Canggu is the most popular place to visit in Bali in 2025, but Uluwatu is also rising in popularity and many visitors to the island are going to be weighing up which one to visit this year.
So, we thought we’d try and make your decision easier by putting the two places up against each other in a series of categories that we believe visitors to the island really care about – that way you can choose based on your needs for a holiday.
Let’s dive straight in and examine what each area is about and then we’ll break down everything in a head-to-head for you.
About Canggu
Canggu? It’s this super lively beach town in Bali that’s honestly got it all—amazing restaurants, cool bars, and some of the best facilities around. It’s like the place to be right now!
It’s kind of a newer hotspot, you know? Places like Seminyak, Legian, and Kuta got so packed that Canggu stepped up, and now it’s rocking some of the slickest, most modern vibes on the island.
Tourists, expats, and digital nomads are totally obsessed—it’s even zoomed past Seminyak and Kuta in popularity.
That said, it’s not all perfect. The rice paddies that used to be everywhere are shrinking, and traffic’s gotten way busier than it was, say, ten years ago.
But honestly? When you’re kicking back on a sun lounger at FINNS Beach Club—yep, the world’s best beach club—with a chilled cocktail in hand and that unreal sunset lighting up the sky, none of that other stuff even matters.
That’s the island life we all dream about, right? Everyone should check out the Canggu Beach area when they’re in Bali.
About Uluwatu
Uluwatu? It’s this awesome spot right at the southern tip of Bali’s southwest coast. Seriously, it’s a gem—especially if you’re into surfing since it’s got some of the best waves on the island.
Now, just a heads-up, it’s not like Canggu with all its hustle and bustle. Uluwatu’s super spread out, so don’t expect to just stroll everywhere—things can feel a bit far apart.
But that’s part of its charm, you know? The big draws are definitely the Uluwatu Temple and those killer surf beaches. There’s some nightlife too, but it’s not in your face like in other beach towns—it’s more low-key and scattered.
Oh, and it’s on the Bukit Peninsula, which gives it this cool, slightly tucked-away vibe, almost like it’s its own little world. That said, you’re still just a quick drive from Canggu, Kuta, or Seminyak if you want a change of pace. Ubud’s a bit more of a trek, though.
But honestly, the real standout? Those jaw-dropping limestone cliffs that overlook the Indian Ocean. Pair that with a sunset at one of the amazing cafes there, and you’ve got yourself a moment you won’t forget. There’s no doubt in our minds that the Uluwatu Beach area is a very attractive part of the island.
Canggu or Uluwatu? – A Breakdown Of Each Area
So, we’ve already figured out that Canggu and Uluwatu aren’t twins, right? But how exactly are they different, and which one’s going to be your perfect match for a Balinese getaway?
We’ve put together a little rundown based on the stuff we think most folks care about when planning a trip. Here’s what we came up with—let’s help you find your vibe!
What Are The Hotels, Resorts, Etc. Like?
Let’s take a look at where to stay in Uluwatu and Canggu—both awesome spots in Bali, but they’ve got pretty different vibes when it comes to accommodations.
Uluwatu’s got this cool mix going on. Picture this: super-luxe resorts perched on clifftops with the Indian Ocean stretching out below—those views are next-level stunning.
It’s honestly perfect if you’re planning a romantic escape. But it’s not just for the fancy crowd—there are also tons of surfer-friendly spots totally geared toward chasing the best waves, no matter the time of day. Plus, if you’re on a budget, you’ve got hostels, guesthouses, and cheaper stays to pick from, which is awesome.
One thing to keep in mind, though—Uluwatu’s really spread out. If you don’t have a scooter or some way to get around, you might feel a bit stuck at your place, far from the coolest restaurants or coffee shops.
Oh, and a heads-up: there’s been some water supply hiccups lately. The big hotels are fine, but if you’re in a private villa, you might suddenly find yourself without water. Yikes, right?
Now, Canggu? It’s got loads of options—way more than Uluwatu. It might not have as many ultra-luxury spots, but the mid-range choices are fantastic and appeal to pretty much everyone. And soon it will have FINNS Bali Resort which will be the best resort on the island.
