Beyond the Gym: Outdoor Training and Adventures
Part 4 of 4: Beach Workouts, Jungle Gyms, and Everything In Between
QUICK SUMMARY
Sand training burns 30% more calories and builds incredible stability
Several gyms offer beach workouts, or create your own
CrossFit pairs brilliantly with surfing, hiking, and paddleboarding
Train early (6-7am) or late afternoon (4-5pm) to avoid the heat
Yoga is the perfect complement for recovery and mobility
Here’s a confession: I love CrossFit. The programming, the community, the satisfaction of hitting a new personal best. All of it.
But even I’ll admit that staring at the same walls (however lovely and open-air those walls might be) can get a bit samey after a while.
The beautiful thing about training in Canggu is that you’re not limited to traditional gym workouts. This is Bali, for goodness’ sake. You’ve got beaches, jungles, rice paddies, and endless opportunities to turn the entire island into your personal training ground.
So let’s talk about taking your fitness outdoors, because sometimes the best gym is no gym at all.
Beach Workouts: Where Fitness Meets Paradise
Right, imagine this: instead of running on a treadmill whilst staring at a wall (or, let’s be honest, at your phone), you’re sprinting along a pristine beach with the sun rising over the ocean.
The sand adds natural resistance, making everything harder (in the best way), and the view... well, the view doesn’t hurt either.
Why Sand Training Is Brilliant
Before you dismiss beach workouts as just a pretty Instagram backdrop, let me tell you: training on sand is properly challenging.
That unstable surface forces your muscles to work harder, particularly your stabilisers. Your calves, ankles, and feet get an absolute hammering. And you burn significantly more calories than you would doing the same movements on solid ground.
Plus, sand is wonderfully forgiving on your joints. All those box jumps and burpees that make your knees cry on concrete? They’re suddenly much friendlier when you’ve got a natural cushion beneath you.
What the Gyms Offer
Several gyms in Canggu have cottoned on to the appeal of beach training. S2S CrossFit, in particular, has made beach workouts something of a signature offering. They’ll take you down to the sand for sessions that might include:
Sprint intervals (because running on sand is like running with an extra 20kg vest)
Bear crawls (your shoulders will hate you, but in that good way)
Burpees (still burpees, sadly, but at least you’ve got a view)
Squats and lunges (the instability adds a whole new dimension)
Partner carries (nothing says friendship like carrying your mate through sand)
Some sessions even incorporate ocean swims, which is brilliant for active recovery and cooling off. There’s something wonderfully primal about finishing a tough workout by diving into the sea.
DIY Beach Training
Can’t make a scheduled beach class? No worries. Grab a mate (or go solo, you’ll make friends quickly), head to the beach, and create your own workout.
Here’s a simple but brutal circuit to get you started:
The Canggu Beach Burner
Equipment needed: None. Just you, sand, and determination
The Circuit:
200m sprint along the waterline
20 squat jumps
30 push-ups (hands in sand for instability)
40 walking lunges
50 mountain climbers
Ocean swim to cool down
Repeat: 3-5 rounds (or until your legs give up)
Pro tip: Time your first round. Try to beat it on subsequent rounds. The competitive element helps when motivation wanes.
Important: Train early morning (6-7am) or late afternoon (4-5pm). Midday beach workouts sound romantic until you’re actually doing burpees in 32-degree heat. Learn from my mistakes.
Best Beaches for Training
Not all beaches are created equal for workouts. Here are my favourites:
Echo Beach: Long stretches of firm sand, not too crowded early morning. Perfect for sprints and longer runs.
Berawa Beach: Quieter than the main spots, great for more complex workouts without dodging sunbathers.
Batu Bolong Beach: Can get busy, but the atmosphere is brilliant. Good for shorter, high-intensity sessions.
The Jungle Gym: Nature’s Training Equipment
Now we’re getting creative. Who needs a £5,000 rig when you’ve got trees, rocks, and bamboo?
