Canggu has earned its reputation as a digital nomad hotspot - and for good reason. But let's be honest: the traffic is a nightmare. Narrow roads are packed with scooters, cars, and the occasional stray dog, all competing for space. Sidewalks are rare. And where they do exist, you’ll find cracked concrete, trip hazards, and the odd gaping hole to keep you on your toes
But if you can embrace its flaws, Canggu's got its perks. Co-working spots like B Work and Tropical Nomad keep wifi speeds solid. Cafes like Crate or Milk & Madu double as offices and the climate is hot all year round.
Neighbourhoods like Batu Bolong (surf breaks, vegan cafes) and Berawa are popular. While nearby Pererenan is growing rapidly. The day-to-day cost of living here is super cheap - with local warungs dishing out nasi campur or beef rendang (our fave) for around $2, or you can opt for a pricey acai bowl if that's more your thing.
If you get bored Ubud’s jungles are 90 mins away, or you can head south to Uluwatu for cliffside sunsets, pristine beaches and epic beachclubs like Savaya and White Rock.
Canggu's a messy, magnetic paradox: chaotic roads, packed cafes, and annoying influencers but incredible sunsets, a thriving nomad scene, and work from the beach flexes that are difficult to top.
The Good
- 🎉 Good nightlife
- 🤤 Great food options
- ☕ Coffee
- 💼 Plenty of places to work
- 🦄 Strong nomad community
- 👴 Strong ex-pat community
- ☀️ Fantastic weather
- 👮 Safe
- 📡 Strong wifi coverage
- 🏄♂️ Surfing
The Bad
- 💰 Relatively expensive
- 🏨 High cost of accomodation
- 🚘 Traffic
- 🗑️ Pollution
- 🚌 Limited public transport
- 🚶 Not walkable
- 🥴 Can get a little rowdy
- 📸 Very Touristy
- ⛱️ Beach isn't the best
Living costs
- Canggu is the most expensive place (out of 12) to live in Indonesia
- It's about 11% more expensive to live in Canggu than it is Beijing
- You can expect to spend around $1,961.18 per month living here
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- Prices are estimates and should be used as a guide only. We accept no responsibility for inaccuracies in data.
- Prices adjusted to reflect exchange rates as of 11th Jul 2026
Safety
Generally safe for tourists and digital nomads, with low violent crime rates; petty crime like theft can occur, so remain vigilant.
Where to stay
1. Pererenan
- Up & Coming
- Beachside / Waterfront
- Hip & Trendy
Located just north of Echo Beach, Pererenan provides a more relaxed and rural atmosphere.
It's ideal for those seeking a peaceful getaway. This area features scenic rice fields, hidden cafes, and serene beaches. Accommodation options in Pererenan range from cozy guesthouses to private villas.
2. Batu Bolong
- Beachside / Waterfront
- Nightlife
- Hip & Trendy
- Foodies
- Touristy
- Gentrified
This area is the heart of Canggu, known for its surf breaks, cool cafes, and nightlife. Batu Bolong Beach is a popular spot for both surfers and beachgoers.
It offers a wide range of accommodation, from budget-friendly guesthouses to upscale villas, along with lots of dining and shopping options.
3. Berawa
- Nightlife
- Foodies
- Touristy
- Gentrified
Situated to the south of Batu Bolong, Berawa offers a quieter ambiance (although that is changing quickly) while still providing easy access to Canggu's attractions.
This area is known for its rice fields, stylish beach clubs, and family-friendly facilities. It offers a range of accommodations, from cozy guesthouses to luxury resorts.
Where to eat
Copenhagen
Jalan Padang Linjong No.71a, CangguNordic inspired brunch with vegan friendly options. Create your own brekkie board and enjoy the coffee
Nightlife
Where to work
Transport
Scooter or Motorbike
There's no real public transport available in Canggu so most people rent a scooter or motorbike. There are bike hire places all over town and you can expect to pay around 850,000 IDR per month for a small scooter like a Honda Scoopy. Larger bikes such as Honda Vario or Yamaha NMax will likely cost north of 1.8m IDR. The traffic and roads in Canggu (and Bali in general) are crazy though so you should only hire a bike if you have a bike license, insurance and are a capable rider.Gojek
If you can't ride a bike then the Gojek app is the next best thing. It's a multi purpose app that allows you to hail rides (both cars and bikes), order food or even do shopping amongst other things. It's extremely affordable and displays the price upfront so there is no haggling with your driver. An absolute must have in Indonesia. It will change your life - trust us.Grab
Like Gojek above, Grab is another must have app. It essentially does the same thing and allows you to order rides, food and other things. There are often different restaurants and deals available on Gojek and Grab so it's definitely worth having both apps. Grab is also available in places like Thailand so if you plan on stopping off there you will definitely want this app in your arsenal.Bluebird
Bluebird is the local taxi service in Bali and you'll see the distinctive blue cabs pretty much everywhere. This is our least recommended option however as prices can be extortionate (compared to Gojek and Grab) and you'll need to haggle and agree a price with your driver beforehand. Also be aware that other non-affiliated blue cabs - which may not be regulated or even have insurance - may try and pass themselves off as Bluebird.🤫 Pro tip
Traffic is insane in Canggu. So if opting to travel by cab always try and book a bike if possible (via Gojek or Grab). Car journeys can often take hours to travel just a short distance and don't have the option of weaving through traffic and taking shortcuts like bikes do.Ride hailing apps
The must have ride hailing apps to ensure you can get from A to B
Internet speed
The internet in Canggu is pretty solid. Even a tourist sim card like Telkomsel can give you a decent enough connection to hotspot and work from and pretty much all restaurants and cafes have decent wifi too (besides maybe the really local warung type places).
Time difference
🤫 Pro tip
Make sure you download Gojek and Grab apps to your phone. You can order rides, food or even have shopping delivered to your home. They are must have's when in IndonesiaWhen to visit
Average temperatures
Who it suits
Places near Canggu
Pererenan
Trendy, developing beach town
Seminyak
Sun-kissed beaches, trendy cafes and fancy boutiques.
Kuta
Nightlife, surfing, and cheap beers.
Sanur
Serene beaches, yoga, and chilled vibes.
Uluwatu
Stunning clifftops and surf breaks
Ubud
Indonesian culture, rice terraces, and spiritual retreats.
Amed
Scuba, snorkeling, and fishing villages
Gili Trawangan
Parties, beachfront bars, and unreal sunsets
Gili Air
Chilled out tropical island charm
Lombok
Volcanoes, waterfalls, and traditional Sasak culture