Where To Stay In Canggu Bali In 2023 – By Local Expats
Ready for the ultimate guide to where to stay in Canggu Bali?
Are you planning a trip to Bali and want to stay in Canggu? Not so long ago, Canggu was a peaceful expat town and not really a tourist destination…
But today, Canggut has truly blossomed into a vibrant neighbourhood with a seemingly never-ending wave of diverse demographics. From local Bali folk and expats to backpackers and holidaymaking families alike, anyone and everyone is invited into its sunny streets.
Canggu is like no other place in Bali. Its buzzing energy, abundant choice of chic cafes and restaurants, vibrant nightlife and excellent surf spots continue to draw travellers from around the world.
As local expats who live in Canggu since 2020, we know a thing or two about where to stay in this thriving destination.
From hostel stays to guesthouses with shared pools and ocean-view luxury resorts, there are accommodation options to suit every budget and style. Keep reading for our top hotels and best places to stay in Canggu Bali!
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TOP PICK For Accommodation In Canggu
ECHO BEACH VILLA AND APARTMENT
A range of modern apartments with a kitchen and private pool and 2-bed villas is available at this property. There is a shared pool, pais airport service and optional breakfast for an extra charge.
Where To Stay In Canggu: At A Glance
Here is a short summary of the best places to stay in Canggu.
Echo Beach – Echo Beach is the best place in Canggu to stay as a first-time visitor. It’s a bustling area with plenty of cafes, and Echo Beach, home to La Brisa, at sunset, is super lively and perfect for experiencing the real Canggu vibe.
🌟 TOP PICK IN ECHO BEACH📍 ➡️ Echo Beach Villa and Apartment
Batu Balong – Batu Balong is the best area to stay in Canggu for surfers of any level. If you’re serious about your surf and want to stay in a lively area lined with cafes, bars and cool shops, look no further than Batu Balong.
🌟 TOP PICK IN BATU BALONG📍 ➡️ Eastin Ashta Resort
Berawa – Berawa is located on the southern edge and is home to the best beach clubs in Canggu – The Finns and Atlas, where you can spend the day in style and party through the night. The neighbourhood also has a wide selection of cool cafes and fashion shops.
🌟 TOP PICK IN BERAWA📍 ➡️ Wayang Retreat
Pererenan – Stay in Pererenan for a more chilled experience. This neighbourhood is quieter, still has many rice fields and a local and expat’y vibe. As for the dining options, you won’t be disappointed here either.
🌟 TOP PICK IN PERERENAN📍 ➡️ Ohana Retreat
Echo Beach – Best Place To Stay In Canggu For First Time
Are you a first-time visitor and wondering where to stay In Canggu? Look no further than the bustling Echo Beach area. This neighbourhood is sandwiched between Pererenana and Batu Balong and is home to the iconic La Brisa Beach Club and Samadi organic and healthy products store.
Echo Beach
Echo is one of the liveliest beaches in Canggu, perfect for soaking up the town’s vibe! If you’re in Canggu for only a couple of days, you definitely must experience the sunset at Echo Beach at least once.
There are the iconic concrete stairs where crowds gather to watch the sunset and pro surfers ripping through the waves every evening. And, for a more swanky experience, opt for a sunset at La Brisa or one of the beach shacks offering a spot on a comfy bean bag. Make sure to order a fresh coconut, which will complete the local experience!
Things To Do
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Best Hotels Near Echo Beach
Here are the best Canggu Bali hotels near the fantastic Echo Beach.
TOP LUXURY PICK – AMAR BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Situated near the beach, this property features a range of boho-style rooms, a pool and a wellness centre. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast, including healthy options.
MID-RANGE PICK – ECHO BEACH VILLA AND APARTMENT
A range of modern apartments with a kitchen and private pool and 2-bed villas is available at this property. There is a shared pool, pais airport service and optional breakfast for an extra charge.
