Canggu or Ubud? Your Ultimate Decision-Making Guide (2024)

Without a doubt, Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. But while the island is small, where you choose to stay can make a big difference to your experience.

Do you want to spend your time enjoying beaches and catching waves or indulging in wellness, yoga classes and self-care activities with views of the lush green jungle?

For many, the big question is whether to stay in the beachside village of Canggu or in Ubud, the Balinese cultural and spiritual capital amidst stunning rice terraces.

I've been to Bali so many times, have lived in Canggu and stayed in all corners of Ubud including the main street and outside of the centre.

So below I've taken a close look at the most important factors when making this decision from the general vibe and things to do to, accommodation options and safety concerns. By the end, you will know which destination is right for you.

1. Canggu or Ubud: General Vibe

While both Canggu and Ubud feel like Bali with their tropical climate, cultural traditions, and warm Balinese hospitality, they do have a different general vibe.

Ubud is a tourist town in the mountains of Bali surrounded by rice terraces and lush jungle. It is also considered the center of Balinese culture with many interesting things to see and do.

Ubud is also well-known for its yoga studios and wellbeing retreats. It is where many people go to recharge their spiritual batteries, so expect a bit of a hippie and free-spirited vibe.

Canggu is on the southwest coast and boasts some great long beaches in Bali and is a serious surf spot. Expect early mornings at the beach, lazy afternoons at the beach clubs or a trendy cafe, and parties that go into the early hours. Don't miss Luigi's Hot Pizza for their epic pizza and vino deals and dance parties.

Canggu is also a bit of a mecca for digital nomads and expats looking for beach culture combined with a more affordable cost of living and a healthy lifestyle. There are plenty of work-friendly cafes and co-working spaces dotted around.

Both Canggu and Ubud welcome a lot of tourists each year and can get busy in the peak tourist seasons, with crowded streets, bustling markets, and fully booked accommodations, making it essential to plan your trip and make reservations in advance to ensure you get to stay in your desired hotel or villa.

2. Canggu or Ubud: Accommodation

Ubud and Canggu have a lot of accommodation options for travelers including everything from affordable hostels to luxury villa rentals.

It is always a good idea to book well in advance to get what you want because Bali is a small island but a popular holiday destination and the high season around Christmas can book out many places months ahead!

Ubud is better if you want a traditional Balinese homestay or prefer to stay in a retreat-style resort with yoga classes and clean, organic meals, all with amazing views of serene rice fields. Ubud boasts a greater number of 5-star luxury accommodations compared to Canggu.

I also think it has more variety on affordable accommodation and therefore it's easy to book yourself a place with a swimming pool to cool off in the Bali heat that doesn't break the bank. Ubud as a town is pretty sprawled out, so you will have to get transport from your accommodation to where you want to go most of the time.

For more, also reach my guide to where to stay in Ubud with hotel and villa recommendations.

Canggu has plenty of surf hostels and guest houses, as well as mid-range hotels, plus private villas ideal for group and family rentals. There are also a small number of high-end beachfront resorts.

You will also find Airbnbs and other long-term accommodation options with modern amenities that target expats and digital nomads. Canggu's main area Batu Bolong is a stretched-out street, but the main area is quite compact and very walkable, or you can flag down a motor scooter to get to other parts of Canggu like Berawa, Echo Beach or Pererenan.

Also, read my guide to the best areas to stay in Canggu and hotel recommendations.

3. Canggu or Ubud: Beaches

If you are looking for beautiful beaches, Canggu is your only choice! It has several amazing beaches including the famous Echo Beach, Batu Bolong Beach, and Berawa Beach, as well as next-door Perenean Beach which is a little quieter, which is perfect if you want to relax with a book between swims

Canggu has good surf for both beginners and more advanced surfers, plus vibrant beach clubs such as Finn's and Atlas. Sip a cocktail or cold coconut while watching the sunset and then party until the wee hours. Canggu's beaches have black sand and the water is rather murky than clear, it also doesn't have many snorkeling spots. For this, I recommend a day trip to nearby Nusa Penida.

