Should you stay in Sanur or Canggu in Bali

When it comes to Bali, the Island of the Gods, most visitors often think of places like Kuta, Seminyak, or Ubud. However, Bali has so much more to offer beyond these touristy spots. Two of the island’s gems that deserve more attention are Sanur and Canggu.

If you’re planning a trip to Bali, chances are you’ve heard of two popular destinations. Should you go to Sanur or Canggu? Sanur is on the east coast of Bali, while Canggu lies on the west coast. Both offer a unique blend of culture, natural beauty, and modern amenities.

While Sanur is known for its laid-back vibe and tranquil beaches, Canggu is a surfer’s paradise with bustling nightlife and trendy cafes.

Which is better, Sanur or Canggu?

This blog post will compare Sanur and Canggu to help you decide which is the best destination. We’ll cover everything from the local culture and food scene to the activities you can expect to enjoy.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a lively vacation, we’ll help you determine which location best suits your travel style.

So, if you’re wondering whether Sanur or Canggu suits your Bali vacation, keep reading!

Location and accessibility

Sanur and Canggu are located on opposite sides of Bali Island. Travelling from Sanur to Canggu takes about an hour. Sanur is closer to Bali’s capital city, Denpasar, and the Ngurah Rai International Airport, which makes it a more accessible destination for tourists.

You can quickly get from the airport to Sanur in under an hour, while Canggu can be anywhere from 1 to 2 hours away. Conversely, Canggu is located further away from the hustle and bustle of the city and airport, which can be a blessing or a curse, depending on what you are looking for.

Beaches and surfing

Both Sanur and Canggu boast beautiful beaches, but they have different characteristics. Sanur’s beach is calmer and family-friendly, with a shallow and safe swimming area, perfect for water sports such as Jet skis, Kite Surfing, and fishing.

Sanur has an excellent walking path over 6 kilometres along the beachfront.

Canggu’s beach has stronger waves that are perfect for surfing. Throughout the year, surfing events are held at Canggu Beach. However, Canggu Beach is not recommended for beginners. If you have no experience surfing, make sure you take a surfing lesson first.

Sanur might be a better option, but Canggu is the place to be if you are an experienced surfer or seeking some adrenaline rush.

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

Accommodation and entertainment

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 Canggu to Sanur.

Best time to visit Bali

The best time to visit Sanur and other spots in Bali, Indonesia, is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this time, the weather in Bali is generally sunny with low humidity, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as walking, swimming, snorkelling, and reading a book while lying by the pool.

April and October shoulder seasons can also be good times to visit Sanur, as the weather in Sanur is still pleasant but with fewer crowds. Pack your suitcase and book your flights for one of the best periods to visit attractions such as Bali Zoo, Waterbom and the Monkey Forest.

However, if you don’t mind the occasional rain shower, visiting Sanur during the wet season from October to March can also have advantages. The lush greenery and cooler temperatures can be refreshing, but ensure you have a waterproof bag and umbrella for your outings in case of a downpour.

It’s worth noting that Sanur in Bali is a popular tourist destination, and the peak season for tourism is from June to August. Planning your visit outside these months is best if you prefer to avoid crowds and higher prices.

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.

Our team is dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date and accurate information to make your holiday planning, from choosing hotels on and off the beach to scooter rental, as smooth as possible. Once again, thank you for reading, and we hope our articles continue to be a valuable resource for your travel plans.