Some of the most memorable workouts I’ve had in Bali involve precisely zero conventional gym equipment. Instead, think: tree branches for pull-ups, fallen logs for box step-ups, rivers for resistance work, and hills for... well, for suffering, mostly.
Creating Your Own Jungle Workout
The key is thinking creatively about your environment. That sturdy tree branch? Perfect for pull-ups or rows. Those smooth river rocks? Natural kettlebells or medicine balls. That steep hill? Your new favourite place to do walking lunges (you’ll hate it, but you’ll also love it).
Here’s a sample jungle circuit:
The Jungle Warrior Workout
Equipment: Whatever nature provides
The Circuit:
10 pull-ups using a sturdy branch (test it first, trust but verify)
20 rock squats (hold a decent-sized rock at chest height)
30 step-ups onto a log
40 seconds carrying something heavy uphill (rock, log, your dignity)
50m bear crawl through relatively flat terrain
Repeat: 4-6 rounds
Safety first: Always test branches before putting full weight on them. Start with dead hangs before attempting pull-ups.
Where to Find Your Jungle Gym
Some of the hiking trails around Canggu and Ubud offer brilliant opportunities for outdoor training. The rice paddy walks near Canggu are particularly good. You’ve got relatively flat areas for running and jumping exercises, plus plenty of natural obstacles to incorporate.
If you’re feeling adventurous, the paths around Campuhan Ridge in Ubud offer stunning views and natural training opportunities. Just maybe check you’re not disturbing anyone’s spiritual journey whilst you’re doing burpees.
Word of caution: Be respectful of local customs and sacred sites. Some areas aren’t appropriate for workouts, no matter how good they look. When in doubt, ask.
Mixing CrossFit with Bali’s Other Activities
Right, here’s where things get properly fun. Bali offers so many activities that naturally complement CrossFit training. You just need to think about them the right way.
Surfing: The Ultimate Cross-Training
Surfing and CrossFit are like peanut butter and jam. Different, but somehow perfect together.
Surfing builds incredible core strength, works your shoulders and back, and requires explosive power and balance. Sound familiar?
Many CrossFitters find their gym training translates beautifully to the water. Those burpees you’ve been practising? That’s basically your pop-up. That core strength from all those planks? Essential for balance. Those shoulder gains? Helpful for paddling.
The CrossFit Surfer’s Workout:
Start with a 10-minute warm-up (dynamic stretches, light cardio)
Hit the waves for an hour
Finish with a quick circuit: 20 push-ups, 20 air squats, 20 sit-ups (3 rounds, minimal rest)
Congratulations, you’ve just combined two of the best activities Bali has to offer.
Hiking: Cardio with a View
Bali’s hiking opportunities range from gentle rice paddy walks to proper mountain climbs. Mount Batur is the classic sunrise trek. About 2 hours up, starting at some ungodly hour, but absolutely worth it.
For CrossFit enthusiasts, hiking is brilliant active recovery. It’s lower intensity than your typical workout, but still keeps you moving and builds endurance. Plus, you can always add little challenges:
Sprint intervals on flatter sections
Bodyweight circuits at rest stops
Carry something unnecessarily heavy for an added challenge
Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Core Work in Disguise
SUP might look relaxing and zen, but it’s secretly an incredible core workout. The constant micro-adjustments required to stay balanced engage all those stabiliser muscles that are so important for CrossFit.
For an extra challenge, try doing a simple workout on the board. (Start with calm water. Trust me on this.) Squats, lunges, even very careful burpees. It’s all possible if you’re feeling brave.
Spoiler: You will fall in. Multiple times. It’s part of the fun.
Yoga: The Perfect Complement
I know, I know. “But yoga is so slow and gentle and not at all like throwing heavy things around!”
Hear me out. Yoga and CrossFit complement each other brilliantly. All that mobility work you know you should be doing but somehow never get round to? Yoga forces you to do it. Plus, it’s phenomenal for recovery, helps prevent injury, and, here’s the kicker, makes you better at CrossFit.
