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, do you go to Sanur or Canggu? Both are located on Bali’s west coast and 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.

In this blog post, we’ll be comparing Sanur and Canggu to help you decide which destination is best for you. We’ll cover everything from the local culture and food scene to the types of 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 is the perfect fit for your travel style.

Which is better, Sanur or Canggu?

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

Location and Accessibility

Sanur and Canggu are located on opposite sides of Bali Island. To travel from Sanur to Canggu is about an hour’s driving time across the island. 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 easily get from the airport to Sanur in well under an hour, while Canggu can be anywhere from 1 to 2 hours away. Canggu, on the other hand, 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 more family-friendly with a shallow and safe swimming area making it perfect for water sports such as Jet skis, Kite Surfing, and fishing. Sanur has an excellent walking path that runs over 6 kilometres along the beachfront.

Canggu’s beach has stronger waves that are perfect for surfing. You will often find surfing events happening at Canggu Beach throughout the year. 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 if you are an experienced surfer or seeking some adrenaline rush, Canggu is the place to be.

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.

You will find many resorts and 5-star hotels on the beachfront at Sunur, while cheaper near the beach accommodation can be found around Jalan Danau Tamblingan.

In contrast, Canggu is more Bohemian with a laid-back vibe, lots of cosy villas, guesthouses, and trendy cafés. Both places offer various activities like yoga, spa, 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 or enjoying the sunset with cocktails on the roof bar at Maya Resort.

Food and dining

Sanur and Canggu are both popular areas in Bali, Indonesia, known for their dining options. Both areas offer a variety of restaurants and cafés to choose from, 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. You will find a range of dining options including cafes and warungs serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Sanur.

Canggu, on the other hand, 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, as well as hip cafés with a cool vibe.

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

Culture and Local Experience

If you want to experience the authentic Balinese culture and lifestyle, both Sanur and Canggu can offer you different perspectives. 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, where you can mingle with ex-pats, digital nomads, and surfers, and explore some of the island’s hippest cafés, bars, and shops.

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

Thinking of hiring a scooter? We have a guide on renting a scooter in Sanur

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

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. Actually, there is no need to choose between Sanur or Canggu just spend a few days at both.

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 is generally sunny with low humidity, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as walking, swimming, snorkeling, and lying by the pool.

The shoulder seasons of April and October can also be a good time to visit Sanur, as the weather 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 its advantages. The lush greenery and cooler temperatures can be refreshing, but make sure you have a waterproof bag and umbrella for your outings in case of a downpour.

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

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