Jimbaran or Canggu: Which Beach Town Is Best To Stay In Bali?

Choosing between Jimbaran and Canggu for your Bali holiday is not easy, since both areas seem to have amazing beaches, dining options, and nice hotels.

We are going to compare the two head to head to find out which area is better to stay whether you’re looking for a vibrant nightlife, good food, surfing, coworking spaces, or most things to do.

Jimbaran In Brief: What’s It Like?

Located in the Bukit peninsula, Bali’s southern tip, Jimbaran is a laid-back family-friendly area famous for seafood restaurants, its proximity to Ngurah Rai International Airport, and affordable living.

Jimbaran is still developing, as it is often overlooked by residents and tourists staying either in Kuta or Uluwatu and only commuting through Jimbaran. However, the area still has all you need for comfortable living, as well as its fair share of 5-star luxury resort compounds.

Canggu In Brief: What’s It Like?

Canggu is the top digital nomad destination on mainland Bali, with busy streets lined with international restaurants, cozy coffee shops, coworking spaces, and surfing.

It is home to the world’s best beach club, FINNS, the island’s best nightlife, and daily events to make friends and go out.

The area has grown in popularity so much that it caters now more to ex-pats and nomads rather than backpackers or travellers on a budget.

Jimbaran vs Canggu Comparison

As Bali long-term residents, we experienced both areas and here are the highlights of the head-to-head comparison that will help you choose.

When we compare the two areas, we try to run through a number of factors tourists or digital nomads will consider, and stay objective to make sure you will have the best time on the island.

Which Is The Best For Accommodation?

Canggu accommodation options range from affordable rooms in shared guesthouses and hostels to private villas with chefs – you can pick depending on your budget and preferences. For freelancers and remote workers, many coliving spaces opened up to that have a great value for money.

Jimbaran has mainly two types of accommodation: luxe resorts for vacationers (yet not as luxurious as Nusa Dua ones), and affordable housing for foreigners living in Bali long-term.

It can be a hit-and-miss sometimes with hotels, and villas and the area definitely has fewer choices than Canggu, however, you can still find a gem for prices you’d pay in Canggu a few years ago.

With its diversity and quality of accommodation, Canggu easily wins this round. Plus, the closer to the beach you stay, the more walkable the area is, which is not really the case with Jimbaran.

Canggu Beach Vs Jimbaran Beach

Jimbaran has always been a fishing village living off the ocean. The area has stunning white-sand beaches like Balangan Beach, and calm waters at Jimbaran Bay. Honeymoon Beach is one of the secret beaches with rocky cliffs and beautiful sunset.

Beaches in Canggu are long black volcanic sand beaches, lined with luxury hotels and beach clubs, with FINNS being one of the world’s best. Berawa Beach, Echo Beach, and Batu Bolong Beach are perfect for watching the sunset with a cold beer, walking or jogging, and, of course – surfing.

Surfing in Jimbaran is possible but it is not as good as in Canggu, and unfortunately, water is not always clean.

Even though Jimbaran Beach is nice, it is not as pretty and maintained as Canggu beaches and sunsets in the southern part of Bali like Canggu are still some of the best. So we have to go with Canggu on this one!

Water Sports In Canggu Vs Water Sports In Jimbaran

Canggu is hands down the best place for beginners to surf – long breaks, lots of affordable surf rentals and schools, and an international crowd. You can practice surfing in Jimbaran too – Balangan Beach and Jimbaran Beach but it is not as popular as neighbouring Uluwatu (advanced surfing) or Canggu.

There are not many water sports in Jimbaran but it is very close to the Benoa area where the biggest water sports center in Bali is located – Bali Wake Park and Waterbom Water Park.

Both areas don’t have scuba diving spots but Jimbaran is closer to the East Coast of Bali where there are many beautiful diving and snorkeling spots.

So, Canggu is the winner here, but you won’t run out of things to do around Jimbaran but not in Jimbaran.

Safety In Jimbaran Vs Safety In Canggu

We feel safer in Canggu although it is a much more popular tourist zone that may potentially see high petty crime levels.

At the same time, you feel more isolated in Jimbaran, not all streets are walkable or have lights so although there may be nothing to be worried about, it is just not as pleasant as strolling down Canggu streets.

In terms of driving safety, however, Jimbaran may edge Canggu a bit as traffic in main tourist areas is pretty dense and hectic and less so in Jimbaran.

Overall this category is probably a tie with both places being more than safe enough for a holiday.

Things To Do In Jimbaran Vs Things To Do In Canggu

There are certainly more things to do and day trips to take from Canggu than in Jimbaran.