Better overhead squat mobility? Thank your yoga practice. More control in the bottom of your movements? Yoga again. Plus, it’s rather nice to have at least one activity where you’re not trying to go faster, heavier, or harder.
Canggu is absolutely swimming in yoga studios. The Practice, Serenity, Samadi. Take your pick. Many offer classes specifically geared towards athletes, focusing on mobility and recovery rather than just flexibility.
The Weekly Balance: A Sample Schedule
Wondering how to fit everything in? Here’s what a week might look like for someone wanting to balance serious training with actually enjoying Bali:
Monday 6:30am: CrossFit class Afternoon: Beach recovery Evening: Gentle yoga
Tuesday 7:00am: Beach workout Afternoon: Surf session Evening: Explore local restaurants
Wednesday 6:30am: CrossFit class Afternoon: Rice paddy walk Evening: Traditional massage
Thursday 6:30am: CrossFit class Afternoon: Stand-up paddleboarding Evening: Social dinner with gym mates
Friday 7:00am: Light beach workout Afternoon: Surf or explore Evening: Sunset at Echo Beach
Saturday 8:00am: Saturday Smasher at Wanderlust Afternoon: Beach recovery Evening: Celebratory dinner
Sunday Sunrise: Hiking (Mount Batur or rice terraces) Afternoon: Recovery yoga Evening: Meal prep planning
Note: This is ambitious! Adjust based on energy levels, weather, and whether you fancy a lie-in.
Obviously, adjust based on your fitness level, goals, and how much you fancy actually doing. Some days you’ll be motivated to smash everything. Other days, you’ll want to float in the ocean and contemplate life. Both are valid.
Practical Tips for Outdoor Training
A few things I’ve learnt the hard way:
Hydration is absolutely critical. Carry water everywhere. More water than you think you need. Then carry a bit more. The heat and humidity are relentless.
Sunscreen is not optional. You will burn. You will burn faster than you think. Reef-safe sunscreen is best, better for you and for Bali’s ocean.
Timing is everything. Early morning (before 8am) and late afternoon (after 4pm) are your friends. Midday outdoor workouts are character-building, but also potentially dangerous.
Respect your body. Between the heat, potential jet lag, and maybe trying new activities, your body is dealing with a lot. Some days, the best workout is a gentle walk and a good stretch.
Watch for heat exhaustion. Dizziness, nausea, confusion. Don’t be a hero. Stop, get in the shade, drink water, and call it a day. There’s always tomorrow.
Footwear matters. Minimalist shoes or going barefoot is brilliant on the beach. But for jungle adventures, you want proper footwear. Bali’s terrain can be unforgiving.
Travel with a mate when hiking. Solo beach workouts? Fine. Solo jungle adventures? Less fine. At minimum, tell someone where you’re going.
The Beauty of Variety
Here’s what I love about Canggu’s outdoor training opportunities: they remind you that fitness isn’t just about what happens in a gym. It’s about movement, challenge, and using your body in different ways.
That mate of yours who can squat twice their bodyweight but can barely get up on a surfboard? Or the surfer who’s incredibly fit but struggles with a barbell? Bali teaches you humility whilst simultaneously making you more well-rounded.
Plus, and this is important, training outdoors is just more fun. There’s something about finishing a tough beach workout, diving into the ocean, and watching the sun rise that makes even the most brutal session feel less like a chore and more like an adventure.
Over to You
Quick poll: What outdoor workout sounds most appealing?
Beach sprints and sand circuits
Jungle bodyweight workouts
Surfing as cross-training
Hiking with workout stations
Vote in the comments. I’ll create detailed guides for the most popular options!
I’d also love to hear:
Have you tried beach or outdoor training before? How did it compare to gym workouts?
Which activity are you most excited to try in Canggu?
Any outdoor workout disasters you’re willing to share? (We’ve all got them!)
Already in Canggu? Share your favourite outdoor training spot in the comments. Let’s build a community resource!
