Dreaming of a Bali escape filled with breathtaking jungle views, beach sunsets, tranquil spas, and modern cafes? House of Coco’s travel writer, Sally Seaton, takes you on a journey through Ubud and Canggu, helping you plan your Bali itinerary. Whether you’re a solo female traveller or planning your first trip to Bali, Ubud and Canggu are the two must-visit destinations that offer completely different vibes.
From spiritual experiences surrounded by rice fields in Ubud to sunset cocktails by the beach in Canggu, discover hotel stays, activities, restaurants, cafes and things to do in Ubud and Canggu.
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What to do in Ubud
In the heart of northern Bali lies the jungle of Ubud. This area offers a truly authentic glimpse into Balinese life — where daily offerings line the streets for ceremonies, the scent of incense drifts through the air, and rice fields stretch into the horizon. Explore the most beautiful nature through rice fields, waterfalls, and hikes, or dive deeper into the culture of Bali with temple visits and local food.
Hotels in Ubud
Staying in Ubud is all about slowing down and reconnecting with nature. Many hotels and wellness retreats are nestled deep in the rice fields or situated along the jungle hillsides, offering peaceful surroundings and panoramic views. From boutique resorts to luxurious villas with private pools, these stays often focus on wellbeing with daily yoga, plant-based meals, and on-site spas. While many are located outside of Ubud’s town centre, that’s part of the charm of being here. Ubud is renowned for rest, reflection, and being surrounded by Bali’s natural beauty.
Kaamala Resort
Kaamala Resort is a sanctuary tucked away in the rice fields of Ubud, offering serene private pool villas designed for couples and solo travellers seeking peace and luxury. Just minutes from the heart of town, this award-winning resort blends elegant design with natural surroundings — allowing guests to enjoy floating breakfasts, jungle-draped infinity pools, and spa rituals rooted in Balinese tradition. You can unwind at Svaha Spa, dine under the stars at Habitat Bistro, or spot monkeys from your terrace. Kaamala Resort offers a rare kind of tranquillity that feels both luxurious and deeply connected to Ubud’s spirit.
Arya Wellness Retreat
If you’re looking to be surrounded by positivity, tranquillity, and a safe environment, Arya Wellness Retreat is the perfect spot for your stay in Ubud. The interior reflects the modern Balinese vibes and the peaceful surroundings of Ubud — clean and calm with a neutral palette and traditional Hindu and Buddhist decorations. Although a wellness hostel for women only, Arya doesn’t compromise on quality. It features a beautiful swimming pool area, with an on-site restaurant decorated with rattan accessories and draped sheer curtains that float in the wind.
Designed to be a sociable, healthy, and eco-friendly stay, Arya Wellness Retreat provides opportunities to connect with other female travellers, hosting cooking classes, family dinners, yoga and meditation classes, movie nights, and spa treatments in the heart of Ubud.
Restaurants in Ubud
Start your morning in Ubud with a nourishing breakfast at a jungle-side cafe, where smoothie bowls are created like artwork and the coffee comes with a view. For lunch, pull up a bamboo chair at a local warung and try nasi campur, which includes a colourful plate of rice, vegetables, sambal, and spiced meats. By evening, Ubud transforms. As the sky fades into soft gold, The Sayan House come alive.
Sun Sun Warong
An authentic culinary experience in Ubud, Sun Sun Warong is a must-try. Hidden on one of Ubud’s busy side streets, this family-run restaurant looks like you are entering one of Ubud’s temples or palaces. Adorned with vibrant shrines and colourful offerings, and with staff dressed head-to-toe in sarongs and udengs, stepping inside feels like being transported to a living village in Ubud.
The menu has so many choices, including bebek nyat-nyat, which is a Bali-style duck with the nyat-nyat cooking method and nasi kuning, consisting of yellow rice, small dried fish, chicken, egg, corn fritters, coconut, peanut, and vegetables. However, the star of the show — and the main dish visitors flock to this family restaurant for — is the vibrant and delicious nasi campur.
The Sayan House
Nestled high in the jungle, further out from the town, The Sayan House is a renowned sunset spot in Ubud. Here you can enjoy cocktails at the bar located at the edge of the jungle with a spectacular view, or traditional Balinese cuisine in the restaurant for lunch and dinner. Head to The Sayan House around 5pm for the best spot, or book in advance, as this place is a central point for sunset chasers. It’s a great place to socialise, or for a date night, with views of the jungle and golden hour.
Activities in Ubud
Ubud is a destination to slow down and take in the tranquillity of the natural surroundings — from palm readings and traditional Balinese ceremonies, for a glimpse into local spirituality to jungle day clubs and fresh kopi luwak at coffee plantations overlooking sweeping rice terraces.