You’ve still got guesthouses and hostels too, and while it’s not as dirt-cheap as it used to be, it can still be a steal compared to other busy parts of Bali.
So, wrapping it up—if we had to pick, Canggu probably nudges ahead for most people when it comes to accommodations. It’s got more variety and flexibility, but honestly, Uluwatu’s not far behind. Both are pretty amazing in their own way! What do you think—any plans to visit either spot?
Where Is The Best Place For A Party?
If you’re checking out Uluwatu for some nightlife, it’s got a cool vibe, but it’s not like there’s one main hotspot. You’ll need to wander a bit, maybe listen out for some live music drifting through the air.
A good place to kick things off is Kelly’s Warung—it’s perfect for a few drinks early in the evening. Plus, there are tons of little local warungs near the beaches that are worth a peek.
If you’re part of the surfer crowd, you’ll likely stumble across some awesome nighttime hangouts in Uluwatu.
The scene’s pretty laid-back and easy to dive into, so with a little exploring, you might just find a couple of hidden nightlife treasures.
Now, if we’re talking serious nightlife, Canggu’s the one stealing the show. It’s got this amazing reputation for a reason—bars, clubs, restaurants, you name it.
There’s something fun going on every single night. Take FINNS Beach Club, for instance—it’s open from 11 a.m. all the way to midnight (except on Nyepi when everything in Bali shuts down).
They’ve got DJs, live singers, and all sorts of entertainment to keep the party going while you soak it all in.
Once FINNS wraps up for the night, you can swing by Friends Bar nearby, where the good times just keep rolling until you’re ready to call it quits.
And honestly, that’s just one night in Canggu! The variety there is unreal—if you’re in the mood to party, you’ll never be bored.
Hands down, Canggu’s nightlife is a total winner. It’s probably the best on the island, though Kuta and Seminyak might try to give it a run for its money. So, if you want a legendary night out, it’s Canggu’s nightlife that you want.
Which One Is Best For Shopaholics?
If you’re on the hunt for surf gear, Uluwatu’s got you covered! The local shops there are all about supporting the surf scene, which is what draws so many people to the area in the first place.
You’ll find some great stuff for hitting the waves.
That said, if you’re looking for much beyond surfboards and wetsuits, Uluwatu’s a bit limited. There’s no supermarket or mall to pop into for random essentials—pretty much just the surf vibe and that’s it.
Now, Canggu? Totally different story! It’s turning into one of Bali’s go-to shopping spots. There are so many cool boutique stores where you can snag almost anything you need.
And if you don’t find it there, no worries—Seminyak and Kuta are just a quick drive away.
I wouldn’t say Canggu has the best shopping on the island, but it’s definitely a step up from Uluwatu with so many cool spots to visit. So, for this one, we’re giving the win to Canggu. What’s on your shopping list?
Where Will I Get The Best Food?
Hey there! When it comes to food, both Uluwatu and Canggu totally deliver.
They’ve both got amazing fine dining options, and you’ll find a fantastic mix of local eateries and international spots in each area—plenty to satisfy any craving!
You’ll also spot cafes all over the place in both spots, which is awesome because Indonesia’s coffee is seriously some of the best in the world. And trust us, the Balinese know exactly how to brew it just right.
Picking a winner here is tricky—they’re both so good! But after some thought, we’re giving the edge to Canggu.
If you check out Tripadvisor, Canggu’s got more top-rated restaurants than Uluwatu, which is hard to argue with.
Oh, and here’s a fun tidbit: FINNS in Canggu is home to the four highest-rated restaurants in the area.
So, swinging by the beach club is basically a must-do—not just for the vibe, but also for some of the best coffee around. Where are you thinking of grabbing a bite first?
Comparing Beaches
Let’s talk beaches—Uluwatu’s got a bunch of them, like Uluwatu Beach, Padang Padang Beach, Thomas Beach, Nunggalan Beach, Bingin Beach, Dreamland Beach, Melasti Beach, and Pantai Pandawa.
