Where To Stay In Bali: Canggu or Seminyak?

If you are looking for the ultimate answer on where to stay in Bali, well then, there is an abundance of great places to pick. But you found this post, so most likely, you are eyeing off to stay in either Canggu or Seminyak and you have no idea how to choose between the two.

Don’t worry, I will pull both areas apart for you, so you can make a clear decision after reading this post. Let’s get started, shall we?

I am going to be looking at these two places as they are both famed Bali hotspots, but they attract a very different crowd and while either one of these spots is a great choice, it highly depends on what sort of experience you are looking for on your visit to Bali.

The biggest difference between Canggu vs Seminyak is that they each have their own little cultures. Canggu has a more laid-back surf and beach culture, while Seminyak is upmarket and can be a more glam choice if that’s what you are after.

1. Canggu vs Seminyak: The Café Scene

The vibe of the cafes, boutique stores and restaurants in Canggu revolve around surfing and are very bohemian. All of the cafes in the area are very funky, boho, hip, trendy, whatever you want to call it.

But most of all, they are incredibly relaxing and so is the crowd in Canggu. People walk into cafes barefoot with salty hair after they finished a morning surf session.

All cafés in Canggu are stunningly beautiful. Some of them overlook the rice fields that are still present between new villas popping up. You can find an increasing amount of cafes with air-conditioning, but the main theme is the outdoors and close to nature.

Canggu has also quickly grown its name as THE brunch hotspot in Bali. Bali’s best brews, gourmet breakfasts, vegan and vegetarian meals, and the cafes you find in Canggu are definitely up there with those in Seminyak.

Are you a foodie? Love hanging out in a café reading a book while enjoying a good cup of coffee? Vegan or vegetarian cuisine wanted? Well then, Canggu is definitely for you!

Some of my favourite cafes in Canggu are:

• Milk & Madu
• The Shady Shack
• Cinta Cafe

Seminyak, on the other hand, is more upscale when it comes to its café and restaurant scene. There are some pretty happening places in Bali, and Seminyak is definitely one of them.

While Seminyak has been an alternative to staying in Kuta or Legian for quite a while, it has also become more and more busy, resulting in longer lines when searching for a good spot in a restaurant or an earlier wake-up call to get that breakfast spot.

Bright-coloured cafes like Sea Circus, Instagrammable spots like KYND Community or eating at French marble tops at Café Kim Soo, Seminyak’s café are certainly influenced by the world. Canggu is certainly quick to catch up when it comes to the variety of cafes, with many popular Seminyak cafes opening sister branches in Canggu.

Finding a good café with nice views in Seminyak, however, takes a lot more effort than in Canggu, as the rice fields can only be found on the northern end towards Kerobokan and Umalas area, with the heart of Seminyak being a little concrete jungle. That being said, Seminyak has some fabulous beachfront restaurants, such as Seasalt, KU DE TA and La Lucciola.

If you like a mix of air-conditioned, stylish cafes and upmarket restaurants plus nightlife, Seminyak is your place to be!

On the other hand, if laid-back surf coffee culture is your thing, Canggu is definitely your vibe.

2. Canggu vs Seminyak: The Beaches

Canggu and Seminyak are both located right by the beach. Being only a short 20-minute drive (depending on traffic!) from each other, both have various surf spots, with some being pretty crowded these days. Depending on the time of day, you most likely won’t be alone here like the good old days!

However, the ocean is big and you can still find your own spot, but probably not at sunset when everyone is getting onto the surfboard. Try early, early morning instead, when everyone is still hungover in bed!

Canggu has a bigger surf culture ingrained in the town and typically attracts a younger group of people as well as a lot of beginners. Canggu Beach was also ranked 39^th by CCN’s “World’s 100 Best Beaches” which contributed to its rise to surf fame.

Seminyak seems to have a tamer, more experienced surfer crowd. However, if it’s your first time surfing, you can definitely take a lesson at Double Six Beach.

