If you love beautiful beaches then you’re going to love Sanur and Canggu when you visit Bali. But what if you can only spend time in one place or the other?
Do you opt for the vibrant nightlife scene, surfing awesomeness and vibe of the Canggu Beach area or do you head to the Sanur Beach area which is more relaxed and geared up to other watersports rather than surfing?
Well, we’ve put the two towns through their paces using categories that tourists use to decide whether to visit Sanur or Canggu and we have found a winner between Canggu & Sanur. So, check this comparison out before you book your flights.
About Canggu
Canggu? A few years back, it was this quiet little spot with more rice fields than hotels or eateries, but these days, it’s the hottest place on the island.
There’s a ton to do in Canggu—like chilling at FINNS, hands down the world’s best beach club—and the whole area’s buzzing with energy, making it a must-hit spot for heaps of tourists.
That boom does come with a catch: prices are creeping up. Canggu used to be a steal, but now it’s pulling in a crowd with a bit more cash to splash. Still, it’s not hitting the wallet as hard as Nusa Dua or nearby Seminyak.
About Sanur
Sanur’s this chill little beach town with a super relaxed feel. It’s got a nice long beach that’s mostly clean and untouched, and you can still spot bits of that classic Sanur village life along the shore.
Nightlife? Not really a thing here, but that’s cool with most people who roll into Sanur—usually families who are all about kicking back by the hotel pool, hitting the beach, or splashing around in the ocean.
That said, we reckon Sanur’s picking up speed with development, so this mellow scene might not stick around forever. They just dropped their first shopping mall, Icon Mall, and it feels like they’re putting in some serious work to pull visitors over from the other beach spots.
Sanur Or Canggu – A Breakdown Of Each Area
To help you pick between Sanur or Canggu without the headache, we’ve put together a useful list of head-to-head comparisons, straight from our own vibes in both spots.
What Are The Hotels, Resorts, Etc. Like?
It really comes down to what kind of trip you’re after. Canggu’s got a crazy mix of places to stay—think fancy villas all the way down to dirt-cheap hostels. But, heads up: as Canggu’s gotten more popular over the years, the room rates have shot up too.
Sanur, though, has a solid lineup of resorts, all just a stroll away from a gorgeous beach, and the prices? Way easier on the wallet compared to Canggu.
It’s pretty close, but we’re giving Sanur the win here—it’s just better bang for your buck.
Where Is The Best Place For A Party?
When it comes to lively nightlife, there’s no contest between Sanur and Canggu. Canggu’s got a killer rep for its nightlife and beach club game—FINNS, the world’s top beach club, is a big part of that.
Sanur, though? Locals call it “sleepy Sanur” for a reason. It’s got some chill beach bars, a handful of spots to grab a drink, and a few restaurants that keep the lights on late-ish, but it’s not where you go to party.
That’s not a knock on Sanur—it’s still an awesome spot to crash. It just pulls in more of a family crowd who are all about beach days and quiet nights, while Canggu gets the younger crew who are there to rave it up.
Unless you’re hunting for a nightlife-free zone, Canggu’s the clear champ here.
Which One Is Best For Shopaholics?
Sanur’s how got its first shopping mall, which could shake things up big time in the future but the big launch has failed to impress and many people are complaining about the traffic problems getting in and out of the place too
For now, Sanur’s decent if you just want some cheap beach souvenirs or a Bintang shirt here and there—nothing too exciting shopping-wise, though.
Canggu’s not exactly a shopping mecca either, but it’s way ahead of Sanur and ranks up there with the best spots on the island, aside from Seminyak. It’s got a cool mix of boutique shops, market stalls, and other places to browse that leave Sanur in the dust.
Plus, Canggu’s practically next door to Seminyak. So, if the hardcore shoppers can’t get their fix in Canggu, they’re just a quick hop away from more retail therapy.
Folks hit up Sanur for the chill vibes, not the shopping bags. So, when it’s Sanur vs. Canggu in this category, Canggu takes the crown, no question.
Where Will I Get The Best Food?
This one’s all about what you’re craving for from a food scene and obviously both Sanur and Canggu have a food scene. Sanur’s got fewer options than Canggu, but it’s usually a lot easier on the wallet.
