Once I discovered that Canggu, Bali had street art, I knew I would enjoy it here. Canggu is an up-and-coming surf spot just up the west coast from the ever popular Seminyak and Kuta, on the Indonesian island of Bali. It’s a hip place for many, but for me, it was about looking for street art.
But is it street art or graffiti? There is a fine line and, whilst driving around from one day to the next, new murals would appear, and others would be painted over.
Admittedly some of the urban art and cool graffiti is obscure, but other street artists’ murals are stunning.
As usual with wall murals, I took a plethora of photos. I enjoyed the hours spent searching for street art in Canggu, so now I would like to show you how talented some of these street artists really are.
But is it street art or graffiti? There is a fine line and, whilst driving around from one day to the next, new murals would appear, and others would be painted over.
Admittedly some of the urban art and cool graffiti is obscure, but other street artists’ murals are stunning.
As usual with wall murals, I took a plethora of photos. I enjoyed the hours spent searching for street art in Canggu, so now I would like to show you how talented some of these street artists really are.
Street Art never used to be a huge interest of mine, despite growing up in Bristol where the infamous Banksy originated. It wasn’t until we visited Penang, Malaysia that my love for street art developed.
What I love most about searching for street art isn’t just finding beautiful murals, but it’s the journey to seek them out. It takes you to places you wouldn’t normally visit; down backstreets and alleyways, I think it’s a fantastic way of getting to know a new place. In the end, we used street art as a landmark to navigate our way around.
Upon our arrival in Canggu, we hired a scooter and headed straight out to look for art. We had already passed a couple of places in the taxi to our accommodation, so knew immediately where we were heading.
Wherever possible, I have tried to describe where the following street art is located, but in truth, I didn’t always know. We scootered around with the intention of getting lost; taking a left turn here, right turn there, we had no idea where we were on occasions. But that was always the plan.
Scootering with no other agenda, than to get lost in search of art.
What I love most about searching for street art isn’t just finding beautiful murals, but it’s the journey to seek them out. It takes you to places you wouldn’t normally visit; down backstreets and alleyways, I think it’s a fantastic way of getting to know a new place. In the end, we used street art as a landmark to navigate our way around.
Upon our arrival in Canggu, we hired a scooter and headed straight out to look for art. We had already passed a couple of places in the taxi to our accommodation, so knew immediately where we were heading.
Wherever possible, I have tried to describe where the following street art is located, but in truth, I didn’t always know. We scootered around with the intention of getting lost; taking a left turn here, right turn there, we had no idea where we were on occasions. But that was always the plan.
Scootering with no other agenda, than to get lost in search of art.
On the Jalan Batu Belig towards Think Pink Nail Salon
Quint
The name that struck out the most was Quint. Who is Quint? Born in Jakarta, this Indonesian artist favours female murals which are signed in bold red ink. His women are fierce, bad-ass babes, inspired by his fascination of the goddess Venus. Murals can be found dotted around Canggu, but also in the back alleys of neighbouring Kuta and Seminyak. If you are a fan, you could have a lot of fun seeking out his art in these areas.
Quint’s work adorns urban walls in Jakarta, Bali, Tokyo to Berlin and he has pursued his love for street art for nearly a decade, despite gunpoint threats and early morning police raids.
If you want to see more of his work without scootering the streets, take a trip to Nyaman Gallery, Seminyak, Bali.
The name that struck out the most was Quint. Who is Quint? Born in Jakarta, this Indonesian artist favours female murals which are signed in bold red ink. His women are fierce, bad-ass babes, inspired by his fascination of the goddess Venus. Murals can be found dotted around Canggu, but also in the back alleys of neighbouring Kuta and Seminyak. If you are a fan, you could have a lot of fun seeking out his art in these areas.
Quint’s work adorns urban walls in Jakarta, Bali, Tokyo to Berlin and he has pursued his love for street art for nearly a decade, despite gunpoint threats and early morning police raids.
If you want to see more of his work without scootering the streets, take a trip to Nyaman Gallery, Seminyak, Bali.
This mural is on the road to Berawa Beach and Finn’s Beach Club
Next to Charlie Rose Tattoo ...
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... on the Batu Balong to Berawa Road
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On Jalan Batu Belig towards Think Pink Nail Salon
Lucas Grogan – Old Man’s murals
The infamous Old Man’s restaurant on the popular surf beach of Batu Balong is home to Lucas Grogan’s blue and white art.
As you approach the beachfront, on your left you are struck by the huge wall mural, and when you step inside, the art continues.
The infamous Old Man’s restaurant on the popular surf beach of Batu Balong is home to Lucas Grogan’s blue and white art.
As you approach the beachfront, on your left you are struck by the huge wall mural, and when you step inside, the art continues.
