Veggiekins Vegan Guide to Bali
I spent two weeks traveling around Bali, Indonesia, and it quickly became one of my favorite destinations. It offers warm weather, abundant nature, excellent yoga, and a thriving vegan food scene. I split my time between Canggu and Ubud, and although I had considered adding Seminyak or Uluwatu to the itinerary, I returned to Canggu after Ubud due to a minor injury from a traffic accident.
My research and recommendations from friends narrowed my main areas of interest to Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu. I was advised to avoid Seminyak and central Kuta if I wanted a less tourist-driven experience, though each place offers a different side of Bali’s culture. Even in Canggu and Ubud, tourism is visible, but the local culture remains accessible.
Update (Dec 2019) — I returned to Bali with family and stayed in Nusa Dua, spending a day or two in Uluwatu. I’ve included a few favorites for those areas below.
Before you go, decide which areas match your interests. Surfing spots, yoga retreats, and raw food cafes tend to cluster in different neighborhoods. Although Bali is small geographically, travel between areas can take 1–2 hours by car because of traffic, so plan accordingly rather than hopping neighborhoods for a single meal.
Most restaurants and cafés mentioned offer gluten-free options. Traditional Indonesian sauces sometimes contain gluten, so always ask if you need to avoid it. This guide is not exhaustive — Bali has many vegan choices — but it highlights places I visited and menus I explored. For a comprehensive directory, look up local listings such as Happy Cow.
Without further ado, here is the Veggiekins Vegan Guide to Bali. If you want more of my experience, check out my Bali vlogs on YouTube. If you’re interested in joining a retreat I’m hosting in Bali, sign up for my newsletter for updates.
~ Denotes a spot I had on my list but didn’t have time to visit.
Canggu
Restaurants
*Nude Café – Bright and sunlit, Nude offers bowls, burgers, salads, and tasty protein shakes. Their nourish bowls stood out to me, and the vegan salted caramel protein is excellent when added to a drink. Not everything is vegan, so check the menu.
*Give Café – One of my absolute favorites in Bali. This all-vegan, non-profit café donates to causes supporting people, planet, and animals. After purchasing food you receive a wooden coin to allocate to a cause. They serve veganized Indonesian warung-style dishes and western options like burgers and pancakes. Try the Mie Goreng or Nasi Goreng (both can include a vegan fried egg) and ask for Krupuk (vegan “shrimp” crackers). Very Instagrammable and fully vegan.
Varuna – A modern-styled Indonesian warung with rotating daily options and a build-your-own-plate setup. Good food, though we preferred Warung Bu Mi slightly more. Not all dishes are vegan; ask staff for plant-based choices.
*Warung Bu Mi – Our favorite local warung in Canggu for hearty, flavorful dishes. The setting isn’t trendy, but it has local charm and satisfying vegan options when requested.
~Warung Padang Vegan – An all-vegan warung recommended by followers. Great for building a nasi campur plate without the need to double-check ingredients.
~Ona Canggu – Offers a dedicated vegan and vegetarian menu with dishes like vegan and gluten-free ravioli. Looks perfect for dinner and sunset viewing near the beach; we didn’t make it but it’s on my list. Not fully vegan.
The Shady Shack – A plant-filled restaurant with shaded outdoor seating. Vegan-friendly with a relaxed atmosphere—ideal for a late lunch or early dinner.
Motion Café – Geared toward nutrition and performance. Offers a variety of vegan protein powders mixed into shakes and bowls focused on macronutrient balance. Expect functional food rather than highly seasoned dishes. Good for post-workout fuel. Not fully vegan but very vegan-friendly.
~Warung Dandelion – Highly recommended and described as romantic. They offer vegan options, though I didn’t get to visit.
I Am Vegan Babe – A bright, all-vegan spot with outdoor seating and a wide menu of sweet and savory dishes. The cinnamon bun is worth trying.
Cafés
*Crate Café – A spacious Aussie-style café popular for brunch. Expect long waits (sometimes up to 45 minutes), but the smoothie bowls, toasts, and baked goods are crowd-pleasers. Not fully vegan.
Organic Café – Solid brunch spot with vegan and gluten-free pancake options. I didn’t love the juices but enjoyed the pancakes. Not fully vegan.
*Made’s Bakery Banana Flour – Gluten-free baked goods made with banana flour and several vegan options. They supply other cafés around Bali, but their standalone bakery is worth an early visit. Not fully vegan.
Mindful Munchies – A local baker producing vegan and gluten-free cookies, muffins, and more, available at cafés across the island.
The Loft – A dependable breakfast spot with smoothie bowls and options to add vegan protein. Not fully vegan.
Nalu Bowls – An OG smoothie bowl spot known for thick, spoonable bowls. A must for smoothie bowl fans.
