Canggu is a common name for a big area drawing thousands of tourists and ex-pats from all over the world to come on vacation or live the digital nomad dream.
Tibubeneng, often mistaken for Canggu, is the home to one of the busiest spots on the island – Berawa and it has some of the finest dining and entertainment options.
What to expect visiting Tibubeneng and what are some of the best things to do around? Take it from us, proud residents of Tibubeneng village.
Where Is Tibubeneng?
Tibubeneng is a village in South Bali, right next to Canggu, separating it from the Kerobokan and Seminyak areas. Just like Canggu, it is included in the Badung Regency.
It is one of the tourist and expat hubs on the island that can’t be missed.
Before 1997 Tibubeneng was a part of the tourist cluster of Canggu, but it is now a separate administrative territory with its own village head and administration building. Berawa area, although often said to be in Canggu is technically in Tibubeneng, whereas Echo Beach is not.
The village has strong Hindu and Muslim communities and a large number of expats and tourists from all over the world.
Brief History Of Tibubeneng
Tibubeneng was one of the small kingdoms formed between the 14th and 15th centuries when the big Mengwi kingdom fell.
The name Tibubeneng comes from two Indonesian words: Tibuan, which means well, and Neng, which means no water, dry. It is believed that the area struggled with water and priest I Gusti Mangku Nangun Yasa – a royal descendent, was summoned to fix the situation.
After long meditation and prayers, he received a dagger-like weapon and managed to force the water to come. That’s why we can see that weapon on the modern Tibubeneng logo.
Eventually, the larger Badung kingdom defeated and absorbed every small kingdom including Tibubeneng and it became a part of Badung.
In modern times, around 1962, Canggu and Tibubeneng were merged into one and remained united up until 1997 when the Governor of Bali decided to separate Tibubeneng from Canggu, as both areas continued to expand.
How To Get To Tibubeneng?
As Tibubeneng is a popular destination in Bali, it is easy to reach it by car, bike, or even boat.
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Private driver. Not all areas are covered by taxi and its service is not always reliable when you go on a day trip. A private driver will pick you up, help with your luggage, wait for you at the stops, and be more than happy to answer your questions about Bali. Many private drivers are also freelance tour guides, so you are in for a treat.
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Rent a scooter. With proper driver’s license and insurance, and previous experience of riding a scooter, you rent your own bike. It allows you to be more independent but traffic in Bali is not beginner-friendly so keep that in mind.
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Taxi apps. A few taxi apps are available in Bali where you can order a bike, or a car, or even rent a car for a few hours.
From the international airport in Denpasar, it takes around 1-2 hours depending on traffic to reach Tibubeneng village.
How To Get Around Tibubeneng?
The best way to get around Tibubeneng is a bike.
Either a rental bike if you have an international driver’s license for bikes from your home country and insurance covering your visit to Bali or a bike taxi. There are two popular taxi apps Grab and Gojek, both with affordable rides.
As we drive through Tibubeneng every day, we do not recommend anyone without experience driving around. The traffic can get really bad and tight, especially around the infamous shortcut connecting Tibubeneng and Canggu.
What’s The Best Time Of Year To Visit Tibubeneng
Tibubeneng is hustling and bustling year-round, but we would say it is best to come during the low season – April-May and September to November to avoid getting stuck in traffic under the scorching sun.
During the holiday season, many tourists come and the island gets very busy.
What To Expect In Tibubeneng
Tibubeneng is perfect for digital nomads, remote workers, the younger crowd on vacation, and partygoers.
There are great coffee shops, Instagrammable cafes, surfing, FINNS beach club, high-end restaurants, co-working spaces, and fitness centres.
At the same time, there are not many cultural experiences to do around here but the central location easily compensates for it – you can hop on a bike and explore the island whenever you want.
Best Things To Do In And Around Tibubeneng
Have A Chill Day @ FINNS Beach Club
Once you get to Tibubeneng and check in at your hotel, head straight to FINNS. The first day is for acclimatization, figuring out what to do, and resting. And there is no better place for it, than one of the world’s best beach clubs.
You can book a day bed for the whole day and take advantage of multiple pools, beach access, pool bars, and delicious Indonesian and Western food coming out hot of 7 kitchens.
We may be biased, but FINNS has the best sunset views in the village.
Where Is It: Jl. Pantai Berawa No.99, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Surf At Berawa Beach
One of the best spots in Bali for beginners, where you can rent a surfboard and hire a private instructor who will make sure to push you on your very first wave!
Local boys on the beach can also take a photo of you riding the wave if you’re lucky.
Berawa Beach is pretty much the only Tibubeneng beach so if you’re staying around this area, it will be also your go-to spot for sunset.
Pamper Yourself At Tibubeneng Spas
The Tibubeneng area has no shortage of spas and beauty salons. From the cleanest Russian manicure to hours-long spa packages – you will note disappointed.