You can swim at the beaches of Canggu. However, it's important to be aware that the surf conditions can vary depending on the tides and weather conditions, and the waves can sometimes be quite strong.

Ubud's inland location means it is about a one-hour drive from the nearest beaches, but that doesn't mean that there is nowhere to go swimming. Surrounded by rice fields, there are several beautiful waterfalls in the area with enchanting natural swimming pools. Tegenungan, Tibumana, and Leke Leke are among the most popular.

From Ubud, you can also take plenty of day trips to the beaches around Bali and the Nusa Islands.

4. Canggu or Ubud: Things to do

There are lots of amazing things to do in both Ubud and Canggu, but for those interested in Balinese culture, Ubud has definitely a little more to offer.

In Ubud, there are many Balinese Hindu temples, the historic Ubud Palace, art galleries, venues showing traditional dance performances, and Ubud Market with hundreds of stalls selling local handmade arts and crafts.

Pay a visit to the fascinating Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary to meet these adorable (but sneaky!) primates and go for a hike among stunning green rice terraces. There are several lovely waterfalls in the region to discover including Tegenungan Waterfall and Tibumana Waterfall.

Finally, one of my favorite things to do in Ubud is indulge in relaxation and wellness treatments at one of the many spas and yoga studios in the region. The Yoga Barn is well-known, but I also like Radiantly Alive and Alchemy.

Staying in Canggu is perfect for you if you enjoy a laid-back beach lifestyle with activities like surfing and dining at trendy cafes. The area is also known for its vibrant nightlife, where you sip well mixed cocktails at beach clubs and bars offering live music and entertainment, making it a popular destination for those seeking a blend of relaxation and social experiences.

Canggu is definitely more of a place to play than to visit cultural attractions. But there are day trips from Canggu you can take if you want to discover the more traditional side of Bali. One of the most popular (but also most touristy) is Tanah Lot Temple, the temple in the water, which is a sacred place for Balinese Hindus.

5. Canggu or Ubud: Yoga Classes and Retreats

Those looking for yoga, wellness, and spirituality classes and retreats should head to Ubud!

The town of Ubud was one of the original yoga retreat destinations in Southeast Asia with the famous Yoga Barn, and the community has grown quickly over the years. You can take classes several times a day at Yoga Barn, Radiantly Alive, Taksu Yoga, or Ubud Yoga House.

You will also find various meditation groups, dance and martial arts classes, massage parlors and spas, and unexpected experiences such as ecstatic dance sessions and cacao ceremonies. There are also a number of ashrams in the area that welcome visitors from all over the world

Canggu also has a fair number of yoga studios dotted around, though they aren't as prevalent as in Ubud. Some of the most popular include The Practice, Serenity, Radiantly Alive and Samadhi Bali.

If you are looking for yoga retreats, you will find a handful that combines yoga and surf options in Canggu. I've written about finding the best yoga and surf retreats in Canggu here.

You can also find all the best yoga retreats in Bali listed here.

6. Canggu or Ubud: Nightlife

Canggu's nightlife is slowly maturing and while it's not as crazy as Kuta or Seminyak, it does have some very nice trendy bars, a couple of nightclubs, DJ parties, and plenty of sophisticated beach bars.

La Brisa is my favorite, Old Man's has been around since the beginning of time, The Lawn is very popular and fancier and then there's Finn's Beach Club, a popular hotspot with a luxurious pool setting, multiple bars and a restaurant that regularly holds a variety of events.

Since Ubud is overall more focused on health and well-being and tends to cater to those looking for a more relaxed and cultural experience rather than a vibrant party scene, the nightlife is much less decadent.

You can find nice laid-back bars to share a drink with friends in the early evening, but things start to shut down around 9 pm.

Some notable exceptions are Bar Luna, Folk Pool & Gardens and the Laughing Buddha Bar.

7. Canggu or Ubud: Restaurants and Cafes

Both Canggu and Ubud have excellent food and cafe options, so you won't go hungry no matter where you stay. Both offer a mix of local dishes and high-quality international restaurants.