You’ll get more bang for your buck in Sanur for the same kind of vibe compared to Canggu.
But if you’re after a ton of choices, Canggu’s the champ here, no contest. It’s loaded with everything from cute little warungs to top-notch fine dining spots. It also has the most trendy cafes for your morning coffee.
There are pubs, cafes, bars, and restaurants popping up on almost every corner and lining the streets—plus, you’ve got FINNS Beach Club, which packs four of the island’s best eats in one spot. It’s also the star of the bustling nightlife culture on the island.
We’re leaning toward Canggu for the win, but it’s not a total blowout. You can still kick back on bean bags by Sanur’s gorgeous beach, munch on some great food with live tunes, and be totally happy with that.
Comparing Beaches
Sanur Beach is a chill spot for water sports (just not surfing) and swimming. The beach is famous for its calm waters and natural beauty.
It’s tucked nicely along the shore with a big reef keeping the waves mellow—perfect for kids to splash around while their parents keep an eye out. It’s a very family-friendly environment and the local accommodation options tend to reflect that.
The sand’s soft and white, so you can kick back and soak up the sun all day. Plus, there’s a sweet boardwalk that’s awesome for strolling or biking along the whole beach.
Only downside? It’s on Bali’s East Coast, so sunset vibes are pretty meh. You’ll need to drag yourself out of bed early for the best ocean views.
Now, Canggu Beach? That place has our heart, mostly ‘cause FINNS Beach Club—aka the world’s coolest beach club—is right there. The black sand isn’t winning any beauty contests, but it’s ace for surfing or long walks (dog owners are obsessed).
And the sunsets? Hands down some of the best in Bali. Nothing beats grabbing a drink at FINNS and watching the sun dip below the horizon, lighting everything up in epic colours.
That said, if we’re keeping it real, Sanur’s probably the nicer pick if you’re all about chilling on Bali’s prettiest beaches.
Which Is The Prettiest Place?
Alright, let’s keep it real—“aesthetically pleasing” is totally up to you, and whether you’re vibing with Canggu or Sanur depends on what you’re into.
In our take, Canggu is the most well-rounded spot in Bali. It’s got a little bit of everything—old-school architecture, shiny new builds, beaches, rice fields, you name it. That said, it’s definitely gotten busier and more built-up lately.
Sanur’s having its own moment right now with a mini construction boom—new hotels popping up left and right. Give it a few years, and it might turn into the next Nusa Dua (Bali’s fanciest resort town). For now, though, it’s still kinda chill and low-key.
The beach there is super nice, the town’s easy enough to wander around, and there’s a decent mix of stuff to check out.
We’d say Sanur just barely beats Canggu in the looks department, but it’s not a blowout or anything. Both spots are solid—no complaints either way!
Where Will I Have The Most Things To Do?
Canggu’s got way more going on, hands down. You’ve got FINNS (the world’s dopest beach club), surf shops, cute boutiques, Tanah Lot temple, and a ton more to mess with.
Sanur, on the other hand, keeps it simpler—water sports, that sweet boardwalk, and a handful of smaller gems (like some dope museums).
We’re not buying the whole “sleepy” label for Sanur—we even called that out when we checked out the best stuff to do there—but let’s be real: if you’re after variety, Canggu’s got Sanur beat in the “things to do” department.
Which Area Do The Expats Prefer?
Okay, this is subjective, but we’d bet most expats in Bali would vibe harder with Canggu than Sanur.
Canggu’s smack dab in the busiest part of the island, right next to some of the coolest spots to hang out. Plus, you’re super close to big shopping centres, which makes life in Bali way less of a hassle. It’s also got the nightlife scene on lock—tons of bars, restaurants, and cafes that expats tend to love.
Sanur, though? It’s a bit more out of the way. It’s quieter, sure, and there’s not as much going on amenity-wise. Fine for a vacation, but if you’re living there, that distance can start to wear on you.
We’re calling Canggu the winner here, though it’s fair to say some expats might still be Team Sanur anyway.
Which Area Is Most Popular With Digital Nomads?
No question about it—Canggu’s the top pick for digital nomads out of the two. It’s loaded with coworking and coliving spots, and most cafes and warungs are cool with you camping out with your laptop and phone.