In Canggu, you can join FINNS Rec Club or chill at their beach club, get a spa treatment, play games, sing karaoke, attend creative workshops, a cooking class, an art gallery, visit Tanah Lot Temple, try surfing, and the list just keeps going!

Jimbaran Bay is the spot to go for a fresh seafood dinner at the local market, go to the beach, or play golf. There are things to do around Jimbaran, though.

You can travel to Kuta to join a perfume or creative class, ride down to Uluwatu to go beach hopping or have a nice breakfast or dinner, or take a Day trip to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida islands or Gili islands as Jimbaran is closer to the ports than Canggu.

This is an easy victory for Canggu and the neighouring towns near Canggu have more to offer than Jimbaran’s neighbours too.

Nightlife In Canggu Vs Nightlife In Jimbaran

Canggu wins this hands down, there is no area in Bali to party till the wee hours like in Canggu – playing pool or darts with friends, singing karaoke, dancing, and enjoying international and local DJs – the choice is yours.

Yet, Jimbaran still has a few things up his sleeve, mainly upper-class bars within resorts like a few bars at AYANA Resort (Rock Bar is worth visiting) but just not as many options for partying as in Canggu.

It will explain why Jimbaran is better suited for short-term tourists who stay in those luxury resorts and families who prefer quieter residential neighbourhoods.

Yet, if you want nightlife, there’s really one choice here – Canggu.

Cultural Highlights In Jimbaran Vs Cultural Highlights In Canggu

Balinese culture is omnipresent in both areas with family temples, morning offerings on the street, and aromas of incense and frangipani.

However, Jimbaran has a little edge as it is super close to a few of Uluwatu gems: Uluwatu temple and its daily traditional dance Kecak performance, the GWK park with the tallest statue in Bali, which you can actually see all the way from Canggu, and the Melasti beach which has the most beautiful ceremonial procession for big Balinese holidays.

Yes, Jimbaran wins its first category here as while Canggu is lovely, there are fewer cultural attractions in the area.

What’s The Food Like In Jimbaran vs Canggu?

Canggu dining scene is incredibly diverse and the area has a good few hundred cafes, the best sports bars, coffee shops, fine dining restaurants, FINNS beach club with its 7 kitchens serving some of the best food on the island, and, of course, many local eateries aka warungs.

Jimbaran generally has fewer dining venues and more affordable options, especially if you love Indonesian food – it is a bit easier to come by a true street stall here than in Canggu.

The one thing Canggu doesn’t have is the biggest seafood market, like the one in Jimbaran. So if you are a pescatarian and love seafood, fresh seafood will be easier to grab in the early morning in Jimbaran.

Canggu is easily the best dining scene when we compare Jimbaran and Canggu.

Aesthetics Matter: Jimbaran or Canggu?

Canggu has stunning rice fields, luxury spas and villas with turquoise swimming pools, and lots of aesthetic cafes, shops, and social clubs that are instagrammable and stylish. There are also classic Balinese temples blended with modern architecture.

While Jimbaran horizon with fishing boats is absolutely gorgeous during sunset, the residential areas and streets can’t beat Canggu style and do not appeal as much to fashionistas and influencers.

The area is also not nearly as walkable as the main Canggu streets, and as Jimaran sits on a rocky formation, there is not nearly as much greenery, and practically no rice paddies there.

At the same time, boutique and luxury resorts in Jimbaran are built and decorated with taste and attention to detail, their swimming pools and gardens are meticulously maintained and are definitely on par with Canggu and Seminyak resorts, yet if you’re not staying in one, Jimbaran may not seem cute or pretty.

So, Canggu edges out Jimbaran in this category but there’s not a huge amount in it and both places have some beautiful spots.

Bang For Buck: Which Is Better Value Canggu or Jimbaran?

A tough one, since Jimbaran and Canggu seem to cater to two different crowds. If you want to experience the buzz of the digital nomad hub, meet an international crowd, get some of the islands’ best spa treatments, walk, surf, party, and eat – Canggu will be the best value for money for you.

If it is not your first time in Bali, and you want to integrate more into the local community, have your own routine, and generally love a simple lifestyle, Jimbaran will be better and much cheaper than Canggu.

In terms of straight value for money, Jimbaran is often a little cheaper than Canggu but you may have to travel to find everything you need. So, we’re going to call this category a tie.

Which Has The Better Shopping? Jimbaran or Canggu?

Jimbaran is closer to big shopping malls in Kuta, the big Grand Lucky supermarket in Sanur, and the area also has its own mall Sidewalk Jimbaran with Gourmet Pepito and Cinepolis movie theatres.

