Canggu may not have too many magnificent temples but it has stunning beaches, yoga retreats, some of the most stunning sunsets on Earth, co-working spaces, budget-friendly hostels and luxury villas with private pools, incredible surf camps and surf schools and so much more.
But can you still enjoy Canggu in 2025 or has the local culture been completely replaced by tourism? We put this question to our team who are all based in Canggu and this is why they feel that the answer to “Is Canggu worth visiting in 2025?” is a resounding, “Yes!”
The Headline Answer To “Is Canggu Worth Visiting?”
Let’s be fair about this, if you choose to visit Canggu in 2025, you’ll be in very good company.
Canggu is currently the most popular destination on the island of Bali and it sees more visitors than previously popular destinations like Seminyak, Kuta and Legian.
This is because there’s nowhere that has as much to offer the casual visitor to Bali as Canggu does.
Firstly, Canggu is only a 60-90 minute drive from Denpasar International Airport or Ngurah Rai International Airport as it’s known locally. That means you can get settled in fast after getting off the plane, rather than spending a couple of hours or more in a car.
Canggu Beach, which is an area that actually consists of 5 beaches, three of which are very well-known and two of which are not as well-known, offers a lovely beachfront which is accessible to everyone who stays in the area.
And while a journey along the famous Canggu shortcut may not bring you into contact with as many rice fields as it once would have done, there are still rice paddies and terraces in the area for you to enjoy.
Most of all, Canggu is home to the world-famous FINNS Beach Club and it’s an attraction that brings in around 1 in 8 visitors to Bali! If you want to try the beach club experience while you’re in Bali, Canggu is the beach town to make it happen in.
On the accommodation front, Canggu offers everything from cheap guesthouses, through boutique hotels, to luxury resorts and high-end villas. There’s something for everyone.
There are also a ton of interesting activities in the area from fitness studios, to art schools and dance performances, you won’t be bored in Canggu.
Why Canggu Rose To Fame
What made Canggu worth visiting in the fairly recent past was that it wasn’t a beach town as much as it was a collection of three villages, a few warungs (the local restaurants), some traditional homes and a few guesthouses.
It means you could be near the popular beaches and beach towns without actually being in them.
How Canggu Has Changed In Recent Years And The Potential Impact On Your Visit
Today, if you visit Canggu, then the changes are unmistakable. Once Kuta, Legian and Seminyak had been fully developed, people turned to Canggu and realized that investment could transform this sleepy backwater into a real hotspot for tourism.
And while it’s true that there’s been an absolute ton of development in this area over the last few years, one of the things that makes Canggu worth visiting is that there are still traces of the original area lying beneath the surface.
Sure, you may have to search a bit for them, but they’re there – unlike in Kuta and Seminyak, where all the original towns have disappeared under tarmac and concrete.
Why People Will Visit Canggu In 2025
When you ask “Is Canggu worth visiting” our team quickly came up with a list of reasons that they think Canggu is not just worth visiting, but is, in fact, the best place to stay on the island.
Here are some of the things that they say ought to make anyone visit Canggu.
The Best Nightlife On The Island
Bali’s nightlife is world famous and while there’s much more to this paradise island than pubs and clubs, if you want to let your hair down while you’re here – Canggu is the place to do it.
While Indonesia is a majority Muslim archipelago, the island of Bali is a Hindu-majority enclave. And Hindu people are far more relaxed about the sale of alcohol and its consumption.
That’s not to say that anyone in Bali wants to see drunk people staggering around at 2 a.m. but they’re happy for you to come and have a good time.
Canggu has the best bars, pubs, and clubs on the island and while it’s not as cheap as Kuta or as snooty as Seminyak, you’ll find that prices are reasonable and there’s a lot of different scenes to choose from.
We’d also note that while there may be cheaper places to drink in Southeast Asia, drinking in Canggu is way cheaper than in Sydney, London, Paris, Beijing or New York.
Plenty Of Attractions And Things To Do
Bali’s economy is heavily dependent on tourism and more than 80% of al the money on the island is spent by visitors.
That means you’re rarely far from something to do as the locals have worked out that people would prefer to trade their money for fun on holiday.
