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The Infamous Canggu Shortcut

March 8, 2019 By .Fad 81 Comments

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Canggu Shortcut

If you have ever been to Canggu in the beautiful Bali, you must have passed or at least heard about the infamous Canggu shortcut. It’s an 800m shortcut that cuts right through the evergreen paddy fields and takes you to the main road. While it’s nice and serene to drive by the paddy fields, hundreds have fallen into them. I present you, the Canggu Shortcut!

Bali Scooter
Booking.com

What is the shortcut about?

The Canggu shortcut connects Batu Bolong to Berawa. It doesn’t really bring you straight to Seminyak but it’s only 5 minutes from there. Canggu and Seminyak are two of the most popular spots in Bali with the sizable influx of tourist keep pouring in. Let’s imagine the horrendous traffic between these two major areas. Without the shortcut, you can expect to be stuck in a jam somewhere along the main road called Jalan Raya Canggu for more than an hour. You don’t want your holiday to be ruined by a jam (or macet in Indonesian), do you?

Or you can just escape to the ever serene Ubud where tranquillity and zen lies.

The shortcut is a small-cobbled road with a width of barely two cars. Hell yes, it is a two-way road. Here comes the madness. Only a car can pass at a time, while the other park themselves at the edge of the road letting it pass. I forgot to mention there are other road users like the bike riders (they are everywhere) and they are constantly trying to get past the cars.

It takes about 5-15 minutes to drive through this infamous shortcut, depending on the traffic. Still better than the macet.

Where is this shortcut in Canggu?

This Bali road hack begins at the corner of Jl Nelayan and ends at Jl Raya Semat where you can see Warung Heboh. From there, you will definitely see a number of cars and bikes coming out from a corner and that’s where the madness begins (or ends if you’re from the opposite). It is easy to locate this shortcut from various landmarks from Batu Bolong like Cafe Voyager and Canggu Tattoo Studio.

Map of Canggu to Seminyak Shortcut

Why is it infamous?

Now, this is where the madness begins. I have stated earlier that hundreds have fallen. This is a common sight amongst locals and it is a daily occurrence. Motorcycles and cars drive too close to the edge to avoid the oncoming traffic and joined the rice field as well. It’s far more dangerous for cars as it can topple over. As Canggu is populated with travel bloggers/digital nomads, I’ve heard of plenty who have their laptop and work devices broken due to the fall. Crazy!

Personally and thankfully, during my stay in Canggu, I’ve never witnessed one accident at the Canggu shortcut. All’s well and swell!

machet
‘Machet’
balibelly.com
canggu shortcut fails

wowshack.com
Canggu shortcut

CangguGuide
Canggu Shortcut
CangguGuide

Now, man, do you have any tips?

There are plenty of takeaways for the infamous Canggu shortcut, and some of which I’ve mentioned above. For instance, the distance of the shortcut, the duration it takes from one end to the other and of course, the imminent dangers.
Additional tips:

  • It gets pack like sardines and real busy during early mornings and peak hours
  • Avoid this shortcut during night time due to the poor lighting
  • If you’re a first-timer on a motorbike, do have plenty of practices prior to tackling this shortcut
  • Always wear a helmet (duh)
  • As tempting as it might be, avoid overtaking
  • If you are not used to having a pillion, steer clear of using this shortcut

With all these in mind and well-taken note of, I’m guessing you’re ready to escape the ‘macet’ and be on your way to Seminyak in no time and be a Canggu expert. Or even blending in with the locals, effortlessly.

Safe travels y’all!

Filed Under: Indonesia, Travel Tagged With: Canggu, Indonesia, Seminyak, Shortcut

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Comments

  1. Cristina Petrin says

    March 27, 2019 at 18:29

    I would not want to be in those who must always travel this infamous and terrible road!

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 27, 2019 at 18:31

      It’s not that bad actually haha just have to watch out for the imminent dangers 😰

      Reply
  2. Joan says

    March 27, 2019 at 19:09

    I would love to try riding a motor bike but I M scared of falling off and breaking a limb or something. It does look really fun though.

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 27, 2019 at 19:14

      Hahahaha it is liberating really! Maybe avoid this shortcut if you’re not confident? Stay safe yea

      Reply
  3. Krysten Quiles says

    March 27, 2019 at 21:50

    Yikes, I’m not so sure about this. Thanks for sharing though, I’d never heard about it.

