Ubud and Canggu are two of the most visited towns in Bali. Travellers usually stay in both, but if you are short on time or want to base yourself in one, this guide can help.
It compares both places across factors that shape your trip and presents a clear picture of what it is like to spend time in each.
Location and Layout: Ubud vs Canggu
Ubud:
Ubud is inland. It does not offer beach access. The terrain is hilly and uneven. Surroundings include river gorges, dense jungle, and rice terraces.
What Does This Mean For You?
- You get valley or jungle views from your stay.
- Mornings may be cooler.
- Long walks may be tiring due to slopes, narrow roads and limited pavements.
Canggu:
Canggu is on Bali’s southwest coast. The land is flat. There are grey-to-black volcanic sand beaches on one side and rice fields on the other. It is a spread-out area. Long roads connect different zones.
What Does This Mean For You?
- You get sunset beach views.
- Flat roads make scooter travel easy.
Vibe: Ubud vs Canggu
Ubud:
Ubud is quiet and slow. The centre of town is busy and bustling however, even social spots feel relaxed compared to other areas of Bali. The town is known for its wellness, art and local culture.
Days start early. People visit yoga, markets, or cafés. The crowd includes solo travellers, couples, and families.
Ideal Traveller Persona:
- Travellers longing to take a break from fast living.
- Those who prefer reflection or slow bonding time.
- Couples looking for romance or to celebrate a honeymoon.
- Travellers who are looking to experience a more ‘authentic’ side of Bali.
Canggu:
Canggu is social and high on energy. It is active from early morning to late night. It is known for beach workouts, surfing, coworking scenes, and nightlife.
The town attracts remote workers, fitness travellers, and party enthusiasts.
Ideal Traveller Persona:
- Those who enjoy beachside parties.
- Travellers who want connection and fun.
- Surfers.
Accessibility: Ubud vs Canggu
| Question | Ubud | Canggu |
| How far is the town from the airport? | ~1.5 hours by car. Roads are curvy and narrow. Traffic builds up near temples and tourist hotspots. | 45–60 minutes by car. Roads are flat but busy at sunset and school hours. |
| Is it walkable? | Only the central town area is walkable. Most cafés, shops, and hotels are spread across nearby villages. | No. Distances are long. Footpaths are limited. |
| How do people usually get around? | Scooters are common. Ride-hailing apps like Grab/Gojek are available. | You can use scooters, taxis or ride-hailing apps. |
| Any transport quirks? | App-based pickups may not work in all areas. Some villages only allow local drivers. | Shortcuts jam up quickly. Parking is tight near cafés and beaches. |
| Is the town senior- or kid-friendly? | Can be tough for some seniors, toddlers, or those with mobility issues, if you are staying outside the centre. | Not suitable for prams or elderly people because of traffic, no pavements, and loud areas near nightlife spots. |
| Tips | Ask your hotel for local transport help. Private drivers are useful. | Travel early to avoid traffic. |
| Hotels | Wheelchair friendly hotel and resort options are available in Ubud. | Canggu also has several wheelchair accessible accomodation options. |
Stay Options: Ubud vs Canggu
Ubud:
Location: Ubud’s accommodations are set near rice fields, rivers, or jungle.
Atmosphere: Many are peaceful and surrounded by nature. You can expect birds or forest sounds and see monkeys or frogs.
Types of stays:
- Resorts
Many resorts offer private luxury villas and suites. You can opt for a budget resort, boutique resort or an ultra high end resort. They typically feature expansive layouts and private pools. Service is personalised with amenities like an in-house spa and in-villa dining. In Ubud, you can expect resorts with views of rice paddies, jungles and rivers adding a unique touch of nature to your stay.
- Eco-lodges
These properties have 9-12 rooms and are built with natural materials. They follow the principles of low waste and low energy. They are best suited for nature lovers who prefer simplicity over luxury.
- Wellness retreats
These options are intentionally designed to help travellers reset rather than have a usual holiday. Yoga, meditation, spa treatments, and healthy food are not extras; they are part of daily life here. Some even offer detox programmes or digital detox zones.
- Guesthouses and homestays
These small stays are run by families. Rooms are basic but clean. Some offer breakfast or a shared kitchen. They are in quiet streets or villages.
Canggu:
Location: Canggu’s accommodations are located near rice paddies or they face the ocean.
Atmosphere: Beachfront stays are lively and near bars. Rice field stays are calmer but still close to cafés.
Types of stays:
- Resorts and Private villas
Canggu villas are modern, standalone properties. They offer private pools, open layouts, and swanky interiors. Think of Airbnb-style homes as well as luxury resorts.
- Boutique hotels
These accommodations are stylish and social. Many have rooftop bars, cafés, or yoga decks. They attract younger, active travellers and have a lively vibe.
- Co-living spaces
Co-living spaces in Canggu are made for remote workers and long stays. They have fast Wi-Fi, shared kitchens, and work areas. Some also host events.