And there’s a lot to do in Canggu, in fact in our recent piece – we found 46 things to do in Canggu!
Awesome Beaches And The Best Beach Clubs
As we said earlier the Canggu Beach area is, in fact, home to 5 beaches and each of them has a distinct personality.
Batu Bolong Beach
Batu Bolong is the most popular beach in Canggu. A lot of this is to do with the fact that the road leading up to the beach is stuffed with boutique stores, cafes, bars and restaurants.
If you want to shop til you drop, then this area won’t leave you disappointed. However, this black sand beach can get pretty crowded due to its popularity too.
Berawa Beach
Berawa is the second most popular beach in the area but it’s substantially calmer than Batu Bolong.
It’s very popular with surfers in the early part of the day and it’s a great place to get some surf lessons.
At night, it’s home to FINNS the world’s best beach club and it’s a great place to party.
Echo Beach
Echo Beach is not the Echo Beach in the famous song by Martha and the Muffins (this is probably because that Echo Beach doesn’t exist anywhere on Earth and was made up by the singer).
It is a great spot for advanced surfers though and the breaks are considered to be the most challenging in the area.
Nelayan Beach
If you want a very quiet beach then you may enjoy Nelayan Beach. They are developing this area, but they’re going fairly slow for the moment.
There’s a nice little temple at one end of the beach, which is quite similar to Tanah Lot (though on a less dramatic scale) and you can often have that view all to yourself at sunset.
Pererenan Beach
This part of Canggu is seeing a lot of development and they’re targeting families with a lot of villas and private pools springing up here.
The area is still trying to find its own identity and there’s a lot of turnover in the local restaurant and bar scene because of it.
Balinese People And Balinese Culture
Canggu doesn’t have many cultural attractions for visitors but the authentic Balinese culture is present everywhere in the area if you keep your eyes peeled.
Just be aware that most temples in Bali are private places and foreigners aren’t allowed in.
But you will still find that the local people are kind and welcoming and that the traditional Balinese hospitality shines through in your interactions in Canggu.
It’s the people that make the answer to “is Canggu worth visiting?” such a resounding yes, we think.
One Of The Best Dining Scenes In Bali
Whether you’re looking for cheap local eats, fine dining or sunset drinks with an amazing view of the ocean, Canggu, Bali has something for you.
Canggu offers one of the greatest ranges of restaurants and cafes that we’ve ever encountered in a small area and there are easily 60-100 different places that you could stop in for food.
Whatever great restaurants you choose, you’ll notice how much cheaper it is to eat the same standard of food as you are used to in Western countries.
A Great Range Of Accommodation
Canggu also has a great range of accommodation options much of it a short walking distance from the beach.The best of the accommodation is soon to open in the form of FINNS Bali Resort, mind you.
That means you can find something for any budget (though if you’re looking for cheap go for guesthouses rather than “budget-friendly hostels” as hostels aren’t that popular in Bali).
We think most people will enjoy Canggu in the fine selection of boutique hotels but if you want a private luxury villa with a butler and much more, you will find it here.
It’s Not All Roses – Some Things You May Not Like About Canggu
Canggu, Bali is an amazing place but there are some drawbacks to spending time in this area too and we won’t gloss over them.
The Traffic In Canggu Can Be A Nightmare
There’s no getting around that traffic in Canggu is something of a problem. However, we need to stress that it’s not a “Canggu problem” so much as it is a “Bali problem”.
Wherever you stay on the island, you’re going to find that you’re going to spend a lot of time in traffic.
This is because while the island has grown, much of the road infrastructure has not.
That’s one of the reasons we always recommend people stay in Canggu, particularly in the peak season (dry season) as the traffic can be pretty terrible at that time of year and it’s easier to be within a short walk or drive of things to do and see.
On the positive side of the traffic issue, the Balinese government have put forward some proposals to alleviate traffic specifically in Canggu in the near future.
It’s Not As Cheap As It Once Was
If you’ve been here before then you will notice that a stay in Canggu has gone up in price.
The post-pandemic years saw some serious inflation for those who visit Bali, but once again, this is really an island-wide issue and not just in the incredibly popular town of Canggu.