Cretya Ubud
A tropical day club nestled in Tegallalang’s rice terraces, Cretya Ubud invites you to relax in eight acres of natural beauty and lush greenery. The striking focal point of Cretya Ubud is its stunning tiered pool — a cascading design that flows across multiple levels, framed by luxury cabanas and swaying hammocks, all set against a backdrop of the magnificent rice terraces. There are three restaurants and two exclusive settings, which allow you to get up close and personal to the magnificent views of the ricefields. Cretya Ubud provides Mediterranean, Italian, and Balinese cuisine for guests to enjoy. It’s the perfect place to rewind while enjoying the sun, views, and positive vibes.
Mistari Healing
Bali is renowned for its spiritual healing, which helps to purify and repair the body and mind. Located in the Sedang area of Ubud, visitors to Bali travel from all around the island to visit Mistari Healing in hopes it will bring them good fortune, closure, or help their wellness. Mistari Healing use modern and traditional approaches by taking into account each individual person and their physical and emotional problems. Choose from a palm reading, healing treatment, or remote and lighting treatment.
The palm reading takes you on a journey, diving deep into your past life and focusing on your future, resonating with the person you are or who you are becoming. Mistari also heals patients’ physical and emotional illnesses through prayer, allowing them to release the weight of their shoulders and head into their future with a positive, brighter outlook.
Coffee Plantation
Although Bali is renowned for its modern aesthetic and wellness ambience, it’s also home to luwak coffee, which is extracted from Ubud. There are many coffee plantations in Ubud, including Satria Agrowisata, which processes its coffee beans with civet cats that eat, digest, and excrete the coffee beans. The civet’s digestive process is believed to alter the beans’ flavour by reducing bitterness, resulting in a smoother, more aromatic, and sometimes chocolate or citrus taste.
At Satri Agrowisata, you can enjoy a guided tour of the plantation, where you’ll learn about the entire production process and experience it firsthand. After the tour, treat yourself to a tasting session featuring a variety of unique coffees and teas — with 13 distinctive flavours to choose from, including coconut, avocado, and ginseng coffee, as well as mangosteen and lemongrass tea.
What to do in Canggu
Canggu is one of Bali’s coolest coastal gems with a vibrant mix of surf culture, wellness, and chic island living. From stylish stays like Chesa Canggu and the rejuvenating Bliss Sanctuary for Women, to delicious bites at Penny Lane and KYND Community Cafe, there’s no shortage of spots to eat, relax, and unwind. Spend your days exploring local favourites such as the La Brissa Market, indulging in self-care at Bodyworks Spa, or watching the sun dip below the waves at Batu Bolong Beach.
Hotels in Canggu
Canggu’s hotel scene perfectly captures its coastal chic aesthetic with a blend of laid-back luxury, surf culture, and tropical charm. From boutique stays to wellness retreats, you’ll find stylish spaces designed for both relaxation and connection.
Chesa Canggu
A short stroll from Batu Bolong Beach, Chesa Canggu is one of Bali’s most stylish new boutique stays, opened in 2023. With 36 beautifully designed rooms, this hotel perfectly blends modern minimalism with Balinese charm. Natural textures, soft tones, and traditional touches create a calm, welcoming atmosphere from the moment you arrive.
At the heart of the property, two tropical pools invite guests to unwind — one vibrant and social, the other peaceful and secluded. Just minutes from Canggu’s best cafes, boutiques, and beach clubs, Chesa Canggu offers the perfect balance between Bali’s lively energy and laid-back tranquillity.
Bliss Sanctuary for Women
If you’ve ever dreamed of creating your own Eat, Pray, Love story, Bliss Sanctuary for Women is the perfect place to begin. This tranquil haven of self-love invites you to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with yourself, all while being surrounded by supportive, like-minded women on their own wellness journeys.
Here, every day is designed for your happiness, from rejuvenating spa treatments and yoga sessions to meditation and fitness activities, all set within a peaceful Balinese oasis. The goal? For you to leave feeling lighter, stronger, and the very best version of yourself. Stay in a beautiful contemporary villa shared with inspiring women from around the world, and permit yourself to truly focus on yourself. Whether you’re a mum, a boss, a sister, or a friend, Bliss Sanctuary offers the rare gift of time — to rest, reflect, and rediscover your authentic self.
Restaurants in Canggu
Canggu has become a foodie haven, and on every corner, you’ll find a new cafe, beachfront bar, or fine dining spot. From vibrant brunch cafes serving smoothie bowls to stylish restaurants offering global cuisine, Canggu’s dining scene places a strong emphasis on health.
