If you’re looking for a great beach town in Bali where you can visit a beach club or two, enjoy great restaurants, experience a very touristic area, easily get out to explore Balinese culture and nature and go surfing then you have to be considering Canggu and Kuta.
The good news is that the two towns are not too far apart and you can stay in one and still enjoy what’s in the other but to answer your question, we’ve put the two towns head-to-head in a series of categories that visitors care about.
Check out our round-up and then, you’ll have all the info you need to make an informed decision between these two beach towns.
About Canggu
Canggu’s been killing it lately! Seriously, if you’d swung by Bali just ten years ago, you’d have seen nothing but rice paddies and cheap hostels—total sleepy vibes.
Not anymore, though! It’s blown up into one of the hottest spots on the island, and honestly, that’s a big reason we decided to set up FINNS Bali Resort right here in Canggu.
These days, it’s packed with cool bars, cozy pubs, cute cafes, tasty restaurants, and funky little boutique shops. Basically, Canggu’s got everything you need for an awesome Bali getaway.
That said, the rice fields are shrinking fast, so if you’re dying to see some, you might have to venture a bit outside of town to find the best ones.
About Kuta
So, Kuta used to be the hot spot in Bali, and even though it’s not number one anymore, it’s still super popular and buzzing with energy.
It’s the kind of place that pulls in all sorts of folks—young families, big tour groups, middle-aged singles or couples, you name it—all chasing a good time.
The nightlife? Oh, it’s wild and plentiful! Plus, it’s some of the best bang for your buck on the island. You’ve got live music rocking the scene and local DJs spinning tunes in the clubs and pubs—something for everyone.
Now, the beach has gotten a bit of a bad rap lately with plastic junk washing up, but don’t let that fool you. Locals and expats are always out there cleaning it up, so most days it’s still a chill spot for a stroll or catching some waves.
Oh, and shopping? Kuta’s got you covered with some of the biggest malls around. If you’re into a place that feels like home but don’t mind rubbing elbows with a crowd of tourists, Kuta’s is still worth a visit!
Canggu or Kuta? – A Breakdown Of Each Area
Alright, let’s pit Canggu and Kuta against each other and see how they stack up in the stuff that really matters when picking your Bali vacay spot!
Just so we’re clear, though—both places are total winners for a holiday. Sure, we’re gonna crown one champ, but you’re guaranteed a blast whether you’re in Kuta or in Canggu!
What Are The Hotels, Resorts, Etc. Like?
Alright, let’s chat about where to crash in Kuta and Canggu! Kuta’s been in the game forever with some of the oldest hotels and resorts in Bali—lots of the big names are parked right here.
You’ll get a solid bang for your buck on places to stay, though it’s not as fancy-pants as nearby Seminyak. Still, there’s something for every wallet, which is awesome.
Canggu, on the other hand, has a nice mix of spots to stay, but heads up—it’s gotten way pricier than it used to be. It’s also going to be the home of FINNS Bali Resort which is sure to be THE place to stay on the island.
However, if you’re hunting for cheap hostels or guesthouses, you might be out of luck since those are pretty scarce now. It’s more luxury resorts and mid-range accommodations than guest houses nowadays in this West Coast beach town.
No matter what, you’ll find a comfy bed in either spot. In Canggu, you might even score a sweet rice field view if you’re lucky! But honestly, we’d give Kuta the win here just because it’s got way more options to pick from.
Where Is The Best Place For A Party?
Hey, no question about it—both Kuta and Canggu know how to throw a good party! Kuta’s nightlife is all about giving tourists a wild time without worrying too much about the vibe, as long as the beers are cheap and flowing.
It’s got the best live music scene in Bali, hands down, and some pretty solid nightclubs too.
That said, since Kuta’s party scene is so packed and popular, it can attract a few sketchy folks. If you’re hitting the town solo or not with a crew, we’d totally recommend grabbing a ride-share home when the night’s over—just to play it safe.
Now, Canggu’s nightlife? It’s not as posh as Seminyak’s, and you’ll definitely catch a hipster vibe at some spots, but it’s a bit more put-together than Kuta—and yeah, a little pricier too.
The go-to party spot in Canggu is FINNS Beach Club —it’s open every day from 11 a.m. to midnight, rocking a killer lineup of international and local DJs, plus some amazing vocalists to keep the energy high. FINNS is the world’s best beach club and if you try one of the island’s beach clubs, you owe it to yourself to try FINNS.
And if you’re still buzzing late at night, Friends Bar’s got your back. It’s the place that stays open when everything else shuts down, as long as you’re up for keeping the good times rolling.
So, who wins? We’d give Canggu the nightlife crown, but it’s super close—honestly, you’re in for a blast either way!
Which One Is Best For Shopaholics?
Hey, if you’re into hunting down cool boutique shops with vintage threads or fancy beachwear, Canggu’s totally your spot! It’s loaded with little stores that could make any shopper’s heart skip a beat.
