A laid-back seaside town with stretches of emerald rice fields was the charm that first drew people to Canggu. Today, that scenery has transformed into Bali’s main entertainment hub. Almost every inch of the area is filled with villas, hotels, restaurants, and boutiques. As Canggu becomes more crowded, tourists have begun to set their sights further west, where new developments are now emerging. Around Seseh, Cemagi, and Munggu, villas, cafés, boutiques, spas, and restaurants are steadily popping up. These quieter Balinese villages are attracting more visitors and long-term residents — myself included, as I’ve spent plenty of time here working and unwinding. Seseh, Cemagi, and Munggu are true hidden gems for those seeking the best of Bali without the hustle and bustle of Canggu or Uluwatu. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil stay surrounded by nature, chasing waves, or settling into a digital nomad lifestyle, these villages are the perfect choice.

Where is Seseh, Cemagi, and Munggu village?

The small coastal villages of Seseh, Cemagi, and Munggu are located just north of Canggu, about a 15-minute scooter ride or around 20 minutes by car. As development in Bali continues to expand westward toward Kediri and Kedungu in Tabanan Regency, these neighborhoods are beginning to emerge as new destinations.

READ ALSO: Top 15 Restaurants & Cafes in Pererenan, Bali’s Coolest Neighborhood

Despite the growth, the villages still retain their authentic Balinese atmosphere — surrounded by rice paddies and, best of all, free from heavy traffic. If you come to these 3 villages from Canggu, sometimes there is congestion on the Pererenan intersection, which can be avoided by taking several shortcuts heading to Munggu (only accessible for scooters).

Things to do in Seseh, Cemagi, and Munggu

A stay in Seseh, Cemagi, and Munggu is perfect for those seeking laid-back, chilled holiday vibes. This article highlights the best spots to relax and enjoy some café or restaurant hopping in these three coastal villages. If you’re looking for activities, surfing is a popular option — especially in Seseh, which is well-known among the local surf community for its reef break. Keep in mind, though, that these surf spots are more suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers. For something different, head to Island Sports Club if you’re into padel — you can play with friends, join a match with other visitors, or book a private coaching session.

These villages are also among the best places in Bali to catch sunsets. My personal favorite is sitting on the colorful bean bags at Warung Alus facing Munggu Beach Bali. In Cemagi Beach, Cemagi Sunset Point offers a laid-back vibe where you can relax at a local warung and watch the sun slip behind the rocks. For a family-friendly option, Thalassa Seseh is a wonderful spot to unwind before sunset and let the kids play on the beach. And if you’re in the mood to indulge, treat yourself to a spa session at Cloud Spa or Udara Bali Yoga Detox & Spa for a truly relaxing experience.

Places to eat & chill at Seseh, Cemagi, and Munggu

1. Thalassa Seseh

One of the best places to unwind and catch the sunset, in my opinion, is Thalassa Seseh. Nestled in the serene coastal village of Seseh, this spot offers a unique dining experience where elegant wooden furnishings meet breathtaking beach views.

The space is quite generous — perfect for sipping cocktails, enjoying a fresh coconut with a book in hand, gathering for dinner with friends, or simply chilling with family. A large grassed area makes it ideal for picnics and a safe place for kids to play. I often see parents and nannies bringing little ones here, as there’s plenty of room to roam freely.

Adding to its charm, Thalassa has direct access to Seseh Beach and facilities for rinsing off after a play or swim by the shore. It’s no surprise that since opening its doors last year, Thalassa Seseh has quickly gained a reputation as the place to be, drawing more visitors every day.

Address: Jl. Pura Kramat, Cemagi, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali

Website: https://thalassaseseh.com/

2. Seseh St Cafe

With its picturesque setting and friendly service, Seseh St. Café is an ideal spot to dine and work. I’ve been here countless times, and the staff always greets me with a warm smile. The café serves a variety of dishes, from Western breakfasts to Asian favorites, available throughout the day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The tranquil atmosphere also makes it a great place to work — I often see fellow digital nomads setting up their laptops here. If you need a quick energy boost before starting your day, I recommend trying their espresso or cappuccino.

Address: Jl. Pantai Seseh, Bali 80351

Website: https://sesehstcafe.com/

3. Seseh General Store

The pioneer of Seseh’s café scene, Seseh General Store was already welcoming surfers and long-term residents when no other cafés existed in the area. I often come here for their excellent cappuccino, made with beans from Revolver. The menu also features freshly baked breads, delicious sandwiches, and vibrant salads. Just across the street, you’ll find Seseh Pizza, their sister restaurant, which serves tasty pizzas, hearty pastas, and refreshing gelato — a perfect spot to round out the experience.

Address: Jl. Pantai Seseh No.1, Cemagi, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80251

4. The Lodge

Located in the quiet neighborhood of Seseh and adjacent to a villa with the same name is The Lodge. The restaurant which decorated with a modern cozy interior design overlooking the rice field. The creation of chef Jonatha Robinet has never failed to satisfy our buds, so we keep coming back for the steak tartare and Il Pepe, a pan-seared barramundi served with green beans, tomatoes, butter white wine sauce, capers, and white rice. I love the food taste here but also because of how generous the portions are, especially for the burger and Il Pepe. The staff is also very friendly and always makes sure we enjoy the food & time.

