If you’re hoping to jet off to Bali as soon as Ms Rona packs her bags and leaves, then make sure to visit the paradise of Canggu. You won’t be stuck for things to do here, but for the eco-conscious traveller it’s always nice to know you’re not harming the environment while enjoying your much deserved break from reality. So, here is a list of six eco-friendly cafes and shops to visit during your stay:
1. Silk Road Café
@silkroadwholefoods
Location: Jalan Pantai Berawa, Canggu
Cost: $$
Silk Road is a jungle haven that offers a varied menu of tasty, organic wholefoods. Whether you want an aesthetic smoothie bowl or to chow down on Taco Tuesday, this place has you covered. Plus, they assure that all their salads are made from produce that is chemical and pesticide free and sourced from the mountains and lake area of Bedugal, so no nasty business. This isn’t the place to order a Nasi Goreng, but it will definitely satisfy those looking for chill tropical vibes and lots of healthy, veggie dishes and juices.
2. Ucandco
@ucandco @nataoka
Location: Gg. Manu No.1, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara
Cost: $$
Universal Culture & Co. is a local business selling a great range of male and female clothing and accessories. They also stock other sustainable brands such as Nataoka, which makes all its clothing in the small village of Kerambitan. Everything is brilliant quality and the staff are kind and helpful. Ucandco’s positive “Spread Love, Zero Hate” ethos is printed on some of their tees and helps spread a simple but effective message. Shopping here means supporting a local business over mass production and one which donates money from each product sold to local social communities. Plus, if you spend over 900,000 IDR you get a free tote bag!
3. Give Café
@givecafe
Location: Jalan Padanglinjong No.85, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara
Cost: $$
Give Café is super special, donating 100% of its profits to three charities at the end of each month. Customers are given a wooden coin with every purchase which they can slot into the donation box next to the till, choosing between three topics: People, Environment, and Animals. Mission Pawsible, Pusbadi Bali, and Merah Putih Hijau are just a few of the great charities they support. Give’s motto, ‘when you have more than you need, build a longer table – not a higher fence’, embodies the great energy of the café and what they are trying to accomplish. Their food is also 100% plant based, all straws are metal, and smoothie bowls are served in coconuts. Don’t miss their Unicorn Pancakes!
4. Samadi Bali Market
@Samadibali
Location: Jalan Padang Linjong 39, Canggu
Cost: $
Samadi Market takes place every Sunday from 9:00 ‘till 14:00 and supports local organic farmers and artisans. The food is chemical free, healthy, and fresh, including fruit and veg, pastries, bread, cakes, dips, cheese and more. There is also a café hidden amongst the stalls that serves organic dishes, such as smoothie bowls, zucchini pasta, and mushroom burgers, as well as a great range of healthy juices. The market has plenty of stunning jewellery, perfect for buying gifts for friends and family (or yourself), natural remedies and teas, clothes, and stalls fighting for change, such as Eco Bali Life and Bali Street Mums Project.
5. Secret Spot
@secretspotbali
Location: Jalan Pantai Berawa No.44, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara.
Cost: $$
Secret Spot is most definitely not a secret and you’ll see why; whether you’re vegan or not, it will be hard to choose just one dish on the menu. Nothing is done half-heartedly here, even something as simple as a lemonade includes real passionfruit and tastes incredible. Their pesto ravioli is raved about but if you have more of a sweet-tooth then you won’t regret ordering their delicious Secret Waffles. The interior is calm and cosy, perfect for a solo coffee and laptop sesh or an intimate lunch date. If you loved your visit as much as we did, they also sell great quality tote bags to add to your forever-growing collection.
6. Indigo Luna
@indigoluna_store
Location: Jalan Padang Linjong No. 44a, Tibubeneng, Kuta Utara.
Cost: $$$
Indigo Luna is a haven of stunningly designed yoga and swimwear to suit all tastes. The Canggu store itself is stylish and fresh, presenting their endless array of bikinis and yoga outfits made from bamboo derived fabrics and native Balinese plant dyes. The company is doing innovative things in the retail space that is (as ever) saturated with fast fashion labels. They ethically manufacture every piece in their small women-run factory in Indonesia avoiding any single use plastics, and instead using biodegradable pouches made from cassava starch to house their bangin’ bikinis. A purchase here won’t be cheap, but it’s a price worth paying for quality, sustainable clothing that will last you a lifetime.