Should you stay in Canggu or Uluwatu? After countless visits, I’ve compared the two neighbourhoods for your 2026 trip to Bali.
It’s the battle of Bali’s surfing meccas: Canggu vs Uluwatu. Both are home to world-class surf breaks and an ever-growing list of award-winning restaurants and bars. But choosing where to stay can be tricky, especially for Bali first-timers.
I’ve stayed in both areas multiple times over the past 10+ years, and while they’ve certainly evolved, each neighbourhood has kept its own distinct character. To help you decide which area suits your travel style, I’m breaking down Canggu vs Uluwatu by vibe, food & drink, its surf scene, shopping, sunsets and nightlife, plus a few practical tips I wish I’d known before my first visit to both.
Canggu vs Uluwatu – compared by:
Which one is better – Canggu or Uluwatu?
1. The vibe
There’s no question that Canggu is Bali’s most popular neighbourhood right now. Think vegan cafes, beach clubs, and hot new tables popping up almost weekly alongside long-standing, elevated restaurants.
With that popularity comes crowds and traffic. Canggu suits social butterflies who thrive on energy, spontaneity and always having something happening. It’s also a natural choice for Bali first-timers who want to experience the buzz everyone talks about.
By contrast, Uluwatu sits at the southern tip of Bali, defined by rolling hills, dramatic limestone cliffs, white sand beaches and a noticeably slower pace. The vibe is more laid-back, drawing in surfers, creatives and luxury travellers alike. While it’s no longer a sleepy secret, it still offers plenty of pockets where you can escape the crowds and properly unwind. I’ve just returned from a week-long girls’ trip in Uluwatu, and it delivered on every front.
2. Food and drink
Canggu has firmly earned its reputation as Bali’s food capital. From all-day brunch institutions like Crate Cafe and The Shady Shack, to crowd-pleasing dinner favourites like Masonry Canggu, the dining options here cover everything from casual cafes to refined dinner spots and beachfront sunset bars. Whether you’re into specialty coffee, plant-based menus or polished date-night dining, Canggu delivers – and then some. Hungry for more? Here are our top places to eat in Canggu right now.
Uluwatu’s dining scene may be more spread out, but it’s quietly excellent. Think sunset dinners at Teja, wholesome brunches at Alchemy or The Cashew Tree, and familiar favourites that have expanded south due to popular demand, including Milk & Madu, Masonry and YUKI. It’s quality over quantity, and very much worth exploring. For more tried-and-tested spots, here are our top places to eat in Uluwatu right now.
3. Surf scene
Surfing in Canggu suits all levels, making it especially appealing for beginners and intermediate surfers. Beaches like Batu Bolong offer softer, more forgiving waves, plus plenty of surf schools and board hire – ideal if you’re learning or easing back into the water.
Uluwatu, on the other hand, is a mecca for experienced surfers. Powerful waves break over sharp reefs, and conditions can be fast and heavy. Iconic breaks like Uluwatu, Nyang Nyang and Bingin attract advanced surfers and pros from around the world, thanks to their consistency and raw power.
4. Fashion and market shopping
Canggu is a fashion hunter’s dream. You’ll find everything from statement jewellery and vintage gems to polished resort wear and homegrown swimwear labels. My personal favourites include figure-hugging dresses from Flook The Label, effortless beachwear from Island Traders, and Parisian-inspired pieces from Magali Pascal. If shopping is high on your agenda, check out these top Canggu boutiques.
Shopping in Uluwatu is more low-key, but no less stylish. One hidden gem I recently discovered is Kilau, where I picked up handmade jewellery, thoughtful souvenirs and island-inspired homewares. Cove Island Essentials curates a strong mix of Bali brands alongside its own collections, while Drifter remains my go-to for surf gear and coastal staples..
5. Sunset and nightlife
If Canggu is known for one thing (beyond the surf and cafe culture), it’s nightlife. This is Bali’s party hub, where evenings often begin with sunset drinks by the beach and roll straight into late-night dance floors. You can settle in for the night at beachfront favourites like The Lawn or La Brisa, or keep the momentum going at underground clubs like Vault. Check out Canggu’s best bars and night clubs here.
Uluwatu nightlife revolves around golden hour rather than all-night partying. Cocktails stretch from day to dusk at Mana Uluwatu, while sunset dinners with sweeping ocean views steal the show at Suarga Padang Padang. For something livelier, Single Fin delivers a buzzing sundowner scene, perched dramatically on the cliffs above the waves.
So, is Canggu better than Uluwatu?
The short answer? It depends on how you want to spend your Bali holiday. If your itinerary allows, my honest advice for first-timers is to do both. Start with a few high-energy days in Canggu, then slow things down in Uluwatu for a more balanced Bali experience.
If you have to choose just one:
Choose Canggu if… You thrive on busy streets, social hotspots and late nights. Expect co-working cafée, Instagram-famous brunch spots, beach clubs, and a highly social crowd. It’s ideal for first-timers, digital nomads and travellers who want to plug straight into Bali’s modern lifestyle.
Choose Uluwatu if… You’re after a calmer pace without feeling isolated. Think early-morning surfs, long beach days, and clifftop cocktails at sunset. It’s best suited to couples, experienced surfers and longer-stay visitors who value space, scenery and downtime.
Heading over to Canggu, Uluwatu, or both? Check out these guides:
The Best Things To Do In Canggu
The Best Things To Do In Uluwatu
The Best Areas To Stay In Bali