SOLO TRAVELLERS PICK – KOS ONE HOSTEL
Kos One Hostel boasts an attractive pool overlooking rice paddies, a bar and a cafe serving healthy cuisine. Beds in dormitory-style rooms are comfy and wide, and female-only rooms are available.
Batu Bolong – Best Area To Stay In Canggu For Surfing & Nighlife
If you’re looking for where to stay in Canggu for the best surfing spots, Batu Balong is your answer. It offers several fantastic spots which are suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers, as well as long borders.
Batu Balong is located between Echo Beach and Berawa, and it is considered to be the centre of Canggu. Here, you will find everything you may possibly want!
The neighbourhood is lined with hostels, cafes, local eateries and bars, which makes it the best place to stay in Canggu for solo travellers. Batu Balong is only a short walk from Echo Beach, so both areas are good for solo travellers and first-timers.
Batu Balong is home to some unique fashion brands, eco-conscious Yoga wear such as Indigo Luna and Studio K, beach wear, for example, Elce, and local brands owned by aspiring entrepreneurs such as Lakor and Kohai (men’s fashion) and international brands like The Palma.
Shopping in Canggu is always a little tricky since shops are scattered around all neighbourhoods, but in Batu Balong, you can find them mostly along the main road – from Lakor through to Love Anchor bazaar and all the way down to the beach.
Finally, Batu Balong is where to stay Canggu for the vibrant nightlife! The area is full of bars, pubs and clubs where you can dance the night away.
One of the best places in Canggu Bali for nightlife is Luigi’s, which makes the best authentic pizza in town and, at night, transforms into a dance floor. Other great nightlife spots include Old Man’s, Black Sand Brewery and the lively Mexican restaurant Lola’s.
Batu Balong Beach
When it comes to the beach, Batu Balong is another lively spot where locals, local expats and tourists gather for sunsets. The beach is fairly wide, with some great waves for surfers of all levels, many surf schools and surf rental shacks.
At the heart of the beach, Sand Bar features live music shows every evening, and for a more up-market experience, head to SKOOL Kitchen for fine dining and rooftop sunset views.
Things To Do In Batu Balong
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Best Hotels In Batu Balong Canggu
Here are the best hotels in Canggu Bali near Batu Balong Beach.
TOP LUXURY PICK – ECOZY DIJIWA CANGGU
This hotel boasts a central location and elegant & cosy rooms that come with either balcony or a private garden. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, a shared pool, a bar and a restaurant.
MID-RANGE PICK – EASTIN ASHTA RESORT
Situated within walking distance of the beach, Eastin Ashta offers modern, spacious rooms and excellent facilities such as a large pool, a gym, a restaurant, a bar and an optional breakfast.
SOLO TRAVELLERS PICK – BLACK PEARL HOSTEL
At Black Pearl Hostel, each dormitory-style room comes with air-conditioning and a private bathroom. Facilities include a large pool, a lively bar, a restaurant, and an optional breakfast.
Berawa – Best Place To Stay Canggu For Beach Clubs
Berawa is another excellent neighbourhood where to stay in Canggu. It is mostly famous for being home to two best clubs in Canggu: The Finns and Atlas. If your ideal vision of your time in Canggu is relaxing or partying at a beach club, then stay in Berawa.
Berawa neighbourhood is packed with hipster and cosy cafes such as Nude, Milu by Nook, Baked and Cinta and evening dining spots, including Neighbourhood Food and L’osteria.
If you’re planning to check out Bali fashion during your stay in Canggu, Berawa boasts many interesting and unique boutiques. Check out the “Things to do” section below, where we’re sharing our favourite brands based in Berawa.
Finally, the Berawa neighbourhood is the best place to stay in Canggu Bali for families. It is way quieter than Batu Balong or Echo, and you can take your little ones to the Finns Splash Park, which they will surely love.
Berawa Beach
The southern part of the beach is dominated by two beach clubs that we already mentioned earlier, whereas the northern part has a strong local vibe.
