So, you want natural beauty, yoga studios, fine dining restaurants, co-working spaces, vibrant nightlife, a shopping destination, terraced rice paddies, scenic landscapes and more and you’re not sure whether to spend your time in Bali in Canggu or Ubud to get it?
Well, we’ve taken the time to put these two popular tourist towns up against each other in a range of categories that matter to visitors to Bali.
So, let’s see if the wellness retreats, modern amenities, cultural attractions, stunning waterfalls, nearest beaches, serene rice fields, etc are better in Ubud or Canggu.
About Canggu
Canggu’s where it’s at in Bali—it’s packed with the wildest nightlife spots and beach clubs, like FINNS Beach Club, which easily snags the title of the world’s top beach club.
You’ve got everything you need in Canggu: yoga joints, martial arts gyms, co-working spots, and some killer restaurants and trendy cafes.
There are still a few chill rice fields hanging around and the big draw is the beaches like Echo Beach, Berawa Beach, and Batu Bolong Beach that surfers can’t get enough of.
By 2025, Canggu’s become hands-down the hottest spot in Bali, blowing past Kuta and Seminyak with its vibe that just pulls everyone in.
About Ubud
Ubud’s your go-to spot for soaking up that Balinese vibe—think strolling through rice terraces, hitting up cool cafes, chilling with monkeys at the sacred forest sanctuary, or catching some traditional dance moves by Hindu temples. It’s a haven of Balinese culture.
Both Ubud and Canggu have yoga studios, but Ubud’s got the edge with way more—like the famous Ubud Yoga House—and you’ll spot folks rocking yoga gear all the time. Spiritualism is big in Ubud. So is the old-school hippie vibe.
Being inland, Ubud’s got a cooler, less sticky feel than the beachy Canggu, which is a big win for some in the whole “Ubud vs. Canggu” showdown.
Still, there’s no question about it, Ubud’s growing fast just like Canggu, and it’s not the quiet little market town it was back in the day.
Ubud Or Canggu – A Breakdown Of Each Area
When we stack up places to check out, we like to split things up and look at ‘em through a few key lenses that we reckon matter most to travellers.
This way, you can figure out which Bali spot—or spots—vibe with what you’re after, instead of just going off some random “XYZ is the best” call.
What Are The Hotels, Resorts, Etc. Like?
Canggu’s got a solid mix of places to crash, though you won’t spot as many big-name brands as you would in Seminyak or Nusa Dua.
Still, you’ll have no sweat finding anything from surf hostels to fancy villas—after all, it’s a tourist hotspot. Pretty much every place comes with a pool and is just a quick stroll from those killer beaches.
Ubud’s got a ton of options too, and some of the best digs are tucked into the jaw-dropping rice terraces right outside town.
Nothing beats waking up surrounded by those rice terraces to feel like you’re really living the Bali life.
Here’s the kicker: Ubud’s got both the cheapest and priciest places to stay out of the two spots, so there’s something for every wallet. Canggu, though, mostly caters to the mid-range crowd these days.
It’s a tight call, but we’re giving the win to Ubud. It’s easier to keep your holiday costs in check and snag the exact kind of place you want. Just don’t expect an ocean view—Ubud’s not about that beach life.
Where Is The Best Place For A Party?
If the last round was a nail-biter, this one’s a total blowout. Canggu’s hands-down the king of nightlife in Bali right now—only Seminyak, its next-door buddy, even comes close to matching the lineup of pubs, clubs, and bars.
Loads of Bali visitors show up just to rage at FINNS Beach Club around 15% of people rolling through the airport are going to spend some time partying at FINNS.
Ubud? It’s got nothing like that. Sure, there are some hip cafes and bars like Laughing Buddha that stay open late, but there’s no real club scene or party vibe to speak of.
For some folks, that’s actually a point in Ubud’s favour—they’re there for stuff like Taksu Yoga, killer Balinese eats, and cultural vibes, not fancy cocktails or beachside shenanigans.
Still, no question about it, Canggu takes this one with its buzzing nightlife, no contest. Ubud’s awesome, but it’s not where you’re going to spend all night on the dance floor till dawn.
Which One Is Best For Shopaholics?
Canggu’s got the edge when it comes to shopping—and not just for surf stuff. It’s turned into a hotspot for some of Bali’s coolest designer boutiques. Need a killer dress or the perfect heels? Canggu’s your best bet.
Only downside? There is no shopping mall in Canggu. But no biggie—there are malls in nearby beach towns just a quick drive away, which Ubud can’t say. Plus, Canggu’s got art galleries and more to poke around in.