- Guesthouses and homestays
Although Canggu is getting more expensive, there are still budget options available which offer private rooms and bathrooms.
Dining Scene: Ubud vs Canggu
Ubud:
Ubud’s dining scene is health-focused and full of variety. There is high-end fine dining, modern cuisine, health conscious eating and local warungs serving authentic Indonesian cuisine.
Types of dining spots:
Some places offer tasting menus with 5 to 9 courses. They blend Balinese ingredients with French, Dutch, or modern Asian styles. They are best for slow, celebratory meals. Some fine dining restaurants are situated near rice fields, river valleys, or at the edge of the jungle offering stunning views.
- Modern cuisine
Ubud has a wide variety of modern restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world. You can find a range of Western, Asian, Middle Eastern and European cuisines.
Ubud has many vegetarian, vegan, and raw food cafés. They serve smoothie bowls, salads, and herbal tonics. Many are linked to wellness retreats or reflect local healing traditions.
- Local warungs
Warungs are small, family-run eateries that serve Balinese staples like nasi campur and tempeh. Prices are low. The food is simple and home-style. They are near markets, side streets, or village roads.
Canggu:
Canggu’s food scene is trend-driven and diverse.
Types of dining spots:
These cafés serve breakfast for the entire day. Their menu features smoothie bowls, sourdough toasts, and protein pancakes. Most are full by mid-morning and stay busy till late afternoon. There are also cafes that specialise in healthy and vegan food. They feature plant-based burgers, gluten-free bakes, and green juices. These spots double as coworking cafés and are popular with fitness travellers.
- Global restaurants
You will find wood-fired pizza, ramen, tacos, and Middle Eastern food. Some places are casual, others stylish and upscale. Most lean social rather than fine-dine. Tasting menus are rare.
These venues line the coast and offer daybeds, DJ sets, and sunset cocktails. Food is usually global, with higher prices and a louder vibe.
Wellness: Ubud vs. Canggu
Ubud:
Wellness in Ubud is about slowing down. It is about feeling calm, clear, and rested.
You will find:
- Yoga and meditation in open pavilions. Classes are often led by experienced teachers.
- Wellness retreats that include multi-day programmes in breathwork, sound healing, or energy work.
- Detox stays with fasting, plant-based meals, and a fixed daily routine.
- Balinese spa treatments with herbal oils, warm scrubs, and natural techniques.
- Silent or phone-free stays for deep rest and time away from screens.
Canggu:
In Canggu, wellness is part of the daily routine — not the main focus. It leans more toward fitness and self-care. Think looking good, feeling energised, and balancing work and play.
You will find:
- Power yoga and vinyasa classes at urban studios, often paired with music or in hot rooms.
- Gyms and reformer pilates sessions geared toward fitness travellers.
- Chic spas that offer massages, scrubs, facials, and hair treatments.
- Cold plunges and infrared saunas at lifestyle wellness clubs.
Family-Friendly Activities: Ubud vs Canggu
Ubud:
- Sacred Monkey Forest: Spot monkeys as you walk through shady forest trails.
- Campuhan Ridge Walk: Stroll along a scenic path surrounded by rice fields.
- Ubud Palace & Dance Show: Watch a traditional Balinese dance performance.
- Balinese Cooking Class: Prepare local dishes with a chef’s help and then savour the meals together.
- Ubud Market: Browse stalls for snacks, crafts, and souvenirs.
- Tegenungan Waterfall: Splash in the water or take a short walk nearby.
Canggu:
- Finns Recreation Club: Splash at the water park or bowl with the family.
- Canggu Beaches: Build sandcastles, watch the sunset, or try a beginner surf lesson.
- Mai Main Canggu: Play in Bali’s biggest indoor playground.
- Cubby House Kids Club: Play indoors with games and toys.
- Bali Equestrian Centre: Ride horses or join a pony session.
- Waterbom Bali: Zoom down slides at a top-rated water park.
Romantic Activities: Ubud vs Canggu
Ubud:
- Dine by the jungle at a valley-facing restaurant or share a romantic meal by candlelight.
- Unwind with a couples massage in an open-air forest spa.
- Join a sunrise trek.
- Enjoy a floating breakfast at a private villa in the hills.
- Share a swing over the jungle. It is great for couple photos.
Canggu:
- Stay in a villa made for two. Swim, rest, and eat in private.
- Arrange a private picnic at the beach.
- Walk along the beach at sunset.
- Book a couples spa. Relax with soft music and gentle care.
- Watch a dance show. End the night with slow food and music.
Book Ubud’s Top Dining Experience
Apéritif Restaurant is Ubud’s top fine-dining restaurant. It is set in a grand colonial-style building overlooking a jungle valley.
Its fine dining menus combine European cooking with Balinese flavours. The vibe is elegant. The service is warm. The wines are first-rate.
If you are celebrating a milestone or love gourmet meals, this is the place. Book now.
