Both Canggu and Uluwatu are world-famous corners of Bali — yet they couldn’t feel more different. Canggu blends creative energy, bohemian style, and beachfront dining, while Uluwatu captures Bali’s dramatic cliffs, luxury resorts, and spiritual calm.
If you’re deciding where to stay — or considering splitting your trip between the two — this practical guide to Canggu vs Uluwatu will help you choose what suits your travel style best.
Layout: Canggu vs Uluwatu
Canggu
Canggu stretches along Bali’s southwest coast, between Seminyak and Tanah Lot. It’s a lively strip of beaches, cafés, and boutique hotels surrounded by lush rice fields.
Uniqueness of Canggu’s Layout:
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Walkable neighbourhoods with cafés and beach clubs close together
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Rice paddies meet ocean views — ideal for photos
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Easy access to Seminyak and Pererenan
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Social, compact, and creative energy
Uluwatu
Uluwatu is perched on Bali’s southern Bukit Peninsula. The area is spread across cliff-top villages and hidden beaches connected by winding coastal roads.
Uniqueness of Uluwatu’s Layout:
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Elevated limestone cliffs with panoramic ocean views
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Spacious resorts and villas set apart for privacy
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Hidden coves and beaches accessible by stairs
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Perfect for scenic drives and sunset vistas
Vibe: Canggu vs Uluwatu
Canggu
Canggu is Bali’s social and creative hub — surf culture by day, lively dining by night. Expect yoga mats, surfboards, and cocktails all within a few streets. Digital nomads, food lovers, and free-spirited travellers fill its cafés and beach clubs.
Uluwatu
Uluwatu is slower and more sophisticated, known for luxury escapes, surf breaks, and ocean temples. Days revolve around beach hopping, while nights are spent watching sunsets from cliff bars or fine dining with a view.
Accessibility
Canggu
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Distance from Airport: Approx. 45 minutes to 1 hour (depending on traffic)
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Terrain: Flat coastal roads, easy to navigate
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Getting Around: Scooters, ride-hailing apps, or private cars
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Walkability: Most cafés, restaurants, and beach clubs are within short distance
Uluwatu
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Distance from Airport: 40–60 minutes south of Denpasar
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Terrain: Hilly and scenic; roads can be narrow and steep
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Getting Around: Best explored by scooter or private driver
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Walkability: Less walkable — venues are spread out across cliff areas
Stay Options
Canggu
Location: Near the beaches or overlooking rice fields
Types of Stays:
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Luxury villas – private pools, gardens, and modern Balinese design
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Boutique hotels – stylish, social, and affordable
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Family villas – perfect for group stays near Berawa or Echo Beach
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Wellness retreats – yoga and healthy cuisine in tranquil surroundings
Uluwatu
Location: On cliffs or close to beaches like Padang Padang and Bingin
Types of Stays:
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Luxury resorts – with infinity pools, spas, and 5-star service
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Beach bungalows – laid-back charm for surfers and couples
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Boutique retreats – elegant, small-scale stays with ocean views
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Private villas – cliff-top properties with panoramic sunsets
Dining Scene
Canggu
Canggu is Bali’s culinary playground — where creativity meets global flavours.
Types of Dining Spots:
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Fine Dining: Jade by Todd English offers fire-led Asian-Mediterranean fusion in a glamorous setting.
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Trendy Cafés: Bokashi, Ruko Café, and Baked. for artisanal breakfasts.
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Healthy Bistros: Vegan and plant-based eateries like Shady Shack.
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Local Warungs: Authentic Indonesian flavours at Ulekan Bali.
You’ll find everything from smoothie bowls to dry-aged steak, often served in architecturally stunning venues.
Uluwatu
Dining in Uluwatu combines dramatic settings with refined simplicity.
Types of Dining Spots:
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Cliff-Top Fine Dining: di Mare Restaurant or Rumari at Raffles Bali.
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Seafood Grills: Fresh catches by the beach at Jimbaran Bay.
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Beach Clubs: Savaya, El Kabino, and Single Fin serve global dishes with sunset cocktails.
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Casual Cafés: Healthy bowls, juices, and all-day brunches by the sea.
Wellness & Relaxation
Canggu
Canggu balances holistic wellness with modern fitness culture. You’ll find boutique gyms, yoga studios, and tropical spas that combine luxury with authenticity.
Popular Wellness Spots: The Practice Yoga Studio, Body Factory Bali, and Terapung Float Club.
Uluwatu
Uluwatu’s wellness offerings focus on serenity and ocean-inspired relaxation. Think open-air spas with sea views and morning yoga on cliff decks.
Top Choices: Anantara Spa Uluwatu and The Edge Spa.
Family-Friendly Activities
Canggu
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Visit Finns Recreation Club for water slides and trampolines
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Enjoy Made’s Warung Berawa with its kids’ playground
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Family surf lessons at Batu Bolong Beach
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Explore cafés and markets with healthy, family-friendly menus
Uluwatu
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Watch the Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple
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Spend the day at Dreamland Beach or Padang Padang Beach
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Visit Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
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Take short coastal walks for sunset photos
Romantic Activities
Canggu
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Sunset cocktails at The Lawn or La Brisa
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Candlelit dinner at Jade by Todd English
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Couples massage at a luxury villa spa
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Beach horse-riding at Pererenan
Uluwatu
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Dinner overlooking the ocean at di Mare
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Private cliff-top picnics at The Edge
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Sunset champagne at Savaya Beach Club
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Couple spa rituals with panoramic sea views
Canggu vs Uluwatu: Which Should You Choose?
If you crave energy, creativity, and social connection, Canggu is the better fit. It’s ideal for café lovers, foodies, digital nomads, and those who want both daytime adventure and lively nights.
If you’re seeking tranquillity, luxury, and ocean drama, Uluwatu wins. It’s perfect for honeymooners, surfers, and those who prefer slow days and panoramic sunsets.
Many travellers choose to combine both — starting in Uluwatu for relaxation, then moving to Canggu for energy and culinary exploration.
Experience Canggu’s Finest: Jade by Todd English
End your Bali journey with a world-class dining experience at Jade by Todd English, located in Berawa, Canggu. This modern Asian restaurant and bar redefines fine dining in Bali, featuring a fire-led open kitchen, luxurious design, and handcrafted cocktails.
Created by international celebrity chef Todd English, Jade blends Asian and Mediterranean flavours into a culinary performance — where every dish tells a story. Whether you’re celebrating a special night or simply craving unforgettable flavours, Jade is the perfect way to experience Canggu’s sophistication.
Book your table at Jade by Todd English and taste the best of Bali’s modern dining.