It’s not only a French restaurant in Bali but also a cafe so you can work from here. On the corner, there is a small boutique space if you’d like to browse some Bali products.

Address: Jl. Raya Seseh, Canggu, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali

5. Ocean Lane

This coffee shop is absolutely stunning and super cute! Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, it’s hard to miss Ocean Lane — its perfectly color-coordinated exterior stands out in the Seseh neighborhood and instantly draws you in. For coffee enthusiasts, Ocean Lane is a must-visit. They serve excellent brews made with beans from Blacklist, a well-known coffee brand from Perth, Western Australia.

But Ocean Lane is more than just a coffee shop — it also doubles as a chic boutique, offering tropical-inspired goodies that make it a delightful spot to browse as well as sip.

Address: Jl. Pantai Seseh, Cemagi, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351

6. Natari

Recommended by a French friend as a must-try dining spot in Seseh, my husband and I decided to visit Natari to see if the buzz was true. And it is! Their Croque-Monsieur and French Toast Salmon are absolutely outstanding — no surprise the café has received glowing reviews.

This French-inspired café and boulangerie is nestled among beautiful bougainvillea trees, bringing a slice of rustic rural France to a quiet corner of Bali. Designed as the perfect spot for a quick coffee break or a leisurely afternoon with friends and family, Natari offers both charm and authenticity.

The café was founded by French brothers Alexis Raybaudi and his sibling, who noticed the absence of authentic French pastries on the island. That gap — no croissant that truly crumbled the way it should, no bread that captured the essence of Parisian mornings — became the seed for Natari. Today, visitors can enjoy an exquisite selection of hand-crafted French pâtisseries and artisan coffee, while watching the brothers carefully prepare each creation in their open-plan kitchen. Whether you’re craving the comfort of a buttery croissant, the richness of authentic French flavors, or simply a cozy place to linger, Natari is a little taste of France in the heart of Bali.

Address: Jl. Raya Seseh, Munggu, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali

Website: https://boulannatari.com/

7. Mirai Sushi

Starting out as a small sushi warung, Mirai Sushi has grown into an icon and one of Munggu’s top dining choices thanks to its consistent quality. Over time, the space has expanded to accommodate more guests while maintaining its cozy charm. For a taste of freshly made Japanese food in Munggu, try their Chirashi Sushi, Miso Udon, or Tuna Sushi — all highly recommended.

Address: Munggu, Mengwi, Badung Regency, Bali 80351

8. Warung Alus

Warung Alus is arguably the best place to relax and catch the sunset at Munggu Beach, Bali. My family and I often come here to chill on their comfy, colorful bean bags while sipping fresh juice and watching Aimee roam around the beach.

There are plenty of stalls and other warungs along the coastline, but Warung Alus stands out as the only one offering a truly comfortable spot to sit and dine — even though I’ve never had a full dinner here. Most of the time, we come for cold drinks, coffee, light snacks, and of course, to enjoy the beach. Another bonus is that Warung Alus provides facilities to rinse off the sand after playing on the shore, which is always a big plus for us.

Address: Jl. Pantai Seseh, Munggu, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82121

9. Riviera

Tucked away in the quiet coastal village of Cemagi, Riviera Café is a cozy little spot that has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. With its laid-back atmosphere, rustic-chic interiors, and lush greenery surrounding the space, the café feels like a hidden retreat where you can slow down and enjoy the charm of Bali’s west coast. Whether you’re stopping by after a morning walk through the rice fields or looking for a calm corner to read a book, Riviera Café offers the perfect escape from the busier Canggu scene just minutes away.

The menu is simple yet satisfying, featuring freshly brewed coffee, artisanal pastries to hearty meals and wood-fired pizzas. Whether you’re visiting for a casual brunch, a mid-day coffee fix, or just to soak in the tranquil surroundings, Riviera Café is one of Cemagi’s gems worth seeking out.

Address: Jl. Pratu Rai Madra, Cemagi, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351

Website: https://rivieragroupbali.com/

10. Comma Cafe

The cute yet homey interior of this tiny café instantly drew me in, making it a perfect spot to visit and work from. Located in a quiet neighborhood of Cemagi village, Comma Café is one of the best cafés to work in Cemagi, offering a calm setting where you can fully concentrate without the noise and bustle of busier areas.

The food here is excellent, with the avocado toast standing out as a fresh and flavorful favorite — ideal for breakfast or brunch. The café’s cozy, laid-back vibe makes it a place you’ll want to linger, whether you’re working, reading, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings. For families, Comma Café also has a few toys available to keep kids entertained, making it welcoming for both solo visitors and parents alike.

Address: Jl. Pratu Rai Madra, Cemagi, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351

Seseh, Cemagi, and Munggu may feel like laid-back beach towns, but they’re packed with hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. These villages are also growing rapidly — just last month, I noticed the Seseh main road being widened, almost as if preparing to welcome a new wave of visitors. While development can bring positive changes for the local economy, I sincerely hope these areas don’t follow the same path as Canggu, which has become overcrowded and feels less like the Bali we all fell in love with. My wish is that Seseh, Cemagi, and Munggu can continue to grow while preserving their authentic Balinese atmosphere and natural beauty.

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