But if you’re more about those big shiny malls, Kuta’s where it’s at. They’ve got all the designer brands from Bali and beyond, plus extras like cinemas and fast food joints to keep you busy.
So, which place wins for shopping? Honestly, it’s up to you and what you’re looking to snag.
Kuta might have a slight edge in this category since its still got those classic beach vendors that are fading out in Canggu, but it’s super close either way!
Where Will I Get The Best Food?
Hey, when it comes to food and drinks, Kuta’s got the biggest lineup compared to Canggu—mostly because it’s been around forever and has all that history going for it.
You’ll spot some big names like Hard Rock Cafe and Jamie Oliver’s joint, but a lot of the spots here are geared toward the mid-range tourist crowd—think solid eats rather than super fancy, high-end ingredients.
That said, Canggu’s stepping up with more fine dining and upscale options than Kuta for sure. Plus, its cafe game is way stronger—honestly, it’s giving Seminyak and Ubud (Bali’s other cafe hotspots) a run for their money.
We rounded up 60 awesome places to chow down in Canggu, and here’s the kicker: FINNS Beach Club is home to four of the top-ranked restaurants in the whole area according to TripAdvisor. Pretty sweet, right?
Overall, we say quality beats quantity when it comes to food and Canggu is probably the place with the best dining scene on the island right now, even though Kuta is no slouch in this department.
Comparing Beaches
Alright, let’s talk about beautiful beaches! Neither Kuta nor Canggu is rocking that postcard-perfect white sand, but Kuta’s got a bit of an edge with its whiter sand compared to Canggu’s darker, black-sand vibe.
Kuta Beach is also one big long stretch that competes with Echo Beach, Batu Bolong Beach, Berawa Beach, Nelayan Beach and Pererenan Beach in Canggu.
Kuta Beach has been all over the news lately—think TikTok and Insta reels from influencers showing off piles of trash, especially plastic, chilling on the shore.
Here’s the deal, though: that junk mostly washes up during the rainy season, and while cleanup crews are out there hustling, it’s tough to keep up when tons of plastic from all over Indonesia (and beyond) crash the party.
Honestly, Kuta Beach is still pretty nice to hang out at—it’s no match for the stunners on the Bukit Peninsula or the Gili Islands, but it’s got charm and some cool beachfront restaurants to boot.
Canggu Beach? It’s not as much of a looker as Kuta, but it stays way cleaner—big props to the FINNS Beach Club cleanup crew who hit the sand every morning to yank out the trash.
The beach town is definitely lucky to have a strong beach club scene – the beaches are much cleaner than Kuta Beach for it.
Both spots are a fantastic spot for surfers with a huge range of surf breaks, though swimming’s not really their thing.
Canggu’s the winner for dog walkers, and both beaches serve up those epic Bali sunsets. The amazing sunsets are one of the highlights of a Balinese holiday, after all.
Canggu Beach is better from our point of view —it’s less crowded, and you can kick back with a cocktail at FINNS while soaking in that sunset glow. It’s the ideal beach town in Bali.
That said, Kuta Beach isn’t the disaster some make it out to be. I mean, it’s part of why Kuta got famous in the first place!
Which Is The Prettiest Place?
Hey, let’s be real—neither Canggu nor Kuta is exactly bursting with that classic Bali natural beauty since they’re both pretty built-up these days.
That said, Canggu’s still has some rice fields hanging on, and its beaches are definitely cleaner than Kuta’s. You can still find little pockets here and there that give you that chill Bali vibe.
Plus, the cool thing about Canggu is that the developed areas feel fresh and modern since most of it’s popped up pretty recently.
Kuta, though? It’s been around way longer, and honestly, some spots are starting to look a bit worn out. You won’t find much of that old-school Bali charm left there.
It’s not a bad place to hang out or anything, but Kuta’s not winning any beauty contests anytime soon. Canggu totally takes the crown on this one!
Where Will I Have The Most Things To Do?
Hey, you’re never short on fun in either Canggu or Kuta! Kuta’s got this wild, awesome mix of stuff going on—since it jumped into the tourism game early, it’s loaded with things aimed right at visitors.
From checking out the Ground Zero monument to hitting up the night market, Kuta’s got a ton of ways to keep your day buzzing. No chance of getting bored there!
But if we’re picking favourites, Canggu’s where it’s at for us—seriously, there’s just so much to do! You’ve got the beach, those cool rice fields, shopping galore, and a bunch more.
Plus, everything in Canggu feels newer and slicker compared to Kuta, probably ‘cause it’s had a more recent glow-up.
Canggu snags the win here, but it’s by the tiniest hair—Kuta’s still got a solid lineup of fun stuff to keep you busy!
Which Area Do The Expats Prefer?
Kuta—it’s kinda screaming for a makeover these days. The pandemic really knocked it around, and you’ll spot tons of empty shop fronts where cool stalls, beach bars and eateries used to be.
This beach town has still got some killer shopping malls and decent spots to hang out, but honestly, it seems like expats are ditching it for Canggu lately.
And you can see why—Canggu’s on the rise, big time! It’s got more going on, more stuff to check out, and just feels fresher overall.