Old Man's Mural - one of the most popular pieces of Steet Art in Canggu
Lucas was born 33 years ago in Cooma, Australia moving to Hunter Valley when he was young. In his early 20’s, he moved to Melbourne to make a name for himself, I think this move paid off! Lucas’ work can now be seen worldwide in Los Angeles, Sri Lanka, Tokyo, Singapore and of course, Bali. He started off in textile art making quilts, but these days his work has transcended cultures; in Portugal he is told his work looks Portugese, in China, it looks Chinese – and it’s true, I can see it!
His iconic blue and white spawned from his hatred of colour. He prefers tones rather than colour which he finds aggressive.
His iconic blue and white spawned from his hatred of colour. He prefers tones rather than colour which he finds aggressive.
This octopus is inside Old Man's, and looks very different to the rest of the art in here
Street Art at Batu Balong Beach
If you walk down the steps at Batu Balong Beach, on the left is some beautiful street art located on the boardwalks of the beach warungs.
If you walk down the steps at Batu Balong Beach, on the left is some beautiful street art located on the boardwalks of the beach warungs.
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On Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong about half a mile before you reach Old Man’s is a wall filled with exceptional art. We had a chance to chat with one of the artists when we were taking photographs, and he posed for a photo next to one of his pieces. We now follow him on Instagram @ogutbaliart.
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On the Batu Balong to Berawa Road
Most of the art was found along this stretch of road. Thank goodness there were two of us on the scooter; Sy keeping an eye on the road, and I was constantly turning my head left, right and behind in search of all the art along here.
Most of the art was found along this stretch of road. Thank goodness there were two of us on the scooter; Sy keeping an eye on the road, and I was constantly turning my head left, right and behind in search of all the art along here.
This huge mural is on the wall of the Berawa Beach Surf Stay
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The Pug can be found on the wall of Loosed Clothes Shop
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At Berawa Beach
There is a wall just before you reach Berawa Beach where we spotted some lovely street art, when we returned to the beach a few days later, some of them had all been painted over. It's still worth looking down here, that wall is fresh for new art and will undoubtedly be used.
There is a wall just before you reach Berawa Beach where we spotted some lovely street art, when we returned to the beach a few days later, some of them had all been painted over. It's still worth looking down here, that wall is fresh for new art and will undoubtedly be used.
Think Pink Nail Salon – located at Jalan Batu Belig
Inside the New York inspired nail salon, is a beautiful piece of work by Cube. The Audrey Hepburn mural may not be the most realistic, but this colourful centrepiece is striking. On the way to the nail salon we passed the Quint turtle and rooster feature above, so it’s definitely worth the trip.
Inside the New York inspired nail salon, is a beautiful piece of work by Cube. The Audrey Hepburn mural may not be the most realistic, but this colourful centrepiece is striking. On the way to the nail salon we passed the Quint turtle and rooster feature above, so it’s definitely worth the trip.
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Admittedly, we did spend time scootering around looking for art. We enjoyed feeling the cool breeze on our face, and because we don’t have any means of transportation on Gili Air, a scooter felt liberating.
Some pieces were easy to spot, others we had to hunt for, often turning around and going back the way we came. We didn’t stop for every piece of street art, and there is definitely more out there, I know we missed some.
Some pieces were easy to spot, others we had to hunt for, often turning around and going back the way we came. We didn’t stop for every piece of street art, and there is definitely more out there, I know we missed some.
On the road to Echo Beach
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Inside Fat Mermaid restaurant
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Next to MyWarung Echo Beach
At Maria Curau Art Social Beauty sho
On the wall next to Olala Homestay
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Tips when looking for Street Art
My advice when looking for street art is just to get out there and wander. If you want to see a lot of street art in just one place, head to ALLCAPS graffiti shop and Art Gallery, they are an outdoor warehouse filled with murals, and have been supporting artists for three years.
If you are a street art fan and are heading to Bali, Canggu should be the first place you start.
My advice when looking for street art is just to get out there and wander. If you want to see a lot of street art in just one place, head to ALLCAPS graffiti shop and Art Gallery, they are an outdoor warehouse filled with murals, and have been supporting artists for three years.
If you are a street art fan and are heading to Bali, Canggu should be the first place you start.
Our simple room in Purnama Guesthouse, Canggu
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The green courtyard of Purnama Guesthouse
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Where we stayed in Canggu
Our self-catering accommodation was Purnama Guesthouse, a simply furnished room in a quiet leafy courtyard off a main road. Facilities included a shared small kitchen if you wanted to make yourself coffee and breakfast in the morning, and a fridge to store your cold beers and food. It was an excellent choice for peace and quiet, it’s just a shame the bed was just a little too soft for both of us.
It was an excellent location close to everything we wanted to see, and within walking distance of Batu Balong Beach. Next door was a small supermarket, and they also hired out scooters.