Here is where the local family events take place, such as festivals and religious celebrations and the place where Balinese families come on weekends with their kids to enjoy some quality time. Don’t be surprised to find the local kiddos floating in big colourful inflatables down the small spring, which cuts through the beach. It’s a truly joyful site!
From here, if you walk north, you’ll get to Batu Balong Beach in about 15 minutes and walking south towards the beach clubs, you go past a few good beach shacks offering comfy bean bags and cold Bintang. There is also a decent intermediate surf spot here, with a much less crowded lineup.
Things To Do In Berawa Canggu Bali
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Best Hotels in Berawa
Here are the top picks of Berawa accommodation Canggu has to offer.
TOP LUXURY PICK – OWN VILLA BALI
This unique property consists of 6 Sumatra-style wooden villas and a large shared pool in a beautifully landscaped garden. Rooms service, complimentary breakfast and spa services are available.
MID-RANGE PICK – WAYANG RETREAT
Wayang Retreat features joglo-style accommodation packed with Balinese charm, an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant. The Berawa Beach is a 20-minute walk away.
SOLO TRAVELLERS PICK – CANGGU CHILL HOSTEL
Located a 20-minute walk to Berawa Beach, Canggu Chill Hostel offers private double rooms, 4-bed mixed and female-only rooms with bathroom and balcony, a shared kitchen and a bar.
Pererenan – Best Area In Canggu For Local Experience
For those looking for Canggu places to stay that are a little more off-beaten-track and quiet, Pererenan is a great choice. This quiet neighbourhood is located on the northern edge and is connected to the bordering Echo Beach with a narrow shortcut road.
It is the only area of town where there are still many rice fields and Balinese homes as well as it is where many international expats live.
Despite its local feel, don’t be fooled into thinking that Pererenana lacks chic cafes and cool dining spots. Quite the contrary, this area of Canggu is known for its excellent cafes, such as Rize and Touche. If you want to relax and just enjoy slow living, perhaps drink your morning artisan coffee and read your book at a local cafe, Pererenan is the ideal place.
Pererenan is also a good place to stay in Canggu with kids since the vibe is way more relaxed, and traffic is not as crazy as in the neighbouring areas.
Pererenana Beach Canggu
Pererenan Beach is the best beach in Canggu for experiencing the local vibe. It is famous for its imposing statue of Gajah Mina, a sea creature from Hindu methodology with the body of a fish and an elephant’s head.
It is a quiet beach where you can stretch your towel and enjoy the peace and quiet. And, if you need some more action, the bustling Echo Beach is only a 5-minute walk.
Pererenan also has a surf break to the left of the statue, which is suitable for intermediate surfers.
Things To Do In Canggu Pererenan
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Canggu Accommodation In Pererenan
Here are the top pick where to stay in Canggu, Pererenan.
TOP LUXURY PICK – THE RIVER STUDIO
Located a 7-minute walk to the beach, The River Studio features a 1-floor stylish villa with spacious living area, a kitchen and a good-sized private pool in a beautifully landscaped garden.
MID-RANGE PICK – OHANA RETREAT
A 9-minute walk to the beach and close to cafes and restaurants, Ohana offers double and family modern rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor pool, a restaurant and optional breakfast.
SOLO TRAVELLERS PICK – MY CAPSULE CANGGU
This ultra-cheap hostel offers no-frills capsule-style beds in mixed dormitories, a good location close to the beach and friendly staff.
Where To Stay In Canggu For Families
While Canggu may not be as family-friendly destination as Jimbaran, Nusa Dua or Sanur, there is still plenty of things to do in Canggu with kids and family-friendly accommodation in Canggu.
What area to stay in Canggu with kids? The best areas for families are Berawa and Pererenan, as the vibe is more relaxed, traffic isn’t as crazy, and both areas boast excellent shops, restaurants and cafes.
