Should you stay in Sanur or Canggu in Bali

When people think of Bali, places like Kuta, Ubud, and Seminyak usually come to mind. But after visiting the island of Bali many times over the years, we’ve found that stays in Sanur and Canggu have much to offers, each in their own way.

If you’re wondering whether Sanur or Canggu is the better fit for your Bali trip, we’ve stayed in both—and the answer really comes down to what kind of experience you’re after.

Sanur is Bali’s peaceful place, with slow mornings, sunrise strolls, families playing on the beach, and sipping coffee in cafés where conversation is prioritized over entertainment. Canggu, on the other hand is fast paced with young people and digital nomad with their surfboards, laptops, lattes, and beach clubs to party at long after sunset.

Which is better, Sanur or Canggu?

So let’s break it down and help you decide: Sanur or Canggu?

Location and accessibility

We’ve flown into Bali many times, and honestly, Sanur’s location is a dream after a long flight just 30 to 40 minutes from the airport on the Bali Mandara Toll Road (if traffic plays nice). We’ve made it from Bali Airport to Sanur Beer Garden in under an hour. Its a tradition of ours to stop for a beer on arrival before checking in.

Canggu is a whole lot further away and known to have some of the worst traffic on Bali. Depending on the time of day, the traffic can test your patience, be prepared to for it to take up to 3 hours to cover just over 20 kilometers.

But once you’re there, Canggu feels like a world in its own with you people, beach clubs and digital nomads everywhere. Cafe’s, Wellness Centres and beach breaks dominate the landscape in Canggu. Sanur offers you quick access central spots and island ferries, while Canggu offers you a look into the instagram set, where the young and infamous hang out.

Beaches and surfing

We’ve spent more mornings than i can count walking Sanur’s beachfront path, enjoying picture perfect sunrises with either my feet in the sand or my hands wrapped around a coffee. As the sun gets higher in the sky and day wakes up, Sanur Beach becomes perfect for families, swimming, and water sports like paddleboarding and jet skiing.

Canggu, though? It is where where the surfers are bikini’s are. Black sand beaches, bigger waves, and beach clubs bring an energy and vibe from sunrise surf sessions to sunset beers. It’s not great for swimming, especially with kids but it’s the number one spot in Bali for board riders and beach lovers who like their coastlines a bit wild.

If you’re chasing calm water and sea breezes, Sanur wins. If you’re chasing waves and surf culture, Canggu is your spot.

Sanur vs Canggu? Our top recommendations for things to do on Sanur Beach

Accommodation and entertainment

In Sanur, we’ve stayed everywhere from beachfront resorts like Griya Santrian to budget guesthouses like Hotel Jati. It’s easy to find places that are quiet, clean, and close to everything especially if you’re travelling as a family or couple.

Canggu has its own style. with accommodation options mostly set back from the beach. Plenty of tucked away Airbnbs and Villas in the winding streets leading away from the beach. But be prepared for fewer beachfront stays and more scooter rides to get around.

For nightlife Canggu is buzzing with clubs, bars, DJs, you name it. Sanur’s more about music over dinner and cocktails with ocean views. Honestly these two top locations in Bali appeal to 2 totally different demographics. .

Sanur and Canggu offer different types of accommodation and entertainment. Sanur has a more established tourism industry with a wide range of hotels, resorts, and restaurants, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury.

Many resorts and 5-star hotels are located on the beachfront at Sunur, while cheaper near-the-beach accommodations can be found around Jalan Danau Tamblingan.

In contrast, Canggu is more Bohemian with a laid-back vibe, many cosy villas, guesthouses, and trendy cafés. Both places offer various activities like yoga, spas, and water sports, but Canggu is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, while Sanur has a more relaxed and family-oriented atmosphere.

While the crowd in Canggu enjoys Beach clubs such as Finns and Vue and nightclubs like Mejan, The Vault, and Canggu in the Sky, you will find people doing their digital nomad jobs and sipping coffees.

When you stay in Sanur, you will find people listening to music at places like Nesa Combi Bistro and White Lotus or enjoying the sunset with cocktails at the rooftop bar at Maya Resort.

Food and dining

Sanur and Canggu are popular areas in Bali, Indonesia, known for their dining options. Both areas offer a variety of restaurants and cafés, each with its unique cuisine and atmosphere.

Sanur is located on the east coast of Bali and is known for its laid-back atmosphere and beachside restaurants, where you can enjoy a meal while listening to the sound of the waves. Various dining options include cafes and warungs serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Conversely, Canggu is located on the west coast of Bali and is known for its trendy cafes and healthy food options. You’ll find many vegan and vegetarian restaurants and hip cafés with a relaxed vibe.

Craving and feeling hungry? Try these top spots in Sanur for breakfast

Culture and local experience

Sanur and Canggu can offer different perspectives on authentic Balinese culture and lifestyle. Sanur is a more traditional and cultural town where you can find some of Bali’s ancient temples, like Pura Patal and Pura Tandjung Sari, and witness local ceremonies and festivals.

Canggu, on the other hand, has a more contemporary and cosmopolitan vibe. Here, you can mingle with ex-pats, digital nomads, and surfers and explore some of the island’s hippest cafés, bars, and shops.

Choosing Sanur or Canggu depends on your preferences and travel style. Sanur might be the perfect choice if you want a more laid-back and family-friendly vacation with easy access to Bali’s cultural and historical sites.

However, Canggu should be on your list if you want a more adventurous and trendy experience with great surfing spots and vibrant nightlife. Both destinations are well located for day trips to see the sights of Bali.

Are you thinking of hiring a scooter? We have a guide on renting a scooter in Sanur.

Sanur vs Canggu Bali

In the end, comparing Sanur vs. Canggu is like comparing Maui vs. Kauai in Hawaii. You can not go wrong with Sanur or Canggu for your stay in Bali. The distance between Sanur and Canggu is approximately 30 kilometres.

There is no need to choose between Sanur and Canggu. Spend a few days at both. It is easy to get from Sanur to Canggu or from Canggu to Sanur.

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog post about Sanur, Bali! We hope you found it informative and helpful when planning your trip to this beautiful region. If you’re looking for more information about things to do in Sanur, recommendations for places to eat, or where to go from Sanur, be sure to check out our website. For additional resources, tips, and updates, visit our Facebook Group and our TikTok account.

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