Hiring a scooter in Bali
Officially you need an International Driving Licence in Bali and throughout Indonesia. Everyone hires a scooter, and hire place don't check if you have a licence. If you don’t have one, you could be fined if you are stopped by the police.
Do note that there is a difference between a fine, and a policeman asking for a “money” not to give you a ticket. The official ticketed fine is around 40,000 – 50,000 IDR, but a policeman may try to ask for a few thousand. Don’t pay. Insist on having a ticket, otherwise you are contributing to police corruption.
ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET. Don’t risk your life for a day trip. Yes you will see people posting on Instagram not wearing a helmet with a “sorry Mum” and laughing emoji thinking it’s cool. It’s not. Admittedly the driving pace is slower in Canggu than the rest of Bali, yes you will have “helmet hair”, but honestly, is it really worth the risk? Tourists fall off/accidentally knocked off daily in Bali, don’t be one of the death or injury statistics that are constantly published.
Our self-catering accommodation was Purnama Guesthouse, a simply furnished room in a quiet leafy courtyard off a main road. Facilities included a shared small kitchen if you wanted to make yourself coffee and breakfast in the morning, and a fridge to store your cold beers and food. It was an excellent choice for peace and quiet, it’s just a shame the bed was just a little too soft for both of us.
It was an excellent location close to everything we wanted to see, and within walking distance of Batu Balong Beach. Next door was a small supermarket, and they also hired out scooters.
Hiring a scooter in Bali
Officially you need an International Driving Licence in Bali and throughout Indonesia. Everyone hires a scooter, and hire place don't check if you have a licence. If you don’t have one, you could be fined if you are stopped by the police.
Do note that there is a difference between a fine, and a policeman asking for a “money” not to give you a ticket. The official ticketed fine is around 40,000 – 50,000 IDR, but a policeman may try to ask for a few thousand. Don’t pay. Insist on having a ticket, otherwise you are contributing to police corruption.
ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET. Don’t risk your life for a day trip. Yes you will see people posting on Instagram not wearing a helmet with a “sorry Mum” and laughing emoji thinking it’s cool. It’s not. Admittedly the driving pace is slower in Canggu than the rest of Bali, yes you will have “helmet hair”, but honestly, is it really worth the risk? Tourists fall off/accidentally knocked off daily in Bali, don’t be one of the death or injury statistics that are constantly published.
Bali travel information
Location - Bali is an island in Indonesia
Language – English is widely spoken, but Bahasa Indonesian is the official language.
Currency – Indonesian Rupiah, £1 = 18,000 IDR
Wi-Fi – available in most places; hotels, homestays, beach bars and restaurants
Climate – Tropical with two seasons; Wet/Monsoon is October to April, Dry is April to October
ATM’s – There are plenty of ATM’s all over Canggu and Bali.
Driving - Left side of the road
Visa - A 30 day visa is given at the time of arrival in Indonesia (not for all countries, check with your embassy).
Airport – Bali’s only airport, Ngurah Rai International Airport, is located 13km south of Denpasar.
Religion – Predominantly Hindu, but also Muslim. Indonesia has the largest number of Muslims in the world.
What is your favourite piece of street art in this post? Tell us in the comment section below.
Location - Bali is an island in Indonesia
Language – English is widely spoken, but Bahasa Indonesian is the official language.
Currency – Indonesian Rupiah, £1 = 18,000 IDR
Wi-Fi – available in most places; hotels, homestays, beach bars and restaurants
Climate – Tropical with two seasons; Wet/Monsoon is October to April, Dry is April to October
ATM’s – There are plenty of ATM’s all over Canggu and Bali.
Driving - Left side of the road
Visa - A 30 day visa is given at the time of arrival in Indonesia (not for all countries, check with your embassy).
Airport – Bali’s only airport, Ngurah Rai International Airport, is located 13km south of Denpasar.
Religion – Predominantly Hindu, but also Muslim. Indonesia has the largest number of Muslims in the world.
What is your favourite piece of street art in this post? Tell us in the comment section below.
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Travelling around Indonesia? Hope these links help!
Lembongan - Bali, but Better!
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Gili Meno - The Island of Love
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Gili Gede - The Secret Gili Islands
Gili Asahan - The Secret Gili Islands
Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis - The Secret Gili Islands
Tarsiers and a Monkey Selfie
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca
Komodo, Flores, More Than Just Dragons
Jewels of Java - Borobudur & Prambanan
Indonesian Orangutan Adventure
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Are you a Scuba Diver? Check out these related links:
Scuba Diving the Gili Islands
Manta Madness
Diving Raja Ampat
Lembeh - A Magical Muck Diving Experience
USS Liberty in Bali - Highly Wreck-Ommended
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