Read Part 2: The Best CrossFit Gyms [ADD YOUR PART 2 LINK HERE]
Next up: Part 4 - The Complete Lifestyle Guide [ADD YOUR PART 4 LINK HERE]
We’re covering accommodation, food, making friends, and every practical detail you need.
Subscribe to get the final part next week.
ARTICLE 4: Living the Canggu Life
Part 4 of 4: Food, Friends, and Making It All Work
Read Part 3: Outdoor Training [ADD YOUR PART 3 LINK HERE]
QUICK SUMMARY
Canggu has incredible CrossFit-friendly cafés (Motion, Crate, Nalu Bowls)
Accommodation from £15/night (guesthouses) to luxury villas
Making friends is easy, just show up and chat after class
Stay at least 2 weeks to properly settle in (1 month is ideal)
Best time: April-October (dry season) but any time works
Budget £25-35/day (basic) or £50-75/day (comfortable)
Alright, we’ve covered the gyms, explored the beaches, and ventured into the jungle. Now let’s talk about everything else, because as brilliant as the training is, what happens between workouts is just as important.
This is the bit where we discuss where to fuel up, where to lay your head, how to actually make friends (without being weird), and all those practical details that make the difference between a good trip and an absolutely brilliant one.
Fuelling Your Training: The Canggu Food Scene
Let me start with some good news: Canggu might be the easiest place in the world to eat well. The café scene here is utterly ridiculous, in the best possible way. You can’t walk 50 metres without stumbling across somewhere serving exactly the kind of food a fitness-focused person wants to eat.
The CrossFit-Friendly Cafés
These are the spots that understand what you need: high protein, good carbs, minimal rubbish, and ideally served in a bowl that’s pretty enough to photograph (we’re all guilty of it).
Motion Café
Best for: Post-workout recovery smoothies, high-protein meals Must-try: Recovery smoothie, protein-packed breakfast bowls Price: £5-8 per meal Vibe: Active, social, everyone’s in gym gear
Motion has become something of a CrossFit institution. Their menu reads like it was designed specifically for athletes. High-protein meals, massive smoothie bowls, clean ingredients, and proper portion sizes. Their recovery smoothies are legendary, and their acai bowls could genuinely be a meal replacement.
Post-morning workout? This is where everyone ends up.
Crate Café
Best for: Eggs every way, quality protein, excellent coffee Must-try: Protein breakfast plates Price: £6-9 per meal Vibe: Relaxed, great for working remotely post-workout
Crate does brilliant breakfasts heavy on protein. Think eggs every which way, quality meat, avocado on everything (it’s basically mandatory in Bali). Their coffee is exceptional, which matters more than you might think when you’re training early mornings.
Peloton Supershop
Best for: Pre-workout fuel, fitness community Must-try: Pre-workout snacks, quality coffee Price: £5-8 per meal Vibe: Wellness-focused, cyclist-friendly
Peloton combines a café with a cycling studio and a shop selling fitness gear. It’s aggressively wellness-focused, but in that earnest way that somehow works. Great for pre-workout fuel or meeting other fitness enthusiasts.
Nalu Bowls
Best for: Refreshing post-workout, acai bowls Must-try: Acai or smoothie bowls with protein add-ons Price: £4-7 per bowl Vibe: Beachy, casual, quick service
Nalu does what it says on the tin: bowls. Acai bowls, smoothie bowls, Buddha bowls. If it can be served in a bowl, they’re doing it. Refreshing after a sweaty session, and the portions are generous enough to actually refuel properly.
Local Spots with Substance
Whilst the trendy cafés are brilliant, don’t sleep on the more traditional Indonesian spots. Warungs (small family-owned restaurants) offer incredible value and surprisingly good nutrition if you choose wisely.