Earth Café and Market – Small health food shop with superfoods, raw treats, and Peace Pops (coconut milk popsicles wrapped in banana leaf). Limited selection but delightful snacks.
BGS Coffee – Popular local coffee spot frequently visited by locals and expats alike.
Matcha Café – Interesting matcha-infused dishes across sweet and savory items. Drinks can be hit-or-miss, but the menu is creative. Not fully vegan.
Fitness & Wellness
Finn’s Rec Club – A well-equipped gym with air conditioning and high-quality machines. Drop-ins are available.
The Practice – Hatha-focused yoga studio with a lovely shala.
Chillhouse* – My favorite yoga studio. Take the 90-minute morning classes and enjoy a green juice at Cassava Café.
Samadi – Yoga studio, restaurant, and home of the Sunday organic market. The studio is shaded and cooler than most open-air options.
The Nest – A boutique-style fitness studio offering open gym sessions, weightlifting, and boxing classes.
Maria Curau Nail Salon* – A fully vegan, non-toxic nail salon known for minimalist nail art and reasonable pricing. Great for a pre-flight treatment.
Tonic – A pink, flamingo-themed massage spa offering affordable quality massages. The bamboo stick massage is a favorite.
Shopping
Indosole* – Sustainable footwear made from recycled tires. Stylish, ethical, and practical for Bali’s beaches.
Cove Island Essentials* – A curated shop with jewelry, home décor, ceramics, and clothing. Great for unique finds.
Zero Waste Bali – A zero-waste store with products to reduce plastic use. Handy for picking up reusable items.
Alive Whole Foods Store – Small market with produce, specialty goods, and bulk items packaged in low-waste materials.
Samadi Sunday Organic Market – Weekly market offering produce, baked goods, essential oils, and more. A lovely Sunday morning activity.
Beachgold – Clothing store near BGS with breezy dresses and beachwear.
Sunbe – Local swimwear designer with comfortable, stylish bikinis; consider sizing up.
Quince – A café with an attached shop selling ceramics—perfect for kitchenware lovers.
Things to Do
La Brisa – One of the best sunset spots in Canggu. Arrive around 4:30–5 PM for a waterside seat. The menu includes vegan options and it’s a great place to watch the sunset.
The Lawn – A beach hangout with sunbeds and day passes. More expensive but comfortable for a full day by the sea. Vegan food options are limited, but they offer local kombucha.
Where to Stay
The Chillhouse – A yoga and surf hotel with complimentary breakfast and yoga for guests. Convenient for a wellness-focused stay.
The Slow – A modern, design-forward hotel ideal for a special or upscale stay. Food options are limited for vegans but the property is memorable.
Como Uma – A luxurious beachfront hotel with a beach club, pool, and spa—great for celebrations.
Airbnb Villa Love is Simple – A convenient two-bedroom villa near main roads and close to the beach. Private pool, full kitchen, and quiet surroundings.
Airbnb Casa Soleil – A three-bedroom villa with private pool and outdoor shower, ideal for groups or families.
Ubud
Restaurants
~Melting Wok Warung – Very popular and often busy. Book ahead; waits can be long but the food is worth trying if you can secure a table.
*Sage – An all-vegan restaurant serving smoothie bowls, hearty breakfast sandwiches, and inventive dishes like the Naamlette. One of our favorites in Ubud.
*Bella by Sage – Sage’s sister restaurant with a large, dependable menu and many gluten-free and vegan choices. We ate here several times and it never disappointed.
Zest – Highly recommended for fresh, satisfying meals focused on quality ingredients. Many dishes are gluten-free and the menu blends fusion with Indonesian flavors.
Alchemy – A fully raw vegan spot with a creative salad and smoothie bowl bar. Unique raw preparations and toppings make it stand out.
*Moksa – A memorable dining experience with half the menu raw and half cooked. Ingredients are grown on-site and prepared with care. Our favorite restaurant experience in Ubud.
*Sayuri Healing Foods – Vegetarian and vegan dishes prepared with health-focused techniques. Try the Matcha Swirl Pancake on weekends. Lots of raw and cooked healing foods.
~Watercress – Elevated plates with beautiful presentations and many vegan-friendly options. I didn’t eat here but it’s on my list for next time.
~Locavore – A highly sought-after, tasting-menu restaurant. Book far in advance if you want the plant-based option — it’s often fully reserved months ahead.
Kafe – An organic café offering fresh, energizing vegetarian and vegan meals. Good balance of cooked and raw options.
~Kafe Batan Waru – Recommended for authentic Balinese dishes with vegetarian and vegan choices. I didn’t visit but it came highly recommended.
Fitness & Wellness
*Yoga Barn – Famous in Ubud for a wide range of classes in a large open space. Longer classes around sunset are especially beautiful.
*Karsa Spa – An outdoor spa with superb treatments including scrub, body mask, and a flower bath. Thoughtfully priced for the quality of the experience.