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 28, 2019 at 15:01

      Now you do hahahah you will love it with the serene views of the paddy fields (minus the traffic). You’ll be fine!

      Reply
  4. GiGi Eats says

    March 27, 2019 at 22:14

    Never have I ever been to Bali, however, my brother and his wife just got back from Bali a few weeks ago and had a terrific time!

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 27, 2019 at 23:15

      And you should join them next time! It’s lovely in bali!

      Reply
  5. Shubh says

    March 27, 2019 at 22:28

    So much of traffic on this narrow lane. The accidents must be creating more traffic jams. I had never been to Bali. It’s on the list. I think your tip will be useful to travel on this path on the specific time.

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 27, 2019 at 23:17

      You’ll love Bali definitely! Anyway thanks! I guess like everywhere in the world, it’s best to avoid during peak period like lunch and after office hours.

      Reply
  6. Caitlin + Dani says

    March 28, 2019 at 00:37

    Thanks for all your tips! We love to read about travel adventures.

    Reply
  7. leah says

    March 28, 2019 at 00:51

    wow what a place to be! I haven’t heard of this but its so cool!

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 28, 2019 at 14:38

      Yea it is! The view of the paddy fields is worth the danger hahahaha

      Reply
  8. Aishwarya Shenolikar says

    March 28, 2019 at 01:03

    I love cute shortcuts like these. Very scenic but yes, got to be cautious! Thanks for all the details!

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 28, 2019 at 14:39

      Nothing in life comes easy mate hahahaha stay safe!

      Reply
  9. Michael says

    March 28, 2019 at 01:11

    Oh my, is taking that shortcut really worth it? Hmmm

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 28, 2019 at 14:41

      Yess it is, the main road to Seminyak can take up to an hour due to the insane jam. With this life hack, you can reach your destination in 15 mins…provided you make it to the end hahahaha stay safe!

      Reply
  10. Tara Pittman says

    March 28, 2019 at 02:13

    It is a shame that the bike riders are rude and dont wait their turn. Bikers need to follow the rules of the road.

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 28, 2019 at 14:42

      Some are gracious and some aren’t. Just have to be on your toes when comes to this shortcut.

      Reply
  11. Brittany Charnley says

    March 28, 2019 at 02:33

    Shortcuts are always a good thing. Those photos of the cars on their sides are crazy! Whoahh. I’m sure these tips will be very helpful.

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 28, 2019 at 14:45

      Thank you! Thank god it didn’t happen while I was there. Have fun in Bali if you’re going there! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  12. Amber Myers says

    March 28, 2019 at 02:52

    Oh my, what a small road. It would be interesting to see. I don’t ride on motorcycles though. I’d walk, but then I’d worry I’d be hit!

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 28, 2019 at 14:48

      Walking is too much effort for me hahahaha yea the view at the shortcut is lovely! But don’t walk at the shortcut though, not much space for you to walk with all the insane traffic :O

      Reply
  13. Nikki says

    March 28, 2019 at 04:45

    I’m a total risk taker, so I would use this road just for the danger…but I would ride on the back or someone elses scooter that knows how to drive or else I KNOW I would fall in!

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 28, 2019 at 14:51

      Wow that’s nice! Stay safe mate, being a pillion here is tough if the traffic is slow and the rider can’t balance. Safe travels!

      Reply
  14. alison says

    March 28, 2019 at 04:50

    Bali is for sure on my list of places to go. However, I think I will avoid this shortcut all together. That is crazy!

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 28, 2019 at 14:53

      Bali is on everyone’s list I think hahaha! Yea if you’re looking for something new and out of the comfort zone, this shortcut offers you that.

      Reply
  15. Samantha says

    March 28, 2019 at 05:38

    I love motorcycles and this would be an amazing route to take! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 28, 2019 at 14:54

      Yayyy you will love it with the blissful views! Stay safe mate.

      Reply
  16. Tara says

    March 28, 2019 at 06:59

    I’ve heard its beautiful in Bali. I’m not sure my nerves could handle driving in jammed up traffic knowing that we may drive off the road.

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 28, 2019 at 14:55

      Hmm, maybe you can create another shortcut on the paddy fields itself hahahaha! Nah, just avoid riding during peak period and night time. Takecare mate!

      Reply
  17. Chad says

    March 28, 2019 at 10:17

    I’ve never heard of the Canggu shortcut before, this is so so cool and the place looks amazing. Hope to see it one day.