Penny Lane
Serving delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Penny Lane is one of Canggu’s most visited restaurants. Not only that, but the interiors of Penny Lane create a welcoming, tropical ambience. Displaying the typical boho chic Bali aesthetic with rattan chairs and a soft, neutral colour scheme, as you enter, palm trees and hanging plants surround the arched ceiling and wall. It features a striking hand statue that gestures the shaka sign, reflecting the surf culture and welcoming guests. As you head towards the rear of the restaurant, you will see an outdoor garden with an option to dine al fresco and watch the glowing sunset.
KYND Community Cafe
A true blogger’s paradise, KYND Community Cafe is where Bali’s tropical charm meets picture-perfect aesthetics. Every corner is photo-worthy, from pastel-pink walls adorned with palm trees and uplifting quotes to beautifully presented, vibrant plant-based dishes. The cafe’s signature açaí smoothie bowls are as Instagrammable as they are delicious, complete with personalised fruit lettering so you can spell out your name (or a sweet message) on top of your bowl.
Activities in Canggu
Canggu also offers a range of adventure, wellness, and creative activities to keep you busy during your visit to the Indonesian island. Spend your morning surfing the waves at Batu Bolong or Echo Beach or join a beachfront yoga class. Wander through local markets, take a Balinese cooking class, or explore more of the area by scooter. For those craving relaxation, indulge in a spa day or unwind with a sunset cocktail at a beach club.
La Brissa Market
Every Sunday from 10am, La Brisa transforms into a lively, sun-soaked marketplace buzzing with energy and creativity. This vibrant weekly event supports local artisans and vendors who handcraft everything from clothing and jewellery to art and gourmet treats. Wander through stalls draped in bohemian fabrics and ocean breeze, discovering treasures like pearl-studded purses with mermaid-core decoration, flowy island dresses, and decadent homemade cakes, all while sipping on a chilled glass of wine.
It’s easy to lose track of time here, drifting from one stall to the next before heading straight to the La Brisa Beach Club for an afternoon of music, cocktails, and sunset views.
Bodyworks Spa
Stepping into Bodyworks Spa feels like entering a serene Balinese dream. Picture pastel pink walls, grand archways, and mosaic-tiled floors framing a tranquil pool scattered with vibrant orange marigolds. As Bali’s original day spa, open since 1994, this family-run sanctuary blends traditional healing with modern indulgence, offering the perfect combination of relaxation, rejuvenation, and that oh-so-Instagrammable setting.
Choose from soothing aromatherapy treatments, the signature Bodyworks Bliss Massage, or a full-body massage that begins with a gentle foot scrub before melting into deep, restorative pressure. For the ultimate island experience, add on a flower bath — a swirl of petals and serenity that leaves you floating in pure zen.
Batu Balong Beach
One of Bali’s most iconic stretches of sand, Batu Bolong Beach perfectly captures the island’s relaxed spirit, making it a haven for surfers, sunseekers, and sunset chasers alike. Mornings here hum with energy as surfers carve through gentle waves and beachgoers lounge beneath the tropical sun.
As the day fades, the shoreline transforms into a golden dreamscape — the sky melting into fiery oranges, soft purples, and pastel pinks. Arrive around 5:30pm to witness this nightly spectacle, cocktail in hand, at one of the buzzing beachfront bars, including The Lawn, La Brissa, or Sand Bar.
Ubud VS Canggu — which one is right for you?
Choosing between Ubud and Canggu is like picking two very different but equally enchanting sides of Bali. If you crave serene jungle vibes, spiritual rituals, and lush rice terraces where time slows down, Ubud is your sanctuary. It’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature, indulge in wellness, and immerse yourself in Balinese culture.
On the other hand, Canggu pulses with a lively coastal energy. Think surf culture, modern cafes, vibrant nightlife, and stunning beach sunsets. It’s where tranquil luxury meets creative buzz, making it ideal for those who want to balance adventure with relaxation.
Tips for Travelling Bali
Exploring Bali is an exciting journey, but a few tips can make your trip smoother and safer. Keep these in mind to fully enjoy the island’s magic with confidence:
- Carry cash: Many places accept cards, but cash is king, especially in local markets and smaller shops.
- Secure your phone: Use a wrist or neck strap to keep your phone safe — like most major tourist areas, theft can happen in crowded areas.
- Learn to ride a scooter: It’s the most flexible way to get around, but if you’re not confident, download the Grab app, as these rides are affordable and easy to book.
- Plan travel times: Bali is a large island; getting from Canggu to Ubud can take up to three hours, so schedule your days accordingly.
Whether you’re drawn to the lush jungles and spiritual calm of Ubud or the vibrant beaches and modern aesthetic of Canggu, Bali offers something truly magical for every kind of traveller. From immersive cultural experiences and rejuvenating wellness retreats to surfing iconic waves and savouring world-class cuisine, these two destinations promise unforgettable memories. With the right planning and a sense of adventure, your Bali trip will be a perfect balance of relaxation, exploration, and inspiration.