The Udaya (Kaveri Spa) – A higher-end spa experience with couple’s packages and lavish flower baths. The resort grounds are lovely and worth visiting.
Hanging Gardens – Iconic luxury hotel known for dramatic pool views and a beautiful spa. Ideal for a special occasion if you don’t mind a short drive from central Ubud.
Shopping
Ubud Art Market – A good place to browse handmade crafts and local art. Even if you don’t buy, it’s worth a stroll.
Ubud Night Market – Excellent for sampling local Indonesian bites and enjoying the lively evening atmosphere.
Things to Do
Bali Swing – A popular tourist activity with multiple swings at varying heights. Go early to avoid crowds or choose a higher swing for shorter lines.
*Tegallalang Rice Terrace – A stunning rice terrace best visited at sunrise or sunset. Donations on entry help support local farmers.
Waterfalls – Bali has many waterfalls; Nungnug and Tegenungan are well-known. Hiring a driver or guide is useful, especially for harder-to-find spots. We visited Tibumana, which has an easier trek.
Mount Batur Sunrise Hike – A sunrise hike that many describe as unforgettable. You’ll need an early start, a guide, and transportation to get there.
Monkey Forest – A lively and engaging spot to see macaques up close. Keep a firm hold on belongings as the monkeys are comfortable approaching visitors.
Where to Stay
Tiny House Airbnb – A beautiful, airy Airbnb with floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor shower close to restaurants and attractions.
Alila Hotel – A tranquil, retreat-like property ideal for a restful stay or honeymoon. It’s a bit removed from central attractions.
Bisma Eight – A luxury hotel with an infinity pool and a central location near many restaurants and sights.
Soulshine Hotel – Offers farm-to-table dining, yoga retreats, and comfortable, luxury rooms—great for a retreat-style stay.
Seminyak
Restaurants
*Kynd Community – An all-vegan restaurant and sister to Give Café. Highly photogenic with creative pink interiors. The food is enjoyable and perfect for a brunch or lunch stop.
~Balibola – A flexitarian spot with beautiful interiors and a plant-forward menu. We didn’t visit but it looks promising.
~Kin Café – Frequently recommended as a top vegan spot in Seminyak with breakfast, Indonesian dishes, and cooking classes. We didn’t make it this trip but it’s touted by many.
Cafés
*Coffee Cartel – Exceptional coffee that impressed even my coffee-snob boyfriend. They also offer creative latte art including photo prints on drinks.
~Shelter Café – A rooftop garden restaurant with vegan and gluten-free options. The menu looks tempting and I plan to visit next time.
Fitness & Wellness
Canopy Spa – A bright spa with outdoor tubs and a relaxing atmosphere located at Lloyd’s Inn.
Spring Spa – A reputable spa chain with multiple locations offering massages, manicures, and more.
The Cottage – A beauty house focused on nails and facials, also offering massage services.
Shopping
Auguste the Label – Australian brand with a Seminyak storefront offering lightweight vacation clothing.
Gooseberry Intimates – A swimwear and intimates brand with stores in Bali; great for stylish beachwear.
Satunama – Home store with ceramics and woven pieces—perfect for bringing Bali accents home.
Kevala Ceramics – A ceramic studio worth visiting if you love handcrafted tableware.
Where to Stay
Lloyd’s Inn – A minimalist hotel with bright white designs and lush greenery. Close to Double Six beach and home to Canopy Spa.
Alila Seminyak – A beachfront luxury option near Potato Head Beach Club with striking design and direct beach access.
Nusa Dua & Uluwatu (under construction)
Restaurants
De Verdant Kuma (Nusa Dua)
The Loft
Nalu Bowls
Ours
The Place With No Name
Land’s End Cafe
The Cashew Tree
Livingwell Restaurant
Suka Espresso
Gooseberry Intimates
Yoga Searcher
Alila Uluwatu
General Travel Tips
Timing: We visited in early November, which some consider low season due to possible rain. We experienced only a brief rain on arrival and mostly sunny days after. Ubud tends to be wetter than coastal areas, so expect more rain inland. Low season can mean fewer crowds while many places are still open.
Transportation: Motorbikes are the most convenient way to get around and available for rent on most streets. If you prefer not to drive, use Gojek to book a local bike or hire a driver. Be cautious: roads are narrow and accidents can happen. Avoid using ride-hailing car services in areas where local taxi operators enforce restrictions.
Apps: Download Gojek for rides, deliveries, and on-demand services. Halodoc can be useful for pharmacy deliveries if you need medical supplies.
Safety: Bali generally feels safe and locals are welcoming. Stay aware when walking near roads and busy streets because motorbikes are frequent.
Water: Avoid drinking tap water. Purchase larger bottles to reduce plastic waste or refill a reusable bottle when your accommodation provides filtered water. Stay hydrated—Bali can be hot and humid.