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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!
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 machet in Indonesian), do you?
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 machet.
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.
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!
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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 ‘machet’ 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!
I would not want to be in those who must always travel this infamous and terrible road!
It’s not that bad actually haha just have to watch out for the imminent dangers 😰
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.
Hahahaha it is liberating really! Maybe avoid this shortcut if you’re not confident? Stay safe yea
Yikes, I’m not so sure about this. Thanks for sharing though, I’d never heard about it.
Now you do hahahah you will love it with the serene views of the paddy fields (minus the traffic). You’ll be fine!
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!
And you should join them next time! It’s lovely in bali!
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.
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.
Thanks for all your tips! We love to read about travel adventures.
wow what a place to be! I haven’t heard of this but its so cool!
Yea it is! The view of the paddy fields is worth the danger hahahaha
I love cute shortcuts like these. Very scenic but yes, got to be cautious! Thanks for all the details!
Nothing in life comes easy mate hahahaha stay safe!
Oh my, is taking that shortcut really worth it? Hmmm
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!
It is a shame that the bike riders are rude and dont wait their turn. Bikers need to follow the rules of the road.
Some are gracious and some aren’t. Just have to be on your toes when comes to this shortcut.
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.
Thank you! Thank god it didn’t happen while I was there. Have fun in Bali if you’re going there! 😀
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!
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
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!
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!
Bali is for sure on my list of places to go. However, I think I will avoid this shortcut all together. That is crazy!
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.
I love motorcycles and this would be an amazing route to take! Thank you for sharing!
Yayyy you will love it with the blissful views! Stay safe mate.
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.
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!
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.
Now you do hahaha! It is, with the insane views. Let me know if you’re in Bali. Stay safe bruv!
Your post reminds me of my memorable trip to Bali a few years ago. Interesting read.
Do come again and bask in the beauty of this mad shortcut hahahah!
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
Bali should be on everyone’s list! Do check out the shortcut if you have time, safe travels mate!
Better to be late than never reach to the destination. Sometimes these short cuts may prove fatal.
True! Just avoid this shortcut during peak periods or night time and you will be fine.
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
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! ☺️
Oh boy safe travels! That would be some adventure though!
Thanks bruv do check it out if you’re in canggu too 😉
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.
Indonesia is more than this shortcut! It is a beauty by itself 😍 and yes, please wear helmets and stay safe 😊
This shortcut sounds insane. Seeing those cars and bikes toppled over would probably deter me. But I can still see the appeal.
Hi Cindy!
The only appeal is the serene views this shortcut offers hahaha do check it out and stay safe mate!
I love traveling but I wouldn’t take road infamous in that way. I am all for safety
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! 😀
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.
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!
Never heard of this! Thank you for sharing and writing this… really helpful to anyone who is thinking of travelling this way.
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 😀
I would not want to do this but I’m a scaredy-cat. However this does look fun to do!
Hello Janay,
It’s worth the blissful views though. Avoid peak period and you will be fine!
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!
Hello Dalene,
Yesss that’s more like it. Gonna be worth the experience but ride safe though!
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.
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! 😀
Sounds like a very interesting place, but quite dangerous for me. I know someone who is bored enough to dare this 🙂
It is! Do check it out though and stay safe! Wear helmet always too ☺️☺️
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.
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!
Bali is on my travel list, however I’ll definitely wont take this shortcut, it looks crazy crowded!
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!
I had never been to Bali. Sounds like a very interesting place to go.
Hello Bindu!
Ohyes everyone should go to Bali at least once. Especially the shortcut 😀
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!
Hi Joey!
My thoughts exactly! Who would read about a shortcut but I figured the world needs to be exposed to these imminent dangers. 😀
Looks like a fun ride, but definitely not for the cautious traveler!
Hello there Brent!
Well if you wanna do it, do it fullheartedly, don’t look back hahaha you will be fine!
Safe travels!
I think I’d prefer the longer route. LOL, I’m such a wuss.
Hi Nish!
Don’t say that! You will be fine. Just avoid this shortcut during peak hours or night time. 😀
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???
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)
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
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. 😀
amazing blog not sure I could do it – as its something not for the faint hearted
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! 😀
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!
Hi Olaf yup the legendary Canggu pole is back for good. Let’s see how long it gonna last ya.
Safe travels!