Canggu and Ubud are the “holy grail” spots in Bali for digital nomads—they’re crazy popular with the roaming crew.
Sanur? It’s got a few options for nomads, but they’re pretty slim pickings. That might change down the road, but right now, it’s not even close to Canggu in this game.
Sanur Vs Canggu – Which Town Comes Out On Top?
Alright, to wrap things up: we reckon Sanur has got the edge on accommodation deals, has a prettier beach, and it just looks nicer overall compared to Canggu.
But flip the script, and Canggu’s killing it with nightlife, shopping, and food spots—plus, there’s way more to do there. It’s also the go-to spot for expats and digital nomads.
So, we’re slapping the “best beach town to visit” crown on Canggu out of the two. That said, Sanur’s still a gem and totally worth checking out too!
FAQs
Is Sanur Better Than Canggu?
No, Sanur is different from Canggu and as you can see from our analysis above of what tourists in Bali really want – Sanur comes second to Canggu.
However, there’s no doubt that Sanur is a nice place and its laid-back atmosphere and family-friendly environment might suit your individual travel style.
Is It Worth Going To Sanur?
Yes! We think so. Sanur is a lovely part of Bali, Indonesia and you will find this part of the coastline has very beautiful beaches, and calm waters where you can swim and practice most watersports (apart from surfing) to your heart’s content.
It may not have hectic nightlife like Canggu offers but there are bars with live music, and solid dining options and it’s a nice place to explore that side of Bali from.
The town may be famous for being sleepy but we think that it’s got plenty to offer a visitor to the island and it may be the best area on the island for a budget-priced family holiday.
What Is The Nicest Part Of Bali To Stay In?
We’re big fans of Canggua and we’d say that it’s the best place to stay on the island if you want a ton of great facilities around you and ease of access to the central part of the island including the cultural heartland of Ubud.
However, we’re well aware that many people rate Nusa Dua and its luxury beachfront resorts and white sand beaches very highly too.
The good news is that Bali’s beach towns are all so close together that you can easily travel between them. You’re not stuck with Sanur Beach, Canggu Beach, Nusa Dua Beach, etc. whenever you want, you can mix things up a bit.
Is It Better To Stay In Sanur Or Seminyak?
As much as we like the laid-back vibe of Sanur Beach, we think most people who visit Bali want a little more fun in their holiday than Sanur can provide.
For that reason, we recommend Seminyak over Sanur, though we would note that we prefer Canggu to both places.
Seminyak is a little overdeveloped for our tastes and the target market is young, beautiful people with plenty of money to spend.
You’re better off staying in Canggu and visiting Seminyak if you want to go out there during your stay. You’ll save money and have more fun on your holiday.
Is Canggu Or Sanur Better?
As you can see from our round up above, when we put them head to head, and ask “Sanur or Canggu?” We end up with the conclusion that Canggu has more to offer than Sanur.
We still love Sanur and think the beautiful beaches of the Sanur Beach area are fabulous, but who’d swap a Canggu sunset for a Sanur sunrise when they’re on holiday?
How Much Is A Taxi From Sanur To Canggu?
A ride-share from Canggu to Sanur will vary in price depending on the time of day that you order the taxi and the time of year.
However, it should be roughly 300,000-400,000 IDR which is around $20-$30 USD or $20-$40 AUD. So, it won’t break the bank.
We would warn you that Bali traffic can be very heavy at times and if you want to cross Bali – we recommend doing it very early in the morning or very late in the evening to avoid the worst of the traffic.
Final Thoughts On Sanur Or Canggu
Canggu & Sanur are two very different beach towns. Sanur Beach is all about swimming, and chilling and while it’s a lovely place, there’s not that much to do in the area.
Canggu Beach, on the other hand, is about surfing, FINNS Beach Club and amazing sunset views over the Indian Ocean.
We like both places and whether you visit Sanur or Canggu, you’re going to have a nice time on the island and if you can, we’d recommend that you visit both Canggu and Sanur.
However, if you have to pick one – we’d say that the Canggu Beach area is going to offer more bang for buck for most visitors to the island in 2025.
If you found this comparison useful, you may also find our Ubud Vs Canggu piece handy.