Look for:
Nasi campur (mixed rice) with grilled fish or chicken, plenty of vegetables, tempeh, and tofu
Gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce), more protein than you’d expect
Soto ayam (chicken soup), brilliant post-workout recovery meal
Fresh fruit juices (though watch the added sugar)
These meals will cost you a fraction of what you’d pay at the Western cafés, and they’re often more satisfying. Plus, you’re supporting local families rather than the same international brands you have at home.
Bali Buda deserves a special mention. They’re committed to organic, locally-sourced ingredients, and their menu accommodates pretty much any dietary requirement you can think of. Vegan? Sorted. Paleo? No problem. Just really hungry? They’ve got you covered.
The Protein Problem (And How to Solve It)
Let’s be honest: whilst Bali’s food scene is brilliant, getting enough protein can be tricky if you’re used to eating meat with every meal. Indonesian cuisine is traditionally heavier on rice and vegetables.
Cheap and Easy:
Eggs everywhere (nasi goreng with extra eggs)
Tempeh and tofu (actually tasty when done right)
Fresh fish at local warungs
Peanut sauce on everything (surprisingly high protein)
Worth the Splurge:
Quality chicken at Western cafés
Imported protein powder from gyms
Grilled fish at nicer restaurants
The Ask: Most restaurants will add extra protein to any dish. Just ask for “tambah ayam” (add chicken) or “tambah telur” (add eggs)
Daily Target: Aim for 0.8-1g protein per pound of bodyweight. A typical day:
Breakfast: 3-egg omelette (20g)
Lunch: Grilled fish and rice (30g)
Snack: Protein smoothie (25g)
Dinner: Chicken nasi campur (30g)
Total: around 105g protein
Post-Workout Rituals
One of my favourite things about Canggu is the post-workout café culture. It’s not just about refuelling, it’s about community. After morning classes, you’ll find the same crew at the same cafés, nursing their smoothies, comparing their workout wounds, and planning their days.
This is where friendships form. This is where you’ll overhear recommendations for the best massage place (you’ll need it), get invited to join a beach session, or find someone to explore the island with.
So whilst you absolutely can grab your smoothie and head home, I’d encourage you to linger. Bring a book if you’re feeling self-conscious, but honestly, people here are so friendly that you’ll probably end up in conversation within minutes anyway.
Where to Rest Your Head
Accommodation in Canggu ranges from budget-friendly guesthouses to proper luxury villas. What you choose depends on your budget, how long you’re staying, and what matters most to you.
Budget (£15-25/night)
What you get: Basic guesthouses and homestays. Fan or basic AC, shared spaces. Perfect for: Short stays, those spending minimal time indoors Book through: Facebook groups, Booking.com
Mid-Range (£30-50/night)
What you get: Private rooms in co-living spaces. AC, WiFi, sometimes pool. Perfect for: Digital nomads, monthly stays, social types Book through: Booking.com, Airbnb, co-living websites
Comfortable (£60-100/night)
What you get: Small hotels, nice villas. Pool, kitchen, workspace. Perfect for: Longer stays, couples, those wanting comfort Book through: Airbnb, Booking.com
Luxury (£100+/night)
What you get: Private villas, wellness resorts. Full amenities, often includes meals/spa. Perfect for: Special occasions, all-inclusive experiences Book through: Resort websites, luxury booking platforms
The Monthly Hack: Most accommodation offers 30-50% discount for monthly bookings. A £50/night villa becomes £25/night with a month commitment.
The Fitness-First Options
S2S CrossFit’s fitness holiday packages are brilliant if you want everything sorted. They partner with nearby accommodations, so you’re close to the gym and the beach. Perfect for first-time visitors who want someone else to handle the logistics.
Kemilau Hotel and Villa in Canggu is within easy reach of all the major CrossFit gyms. Nothing fancy, but clean, comfortable, and well-located. Plus, there’s a pool for post-workout recovery.
Wellness resorts dot the area. These typically include yoga, healthy food options, and sometimes even on-site fitness facilities. They’re pricier but can be worth it if you want an all-in-one experience.