Quite the lineup, right? Bingin Beach is probably the star of the show, especially if you’re into surfing—it’s top-notch!
But honestly, all these spots are super nice for soaking up the sun, and a few even have safe spots for a swim.
Canggu, on the other hand, has fewer beaches—think Berawa Beach, Echo Beach, and Batu Bolong Beach. They’re black sand beaches, which some folks say aren’t as picture-perfect as white sand ones.
We’re pretty fond of the beach in Canggu, though—especially watching the sunset from a lounger at FINNS. It’s hard to beat that view!
That said, we’ve got to admit Uluwatu’s beaches edge out Canggu’s just a bit in terms of beauty.
One thing to keep in mind, though: getting to Uluwatu’s beaches usually means tackling some steep cliff stairs. Canggu’s beaches? Way easier—you can just stroll right onto them from the road.
So, which beach vibe are you feeling—Uluwatu’s stunning seclusion or Canggu’s easy access?
If you’ve not made up your mind yet, you might also want to consider the surf scene.
If you’re eyeing Uluwatu, Bali, you’re looking at one of the top surfing spots in the world—pretty epic, right? But heads up, it’s not exactly a beginner’s paradise.
You’ll want to be at least an intermediate surfer to ride those waves, and some of the beaches there are really best tackled by the pros or super experienced folks.
Over in Canggu, Echo Beach is another spot that’s got a reputation for being great for more skilled surfers.
But here’s the good news—Canggu’s other beaches are way more chill and perfect for beginners or intermediates.
Plus, there are some awesome surf schools around to help you get comfy on a board before you even think about taking on Uluwatu’s waves.
Still, when it comes to crowning a champ, we’ve got to hand it to Uluwatu. It’s the spot that pulls in the big-deal pro surfing events, so it’s got that extra wow factor.
Where are you thinking of catching your first wave?
Which Is The Prettiest Place?
So, Uluwatu and Canggu? They’re like apples and oranges—each with its own vibe.
Uluwatu’s all spread out, not a ton of packed-in buildings, which gives it this cool, natural charm. Plus, some of the resorts there are seriously world-class—total stunners!
Canggu, though, has its own thing going on. It’s got more of an urban feel, but since a lot of it’s pretty new, the buildings are sleek and modern, with some awesome Balinese touches woven in. It’s got a fresh, lively energy.
Picking a fave is tough, but we’re leaning toward Uluwatu for the win here.
Those dramatic cliffs and gorgeous white sand beaches just have a little extra wow factor, making it our pick for the “prettiest place.” It’s super close, though—Canggu’s still a beauty!
Where Will I Have The Most Things To Do?
Canggu has far more things to do than Uluwatu. Sure, you can count each beach of Uluwatu as a new experience but even the experienced surfers who call Uluwatu home are unlikely to find a huge difference between Dreamland Beach and Padang Padang Beach.
There are definitely things to do in Uluwatu, it’s a lovely place with some excellent modern amenities and obviously a ton of beautiful beaches and world-class surf but overall, once you get past the stunning views of the Indian Ocean from the sand and Uluwatu Temple, there’s not that much to do in the area.
Canggu is also a lovely place but one that most people would agree has a ton of real-life options for you to enjoy and whether it’s a day in FINNS Beach Club enjoying delicious food, the stunning beach and sunrise and cold cocktails or taking a ride down Canggu Beach on horseback – there’s something for everyone in the area.
You’ll also find that most things in Canggu are within walking distance of each other and that means you can easily stumble on a hidden gem after catching some amazing waves on Canggu Beach.
Which Area Do The Expats Prefer?
This one’s a no-brainer if we’re looking at expat numbers. Canggu’s got a way bigger expat crew than Uluwatu, and it’s easy to see why—it’s closer to where a lot of folks work, plus it’s packed with more everyday conveniences.
Not that Uluwatu’s totally off the radar for expats—plenty of them have set up shop there too! It’s just that, when it comes to settling in long-term, most people seem to go for the practicality of Canggu.
We haven’t gone around asking every expat if they’re loving life where they are, but I can tell you I’m living in Canggu right now and totally happy with it.