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 28, 2019 at 14:56

      Now you do hahaha! It is, with the insane views. Let me know if you’re in Bali. Stay safe bruv!

      Reply
  18. Sudipta says

    March 28, 2019 at 14:54

    Your post reminds me of my memorable trip to Bali a few years ago. Interesting read.

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 28, 2019 at 14:58

      Do come again and bask in the beauty of this mad shortcut hahahah!

      Reply
  19. Sundeep Bhatia says

    March 28, 2019 at 15:11

    Thanks for the tips. I love travelling and Bali is in top of our list. May be mid of this year we are planning to visit Bali

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 28, 2019 at 17:07

      Bali should be on everyone’s list! Do check out the shortcut if you have time, safe travels mate!

      Reply
  20. Priyanka says

    March 28, 2019 at 16:34

    Better to be late than never reach to the destination. Sometimes these short cuts may prove fatal.

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 28, 2019 at 17:07

      True! Just avoid this shortcut during peak periods or night time and you will be fine.

      Reply
  21. Andrea Comala says

    March 29, 2019 at 09:45

    OMG IDK if I would be brave enough to take this shortcut, just looking at the cars tipped over gives me anxiety. Also, I wouldn’t even know how to communicate with locals.

    XO Andie
    http://andiesparkles.com

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 29, 2019 at 10:08

      It is sick! However, from what I heard from experiences, the locals dove in without hesitations to help anyone who fell off. Universal language ya, stay safe! ☺️

      Reply
  22. Alexandra Cook says

    March 29, 2019 at 09:48

    Oh boy safe travels! That would be some adventure though!

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 29, 2019 at 10:07

      Thanks bruv do check it out if you’re in canggu too πŸ˜‰

      Reply
  23. Chelle Dizon says

    March 29, 2019 at 09:52

    I’ve never been to Indonesia and I want to thank you for giving us a heads up about that road. We always wear helmets whenever we travel by motorcycle.

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 29, 2019 at 10:05

      Indonesia is more than this shortcut! It is a beauty by itself 😍 and yes, please wear helmets and stay safe 😊

      Reply
  24. Cindy Ingalls says

    March 30, 2019 at 00:48

    This shortcut sounds insane. Seeing those cars and bikes toppled over would probably deter me. But I can still see the appeal.

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 30, 2019 at 01:13

      Hi Cindy!
      The only appeal is the serene views this shortcut offers hahaha do check it out and stay safe mate!

      Reply
  25. Lyosha says

    March 30, 2019 at 01:28

    I love traveling but I wouldn’t take road infamous in that way. I am all for safety

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 30, 2019 at 11:18

      Hello Lyosha!
      Yasss safety is priority especially when comes to traveling. At least you’re aware of the imminent dangers of this shortcut though.
      Safe travels Lyosha! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  26. David Elliott says

    March 30, 2019 at 03:49

    Yeah a roadway that narrow would freak me out. I can understand wanting the short cut but I don’t think it would be worth the risk for me.

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 30, 2019 at 11:00

      Hello David,
      It’s nice to check it out for the paddy fields views though. Just avoid during peak hours and you will be fine.
      Safe travels!

      Reply
  27. James Reid says

    March 30, 2019 at 03:54

    Never heard of this! Thank you for sharing and writing this… really helpful to anyone who is thinking of travelling this way.

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 30, 2019 at 11:01

      Hey James,
      Now you do! Hahahaha it is to raise awareness regarding the dangers as especially to first-timers on bikes and cars.
      Do share it around πŸ˜€

      Reply
  28. Janay says

    March 30, 2019 at 06:09

    I would not want to do this but I’m a scaredy-cat. However this does look fun to do!

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 30, 2019 at 11:10

      Hello Janay,
      It’s worth the blissful views though. Avoid peak period and you will be fine!

      Reply
  29. Dalene Ekirapa says

    March 30, 2019 at 19:32

    Oh gosh! The shortcut does get packed so I wouldn’t try overtaking. Anyway,I would prefer to be on a bike and ride right through!

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 30, 2019 at 22:16

      Hello Dalene,
      Yesss that’s more like it. Gonna be worth the experience but ride safe though!

      Reply
  30. Ana de Jesus says

    March 31, 2019 at 00:42

    I guess you have to weigh up the possibility of danger or whether you would rather not take your chances with the shortcut and make your journey three times longer. It’s a tricky one.