Below, are the two fantastic Canggu hotels Bali to stay in as a family.
TOP PICK – MASMARA RESORT CANGGU
Located 200 meters from Pererenan Beach, Masmara boasts double and family suites. Facilities include a shared pool, daily breakfast, an onsite restaurant, room service, and airport shuttle.
MID-RANGE PICK – SWARGA SUITES BALI BERAWA
Swarga Suites boasts ocean views and some direct pool access and is situated right by Berawa Beach. Facilities include a large pool, wellness centre, gym, daily breakfast, on-site bar and restaurant.
Where To Stay In Canggu: FAQ
If you are looking to get some answers related to where to stay in Canggu, you will find them here.
What area of Canggu is best to stay in?
The best area of Canggu to stay in depends on your preferences. For first-time visitors or those looking for a party vibe, Echo Beach is the best place to stay in Canggu.
For surfers, Batu Bolong has some great spots and beach bars nearby. If you’re after a more local experience, Pererenan offers an authentic Balinese atmosphere, while Berawa is the best area to stay in Canggu Bali for beach clubs.
Where is the main strip of Canggu?
The main strip of Canggu is Batu Balong, a bustling road that stretches from Canggu Love Anchor bazaar all the way to the beach. This is the place where cafes, a range of excellent shops and restaurants can be found.
Everywhere you look, there are vibrant murals and street art that give the area a unique vibe. The atmosphere is always lively, with locals and tourists mingling and enjoying the tropical surroundings.
Is it better to stay at Seminyak or Canggu?
Are you torn between Seminyak and Canggu for your next trip? Both locations offer fantastic beaches, a variety of cafes, restaurants and shops. However, depending on your travel style, one may be more suitable for you.
If you’re looking for a lively nightlife scene and the chance to socialize with expats, Canggu could be your perfect destination. With world-renowned surf spots and a solo traveller-friendly vibe, it’s the ideal spot for an adventure-filled vacation.
On the other hand, if you’re seeking a more luxurious holiday, Seminyak may take your fancy. The upmarket area is perfect for holidaymakers, with stunning resorts and plenty of opportunities for some self-indulgence. Plus, the surf spots in Seminyak are great for beginners who want to learn to catch some waves.
Is it better to stay in Canggu or Ubud?
Canggu and Ubud are two popular destinations for visitors, each with its unique charm and ambience.
While Canggu boasts stunning beaches, trendy cafes, and surf and digital nomad culture, Ubud offers a peaceful and spiritual retreat nestled in lush greenery and rice paddies. Whether your priority is soaking up the sun, learning to surf, practising yoga, or immersing yourself in Balinese culture and arts, it’s all about finding your perfect match.
We recommend staying in both towns!
Can you walk everywhere in Canggu?
While the beach town of Canggu may seem like the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll, with its interesting shops and cafes lining the streets, unfortunately, the area isn’t the most pedestrian-friendly. In fact, many areas of Canggu lack pavements, making walking rather difficult and, at times, even dangerous. Moreover, the scooter traffic can be quite daunting for those who aren’t used to it.
While it’s not entirely pedestrian-friendly, it is still possible to walk within one area – like in Berawa or Batu Balong.
The best way of getting around Cannguu is either by scooter, or if you’re not experienced, you can always order a Go Jek lift, which is extremely affordable.
How long should I stay in Canggu?
Canggu is a hub for digital nomads, surfers, and yoga enthusiasts. Whether you’re a traveller with a jam-packed itinerary or looking to kick back and embrace a slower pace of life, the length of your stay in Canggu depends on you.
Staying for a minimum of two days would be enough to immerse yourself in the local vibe and join a party the town has to offer, take a surf lesson, and visit the iconic Tanah Lot temple.
However, if you’re looking to experience the expat life, indulge in Canggu’s many cafes, get your yoga fix, and even get some work done from a coworking space, then consider extending your stay to at least a week or two.
