Is Canggu Worth Visiting?

You are probably planning your trip to Bali right now and wondering “Is Canggu worth visiting?”.

Well, if you know of anyone who lives in Bali, this person would tell you that people from Ubud don’t go to Canggu and people who live in Canggu, don’t go to Ubud. That’s a fact!

I’ll try to be impartial here, although I live in Ubud so you know what the answer would be! But let’s face it, Canggu is one of the most popular places in Bali, so I will be fair and tell you the good and the bad about this place, so you can make your own call.

It really depends on your interests, you might be into Canggu who knows?

Let’s find out!

Is Canggu Worth Visiting? -> The Good

Let me start with all the good reasons why Canggu would be worth a visit. I also want to point out that Canggu is only 1 hour away from Ubud, Uluwatu, Sanur and other locations in Bali. So you can always just do a day trip and see if you like the vibe or not!

It’s a fantastic spot for surfing

Reason #1! Canggu’s beaches are well-known for their surfing conditions. The area offers consistent waves suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced surfers. Batu Bolong Beach is a favourite for learners, while Echo Beach is more suited for experienced surfers. Across all beaches in Canggu, surf schools and equipment rentals are widely available. So if you’re a surfer, pack your bags!

Amazing for digital nomads

Canggu is a hotspot for digital nomads, thanks to its dedicated spaces, reliable internet, and a solid community of remote workers. Coworking spaces like B Work Bali, Karya Coworking and many others, provide productive environments and office chairs, while cafes like Crate and Milk & Madu are perfect for some work on the go. The digital community here is active and exciting. Weekly meetups and workshops are common, which strengthens a sense of community for long-term travellers.

💡 Pro tip: Get your travel insurance sorted! Going to Bali means you are exposed to exciting activities like surf and new food that is different from your usual. While this is thrilling you also want peace of mind – you know what they say, “Better be safe than sorry!” I highly recommend Safety Wing, it’s easy and affordable.!

Are you addicted to the gym? Then go to Canggu!

Reason #3 is that gyms in Canggu are spectacular! Fitness lovers will definitely feel at home in Canggu. Gyms like Body Factory Bali and Topstretching are some of the best gyms to check out in Canggu. There is also F45 and many others that would sound familiar. You would find the best pilates studios too, spinning and so on.

Incredible sunsets

One of the strongest reasons why you should visit Canggu is to watch its sunsets. They are a must! Beaches like Berawa and Echo Beach offer stunning views, often accompanied by beachside music and refreshments. Many beach bars set the stage with bean bags and live DJs, It’s such a vibe and you can tell that even residents show up at sunset time so they don’t miss the show!

Cafes and restaurants are super cool!

Cafe hopping is a thing and it definitely happens in Canggu! Why? Because the cafes there are really cool! Some would come with a swimming pool, some with Instagrammable interiors… but above all, they all serve great food! Some of the most popular places for brunch in Canggu are Penny Lane (see picture above) and Avocado Factory.

Vibrant nightlife

Canggu has a lively nightlife, with venues like Old Man’s and The Lawn transitioning from relaxed daytime hangouts to energetic evening spots. There’s always something happening after dark, whether it’s a themed party or live music by the beach.

It’s great for shopping

If you are into shopping, that’s another reason to visit Canggu! You can find beautiful shops and markets (such as La Brisa Sunday Market). Canggu is also home to some of the best manicure places in Bali and cosmetics are a lot easier to find compared to other places on the island.

There are accommodations for every budget

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Canggu has really high-quality accommodation options and they fit a range of budgets! Here are the best picks:

Budget travellers should check out ➡️ Shortcut Breeze Guest House, it’s super affordable and cute. (You can also find a long list of other homestays in Canggu in this blog post).

For a mid-range stay, ➡️ Belajar Bali Boutique Hotel and Retreat which is an Instagrammable boutique hotel – super peaceful and beautiful.

If you want something more luxurious, you might prefer ➡️ The Young Villas, offering private pools and high-end facilities. I would recommend these villas even if you are an influencer and have to film a month’s worth of content in a beautiful place!

💡 Pro tip: Keep an eye on Trusted Housesitters! This would allow you to stay in Canggu for free in exchange for pet-sitting. Sounds like a dream but it’s true. Canggu is one of the most popular places in Bali providing this opportunity!

Is Canggu Worth Visiting? -> The Bad

If you are planning on staying in Canggu long term, you have to look at the negative sides as well. You will want to build a community here and surround yourself with people with similar interests as you. Say you are a spiritual person for example, you will rarely meet people who are spiritual in Canggu… Welcome to the downsides of Canggu!

Limited cultural experiences

I said limited, but I should say zero! In fact, there are barely any Balinese people in Canggu. It’s been taken over by the Javanese. There’s nothing wrong with that, but if you’re going to Bali to learn Balinese culture, well, you won’t find it in Canggu. The rapid development has prioritised modern cafes, boutiques, and gyms over traditional Balinese culture. Temples and ceremonies are rare here, and local traditions often take a backseat to the area’s contemporary vibe.

Nightlife isn’t for everyone

While many enjoy Canggu’s nightlife, it’s not ideal if partying isn’t your thing. The nightlife vibe dominates in the evenings, leaving limited options for quieter experiences. Some visitors may find the area too focused on late-night entertainment, which can be overwhelming.

Not a spiritual destination

Unlike Ubud, known for its spiritual and meditative retreats, Canggu doesn’t cater much to those who are after a deeper connection. Although yoga and wellness options are available, they’re often overshadowed by the area’s focus on leisure and activity. If you’re looking for a spiritual community and practices, other destinations in Bali might be a better fit.

Traffic and infrastructure challenges

Canggu’s popularity has led to traffic congestion, especially during peak hours (google “the shortcut”!). The roads can be narrow and busy, making it less enjoyable for those unaccustomed to navigating Bali’s traffic. Parking can also be a challenge, particularly near popular beaches and cafes. The rapid development has outpaced infrastructure improvements, which some visitors find frustrating.

Cost of living

Canggu can be more expensive than other parts of Bali. Prices for accommodation, dining, and gyms are often higher due to its popularity among expats and tourists. I was surprised to see how gyms are even more expensive than the ones in Western countries! Budget travellers may find it challenging to stick to a tight budget here compared to other regions like Amed or Lovina.

Where to Go Instead of Canggu

If Canggu’s downsides have put you off, consider heading to Ubud for its cultural and spiritual offerings, or Sanur for a quieter, family-friendly vibe. Amed on the east coast offers stunning snorkelling and diving opportunities, while Uluwatu attracts surfers and people who love dramatic cliffs.

Is Canggy Worth Visiting? The FAQs!

So, Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

So, is Canggu worth visiting? I would say yes, for a day or two. This will give you enough information and understand if you would like to stay longer. If you haven’t left your country yet, make sure to grab the Free Bali Travel Checklist. This way you will make sure you are not forgetting anything for your trip to Bali – yes, also including the boring documents and insurance!

Ciao for now,

Silvia x

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