You can absolutely find your happy place in either spot, but if we’re counting heads, Canggu takes the crown here.
Which Area Is Most Popular With Digital Nomads?
If you’re a digital nomad scoping out Bali, Canggu’s definitely a hotspot—right up there with Ubud.
You’ll spot tons of nomads tapping away on blog posts at local coworking spaces before they zip down to the beach for some chill time.
Speaking of coworking, Bali’s got them scattered all over, but Canggu’s the champ with the most options.
Plus, they’ve got cool coliving setups too—think hostel vibes with a workspace built in. It’s a budget-friendly win compared to juggling rent and coworking fees separately.
Canggu’s also home to Bali’s biggest digital nomad crew. If you’re craving some like-minded company on your nomadic adventure, this is the spot to find it—no question.
Now, Uluwatu? It’s not exactly coworking central, but if you’re someone who loves working solo with your laptop—maybe at a quiet hotel cafe with a killer beach view—it’s perfect.
We’ve seen folks hole up there to crank out a book or tackle a big coding project when they want to escape the crowd.
Still, when it comes to the digital nomad life, Canggu totally takes the cake here.
Canggu Vs Uluwatu – Which Town Comes Out On Top?
Canggu’s coming out on top in a bunch of categories. It’s got the edge for accommodation, nightlife, shopping, and dining, plus it’s packed with stuff to do. Oh, and it’s the go-to spot for digital nomads and expats too—Canggu is a pretty popular place!
Uluwatu, though? It’s got its own charm. It’s the prettier town, hands down, and those beaches? Absolutely stunning.
Now, don’t get me wrong—the gap between these two towns isn’t huge in any category. They’re both awesome holiday destinations in their own right. But, if we’re having a showdown here and that means Canggu’s our pick for the best beach town to visit over Uluwatu
FAQs
Is There Better Nightlife In Canggu Or Uluwatu?
Canggu has much better nightlife than Uluwatu. There’s no contest in this respect at all. While both areas have great restaurants, when it comes to bars, clubs and beach clubs like FINNS Beach Club, Canggu is the place most people in Bali choose to party in 2025.
Is Uluwatu Quieter Than Canggu?
Yes. Uluwatu is more spread out than Canggu and it has far less nightlife venues than Canggu does. That means, almost by definition, it’s quieter than Canggu.
But Canggu’s not a particularly noisy place and most accommodation is far enough away from the busy roads of the town that you’re going to get a good night’s sleep.
Is It Better To Surf In Uluwatu Or Canggu?
With beautiful beaches and world-class surf spots, you’d be forgiven for assuming the best surfing is always in Uluwatu but the best surf spots here in Bali are beyond the surfing abilities of most people who visit. They’re for advanced surfers.
Whereas the best surfing for beginner and intermediate surfers is in Canggu, where (apart from Echo Beach) you will find amazing waves that you can tackle at any level of ability.
How Far Is It From Canggu To Uluwatu?
It is only 40 kilometres or so from Canggu to Uluwatu. However, please be aware that traffic in Bali often makes journeys much longer than they should be and if you travel at a busy time of day it could take 2-3 hours to travel the distance.
We’d recommend setting off very early in the morning, or in the late evening if you want to grab a cab between the two.
How Much Is A Taxi From Uluwatu To Canggu?
A taxi from Uluwatu to Canggu will cost between 200,000 and 500,000 IDR depending on the time of day and time of year that you want to travel. That’s about $12-$30 USD or $20-$50 AUD.
Final Thoughts On Canggu Or Uluwatu
Canggu is the most popular spot on the island for good reasons. It’s the home of FINNS Beach Club (and soon to FINNS Bali Resort too). It has a lot of things to see and do as well as some of the best restaurants on the island.
Uluwatu is quieter and tends to appeal to the surfing crowd with some of the nicest beaches on the island but not as much to do. It’s also more expensive, generally, than Canggu which may put some people off.
Overall, beach towns in Bali are all amazing but if we had to choose between the two, we’d always choose Canggu.