Is Canggu Safe?
Canggu is generally a safe place to explore. However, it’s important to exercise caution when it comes to transportation.
First of all, the biggest safety problem in Canggu is inexperienced foreigners riding scooters. If you’re not experienced with driving a scooter, it’s best to practise somewhere quieter for the first time, not in Canggu, where traffic can be really hectic.
The second issue, which should go without saying, but we’ll mention it anyways – don’t hop on your scooter after drinking. Also, if you’re a solo lady, don’t ride in the middle of the night. Instead, if you’re planning a night out, take a Go Jek ride. Go Jek ride typically costs $1 to most places within Canggu, so there is no excuse, ladies!
With a few common-sense precautions, you can enjoy Canggu to the fullest without worrying about your safety.
Is Canggu Expensive?
The prices are definitely on the rise, but Canggu is not an expensive destination. Instead, it caters to all budgets. From ultra-luxury resorts to affordable hostels and $10 per night homestays, the town has something for everyone.
Canggu offers an abundance of affordable activities and eats. You can indulge in a 1-hour massage for only $9, satisfy your hunger pangs with local food for as little as $3, and enjoy a local beer on the beach for just $2.
What’s expensive in Canggu are the long-term rentals since the town is getting more and more tourists and, weirdly, the gym memberships that cost $100-$200 per month, which is way more than anywhere in Europe.
Is Canggu a party town?
As the sun sets over Bali, the party animals come out to play, and Canggu has become a fixture on the nightlife scene. This small beach town has a thriving party culture and offers more than just picturesque sunsets and lazy beach days.
For those who like to unwind with a slice of pizza and late-night dancing, Luigis on Mondays is the place to be. And for those looking for an electrifying Friday night, Sand Bar hosts a popular beach party. But the fun in Canggu doesn’t stop there – the Black Sand Brewery, Lola’s, Old Man’s, and The Lawn are all bustling hotspots that guarantee a memorable night out.
Canggu may be famous for its surf beaches and yoga scene, but this town is also where the party never stops.
Why is Canggu popular?
Canggu in Bali has fast become a must-visit destination for those looking for a unique travel experience.
It has become a hub for creative souls who seek to pursue a more unconventional lifestyle, one that embraces hipster culture and surfer influence. The town is now bustling with trendy cafes that offer artisanal coffee and healthy food options, eco-conscious fashion, and yoga and wellness studios.
However, what sets Canggu apart is its appeal to digital nomads and aspiring entrepreneurs. With its buzz of creativity and collaboration, Canggu has become a hub for the young and ambitious who flock here to launch businesses, network, and create (including us ☺️). It’s where dreams come true. The energy and inspiration that one can find in Canggu are truly unmatched!
Is Canggu good for a family holiday?
This surfer’s paradise may not be your typical family destination, but don’t be quick to dismiss it. While the beach may not be the safest for swimming due to strong currents, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities to enjoy.
Take your little ones to Finns Splash Park, where they can enjoy water slides and other exciting activities. On the weekends, there are also special events just for kids. For a more adventurous experience, try horse riding in Pererenan. And, of course, while the waves may be too intense for younger children, surf classes are available for older kids and adults to learn how to catch a wave.
Can you swim in Canggu?
Yes, you can swim in Canggu. However, the beach is not ideal for swimming due to strong currents and reef breaks, so it is important to take caution when entering the water.
Where To Stay In Canggu: Final Word
Canggu is an ideal destination whether you’re looking for an adventure-filled vacation, a luxurious break, a digital nomad experience, or just a place to relax. With its surf-worthy beaches, vibrant cafes and bars, and tranquil yoga studios, it’s no surprise that Canggu has become one of the most popular areas in Bali.
We hope that our guide to where to stay in Canggu has helped you book your Canggu accommodation and plan the perfect getaway.
See you in Canggu! 🤗🌴☀️
Mal & Robin
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