However, even with rising prices, Canggu is still something of a bargain when compared to most Western destinations.
People Who Will Definitely Think That Canggu Is Worth Visiting In 2025
In our experience, almost everyone will enjoy Canggu more than other Bali locations but there are some groups of tourists for whom Canggu should be a “don’t miss” and these include:
Fun Seeking Tourists – There’s So Much Variety Of Things To Do
There’s so much to do in Canggu thanks to the tourism industry that you can have fun every single day of the year and for no real extra cost when compared to other Bali locations.
Whether you want to use it as a base to explore the island and its ancient temples, monkey forests, etc. or you want to stay at home and enjoy delicious food, beautiful beaches and attractions, you simply won’t be disappointed.
Digital Nomads – Canggu Is Nearly As Big As Chiang Mai
Let’s be fair about this digital nomads love Canggu and that’s because there are a ton of co-working spaces, yoga studios (and yoga retreats for that matter), places that suit budget travellers with low prices, easy scooter rental options and much more.
And while it’s fair to say that many digital nomads spend their time in the local guest house scene, many others get together and pool their funds to enjoy a luxury villa.
If you think Canggu is expensive, where else can you rent a 4-bedroom villa with a huge pool and all mod cons for $2,000 a month? Split between four couples, that’s just $250 a month in rent!
Surfers – The Surfing Lessons Are Amazing
While it’s fair to say that the ultimate surfing destination here on the island is Uluwatu with its pro-level breaks, most people are going to have to spend quite a bit of time learning to surf before they tackle those breaks. Uluwatu is mainly for advanced surfers only.
Canggu is ideal for beginner and intermediate surfers who want to up their game. There are surf schools and surf camps galore as well as plenty of places where you can hire surf equipment cheaply and that means surfers can get a lot out of a stay in Canggu.
You’ll also find plenty of branded surfing apparel stores in Canggu and if you want to pick something up from Quiksilver or Billabong, it’s super easy to do and it’s cheaper than at home.
Beach Club Aficionados – FINNS Beach Club
FINNS is the world’s best beach club and it sets a standard that all other beach clubs on the island struggle to meet.
If you’ve never spent a day at a beach club, then you owe it to yourself to try FINNS.
From their amazing international restaurants to the beachfront infinity pool to the legendary entertainment, to the ice-cold drinks and incredible sunsets, a day at FINNS is an experience that you just can’t beat.
We recommend booking in advance to secure yourself a nice daybed by the pool but if you’re on a tight budget, then you should know that they allow for walk-in guests and there’s no minimum spend if you sit in the bars and restaurants at FINNS. (They also have a great happy hour).
Epicureans – For All That Lovely Food
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, there are very few destinations on Earth that are as good for foodies as Canggu.
That’s because there’s such a wide variety of cuisines and budget levels represented here.
Hit up a local warung for tasty Balinese treats that won’t break the bank, head to Monsoon at FINNS and enjoy the world’s coolest party restaurant and then push the boat all the way out and hit up one of the fine dining favourites in the area.
Backpackers – There Are Still Bargains To Be Found In Canggu
Canggu is super popular with backpackers even in 2025 and that’s because there’s a host of cheap accommodations and while digital nomads often get the best deals (digital nomads will commit to long-term stays for this), backpackers can save plenty of cash by choosing Canggu over Seminyak.
Who doesn’t love kicking back by the guest house pool with a bucket of Bintang and meeting a bunch of new friends?
There are plenty of low-cost activities in this area too and it’s a wonderful place to stage day trips to the rest of the island from.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Canggu?
There is no bad time of year to visit Canggu and you can always enjoy the beaches and attractions of this lovely town.
This is because Bali is tropical and that means that it’s always pleasantly warm and sunny here. Yes, even in the rainy season, where we see on average 8 hours of sun a day.
And the dry season isn’t perfectly dry, it rains every 3 days or so even at that time of year.
However, budget travellers will get the best deals during the wet season as fewer people visit Bali at that time of year.
Is Canggu Good For Families?
Yes! Balinese culture is very welcoming to children and young people and you’ll find that you can find a wide range of affordable accommodations in Canggu.
