in Canggu.
Sunset beach walk
This sounds fairly standard, but honestly it’s one of my favourite things to do in Canggu. In the dry season (from approx April to November) the light begins to change as early as 4pm. By 5.30pm the sun will be low and you want to be walking north west along the coastline.
I love walking alone, to reflect upon my day & watch the dogs, people and games of frizbee, volleyball etc. The beach will not only offer an absolute rip roarer of a sunset, but it is a people watching paradise.
If you don’t want to walk, grab a beanbag & a coconut or cocktail. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
Things to note : The rivers going to the sea are polluted and can be stinky! Cross as close to the ocean as possible and wash your feet in the ocean once on the other side. Canggu isn’t perfect, and pollution is a problem but it’s improving. We take the bad with the good and roll with it.
If you’re not full of food from your busy day in Canggu, you’ll probably want dinner once the sun goes down. My blog Best Restaurants in Canggu in 2025 is a good place to begin for where to go for dinner. Otherwise just walk up any of the roads which lead to the beach & you’re bound to find something delicious.
Like I said, Canggu is a playground for the cool kids under 40 – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get in on the fun too.
You are cool enough & you’re not too old to enjoy the crazy busy fun adventure that is Canggu.
Please comment if you’re got something any suggestions for my next Bali travel blog entry.
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