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 31, 2019 at 13:56

      Hello Ana!
      It’s okay to ride slowly and avoid peak period if you wanna explore this shortcut. Always wear a helmet too.
      Yea it’s a tough decision but be confident and you’ll do fine! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  31. Blairvillanueva says

    March 31, 2019 at 21:07

    Sounds like a very interesting place, but quite dangerous for me. I know someone who is bored enough to dare this πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      March 31, 2019 at 23:05

      It is! Do check it out though and stay safe! Wear helmet always too ☺️☺️

      Reply
  32. Sandra says

    April 1, 2019 at 22:27

    Thanks for the tips!! This will come in handy in any area, especially at night when lighting can be quite limited. It’s difficult to see speeding cars at night, so more casualties can be prevented if we refrain from roads like this.

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      April 1, 2019 at 23:25

      Hello Sandra!
      Yup best to avoid this kind of places at night and always (though it is not cool) to wear your helmet!
      Safe travels!

      Reply
  33. Georgia Boanoro says

    April 2, 2019 at 23:57

    Bali is on my travel list, however I’ll definitely wont take this shortcut, it looks crazy crowded!

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      April 3, 2019 at 20:46

      Hi Georgia!
      Ohyes Bali is on everyone’s travel list hahaha yes it! Just avoid during peak period and night time and you will be fine!
      Safe travels!

      Reply
  34. Bindu Thomas says

    April 3, 2019 at 14:36

    I had never been to Bali. Sounds like a very interesting place to go.

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      April 3, 2019 at 21:13

      Hello Bindu!
      Ohyes everyone should go to Bali at least once. Especially the shortcut πŸ˜€

      Reply
  35. Joey Flores says

    April 3, 2019 at 15:53

    I was like, why is this guy writing about a silly shortcut, and then I saw the pictures. Yowsas! I thought riding a motorcycle in India was bad enough. This looks tough!

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      April 3, 2019 at 21:16

      Hi Joey!
      My thoughts exactly! Who would read about a shortcut but I figured the world needs to be exposed to these imminent dangers. πŸ˜€

      Reply
  36. Brent Huntley says

    April 3, 2019 at 23:53

    Looks like a fun ride, but definitely not for the cautious traveler!

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      April 4, 2019 at 12:28

      Hello there Brent!
      Well if you wanna do it, do it fullheartedly, don’t look back hahaha you will be fine!
      Safe travels!

      Reply
  37. Nish says

    April 4, 2019 at 18:06

    I think I’d prefer the longer route. LOL, I’m such a wuss.

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      April 5, 2019 at 16:40

      Hi Nish!
      Don’t say that! You will be fine. Just avoid this shortcut during peak hours or night time. πŸ˜€

      Reply
  38. Jayashree Sengupta says

    April 4, 2019 at 19:53

    That’s a long line of traffic. Even if the path is infamous everyone seems to prefer this route and why not it’s only 10 min right???

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      April 5, 2019 at 16:42

      Hello Jayashree!
      Yesssss you are absolutely right! The main road to Seminyak is a killer with the jam itself. This is so much better (minus the dangers)

      Reply
  39. Sofia says

    April 5, 2019 at 05:31

    you have written something really very interesting. Now I know for sure what I don’t have to miss while in Bali. Want to experience this. Absolutely

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      April 5, 2019 at 16:54

      Hello there Sofia!
      Glad you liked it and found this interesting like I do. Just stay safe ya, you don’t wanna experience the dangers, do you. πŸ˜€

      Reply
  40. Louise says

    April 5, 2019 at 16:01

    amazing blog not sure I could do it – as its something not for the faint hearted

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      April 5, 2019 at 17:06

      Hi there Louise!
      You will be fine don’t worry. It’s better than being stuck in a jam which could kill your holiday hahahah! Stay safe and avoid this shortcut during peak hours and always wear a helmet! πŸ˜€

      Reply
  41. Olaf says

    February 6, 2020 at 15:22

    They did close the shortcut for cars in one way last week. A smart move. There is still traffic at rush hour, but not two cars try to fit onto the same path anymore. And it seems that they will start repairs soon, too. I remember the two years ago, there was a lot of rain, and thats when parts of the “street” started to crumble.

    Be safe!

    Reply
    • .Fad says

      February 6, 2020 at 21:28

      Hi Olaf yup the legendary Canggu pole is back for good. Let’s see how long it gonna last ya.
      Safe travels!

      Reply

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