Discovering Bali: Ubud vs Canggu?

We always get asked which is the best area to be in when in Bali – Ubud or Canggu? They're the two most popular spots on the Island, but we know that they also have very different vibes, things to do, food choices and even nightlife. Read on to find out how to choose between the two!

Last updated: 13 Feb 2025 - 2 min read

As the town known for culture and wellness, Ubud is the hub for those who love artsy and adventurous activities, or if you're on an Eat Pray Love journey. Canggu’s like the cool kid on the Bali block - think aesthetic cafes, boho beach clubs, exciting nightlife and bars. It's serious #beachlife, and the place to be at for all those who want to learn to surf!

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

If you're a nature-lover, thrill-seeker, or you just want to see everything, stay in Ubud! It's close to all the fun adventure spots in Bali and a lot of cultural activities that you will show you the true Bali.

From batik and jewellery making to beautiful hikes up Mount Agung, you'll find adventure at every corner! Our favourite has to be cycling around rice paddy fields. It's such a peaceful activity with scenic views!

If you're craving the beach, Canggu is where you want to be based at! Unlike Ubud, which is right in the middle of Bali and at least an hour away from the closest beaches, Canggu is right there on the beachfront with many options to plop down your towel. With many beginner-friendly surf spots, you can hang loose and catch some waves here! Just want to chill? Relax with zen yoga classes with gorgeous sunrise or sunset beach views!

FOOD/CAFES

it’s hard to decide which place has better food, because they both have some of the best, top-notch local and international restaurants!

Ubud is home to some of the best local cheap food and restaurants in Bali, while Canggu is an international dining hotspot. In Ubud, we recommend checking out Nusantura for amazing local Indonesian food and Batu Bara for mouthwatering steak. Since Canggu is a digital nomad hotspot, you'll find all the cool beach bars and modern cafes with western food, amazing wood-fired pizza (try Luigi’s Hot Pizza and Fabbrica) right next to Vietnamese pho houses and Indian roti kitchens. There's definitely less Balinese food here!

NIGHTLIFE

Ubud has one of the more chilled nightlife scenes and laid-back bars where you can chat with like-minded travelers, play pool, and sip well-mixed cocktails -- definitely not the the place to party. Canggu is where all the party people are, and is known for being Bali's biggest nightlife destinations. It's a must to check out the beach clubs where they'll host EDM and DJ parties from sunset all the way to the wee hours of the morning. We recommend bringing a hangover pill pack to Canggu!

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Ubud Experiences FAQs

What are some must-visit attractions in Ubud?

Ubud has plenty of attractions that travellers consider 'must-dos' Among them are the Ubud Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), and Ubud Palace.

What activities can you do in Ubud besides sightseeing?

Ubud is a hub for cultural activities, and visitors can indulge in various activities such as cooking classes, art and craft workshops, traditional dance performances, and even healing practices such as yoga and meditation. It's quite hard to differentiate between the real arts activities and the ones that are just created for tourists though- so do watch out for that or ask us if you'd like ideas! A lot of the cultural activities have also moved further out of Ubud towards sleepier (and cheaper!) Sidemen. Ubud also has several spa centers offering relaxing massages and treatments, so you should definitely check those out for a traditional Balinese massage! Ubud also has some of the best restaurants in Bali, so you should definitely check those out - our faves are Locavore and Nusantara!

What are some good restaurants to try in Ubud?

Ubud has a thriving food scene, with plenty of restaurants serving delicious Indonesian and international cuisine. Some popular restaurants to try are Locavore, Hujan Locale, and Nusantara Restaurant. Locavore and Nusantara are doing really interesting things with Indonesian ingredients (think of Locavore like the Noma of Indonesia!) so they're definitely worth trying if you're a foodie and curious about different ingredients and cooking techniques.

What are some popular activities to experience in Ubud?

Popular activities in Ubud include visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, exploring Tegallalang Rice Terrace, attending a traditional Balinese dance performance, and taking a yoga class.

Are there any unique cultural experiences to try in Ubud?

Yes, visitors can participate in a cooking class to learn traditional Balinese recipes, attend a traditional Balinese ceremony or temple visit, or receive a Balinese massage or spa treatment.