Why Canggu is and remains the best place in Bali

If you're going to Bali for the first time, you really have to figure it all out a bit for yourself. Of course, there are those enthusiastic friends who say: ‘Oh, but Kiek, you absolutely have to do this and that’, but in the end, you'll see that it's only really a vacation when you discover it for yourself. So I did.

Last December, my love and I decided it was time to explore Bali. Not only because we A: had developed a huge kind of Fomo since everyone seemed to be chilling in Bali, but also B: well, there's Indonesian blood flowing through my veins and it was just getting a bit embarrassing that I had never been to Indonesia.

First up, we had Canggu on the agenda, one of the trendiest and most relaxed coastal towns on the island. From there, we would move on to Ubud, the Gili Islands, Uluwatu, Nusa Penida, and Seminyak. We did it all, and in that order, but actually, we spent the whole vacation kind of comparing: is this more fun than Canggu? And with everything, we concluded: no. Nice for a change and really beautiful too, but no. So we stayed a bit shorter at a few places to ultimately end the vacation with five days Canggu.

When our driver Wayan dropped off the luggage again at Regali Villa Canggu (you must, must, MUST sleep here if you're looking for a hotel), it seriously felt like coming home. Quite strange when you think about a place that's over ten thousand kilometers away. But ask other people who have been to Bali, and more than three-quarters will say: Canggu. I don't know what it is, but there's something about that happy place.

The sunsets, the acai bowls at breakfast, the beaches (which aren't even the prettiest in Bali, but hey, atmosphere is key), the sweet taste of the bintang, the surfers, little dogs running after each other on the beach. Everything. Canggu is one big happy bubble of life enjoyers, vacationers, and digital nomads. Canggu made me calm, in love, and relaxed. So, a little tip from my side if you plan to go to Bali soon: no matter what you do, start and end in Canggu. You won't regret it, trust me. Oh, and finally, here are my favorite tips.

1. Regali Villa Canggu 
I already said it, but I mean it: if you're looking for a quiet boutique hotel where you can float around in your own private pool with your bare bottom: this is your spot.

2. Ji
For downright the best sushi in all of Bali (try the dragon roll, the sashimi, and the risotto balls) and cocktails from the rooftop. Just to give you an idea: we were in Bali for three weeks and came back here three times.

3. Peloton Supershop
A lovely hotspot with countless healthy options that will make you happy, trust me. You won't even realize you're eating vegan.

4. SizzleWraps
For when you're looking for a small, cozy Mexican place (think about eight tables outside) that is extremely cheap but intensely delicious. Yep, also been there multiple times during la vacance.

5. Oh, and for when you're still looking for a driver...
Wayan is the sweetest, nicest, and best one you can find on the island. Seriously, my boyfriend and I still get messages saying ‘Dear Ms Kiki, dear Mister Sander, how are you?’ The cutest. Send me a message on Insta via @kikiduren and I'll text you his number.

Going to Canggu? Man, I'm jealous. Fifty times over. HAVE FUN!