Canggu is sprinkled with souvenir stalls and markets here and there, boutique clothing shops, and good supermarkets, but there is no mall with international brands readily available.

If you want to buy beautiful swimwear, activewear, surfing gear, and cutesy summer dresses during your vacation – Canggu stores are your best bet, Jimbaran can’t yet compete with the abundance of shops in Canggu.

Canggu is an easy winner in this category, it has far more choice of shopping experiences and a much broader range of shops.

Which Area Is Best For Digital Nomads Jimbaran or Canggu?

Canggu is without a doubt a digital nomad mecca with much better infrastructure, internet connection, and living situations for nomads, solopreneurs, and creators than Jimbaran.

In Canggu, you can easily book a room in a co-living with access to a co-working space where you can meet like-minded people and make friends, while in Jimbaran you may feel a bit isolated.

Socializing is easier in Canggu as well, whether it is a bar, an event, or a dinner with strangers organized by your coliving.

All told there’s no contest, Canggu is, by far, the better area for digital nomads.

Which Area Is Best For Expats Canggu or Jimbaran?

Seasoned ex-pats may find Jimbaran a better area for a living since they are closer to the airport for travel, close to the immigration office for any stay permit matters, as well as too big shopping malls, hardware stores and movie theatres and affordable housing – elements that contribute to the well-balanced healthy day-to-day life.

Younger expats who have been in Bali for under two years may still find Canggu attractive since it has more modern cafes, diverse crowds and entertainment. At the same time, the transient nature of it can get tiring and challenging for making friends or building a family.

It is highly subjective, but in our opinion, younger expats will be happier in Canggu, while Jimbaran will be a better option for introverted and older generations of expatriates. So, we’ll call this one a tie.

Overall Canggu Vs Jimbaran

So, Jimbaran is the best place for cultural highlights. It’s a tie between the two areas for value for money (bang for buck), best place to live as an expat and for overall personal safety which is good all across Bali.

But… Canggu wins for beaches, watersports, nightlife, food, aesthetics and as a top spot for digital nomads in Bali.

So, Canggu wins our head-to-head quite convincingly.

FAQs

Is It Cheaper To Go To Jimbaran or Canggu?

Jimbaran is closer to Bali International Airport so it will be a cheaper ride from the airport to Jimbaran than to Canggu. Hire a private driver who can wait for you at the airport and take you to your private villa or hotel so you don’t have to huggle with airport taxi drivers.

The budget for staying in either area will depend on what you have in mind, as both Canggu and Jimbaran have cheap and luxe options.

Which Is Nicer: Canggu or Jimbaran?

Canggu with its cozy shops, cafes, and world-class FINNS beach club, is nicer than Jimbaran village. At the same time, the white sand beaches surrounded by cliffs in Jimbaran may be prettier and less crowded than black-sand Canggu beaches.

Is Jimbaran Cheaper Than Canggu?

Yes, unless you’re staying in a luxury resort, which is equally expensive anywhere in Bali, Jimbaran is cheaper than Canggu to get simple food, groceries, and accommodation. That being said, you can still stay around Canggu in a good place on a budget and yet be close to everything. To get the best prices you don’t have to move all the way to Jimbaran.

Is Jimbaran or Canggu Better For Kids?

Canggu will be better for kids as it has many good daycare centres, Cubby House at Finns Rec Club with a variety of classes, kid-friendly cafes with large playgrounds and a few international schools. The expat community in Canggu is very friendly and tight, while in Jimbaran kids may feel a bit isolated.

At the same time, both areas are not good for kids to swim in the ocean, better to opt for an accommodation with a swimming pool.

Is It Better To Go To Jimbaran or Canggu?

For the sake of how many different things you can do within the town, Canggu is the best spot to go. If you want to explore Bali more, take day trips. Jimbaran is more of a one-time visit destination as you surely have to stop by the seafood market to get the freshest catch of the day.

How To Book A Holiday In Bali?

The easiest way to book a holiday in Bali is through the locally-owned Bali Res Centre – they will suggest the best area depending on your budget and preferences and help you avoid any issues with booking.

Final Thoughts On Jimbaran VS Canggu

Canggu and Jimbaran are both well-known beach villages in South Bali with surfing, sunset views, and good food. However, as you can see from our head-to-head comparison, Canggu is better in many areas that are important to visitors than Jimbaran and thus, Canggu is our top pick of holiday destination in Bali between these two.

However, no matter which area you choose, Canggu or Jimbaran – they are just 2 hours away from each other and you can always do a day trip to experience the other beach town.

The Ultimate Guide To Jimbaran: What To Do, Where To Stay & More