Location Matters
Stay within walking or short scooter distance of your preferred gym. Morning motivation is hard enough without adding a 20-minute commute. The areas around Batu Bolong, Berawa, and Echo Beach put you close to most fitness facilities whilst still being walkable to beaches and cafés.
Making Friends and Finding Your Tribe
One of the most common questions I get: “But won’t it be weird showing up to a gym where I don’t know anyone?”
Short answer: No. Absolutely not.
Longer answer: Canggu’s entire social dynamic is built around everyone being “new.” Even long-term residents started as visitors at some point. The community here is remarkably welcoming because everyone remembers what it’s like to be the new person.
The Gym as Social Hub
Your CrossFit gym is your easiest entry point into Canggu’s social scene. After class, people chat. They make plans. They invite newcomers along. It’s not forced or awkward, it’s just how things work here.
Tips for breaking into the community:
Introduce yourself. Revolutionary, I know. But a simple “Hi, I’m [name], first time here” works wonders.
Ask questions. People love giving recommendations. Where’s good for breakfast? Which beach is best for swimming? Any good massage places?
Say yes to invitations. Someone mentions they’re heading to the beach after? Join them. Group planning a Sunday hike? Go along.
Host your own thing. “Anyone fancy grabbing coffee after?” You’ll be surprised how many people say yes.
The Social Calendar
Most gyms run events beyond regular classes:
Social workouts (like Fortitude’s Sunday Sweat)
Beach sessions (workout followed by swimming and hanging out)
Competition prep groups (if you’re keen to test yourself)
Social evenings (dinners, drinks, beach bonfires)
These are brilliant for meeting people outside the intense environment of a workout. It’s easier to chat when you’re not gasping for air.
Beyond the Gym
Canggu’s social scene extends well beyond fitness. There are:
Weekly beach clean-ups (feel-good activity plus meeting people)
Full moon parties (less wild than Thailand’s, more chilled)
Café co-working sessions (for the digital nomads)
Surf competitions and events
Market days (Sundays at Samadi)
The key is just showing up. Canggu rewards participation.
A Word for the Introverts
Look, I get it. Not everyone’s naturally social. The thought of introducing yourself to strangers might fill you with mild dread. That’s totally fine.
The beautiful thing about Canggu is that you can be as social or as solo as you want. You can show up to class, train hard, nod politely to everyone, and leave. No one will think you’re weird.
But if you do want to make connections, start small. Chat to one person. Grab coffee with someone once. You don’t need to be the life of the party, just be present and friendly in small doses. The rest will follow naturally.
Balancing Training and Exploration
Right, you didn’t come all the way to Bali just to spend every waking hour in a gym. So how do you balance serious training with actually experiencing the island?
The Strategic Schedule
Early morning training is your secret weapon. Get your workout done by 8am, and you’ve got the entire day free for adventures. Plus, morning classes are usually cooler and less crowded.
A typical day might look like:
6:30am: CrossFit class
8:00am: Breakfast and recovery
10:00am-5:00pm: Explore, work, beach, whatever you fancy
5:30pm: Yoga or gentle activity
7:00pm: Dinner and social time
Active rest days are brilliant in Bali. Instead of sitting around, explore via activities that keep you moving without being intense:
Gentle surfing
Coastal walks
Temple visits (more stairs than you’d expect)
Cycling through rice paddies
Slow flow yoga
The Longer-Stay Approach
If you’re here for a month or more, you can afford to ease into a routine. Maybe you train hard for three days, then take a day off for exploring. Or perhaps you do morning workouts but dedicate entire weekends to island adventures.
The flexibility is part of the appeal. You’re not tied to a rigid gym schedule or limited holiday time. You can train when you feel good, rest when you need it, and explore when the mood strikes.