When it comes to the beaches overall, both Seminyak and Canggu boast big wide sandy beaches lined with palm trees.

Just know that the sand here is not white as you see in the south of Bali around Uluwatu's beaches. It would more like to be classified as black sand, which comes from the volcanic island of Bali.

The sand is still soft enough and beautiful to hang out. There are many day bed offers along the beach for the daytime as well as bars with bean bags to watch the sunset in both places.

You can even walk from Canggu to Seminyak along the beach in 30-40 minutes.

Swimming in the Ocean in Canggu and Seminyak

Both beaches have some rip tides, which can be dangerous for swimming, so watch for the flags and be careful with the short break when getting in and out of the water.

Beaches in Seminyak have lifeguards and have been reported as clean, whereas I haven’t seen anyone patrolling the beaches of Canggu. Also, according to the season and tides, the beaches can get dirty with dumbs of rubbish and plastic, as they do in other places in Southeast Asia, unfortunately.

I urge you to be a responsible tourist and bring your reusable coffee cup and water (I personally love these ones from Frank Green), and reusable shopping bag even when holidaying in Bali.

It’s a draw; both Canggu and Seminyak have great wide beaches and surfable waves, as well as stunning sunsets and beach bars popping up in the evening.

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3. Canggu vs Seminyak: Hotels, Villas & Prices

Canggu’s hotels are generally intimate and relaxed. There are numerous amazing villas, as well as a select number of small resorts and boutique hotels that are mostly reasonably priced. While their location may not be right on the beach but rather between the rice fields, it will make for a truly idyllic and much quieter stay than in Seminyak. 

After the pandemic, when tourists began returning back to the island, accommodation prices have definitely risen a fair bit. However, Bali prices are still considerably cheaper compared to what we would pay in our home countries.

There aren't many big hotel chains that have found their way to Canggu (yet) and I think it feels good to support smaller family-owned businesses that welcome you warmly like a part of their family.

There are truly a lot of great places to stay in Canggu in all price segments as well as many homestays. If you are looking for individuality and support family businesses, Canggu is your best choice.

I always compare hotel and accommodation prices on booking.com, it's the best site to find and compare all of the best deals, plus you get free cancellation, and they offer a price match for any room, so you always pay the best price!

Some of my favourite hotels in Canggu are:

Hotel Tugu Bali: Located in the heart of Batu Bolong in Canggu, Hotel Tugu is a romantic and culturally rich retreat offering luxury suites with Balinese and Javanese decor, some with private plunge pools and ocean views. The hotel features an outdoor pool, an award-winning spa offering traditional Indonesian treatments, and themed restaurants serving a variety of cuisines.

Koa D Surfer Hotel: Koa D Surfer Hotel offers cozy accommodations with bamboo architecture and stylish mural decor. The hotel features a beach-like rooftop lounge with a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a surfing equipment store. The rooms here are comfortable and fully equipped with amenities such as satellite TV, air conditioning, and private bathrooms, with some rooms offering balconies with views of the rice fields.

Shore Amora Canggu: Located in the quieter area of Canggu in Pererenan, Shore Amora Canggu offers air-conditioned accommodations with pool views, featuring amenities such as a restaurant, outdoor pool, hot tub, and terrace.

For Seminyak, the resorts and hotels are more upscale and you’ll find bigger chains like Marriott, W Hotel, Sheraton and the like.

You can read my full article on the best places to stay in Seminyak here.

With bigger properties right at the beachfront, you’ll generally be paying more than you would when staying in a smaller guest house in Canggu.

Secluded Villas in Seminyak can definitely still be found, but many of them don’t come with the stunning views as you'll find in Canggu.

If you are looking to stay at a beachfront property or some of the many infinity pool villas with lavish resort facilities, Seminyak is a wonderful choice.

4. Canggu vs Seminyak: Yoga & Fitness Activities

Bali is known for its wonderful yoga studios and yoga retreats.