Now, if you’re all about local handmade goodies, Ubud’s where it’s at. The Ubud art market is a goldmine for snagging awesome souvenirs.
And if you’re seeking that “hippy look,” Ubud’s basically the kaftan capital of Southeast Asia—nowhere better to scratch that itch. It’s also the perfect place to buy some yoga clothes before you hit up the yoga studios and their onsite trendy cafes.
All in all, Canggu takes the shopping crown, but both spots have some solid options of stores to rummage through.
Where Will I Get The Best Food?
Man, this one’s a tough call—both Canggu and Ubud are killing it with awesome fine dining spots, international eats, killer local grub, and a big focus on healthy food.
You’re swimming in vegan, veggie, and gluten-free options in both places—no problem at all for those leading the plant-based life.
Canggu’s got some of Bali’s hottest joints like Monsoon, St. Tropez, Bondi, Ji by the Sea, and Ruko Cafe, just to name a few. Whether you’re after fancy local dishes or chill beach bar vibes, Canggu’s got you covered with tons of picks.
Ubud’s not messing around either—places like Arcadia, Kaukau, Laughing Buddha Bar, and Ivy Cafe are dishing out some serious goodness. They’ve got everything from Indian roti spots to wellness cafes that’ll make you feel all zen. They also have amazing warungs that really make amazing local food.
Honestly, it’s way too close to pick a winner here. Both Canggu and Ubud are foodie paradises—every street’s got a spot to chow down, no matter what you’re craving or how much cash you’re working with.
Comparing Beaches And Mountains
Canggu’s a killer beach town with spots like Batu Bolong Beach, Echo Beach, and Berawa Beach (home of the legendary FINNS beach club). In peak tourist seasons, the world-class surf breaks and natural beauty of this area see huge numbers of visitors.
The beaches are black sand beaches, so they’re not always as postcard-perfect as the white sandy stretches in Nusa Dua or Sanur.
But where do the beaches shine? The surf scene. These waves are prime for learning to shred or tackling some gnarly breaks.
Ask anyone who’s kicked back at FINNS for an afternoon—those Canggu sunsets are unreal. Even if you’re not into swimming, surfing, or soaking up rays, there’s something dope about sipping a drink and watching the sun dip over the Indian Ocean.
Ubud, though? No beaches there—it’s smack in the middle of Bali, nestled in the mountain foothills.It’s where you go for cultural immersion.
Ubud’s inland location means that it’s a bit cooler than by the coast and that can make for a very pleasant day out, particularly when wandering around the famous Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, etc.
What it’s got going for it are those stunning views of rice paddies, jungles, and rainforests, plus a never-ending lineup of temples and cultural gems.
Honestly, Ubud and Canggu are so different here that we’re calling it a tie. Both have their own badass natural vibes, but they’re gonna vibe with totally different crowds.
Which Is The Prettiest Place?
Canggu’s got some gorgeous spots, no doubt. The beach at sunset? Total stunner. And those local rice fields—well, the ones that are still hanging on despite all the development—are just jaw-droppingly pretty.
There are some cool buildings in town too, like FINNS, which was clearly designed to look good and turn heads.
That said, all the fast-paced building has kinda messed with Canggu’s vibe a bit. Plus, like any place, there are some streets that just don’t hit the same in the looks department.
Now, Ubud? That’s a whole different vibe. It’s easily got the best natural setup of any big town on the island. Those endless fields and rice paddies surrounding it? Chef’s kiss.
It’s also packed with awesome temples, gardens, and palaces that are straight-up Instagram gold. The Campuhan Ridge Walk at sunset, for instance—seriously, it’s a knockout.
So, while it’s a close call, we’re giving the win to Ubud. It’s just got that extra bit of charm that makes it the prettier pick.
Where Will I Have The Most Things To Do?
Depends on how you’re keeping score. If we’re tallying up every single waterfall, temple, and rice field like they’re all their own thing, Ubud’s got it in the bag—there’s a ton of ‘em around there.
But let’s be real—after you’ve hit a couple temples, most people are like, “Okay, I’m good.” Same deal with rice fields—hard to tell one from another after a while. Waterfalls? They’re dope, but almost noone’s out here trying to chase down every single one.
Canggu, though? It might not stack up as high on the raw numbers, but it’s got way more variety going on. You’ve got temples, beaches, rice fields, gyms, clubs—the list keeps going.