Must-See Experiences
Beyond training, don’t miss:
Uluwatu Temple at sunset (touristy but genuinely stunning)
Tegallalang Rice Terraces near Ubud (prepare for photos)
Mount Batur sunrise trek (mentioned before, but really, do it)
Nusa Penida island day trip (dramatic cliffs, crystal water)
Traditional Balinese ceremonies (if you’re invited, go, it’s an honour)
Cooking classes (learn to make the food you’ve been eating)
The “Minimum Stay” Question
People always ask: “How long should I come for?”
Honestly? At least two weeks if you can manage it. The first few days you’re adjusting to the time difference, sussing out gyms, and finding your bearings. By week two, you’ve got a routine, you’ve made some friends, and you’re actually living rather than just visiting.
A month is even better. That’s when Canggu stops feeling like a holiday and starts feeling like home. You’ve got your favourite café, your regular training spot, your crew. It’s brilliant.
Practical Essentials
Let’s rapid-fire through the practical stuff:
Packing for Fitness in Paradise
Training Gear (Pack These)
4-5 sets of workout clothes (you’ll sweat through one per day)
CrossFit shoes (if you care about footwear, gyms have options)
2-3 pairs of training socks
Any personal gear: wrist wraps, knee sleeves, jump rope
Swimwear (doubles as beach training gear)
Quick-dry towel
Health and Safety (Non-Negotiable)
Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ (environmental responsibility)
Quality insect repellent (dengue prevention)
Basic first-aid kit (plasters, antiseptic, paracetamol)
Any prescription medications plus copies of prescriptions
Reusable water bottle (1L minimum)
Nice to Have
Foam roller (if you’re staying 2+ weeks)
Resistance bands (for room workouts)
Headphones for solo training
Gym log book or app
Don’t Bother Packing
Heavy weightlifting gear (gyms have everything)
Excessive supplements (available locally, though pricier)
Lots of regular clothing (you’ll live in gym gear and flip-flops)
Hairdryer or styling tools (embrace the humidity)
The Reality: You’ll need 2-3 regular outfits max. You’ll spend 80% of your time in workout gear or swimwear.
Money Matters
Bali runs on cash. Cards are accepted at nicer places, but have rupiah on you. ATMs are everywhere.
Budget Traveller (£25-35/day)
Guesthouse: £15-20
Local food (warungs): £5-8
Drop-in class: £12
Scooter rental: £3
Monthly: £750-1,050
Comfortable (£50-75/day)
Nice accommodation: £30-40
Mix of cafés and warungs: £15-20
Week pass at gym: £10/day average
Scooter plus occasional taxi: £5
Massage/extras: £5
Monthly: £1,500-2,250
Luxury (£100+/day)
Villa or resort: £60-80
All café meals: £25-30
Monthly gym membership: £8/day average
Transport: £5-10
Spa/activities: £15-20
Monthly: £3,000+
The Sweet Spot: Most people find £50-60/day gives a great balance of comfort and experience without excessive spending.
Money-Saving Tips:
Buy monthly gym passes (40-50% cheaper per class)
Eat at warungs for 1-2 meals daily
Rent accommodation monthly
Cook some meals if you have a kitchen
Share scooter/villa costs with friends
The Scooter Situation
Most people rent scooters to get around Canggu. They’re cheap (around £3-5/day or £50-80/month), convenient, and fun.
But: Bali’s traffic is chaotic, accidents happen regularly, and travel insurance often excludes scooter accidents unless you have a valid motorcycle licence.
If you’re not confident on two wheels, stick to walking, cycling, or using ride-hailing apps (Gojek and Grab work brilliantly here). Your knees are too important to risk them in a silly accident.
Staying Healthy
Beyond training:
Drink water (I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again)
Get adequate sleep (the nightlife temptation is real, but recovery matters)
Book regular massages (they’re affordable, £8-15 for an hour, and essential for recovery)
Take rest days seriously (Bali’s energy can make you feel invincible, but you’re still human)
Use mosquito nets and repellent (dengue fever is not fun)
Best Time to Visit
Bali’s dry season runs from April to October. This is peak time for outdoor training. Clear skies, less humidity (it’s still humid, just less), and generally more pleasant conditions.