For Canggu, there are several yoga studios scattered throughout the village and you can expect plenty of yoga and Pilates experiences. My personal favourite is The Practice on Batu Bolong.

Canggu also offers some really cool yoga and surf camps, if that's something you're looking for, take a look at Canggu.

In Seminyak, you also find an active yoga community with plenty of studios throughout the area. That being said, a lot of the studios are indoors instead of outdoors or semi-outdoors like in Canggu.

Nevertheless, they are great for giving yoga a first try or keeping up your practice while on vacation. Some studios also offer other fitness classes also. Crossfit, cardio, boxing? Yep, you'll find a huge variety in both towns.

Both Canggu and Seminyak even have an F45 training studio!

You will most likely get your yoga and fitness fix in both Canggu and Seminyak.

5. Canggu vs Seminyak: Beach Clubs & Nightlife

Canggu, known for its vibrant surf culture, draws in a youthful crowd and boasts numerous fantastic beach clubs that are definitely worth exploring.

I am sure you have heard about Finn's Beach Club; it's the talk of the town. There are other beach clubs though, that are worth visiting too! Make a reservation in advance for day beds, especially in the high season these book out fast.

Overall, the prime nightlife scene of Canggu is still in its infancy. There are some amazing bars, a handful of clubs and alternative party places like the Pretty Poison skater bowl and Black Cat Mini Mart, a bar hidden behind a fridge inside a mini mart.

And then there is Old Man's, Deus Ex Machina and The Lawn, however partying in Canggu looks a lot more chilled out than in Seminyak. Thongs, singlets, and even bikinis are mostly ok here in Canggu.

As for Seminyak, the nightlife is more lively, with a wide choice of bars, restaurants and different nightclubs.

Seminyak is one of the best places to stay in Bali if you want to dive into vibrant nightlife and dance until the early hours of the day!

6. Canggu vs Seminyak: Things To Do

Seeing as Canggu is more surf and café culture, you can expect a lot of the things to do revolving around surfing and eating.

Book yourself a surf lesson or rent a scooter and explore the surroundings at your own pace. And then there is a lot of yoga, Balinese and Western spas, boutique shopping and, of course, plenty of beaches to sunbathe.

But did you know Canggu also has some amazing local artisan markets, street art and you can even go rock climbing or bouldering in Canggu?

Visiting Pura Tanah Lot from Canggu needs to be on your list. This iconic seaside temple is known for its stunning sunset views and rich Balinese heritage and while it is very touristy, it makes up for it with its beauty.

Seminyak is very lively, from breakfast to after sunset, and while surfing and eating are a thing here too, you will most likely hang out by the beach at one of the trendy beach clubs or do some boutique shopping throughout the day.

Another popular activity is taking a cooking class where you'll learn to make some typical Balinese dishes that you can later recreate at home.

And if you like adrenaline activities, you could take plenty of day trips and go jet skiing and scuba diving with one of the several PADI-certified centres.

Seminyak and Canggu are very close to each other, so if you're looking to take a day trip to Ubud, Uluwatu or the Nusa Islands, the distances will be very similar.

No trip to the island is complete without witnessing a stunning sunrise from the top of Mount Batur, an active volcano near Kintamani village in central Bali, during an early morning hike guided by a local expert.

I highly recommend this full-day Instagram highlight tour, which will take you to the most photogenic spots on the island.

7. Canggu vs Seminyak: Getting There & Around

Both Canggu and Seminyak are located in a similar direction from Ngurah Rai International Airport, where all budget and major airlines fly to regularly. And that’s where the similarities end.

Canggu is about 45 minutes out from the airport, and the drive can easily turn into a 1+ hour-long mission if it's rush hour and traffic is heavy.

Seminyak, on the other hand, is a lot easier to navigate and isn’t quite as far from Denpasar Airport. It’s about a 25-minute drive to most of the major hotels. However, traffic can also be thick coming from the airport, and depending on the time of the day it might take longer to get to your accommodation.