Sure, some folks are all about that life in nature, and that’s cool. But if we’re talking about where’s got the most stuff to keep you busy in a way that actually counts, Canggu’s the champ, hands down.
Which Area Do The Expats Prefer?
No need to guess on this one. Both Canggu and Ubud have their fair share of expats, but right now, Canggu’s the hotspot and pulling in way more of them.
It’s not that expats don’t dig Ubud’s natural vibes—trust me, they do. And it’s not like they’re turning their noses up at the cheap places to crash there either.
It’s just that Canggu, down on the South Coast, is where it’s at for most people looking for jobs, hobbies, or just other expats to hang with. Plus, it’s closer to shopping malls and all those little conveniences that make living on the island long-term awesome.
Sure, Ubud’s got its crew of expats who are all about that chill town vibe and lifestyle—and good for them.
But let’s face it, most people hitting up Bali for the long-term are here for the beaches, and Canggu’s got the edge with the best beach access of the two, no question.
Which Area Is Most Popular With Digital Nomads?
If you’re a digital nomad in Bali, odds are you’ll wind up in either Canggu or Ubud at some point. Both spots are total magnets for the laptop crowd, and they each bring something different to the table.
That said, Canggu’s got a serious leg up with coworking spaces—way more than Ubud, no contest. Plus, they’ve got these cool co-living setups now that tie right into the coworking scene.
Both places have cheap guesthouses where you can hook up some Wi-Fi and get your work done in peace from your room, so no worries there, either.
For a lot of nomads, it’s gonna boil down to this: are you vibing more with Ubud’s Tegallalang rice terraces, lush jungles, epic waterfalls, and that Ubud Palace charm? Or are you leaning toward Canggu’s DJ parties, killer surf, gorgeous beaches, and the Tanah Lot Temple?
If we’re picking a winner, though, Canggu’s got the edge with more digital nomad-friendly perks. So yeah, we’re calling it—Canggu’s the better bet.
Ubud Vs Canggu – Which Town Comes Out On Top?
Alright, wrapping it up: we gave Ubud the crown for accommodation and decided it’s the prettiest of the two—though it was a close call. Canggu, though? It took the win for nightlife, shopping, stuff to do, expat life, and digital nomad vibes.
We couldn’t pick a fave for the food scene or the whole beach-versus-mountain thing—it’s a total tie there.
So, all in all, we’re picking Canggu as the top spot over Ubud.
That said, both towns have a ton going for them, so it’s no shocker that heaps of people end up checking out both Ubud and Canggu—or even crashing in both for a while.
FAQs
Is It Better To Stay In Canggu Or Ubud?
If we had to choose between the two, we’d pick Canggu and take a day trip or two to Ubud. The beachfront bars, beach clubs, surf spots, etc. make Canggu much more of what most people want from a Bali holiday than Ubud.
Is Ubud Cooler Than Canggu?
Yes, Ubud’s inland location means that it’s cooler than the coastal towns. However, unlike Ubud, Canggu has beaches where you can always cool yourself off in an infinity pool by the ocean.
What Is The Nicest Part Of Bali To Stay In?
We think Canggu is the best place to stay on the island right now because of the incredible range of amenities it has. However, many people would say that the upmarket resort town of Nusa Dua is also a good choice thanks to its white sand beaches.
Can You Do A Day Trip To Ubud From Canggu?
Yes! Canggu and Ubud aren’t far apart and as long as you avoid the worst of the Bali traffic, you can easily get from one to the other in about an hour. It’s not an expensive trip, either.
Should I Go To Canggu Or Ubud?
Yes! In fact, we’d recommend going to Canggu AND Ubud. But if you have to choose one or the other, we find that Canggu has more to offer visitors, right now.
Is Ubud Really Worth Visiting?
There’s no question of “is Ubud worth visiting?” in our minds. We think it’s a great place to spend some time and if you want to explore the local culture then the traditional dance performances, temples, art galleries selling local souvenirs, etc. are amazing in Ubud.
Final Thoughts On Ubud Or Canggu
We don’t think there are any bad parts of Bali and Canggu and Ubud are very popular with tourists for a variety of reasons. In fact, if you have time, we’d recommend that you stay in Ubud AND Canggu to get the most out of your holiday in Bali.
But if you have to pick one or the other, Canggu’s beaches give a better Bali vibe, then the Balinese culture highlights of Ubud. You can always take a day trip from Canggu to Ubud to check out the other town anyway.
If you found this helpful, you may also appreciate our head to head guide for Sanur Vs Canggu too.