The wet season (November to March) isn’t a disaster. Rain typically comes in short, heavy bursts rather than all-day drizzles. Plus, fewer tourists means quieter beaches and less crowded gyms.
Honestly? Any time is good. Just avoid major holidays (Christmas, New Year, Indonesian holidays) when prices spike and everything’s rammed.
Final Thoughts: Making It Happen
Look, I could keep writing about Canggu for pages more (clearly, I have opinions), but at some point, you just need to book the ticket and go.
Here’s the thing: Canggu isn’t perfect. The traffic can be maddening. The internet occasionally drops at the worst possible moment. Sometimes the heat is genuinely oppressive, and no amount of fans can make you comfortable.
But when you’re finishing a sunrise beach workout, diving into the ocean to cool off, and then heading to your favourite café where the staff know your order... none of those annoyances seem to matter much.
When you hit a personal best and your gym mates, people you barely knew a fortnight ago, erupt in celebration... you realise you’ve found something special.
When you’re sitting on a beach at sunset, properly tired from a good day of training and exploring, surrounded by friends who came from all corners of the world... you understand why people keep coming back.
Canggu isn’t just about CrossFit. It’s about combining fitness goals with actual living. It’s about meeting incredible people, trying new things, and discovering that staying healthy doesn’t have to mean sacrificing adventure.
And honestly? It’s just really, really fun.
Your Action Plan
This Week:
Join “Canggu Community” and “CrossFit Bali” Facebook groups
Research flights (usually the biggest expense, book early)
Check visa requirements (most get 30-60 days on arrival)
This Month:
Message 2-3 gyms with questions
Sort travel insurance (covering training activities)
Book accommodation for at least your first week
Before You Leave:
Download offline maps of Canggu
Join any WhatsApp groups shared in Facebook communities
Pack light (you need less than you think)
First Day in Canggu:
Try a class at your nearest gym
Find your local warung and café
Get a SIM card for data
Breathe. You made it.
Over to You
This is the end of the series, but the start of your journey.
Tell me in the comments:
Which part of this series was most helpful? (Helps me create better content)
Are you planning a trip? Share your timeline, let’s connect people travelling at similar times
What’s your biggest remaining question or concern?
Already been to Canggu? Share ONE tip for future visitors
Create a community: If you’re planning to visit, drop your dates in the comments. Others might be going at the same time. Instant training partners!
Hit the heart if this series helped you. It tells me what content resonates and encourages me to create more guides like this.
Share this series with anyone who’s been talking about a fitness adventure. Sometimes people just need to see someone else take the leap first.
Read the Complete Series:
Part 1: Why Choose Canggu for CrossFit [ADD YOUR PART 1 LINK HERE] Part 2: The Best CrossFit Gyms Compared [ADD YOUR PART 2 LINK HERE] Part 3: Outdoor Training and Beach Workouts [ADD YOUR PART 3 LINK HERE] Part 4: Complete Lifestyle Guide (You are here)
Bonus: Want More?
Reply to this email with “CANGGU GUIDE” and I’ll send you:
Downloadable packing checklist (PDF)
Weekly training plus exploration planner
Budget calculator spreadsheet
Map with all mentioned locations saved
And that’s it! Four parts, countless words, and hopefully enough information to convince you that training in Canggu is worth considering.
If you do end up going, I’d genuinely love to hear about your experience. What worked well? What surprised you? Which gym became your favourite? Did you fall off a paddleboard (everyone does)?
Drop me a message, leave a comment, or reach out on social media. The Canggu fitness community thrives on shared experiences, and yours might just inspire the next person who’s sitting at their desk in the rain, contemplating whether they’re brave enough to book that ticket.
Spoiler alert: you are.
See you in paradise.
P.S. If you found this series helpful, the single best thing you can do is share it. Send it to your workout buddy, post it in your CrossFit group, forward it to that friend who’s always talking about Bali but never booking.
Sometimes we all need a little push. Be that push for someone else.