I recommend you book your airport pick-up ahead of time and don’t forget to let them know your flight number and estimated arrival time, so someone will be waiting to pick you up with a sign.

It’s a much better option to pre-book a transfer than taking a random taxi at the airport, which is not always safe, especially when travelling solo. If you do, opt for the reputable Blue Bird Taxis.

Another good service to process queues at the airport faster is the VIP fast-track service through immigration and customs.

Check availability & book your VIP service to pass through the Bali Airport quickly:

Getting around Canggu can be tricky. I love hiring a scooter to get around as the various parts of town are quite spread out. I only recommend hiring a scooter if you're experienced in riding, as the roads around Canggu are not always the greatest and you will have to navigate through traffic and narrow streets.

The alternative? Stay right on Batu Bolong Road and walk around to all the main spots and then hire a driver to get around the other parts when you need. Many accommodations also rent bicycles, which could be another faster alternative to walking and safer than a scooter.

When you arrive in Seminyak, it’s easy to get around walking. While it may be hot during the daytime, most places are close enough to hop from air-con to air-con.

Seminyak isn't as spread out as Canggu and walking is my preferred way to get around Seminyak.

Alternatively, I often use taxis to get to places without breaking a sweat. However, the only drawback here is the traffic that is quite hectic all around Seminyak, with traffic jams being a frequent event and walking often works out to be a lot faster.

Canggu vs Seminyak – Frequently Asked Questions

Are Canggu and Seminyak worth visiting?

Both Canggu and Seminyak are worth visiting! Canggu's laid-back and bohemian atmosphere, renowned surf breaks, trendy cafes and flourishing yoga scene make it a popular destination for travellers seeking a relaxed coastal vibe. On the other hand, Seminyak presents a more upscale and cosmopolitan ambiance, with high-end resorts, fashionable boutiques and malls, renowned restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you prefer the beachy and artsy charm of Canggu or the sophisticated allure of Seminyak, both destinations provide an array of attractions and activities and offer a taste of Bali's vibrant lifestyle.

Is Canggu safe to visit?

Canggu is generally considered a safe place to visit in Bali, with a relatively low crime rate. I personally never felt unsafe, even at night. However, use your common sense and be mindful of your belongings, always use reputable transportation, and stay aware of your surroundings.

What is Canggu known for?

Canggu is known for its vibrant surf and café culture, attracting wave enthusiasts, foodies and Instagrammers from around the world. It is also renowned for its trendy beach clubs like Finn's, offering a mix of relaxation, music, and stunning sunsets. Additionally, Canggu has gained popularity for its thriving yoga and wellness scene, with numerous studios and retreat centers catering to those seeking holistic experiences.

Are Canggu and Seminyak close to each other?

Canggu and Seminyak are relatively close to each other in Bali. The distance between the two destinations is approximately 10 kilometers, which translates to a travel time of around 20-30 minutes by car or scooter, depending on traffic conditions.

This proximity makes it convenient to explore both areas and enjoy each destination during your stay in Bali.

Canggu vs Seminyak – Final Words aka The Verdict

So which is better, Canggu or Seminyak?

Here are some reasons why you should choose to stay in Canggu:

• Relaxed, laid-back surfy vibes
• Beautiful boho cafes and restaurants
• Famous beach clubs like Finn's
• Great surfing community
• You belong to a younger crowd

Here are some reasons why you should choose to stay in Seminyak:

• Buzzing nightlife until the morning hours
• Plenty of shops and malls
• Sophisticated beach clubs
• Many big beachfront resorts
• More developed, attracts people of all ages

I love both Canggu and Seminyak, and I believe they are both amazing places to stay for a few nights. If you decide to stay in Canggu, you can still visit Seminyak for a day as it's only a 20-minute drive, and vice versa.

Wherever you decide, know that both areas are awesome stops when exploring various spots on your Bali itinerary, and it's up to you what you prefer!

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