Canggu is known for its healthy and clean eating and is great for healthy salads and Bali's famous smoothie bowls (try Crate Café, so good!). As a favorite with expats and digital nomads, Canggu has more of a cafe culture, so many venues prioritize good coffee and fast Wi-Fi. Brunch spots are also abundant!

Ubud may be a better place to try a wider range of local food including traditional Balinese food and Indian roti kitchens. There are many warungs serving up warm meals alongside wheatgrass shots. Most meals are organic and it is not hard to find vegetarian, vegan, raw and gluten-free options.

8. Canggu or Ubud: Shopping

For most visitors, Ubud is the better shopping destination. Ubud is excellent for local souvenirs and things such as yoga clothes and spiritual-inspired jewelry. Pretty much all the streets in the center of town are lined with stalls selling these types of goods.

Unlike Ubud, Canggu has a few markets, but the Love Anchor Weekend Bazaar is good.

However, there are plenty of shops selling surf gear and beachwear, and many popular Western brands such as Billabong and Rip Curl have outlets there.

9. Canggu or Ubud: Value for Money

In general, no matter where you stay in Bali you can expect value for money when compared with Europe and the United States. Prices tend to be more expensive in high-demand tourist areas such as Ubud and Canggu fall into, especially during peak travel seasons.

Affordable guesthouses start from around US$20 per night, but a luxury villa can cost US$300+ per night or more. You can expect to pay around US$20-30 for an evening meal for two plus US$2-10 per drink. You might pay US$30-50 for a private vehicle with a driver for the day, or less than US$5 to rent a scooter for the day.

Canggu is often said to be the most expensive corner of Bali, and after my recent visit I can confirm, things are not as cheap anymore!

You can expect to pay a little more for things like food, accommodation, and surf lessons. Things like gym memberships have increased in recent years as well. On my most recent trip to Canggu, I trialed a new Pilates studio and 1 class cost me just about USD20, which I find very expensive for a 1-hour commitment.

Many expats and digital nomads live in Canggu on the cheap with long-term rentals and local meals or self-catering options rather than eating out at fine dining restaurants every day.

In contrast, Ubud felt more affordable when it comes to accommodation, food, other living costs, and even yoga retreats. And I would therefore call it a top choice for budget travelers.

10. Canggu or Ubud: Safety

Bali in general is a safe place for tourists to visit. Overall crime is low, but you should still be vigilant for crimes of opportunity, this includes pickpocketing and picking up valuables left unattended, when riding on a scooter or in crowded areas like markets, and sometimes scams.

You might feel safer walking the streets at night in Canggu because there are more people around, but Ubud is still very safe even at night.

Additionally, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and practice safe swimming if you choose to enter the ocean. Be cautious with traffic and the many motorbikes on the roads, especially in Canggu, many areas lack proper pedestrian infrastructure.

Canggu or Ubud – Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How far is Canggu from Ubud?

Ubud and Canggu are only about 25 kilometers apart, but it can take almost 1.5 to 2 hours to travel between the two in a taxi. On a motorbike, you'll be able to make it in half the time.

📍 Where should I go first, Canggu or Ubud?

Whether you go to Canggu or Ubud first depends on your preferences. If you want to see Bali's cultural sights first and then relax on the beach for a few days, head to Ubud first. If you want to party and surf for a few days before detoxing before you head home, then head to Canggu first and finish your trip in Ubud.

Canggu or Ubud – Final Words

Canggu and Ubud are both incredible places to visit and ideally, to get the most out of your Bali trip, consider visiting both. Alternatively, you can choose to stay in the area that aligns with your preferred activities and go on day trips to enjoy the best of both worlds.

If you love relaxing on the beach, surfing, trendy cafes, beach clubs and a vibrant nightlife, then Canggu is your best choice.

If you are looking to slow down, detox, and unwind, and you love green rice paddies, lush forests, and stunning waterfalls, head to Ubud.

Wherever you stay, remember that Bali has so much to offer and it is worth exploring its lesser-known destinations. Read my full guide to planning a one to two-week Bali itinerary.