Canggu is, without a doubt, one of the busiest spots in Bali. Living outside the area, I’ve always preferred to visit only when I’m staying for a few days—other exceptions include those rare windows of time when traffic is not at its peak.
So when I decided to embark on a stay at Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu, I knew I had to make the most of its prime location.
Perched right by the shoreline, Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu is a gateway to the best of Canggu. The resort blends modern comforts with coastal charm, offering ocean-view accommodations, a rooftop infinity pool, and vibrant dining options at Roomah, the resort’s in-house restaurant. As the sun dips, Canggu’s vibrant nightlife awaits just moments away, with hotspots like Motel Mexicola, Old Man’s, and The Lawn within easy reach. Whether it’s lazy beach days, indulgent dining, or dancing until dawn, this stylish retreat puts you right at the heart of it all—effortlessly capturing Canggu’s irresistible mix of relaxation and revelry.
After successfully dodging the infamous Canggu traffic, I finally arrived at the resort and was welcomed with a refreshing purple drink—just what I needed after the journey. Check-in was seamless, handled with warmth by the staff, and soon I was on my way to my room on the third floor.
The King Standard Ocean View did not disappoint. From my window, Batu Bolong Beach stretched out in all its sun-drenched glory. Sliding the door open, I stepped onto a compact yet cozy balcony—just the right size for two—perfect for catching the sunset without leaving the comfort of my room. Inside, the open-concept bathroom featured sleek sliding doors, offering the option of privacy when needed. As I explored the space, I took in all its nooks and crannies, the little details—the signature Holiday Inn mix of soft and firm pillows, the crisp linens, and, in the corner, a surfboard decor piece. The surfboard stayed in my mind as a fitting reminder: I had officially arrived in Canggu!
Lunch at Roomah was a treat. Unsure of what to order, I turned to my waitress, Ayu, for a recommendation. She happily suggested the Nasi Goreng Kampung Nelayan—and when she noticed my hesitation, she offered to pull up a picture on her tablet. And what do you know? That was all it took. The dish looked incredible, piled high with generous toppings. I was sold. I paired it with a vanilla milkshake and placed my order.
As I waited, a complimentary focaccia bread platter arrived, served with olive oil, parsley, and garlic dip that I couldn’t get enough of. Then came the main event. Every bite of the Nasi Goreng Kampung Nelayan was packed with bold, savoury flavours—zesty and fresh. The mix of toppings made it a standout: fluffy chopped omelette, seared grilled barramundi, a crispy tempura version of the same fish, prawn crackers, and a juicy king prawn satay. And then there was the sambal—spicy, punchy, and just what the dish needed to tie everything together. I savoured every bite, knowing I’d made the right choice.
After lunch, I stumbled upon an activity titled ‘Balinese Arts & Crafts’ and decided to join in. It was a canang sari-making workshop, where I not only learned how to assemble the offerings but also discovered the deeper meanings behind each element.
Nury, the instructor, explained that canang sari is arranged based on the cardinal directions. Facing east, a white rose represents purity. To the west, a yellow mitir flower symbolises intuition. Red flowers are placed to the north for power, while purple flowers face south, signifying the dissolution of impurities. At the heart of the offering lies a suji or pandan leaf, embodying gratitude and spiritual liberation. It was a beautifully intricate practice—one that deepened my appreciation for Bali’s daily rituals.
Scanning the list of activities, one in particular caught my eye—beer pong. Now, I wouldn’t call myself skilled, but my competitive streak got the better of me, and I jumped in. What I didn’t realise was that this wasn’t just any beer pong—it was a floating beer pong match in the pool. A brand-new addition to the resort’s lineup, and as it turned out, the water worked in my favour compared to the usual table.
My opponent? Hashim, an acquaintance from Holiday Inn’s team, made this an official battle against the house. However, as the saying goes, the house always wins. Still, I put up a solid fight—mind you, the score was close! Even in defeat, I had an absolute blast, laughing, strategising, and maybe, just maybe, planning my rematch.
After a lively round of beer pong, I lingered in the rooftop pool, hoping to catch the sunset. But with the clouds refusing to cooperate, I called it a day, dried off, and headed back to my room for a shower. Stepping out, though, I caught a glimpse of the sunset through my window—a small but beautiful reward, even with the grey skies.
For dinner, I returned to Roomah, following a trusted recommendation from a little birdie—the Oxtail Soup. Ayu greeted me once again, ever attentive, and I joked that she’d soon tire of seeing me. She assured me otherwise and, as always, made sure everything was just right. Trusting her taste, I also took her suggestion for a drink—the Lychee Freeze.
The familiar focaccia platter arrived, a comforting staple I’d surely miss. Then came the soup—rich, deeply flavoured, with a subtle tang. The oxtail was unbelievably tender, slipping off the bone effortlessly. But the real surprise? The sambal—a vibrant green mix with a bold, peppery kick and citrusy zest that cut through the richness perfectly. Bonus points for the bowl—it kept the soup warm far longer than expected. And after such a hearty dish, the Lychee Freeze was just the refreshing finish I needed.
After dinner, I wandered the lively streets of Batu Bolong Beach, where the energy never fades—even on a weekday. A quick five-minute walk led me to Old Man’s, with Motel Mexicola just across the way. A sharp right would take me to The Lawn, and a bit further down, the stylish new Desa Kitsune.
I grabbed a beer and bounced between Old Man’s and Motel Mexicola, dancing to the music and chatting with the ever-energetic crowd of travellers. But once my social battery ran low, I called it a night, retreating to the hotel and sinking into the comfort of my bed.
The next morning, I woke at 7 AM, ready for my Flowy Yoga session. Heading up to the rooftop in my yoga attire, I found the instructor, Putra, already waiting. He took a moment to chat before we began, a small but thoughtful touch to help ease into the session.
We started with meditation, which I appreciated—something I often do in my free time to centre myself. Then came the flow of poses. It had been a while since my last yoga session, but Putra was both patient and encouraging, pushing me just enough to challenge myself. We wrapped up with another round of meditation, leaving me refreshed and ready to refuel at the breakfast buffet.
Back at Roomah for breakfast, I walked into a scene that was both bustling and laid-back. Ayu greeted me once again, this time introducing me to their unique breakfast concept. While there was a buffet with charcuterie, salads, breads, and cereals, the real highlight was the unlimited à la carte menu—guests could order as many dishes as they wanted until 11 AM. My eyes lit up as I scanned the options, eventually settling on three: the Great Breakfast, Chicken & Shrimp Dumplings, and Pancakes.
Regret hit me quickly—not for my choices, but for underestimating the portions. Each dish was generous and delicious, but there was only so much my stomach could handle. Completely satisfied, I eyed the guest next to me, casually asking for a takeaway box and seriously considering doing the same.
Back in my room, I started packing for the inevitable departure—always the least enjoyable part of any trip. Thankfully, a late check-out had been granted, which I took full advantage of with a quick but much-needed nap, sinking into the plush pillows one last time.
That final rest made me realise something: my Canggu escape had been more than just nightlife and youthful energy. Holiday Inn Resort Bali Canggu had given me a balanced experience: culture through the canang sari workshop, incredible food at Roomah, social buzz from beer pong and its prime location near Canggu’s hottest spots, and a touch of wellness with the Flowy Yoga session. I’d been completely taken care of, so for those who think Canggu is only all parties and chaos, let me be the first to tell you—it can be just as healing as it is fun!