For sure, you have to try traditional Balinese massage, natural scrubs (lulur and boreh), and body masks that the Balinese have used for centuries to stay pretty and healthy.
Body Temple Spa covers all the bases when it comes to indulgent spa treatments, for both solo travellers and couples.
Where Is It: Jl. Pantai Berawa No.8, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Body Temple
Laugh With Pro Comedians At Comedy Night
Make new friends and laugh out loud or boo comedians who are not funny at one of the many comedy nights held in Tibubeneng and Canggu.
Indonesian and visiting international comedians cater to large audiences with musical comedy, dark humour, and one-liners. Some of them were featured on Netflix, and Comedy Central and even participated in the Indonesian National Stand-Up TV Competition.
Upcoming show: Instagram
Try Horse Riding
Bali Equestrian Centre has shared the joy of communicating and riding horses with Bali visitors since 2002.
Kids can enjoy pony rides, and adults are more than welcome to learn how to handle horses properly and take a beautiful photo shoot on the beach.
Where Is It: Perumahan Canggu Asri Jl. Karang Suwung, Brawa, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Train Hard & Recover
The area has a lot of services long-term expats need on a daily basis, including staying fit. You can find CrossFit gyms, boxing classes, Olympic pool, mat or reformer pilates, dance studios, and, of course, various yoga styles to try.
The Fitness Centre at FINNS Recreation Club is an all-in-one destination for an active lifestyle. You can join yoga or fitness classes, or train in the open gym area. If you’re not into this, you can play tennis at the private court or try boxing.
After the workout, you should head to the recovery zone and plunge into the ice bath, sweat it out in the sauna, or chill in the Jacuzzi.
As Berawa Beach often has big waves that aren’t swim-friendly, there is a 25-meter lap pool with 6 lanes for all swimmers.
Where Is It: Jl. Pantai Berawa No.15, Canggu, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Join A Cooking Class
At Bu Dewi Cooking Class & Homestay, Ibu Dewi will teach you how to make authentic Balinese & Indonesian food with natural ingredients and local spices right in the comfort of her traditional family compound.
The morning class includes a market tour, 5-6 recipes to make, and a feast afterwards. Each day from Monday to Saturday has its own theme.
Where Is It: Jl. Sri Kahyangan I No.77, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80365, Indonesia
Online: Cooking Class Canggu
Sing Your Best Song At A Karaoke Night
Feeling the urge to belt out some of your favourite tunes?
There aren’t Japanese-style karaoke rooms in Tibubeneng and Canggu, but The Room Bar and Cangu Radio Station are two fantastic places to have the time of your life singing and laughing with friends.
Both cater more for a Western audience, so you will definitely find all the latest hits on the list.
Read more about the best karaoke bars in Bali here.
Try Floating & Biohacking
Bali health enthusiasts are trying to introduce all the modern technologies and tools for staying healthy and releasing stress.
Solace Floating is a great spot to disconnect from the world in a closed floating chamber listening to meditative music.
Rejuvo.Life on the other hand are true geeks in terms of biohacking. They offer Bali crowds hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cryotherapy, and red light therapy.
Have Fun With Friends @ FINNS Rec Club
If it is a rainy day outside (and when it rains it pours in Bali), FINNS Rec Club has something for guests to never get bored.
Bowl a strike at Strike Ten Pin Bowling – a modern air-conditioned boiling club with 6 lanes, a restaurant, and a bar. If it is your first time playing, they will set up the gutter bumpers.
Bored with reality? White Rabbit VR will take you to other worlds in no time.
For families, Cubby House Kid’s Club has a packed schedule for kids of all ages.
Make A Day Trip To Explore Bali
Explore the island while you can! There are some worthy attractions just a short ride from Tibubeneng, like a beautiful water temple on a rock Tanah Lot, and whole different areas to explore like Ubud, Uluwatu, North Bali, or Amed.
These guys know the best attractions on and off the beaten track and will guarantee you get many cultural activities and natural beauties of Bali in one day.
Read more: 17 Amazing Day Trips From Canggu
Where To Stay In Tibubeneng
There are dozens of hotels, homestays, and luxe villas around. As it is a very popular location, you need to check availability beforehand.
Swarga Suites Bali Berawa
This newly built resort has 60 amazing suites with some of them facing the Indian Ocean.
It is located on a quiet street, just a few minutes from the Berawa beach, cafes, beauty salons, and little stores.
Where Is It? Banjar Berawa, Jl. Pemelisan Agung, Tibubeneng, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Swarga Suites
White Goose Boutique Hotel
A great value-for-money boutique hotel just a short walk from the beach and tucked away from busy streets.
You can easily walk to a spa, and FINNS beach club, and there are also many restaurants around the hotel.
Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Berawa, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Online: White Goose
Saba Villas
Saba Villas is a complex of 5 luxury villas surrounded by tropical gardens and tranquillity. You will be served food cooked by chefs, and get a bonus access to FINNS Rec Club and Beach Club.
