Canggu Experience
The Locale
Surrounded by terraced rice fields, yet only a few minutes’ walk from the beach and an exciting and ever-expanding selection of places to eat and drink, Bendega Villas lies on the outskirts of the small fishing village of Nelayan in the popular district of Canggu, south-west Bali. The villas are only a 20-minute drive from the restaurants and shops of cosmopolitan Seminyak, an hour from Bali’s cultural centre of Ubud, and 30 minutes from the island’s international airport.
Distances
- Echo Beach
- 2 km
- Seminyak
- 11 km
- Tanah Lot Temple
- 12 km
- Kuta
- 18 km
- Waterbom Bali
- 19 km
- Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS)
- 20 km
- Ubud
- 30 km
Things To Do
Bendega Villas’ manager has a wealth of information about nearby places of interest and will help arrange transport and make any bookings required. Do also ask the staff about the local area. Many of them live nearby and will be able to give an interesting insight into some of the fascinating aspects of Bali life.
In the meantime, here is a taste of the many and varied activities on offer within reach of the villas.
- Take an early morning stroll along the beach and watch surfers carve through the waves at Times Café. Or linger over breakfast at one of the many cafés in the neighbourhood, including Milk & Madu, The Fold, Doppio, Ricky D’s, Zin Café and Baked.
- During the day, unwind by the pool, indulge in an in-villa massage, or venture out for a full spa experience at Minx, AMO or Spring Spa. Alternatively, wander along Jalan Batu Bolong to browse for holiday keepsakes at Filthy Gorgeous, Religion, Bamboo Blonde or Indigo Luna.
- For sun-seekers, Berawa, home to the iconic Finns, Atlas and Café del Mar beach clubs, is just a 10-minute drive away, or a leisurely 20-minute walk along the shoreline.
- As the day draws to a close, sip a drink while taking in one of Bali’s legendary sunsets. Options range from a cold beer on the sand at Manta to signature house cocktails at Skool. Dining choices are equally abundant. For Balinese flavours, try Ibu Oka or Wiras Canggu. For Asian fusion, Yuki, Meimei or Billy Ho are popular choices. Mediterranean cravings are well satisfied at Luma, Giselle or Santanera. End the evening with a nightcap at Segno or The Back Room, before returning to the peace and tranquillity of Bendega Villas.
- Also within walking distance along the beach is Hotel Tugu, a living museum showcasing priceless antiques and rare cultural artefacts. The Tugu is also home to a selection of casual and fine dining restaurants, as well as a delightful spa. Nearby La Brisa at the iconic Echo Beach enchants with its dramatic décor, sustainably sourced seafood and a lively Sunday market.
- A 15-minute drive takes you to one of Bali’s most revered landmarks, the Tanah Lot Sea Temple. Other activities nearby include horse riding at Kuda P Stables, scuba diving with Aquamarine, off-road quad biking, surfing lessons and fishing excursions.
- For those drawn to nature and adventure, the most exclusive Bali trekking tour offers breathtaking landscapes and heart-warming encounters, while supporting sustainable social change in the once-forgotten villages of Muntigunung. Elite Havens is a proud partner of the Muntigunung Community Social Enterprise.
- Drive west to explore the charm of Tabanan Regency, where emerald-green rice terraces, volcanic mountains and black-sand beaches meet traditional fishing communities. At 850 metres above sea level, the panoramic views from the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih rice terraces, recognised since 2008, are among the island’s most spectacular. Alternatively, head north to the cool highlands of Bedugul to discover its volcanic lakes, including Lake Bratan and the beautifully positioned Pura Ulun Danu, one of Bali’s most important temples.
- Bold and adventurous bargain hunters may enjoy a visit to one of Denpasar’s bustling markets, set in the heart of Bali’s provincial capital, for a vibrant and rewarding shopping experience.
- Covering 3.8 hectares of tropical parkland in Kuta, Waterbom Bali features 16 water slides, including the adrenaline-fuelled Climax with its 360-degree loop, offering fun for the young and young at heart. It makes for an excellent family day out; early arrival is recommended to beat the crowds.