There are lots to do in this area too and most of it is very suitable for children.
Just make sure to have travel insurance in case of accidents or a visit from the Bali belly – medical care in Canggu is good but it can be expensive.
Is Canggu Good For Couples?
Yes, Canggu is good for couples. If you’re the kind of couple that likes to do many different things, from romantic meals and horseback rides on the beach at sunset to partying at FINNS to joining in a yoga session at one of the local yoga studios, you’re going to love spending time in Canggu.
Many people choose Canggu for a honeymoon destination and we can’t blame them, this is a wonderful part of the island for letting your love bloom.
FAQs
Is Canggu Better Than Seminyak?
Yes, we think so! Actually, there’s not that much in it and they’re both very popular tourist towns but Canggu is still closer to nature and offers a more rounded experience to visitors than Seminyak, in our opinion.
Seminyak really caters to young and upwardly mobile tourists looking to spend some money and be seen doing it.
Canggu offers a more rounded experience that will appeal to a wider mix of visitors.
And given that the two areas are next-door neighbours, you can always get a motorbike taxi, Grab or Gojek ride or even walk between the two when you want to see the other.
Why Is Canggu So Popular?
Canggu is very popular thanks to the long stretch of beach that runs along the edge of the area. It still has some rice fields and rice terraces to enjoy as it’s not quite as built up as Seminyak, Kuta and Legian.
It also has a ton of things to do including many beach bars, yoga studios, and restaurants serving great food (and not just Balinese food).
It’s easy to base yourself in Canggu and then take day trips to see other parts of the island such as the more arty Ubud or the more expensive area of Seminyak.
If you want your time in Canggu cheaper, then you could come during the wet season when there are fewer tourists and better deals on flights and hotels to be had.
You’ll also find that there’s less rush-hour traffic at that time of year which can make it even easier to get around.
Is Canggu Too Touristy?
No, we don’t think that Canggu is too touristy at all. That’s because without tourists, Canggu would have very few facilities.
At the moment, we think this area has the right balance between things to do, places to stay and natural open space.
We can see development encroaching on Canggu and it’s possible that in a decade or so from now, things will be as overdeveloped as Seminyak or Kuta but for now, Canggu offers an excellent mix of all the things that make Bali attractive to tourists without being overwhelmed by visitors.
We think the area’s popularity is a testament to the appeal of this part of the island to holidaymakers.
Is Canggu A Safe Place?
Is Canggu safe? Yes. In fact, unless you injure yourself doing stretches at Serenity Yoga or in the gym, then you’re unlikely to run into any trouble on the stunning beaches of this part of the island.
Bali itself is very safe and safer than most Western countries. Yes, there are minor issues with petty crime and “Bali Belly” but overall, Canggu is a great spot for a holiday.
You’re far enough away from the volcanoes on the island to be protected against a natural disaster and violent crime is almost unheard of (and if it does occur it’s likely to be between foreign visitors and involve alcohol).
The vast majority of people who come to Canggu have a happy, healthy trip with no inconveniences when it comes to their safety.
Is It Easy To Get Around In Canggu, Bali?
Yes, in fact, if you’re in a central location in Canggu, you could probably walk to most parts of the area (though we would warn you that walking is challenging here in Bali due to an absence of good footpaths).
You can easily get around by scooter or ride-share though and apart from at the busiest times of day, it won’t take too long to get from A to b in the area.
However, we would note that Bali is not the most wheelchair-accessible destination and no area in Bali is currently ideal for those who face challenges with walking.
How Many Days Do You Need For Canggu?
Canggu is an amazing place and many people can and do spend their whole Bali holiday in Canggu.
However, if you are on a mission to tick off as many parts of Bali as you can before moving on, we would suggest that you can see the highlights of Canggu in around 3 days. Find out more here.
Final Thoughts On Is Canggu Worth Visiting?
Yes, we think Canggu is worth visiting in 2025. For us, it’s the most exciting part of Bali, right now and it’s why we’re based in the area.
This is borne out by the fact that it’s also the most popular spot on the island for visitors at the moment. People vote with their wallets and their wallets vote for Canggu, Bali.