Canggu v’s Uluwatu – what’s better for my next Bali trip?

Both Canggu and Uluwatu offer holidaymakers a fun-packed experience, but they offer very different vibes.

It depends on what you’re looking for in your Bali trip.

Do you want to hit the beach clubs, hang on the beach, go shopping, cafe hop or hang in your private Bali villa with the kids, lock the door and enjoy a private oasis with the level of customer service that you won’t get back in Australia? Following is a quick cheat sheet to help you decide between the two areas, but I’d like to spend a week in each so you get the best of both worlds.

Canggu – Exciting, Shoppers Dream and Social

🌴 Vibe: Many digital nomad tourists hang out in cafes buzzing with energy. People here tend to be younger, in their 20s and 30s, or young families with hubbies who enjoy surfing and the wife off to the day spas throughout Canggu. For the kids, there’s a plethora of activities, from horse riding at the Equestrian Centre in Berawa to fun at Finns Recreation Club (trampolines, ten-pin bowling and waterslides).

🏄‍♂️ Beaches: Batu Bolong, Echo Beach, Berawa (decent for surfing but can be crowded). The wet season (Nov-March) brings westerly onshore winds and lots of rubbish, so expect this in the morning before the locals clean it up. The surf caters to all levels, from beginners at Old Man’s to the experienced at Sand Bar.

🏠 Lots of luxury villas in Canggu that are now affordable, so you can live it up and enjoy 5-star Canggu accommodation with your mates or family. The explosion of villa development has meant an oversupply of villas, so there are great deals on offer throughout Canggu for villa rentals, especially during the low season. Check out our special deals here.

🍽️ Food & Nightlife: There are so many cafés and restaurants to choose from; you’ll be spoiled for choice and beach clubs (La Brisa, Finns, The Lawn, Atlas, Old Man’s and in Batu Belig just south of Canggu Central, there’s Cafe Del Mar). Canggu is Indonesia’s beach club capital, so if you’re into partying and the whole beach club scene, you’ll love it here.

🏋️ Activities: Yoga, gyms (Soham, Alpha, Nirvana, Finns, The Wrong Gym, Obsidium and Bali MMA, to name a few), co-working spaces, and shopping along Jalan Batu Bolong.

🛒 Supermarkets: Canggu has loads of supermarkets like Pepito and Frestive, where you can easily find everything from toiletries to fresh produce, meats, booze, cereals and cold cuts – same as you’d find at any Coles or Woolies back home  in Australia.

🚦 Downside: Traffic can be hectic and, at times, gridlock. But you have to have patience, a bit of humour, and learn to deal with it. The best way to get around Canggu is by scooter; you can easily rent one.

@balivillaescapes

Coming to Canggu on your next Bali holiday – there is traffic but you’ll get used to it and using a scooter is the best way to get around 👍 #balivillaescapes #canggu #baliholiday #balitraffic

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Uluwatu – Chilled-out, Views, and a Surfer’s Heaven

🌊 Vibe: Laid-back, loads of cafes, digital nomads sprawled throughout the area, scenic cliffs, and surf beaches you could only dream of. But if you’re planning to surf here, keep expectations in check with the crowds, as it will be hectic, especially on epic swell days. Loads of locals and really good surfers can dominate the peak areas. The cafes begin at the Bingin area and are dotted along the main road to the Suluban Beach area – which just so happens to be the famous Uluwatu Beach.

🏄 Beaches: Greenbowl, Padang Padang, Bingin, Dreamland, and Uluwatu are the main beach areas. They all have white sand, which makes a pleasant change from Canggu’s black sandy beaches. The water seems a lot cleaner and a deeper blue. Canggu’s beaches, and I hate to say this, can get a tad polluted after a rain downpour, but Uluwatu seems to miss this, and the waters are crystal, especially in areas like Pandawa.

🌅 Sunsets & Beach Clubs: There are sensational views at Single Fin, Savaya, and Ulu Cliffhouse, especially for a few sunset Bintangs.

⛪ Culture: Visit Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Fire Dance. On the way to Uluwatu, visit the GWK Cultural Park.

🏠 Villas in Uluwatu tend to be more epic, located on the clifftops with those ocean views we love to post on Instagram

🚗 Downside: More spread out, harder to get around without a scooter. And there’s only one main road in and out, so you can imagine the traffic, especially on the weekends. OMG!!!! Plus, Uluwatu (aka Ulu’s) tends to be a lot drier than anywhere else in Bali; therefore, temperatures can soar.

Which One Should You Go to?

• If you’re craving vibrant cafés, nightlife that goes on until the early hours, villa chill times with your mates and family, and a social vibe that’s hard to beat, then Canggu is your ultimate destination.
• If you want breathtaking scenery, epic private villa holidays with all the trimmings, and surfing, then Uluwatu is the place for you.

Bali Villa Escapes Tips: Try it out and see for yourself. Both are equally good and worth visiting. After all, it’s Bali, so everything is good.

About the author

Steven is a true Bali enthusiast and passionate surfer who knows the island like the back of his hand. When he’s not crafting articles or capturing videos of the latest restaurants, hidden gems, and must-see spots, you’ll find him riding the waves at Echo Beach or zipping around Seminyak, Berawa, and Canggu on his scooter. As part of the Bali Villa Escapes marketing team, Steven has been living in and out of Bali for over 15 years, soaking up the culture, beaches, and vibrant local scene. He loves sharing insider tips and favourite experiences to help visitors make the most of their Bali adventures.