Surfers walking down to a secluded beach with surfboards in Uluwatu, Bali – popular destination for world-class waves and surfing in 2025
2 June 2025

Canggu vs. Uluwatu: Where should you go?

Planning Your Bali Trip? Start Here

Choosing where to stay in Bali sets the tone for your entire experience. Two of the island's most iconic regions — Canggu and Uluwatu — each offer their own unique vibe, scenery, and lifestyle.

In this guide, we compare Canggu vs. Uluwatu based on what matters most to travelers: beaches, cafés, surf, nightlife, and villas.

Canggu: Bali’s Trendy, Social, and Surf-Centric Hotspot

Canggu is a magnet for digital nomads, creatives, and adventurous travelers. Located on Bali’s southwest coast, it offers a dynamic mix of beach life, trendy cafés, boutique shops, and nightlife.

Top Things to Do in Canggu

  • Surf or relax at Echo Beach or Batu Bolong
  • Enjoy floating breakfasts at your villa
  • Brunch-hop across hip cafés
  • Watch sunsets at beach clubs
  • Shop designer markets and concept stores

Best Cafés & Restaurants in Canggu

  • Crate Café: Famous for smoothie bowls and chill vibes
  • Milk & Madu: Family-friendly, wood-fired pizzas
  • Sensorium: Modern Asian fusion cuisine
  • Mason: Upscale grill with great cocktails

Popular Gyms in Canggu

  • Wanderlust Fitness Village: For CrossFit and strength training
  • Body Factory Bali: Luxury gym with wellness zone
  • The Practice: Yoga-focused space for balance and retreats

Iconic Beach Clubs in Canggu

  • The Lawn: Sunset DJs and cocktails on the sand
  • La Brisa: Eco-chic beach club with boho charm
  • FINNS Beach Club: Bali's biggest beach club experience

Where to Stay in Canggu

Villa Reif: A modern 2-bedroom villa with private pool, ideal for couples, families or friends. Located steps from top cafés and beaches.

Grand Villa Puri Padi: Our most exclusive 5-bedroom private estate in Berawa. With a 25-meter infinity pool, it sleeps 12 guests and is only a 4-minute walk from the beach.

Uluwatu: Cliffside Calm and Natural Beauty

Uluwatu offers breathtaking cliffs, hidden beaches, and a peaceful atmosphere. Known for surf, sunsets, and spiritual energy, this south Bali destination is perfect for couples and wellness-focused travelers.

Top Things to Do in Uluwatu

  • Visit Uluwatu Temple and see the sunset Kecak dance
  • Explore Bingin, Padang Padang, and Dreamland beaches
  • Book surf lessons or sound healing sessions
  • Discover cliffside viewpoints and secret coves

Best Cafés & Restaurants in Uluwatu

  • The Cashew Tree: Healthy, community-based menu
  • Suka Espresso: Aussie-style breakfast and coffee
  • Ours Bali: Chic, fresh, minimalist dining
  • Mana Uluwatu: Sunset dinner views over the cliffs

Best Gyms & Wellness Spots

  • The Istana: Ice baths, breathwork, and meditation
  • Sana Uluwatu: Boutique gym and health hub
  • Uluwatu Fitness Center: Local gym with full equipment

Top Beach Clubs in Uluwatu

  • Single Fin: Legendary cliffside sunsets and surf
  • Savaya Bali: Exclusive club with infinity pool and DJs
  • El Kabron: Spanish cliff club with fine food and ocean views

Where to Stay in Uluwatu

Villa Las Casas: A private 1-bedroom villa with plunge pool, just minutes from Bingin Beach. Mediterranean design, perfect for couples.

Villa Nuju (Dec 2025): Modern boutique villas for design lovers and solo travelers.

Villa Palmera (Oct 2025): Secluded retreat surrounded by jungle with optional spa add-ons.

Canggu vs. Uluwatu: Quick Comparison Table

CategoryCangguUluwatuVibeTrendy, social, livelyRelaxed, scenic, spiritualPopular WithNomads, surfers, foodiesCouples, wellness travelers, surfersCafés & CuisineGlobal, modern, artisanHealthy, organic, chilledActivitiesSurf, café culture, nightlifeBeach hopping, sunsets, templesBest ForCreative getaways, group staysRomantic escapes, nature retreatsFeatured VillaVilla Reif & Grand Villa Puri PadiVilla Las Casas & Villa Palmera

Which Bali Destination Is Right for You?

Choose Canggu if you want social energy, surf culture, and foodie finds.

Choose Uluwatu for epic views, hidden beaches, and serene moments.

Either way, your trip starts with the right villa. At Bali Bliss Villa, we offer curated private villas in both locations — each with personalized service, tropical gardens, and luxury design.

Ready to Book Your Stay?

Explore our private villas in Canggu and Bingin-Uluwatu and find your perfect Bali home base. Book early for the best availability and rates.

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