There is a big supermarket, healthy food cafes, beauty salons and a beach nearby.
Where Is It? Jalan Subak Sari No.30, Banjar Tegal Gundul, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Saba Villas
Villa Kalyani
Villa Kalyani is a spacious 5-bedroom villa with a huge private pool, two bars, your own dance floor, a pool table, and a media room.
The villa comes with a private chef cooking amazing meals, and unspoiled rice paddies views.
Where Is It? Jalan Tegal Sari Banjar Tegal Gundul Desa Tibubeneng, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Villa Kalyani
Aeera Villa Canggu by Ini Vie Hospitality
An affordable yet luxurious option for a romantic getaway, Aeera one-bedroom villa with a pool where you can order a Bali-style floating breakfast.
Where Is It? Gg. Semar No.8, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Online: Aeera Villa
Shared Accommodation
For those travelling on a budget, there are many villa complexes where you can rent a room with a private bathroom and have access to a shared kitchen and living area, and if you’re lucky a nice pool.
You can rent a villa for yourself through Booking, Airbnb, and directly through Facebook accommodation groups.
However, you should be mindful that there are some not-very-honest people on social media and unless it is not your first rodeo on the Bali housing market, we would recommend sticking to well-known hotels and places that are recommended.
Where To Eat In Tibubeneng
Tibubeneng has amazing dining options from early morning to late night covering all international cuisines. From coffee shops to upper-class restaurants, bars, and underground clubs – there is something for everyone to enjoy.
St Tropez
A luxe dining venue right on the beach with stunning sunset views and a chef-curated menu. Ideal for a date or celebration to splurge on some caviar and premium bubbles.
Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Berawa No.99, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 90361, Indonesia
Bondi
For casual lunch or dinner, Bondi is a no-brainer. It has great food, a sunset view, and you get to dip your toes in a refreshing pool. The food is consistently great and ranges from authentic Indonesian food to Western staples.
Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Berawa No.99, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Bistro C
A family-friendly open-air cafe with a large selection of dishes and drinks. It is best to visit if you’re going to hang out at FINNS Rec Club.
Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Berawa No.5, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Indigo
Amazing Japanese food and great service. The building itself is super stylish and the dinner experience here is well worth the cost.
Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Berawa No.7A, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Nüde Berawa
Nude is an all-in-one cafe with breakfast smoothie bowls, lunch and dinner menu, as well as some signature cocktails.
Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Berawa No.33, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Baked.Berawa
An iconic bakery open daily and serving warm fresh baked pastry, savory and sweet breakfasts, and artisanal bread.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Semat Gg. Kupu kupu No.1, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
LONGTIME
A new kid on the block with amazing cocktails mixing retro vibes with modern Asian cuisine. Great for a yummy lunch or a proper night out
Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Berawa No.13, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Mokshu
For vegetarians, we recommend this popular restaurant in Berawa serving tasty Indian food without any animal protein. The prices are very reasonable as well.
Where Is It? Jl. Canggu Permai No.1, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
L’Osteria Pizza e Cucina Canggu
For Authentic Italian cuisine, head to L’Osteria. It is always hard to choose between homemade pasta and sourdough Neapolitan pizza. Comfort food Italian style.
Where Is It? Jl. Pemelisan Agung No.2, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Hungry Bird
Amazing coffee shop in Berawa roasting their own coffee blend. Really good coffee and good vibes. They have good Wi-Fi too if you need to send a few emails.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Semat Jl. Segara Perancak No.86, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
FAQs
Is Tibubeneng Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Tibubeneng is home to FINNS Beach Club – the best beach club in the world and it is one of the central areas for tourists, expats, and digital nomads.
What Is The Population Of Tibubeneng?
The total population of the Tibubeneng area is between 11,000 and 15,000 people. It is hard to get the exact number as the number of expats is constantly changing.
Is There Nightlife In Tibubeneng?
Vault Night Club and FINNS are the go-to clubs for a night out. Vault caters more to the younger crowd with techno music and is an indoor venue, while FINNS Beach Club is located right on the beach, brings in international DJs and performers, has a few different restaurants, and bars, and hosts daily entertainment performances.
What Is The Climate In Tibubeneng?
Tibubeneng has hot tropical weather with the rainy season from November to April. The average temperature is around 28 C and the humidity is always high – around 80%.
Are There Waterfalls In Tibubeneng?
Unfortunately, there are no waterfalls in Tibubeneng, but you can do a day trip to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Munduk and Ubud right from your hotel or villa in Tibubeneng village.
How Do You Book A Holiday In Tibubeneng?
We always recommend using local providers like Bali Res Centre to book a holiday in Tibubeneng at an affordable price and with the best choice of accommodation and activities.
Final Thoughts On Tibubeneng
Tibubeneng is an epicentre of dining, parties, and expat lifestyle right next to busy Canggu that you should not cross off your list while visiting Bali.
So if you’re looking for a beach town with comfortable living, Tibubeneng may be just the right place for you.