Sure, most expats still visit Kuta for a bit every now and again, but Canggu’s only a quick 30-45 minute drive away (you know, typical Bali traffic), so it’s no big deal to pop over whenever they feel like it.
If you’re just vacationing, where you stay in Bali isn’t a massive deal. But if you’re living here? Oh, it matters—and Canggu’s totally stealing the spotlight as the expat fave over Kuta these days!
Which Area Is Most Popular With Digital Nomads?
Alright, if you’re a digital nomad, Canggu’s where it’s at! Honestly, it’s a close call between Canggu and Ubud for the top spot on the island—sorry, Kuta, you’re not quite in the running here.
Canggu’s got coworking and coliving spots popping up everywhere, and it’s built this awesome rep with the nomad crowd. No surprise, it’s got the biggest digital nomad crew in Bali!
Now, don’t get me wrong—you can be a digital nomad in Kuta. There are coworking spaces and tons of chill coffee shops where you can plop down with your laptop. It’s just not gonna match that next-level vibe you get in Canggu.
Oh, and a quick heads-up: technically, you need a work permit to work in Bali legally. There are heaps of agents pushing social visit visas or business visas, saying it’s all good to work on those—spoiler alert, it’s not.
But for now, the Balinese authorities seem super chill about digital nomads. You’re not exactly sweating a random immigration raid at your favourite coworking haunt anytime soon!
Canggu Vs Kuta – Which Town Comes Out On Top?
Alright, let’s break it down and see who comes out on top—Canggu or Kuta!
We handed Kuta the crown for accommodation and shopping, but in pretty much every other category, Canggu swooped in and stole the show.
So, in our totally subjective opinion, Canggu is the MVP beach town to crash at compared to Kuta.
That said, we’ve gotta say it again—both spots are awesome in their own way!
And if you’re chilling in Canggu, Kuta’s just a quick drive away whenever you feel like popping over. Easy peasy!
FAQs
Is There Better Nightlife In Canggu Or Kuta?
Canggu is currently the nightlife capital of Bali and the areas around Berawa Beach, Batu Bolong Beach and Echo Beach are filled with beach clubs, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and cafes.
Kuta still has a decent nightlife scene but everything is looking a little shabby and the area seems to attract tourists in search of cheap drinks more than it does those in search of a good time.
Is It Better To Stay In Canggu Or Seminyak?
Canggu and Seminyak are both nice places to stay, but Seminyak, a bit like Kuta, has reached the stage of “overdevelopment”.
It’s still very popular with young folks looking to enjoy water sports, restaurants, bars, etc. but it’s also very much targetted at the young, ultra-hip and wealthy who want to see and be seen and don’t care how much they spend while doing so.
Canggu, on the other hand, welcomes a broader range of people and has more variety in its accommodations, restaurants, bars, etc. and that makes it a more attractive spot on the island to stay in for more visitors than Seminyak.
What Is The Nicest Part Of Bali To Stay In?
We admit that we’re biased on this but we think the Canggu beach area is the best place to stay here in Bali. It’s got everything you need for a good time and a great night’s rest too.
However, we would also acknowledge that many people would say that Nusa Dua Beach is also a great place to stay thanks to its luxurious 5-star brand name resorts and white sand beaches.
Is Canggu Worth Visiting In Bali?
Yes! We think Canggu is one of the best destinations in the world. It’s why we’ve built our resort and world-famous beach club here.
Of course, you should visit the area and experience all that it has to offer from amazing pottery classes to shopping and nightlife that will blow your mind!
How Much Is A Taxi From Kuta To Canggu?
It depends on the time of day that you travel and exactly where your pick up spot is but you can get a taxi from Kuta to Canggu for between 50,000 and 100,000 IDR most days.
That’s between $3 and $6 USD or $5 and $10 AUD – roughly the cost of renting a board for an hour’s surf on the beach or an hour in one of the coworking spaces so beloved by digital nomads on the island.
Is Canggu The New Kuta?
No, in fact, we don’t think there’s ever going to be a “new Kuta” in Bali and that’s because each area is trying to carve out its own niche to attract visitors from overseas.
Kuta’s cheap drinking, cheap eats culture is no longer viable for the island of Bali as it tries to improve its attractiveness to international markets.
Bali wants people relaxing on the beach with a cocktail in hand, before taking a sunset walk down the strip and then hitting up the shops and cultural attractions that the island has to offer.
Canggu is a more balanced destination popular with expats, digital nomads and tourists alike because it isn’t focused on “cheap” and is more focused on “great value”.
Final Thoughts On Canggu Or Kuta
From its proximity to the world-famous Tanah Lot Temple to its late-night party spots, Canggu is now the most popular place in Bali to visit.
This beachfront location has everything you need to have an amazing time on the island.
And as you can see from our round-up, it’s got a bit more to offer than its nearby rival Kuta.
However, wherever you choose to spend your time, you can still visit the other town as they’re very close together and a day trip can be the ideal way to explore them both.