Where to Stay in Canggu: Berawa, Batu Bolong & Echo Beach Explained
If you are planning a trip to Canggu, one of the first decisions you will face is choosing which area to stay in.
Although Canggu is often spoken about as a single destination, it is made up of several distinct neighbourhoods, each offering a different experience.
For travellers from Australia, the UK and across Indonesia, Canggu remains one of Bali’s most popular places to stay thanks to its surf culture, café scene and relaxed coastal lifestyle.
Choosing the right area can have a big impact on how you experience your trip.
This guide explains the three main areas of Canggu: Berawa, Batu Bolong and Echo Beach, helping you decide which is the best area to stay in Canggu based on your travel style.
Looking for a villa in Canggu? Browse our handpicked Canggu villa rentals to find the ideal base for your stay.
What Makes Canggu a Great Place to Stay?
Canggu combines beach life, dining, wellness and social energy in a way that appeals to a wide range of travellers. It is particularly popular with:
- Australian visitors seeking a relaxed coastal escape
- Indonesian travellers planning a short Bali getaway
- Surfers drawn to well-known beach and reef breaks
- Couples and groups looking for space, privacy and lifestyle experiences
Canggu is also well connected to nearby areas such as Seminyak, Pererenan and Denpasar, making it a practical choice for both longer holidays and shorter stays.
Berawa: Relaxed, Social and Well Connected
Best for: First-time visitors, food lovers, beach club culture
Vibe: Relaxed but social
Ideal for: Couples, groups, longer stays
Berawa is one of the most popular areas to stay in Canggu, particularly for travellers who want balance. It offers a calmer atmosphere than central Batu Bolong while still being close to cafés, restaurants and the beach.
Many Australian travellers are drawn to Berawa thanks to its familiar coastal feel. It is relaxed, easy to navigate and well suited to longer stays.
Why stay in Berawa?
- Easy access to Berawa Beach and nearby surf breaks
- A strong café and restaurant scene
- Beach clubs and social venues without constant late-night noise
- A wide selection of modern villas and comfortable accommodation
Berawa is a strong choice if you want convenience, comfort and a sociable atmosphere without the intensity of busier areas.
Batu Bolong: The Social Heart of Canggu
Best for: Café culture, nightlife, central location
Vibe: Energetic and lively
Ideal for: Solo travellers, younger couples, short stays
Batu Bolong is widely considered the heart of Canggu. The main road is lined with popular cafés, bars, shops and casual dining spots, making it one of the most walkable and vibrant parts of the area.
Many Australian and international visitors choose Batu Bolong for its buzz and central position, particularly if they want to be close to both the beach and nightlife.
Why stay in Batu Bolong?
- Central access to multiple beaches
- A high concentration of cafés, bars and restaurants
- A lively social atmosphere during the day and evening
- A convenient base for exploring wider Canggu
If you want to be close to the action and enjoy a strong social scene, Batu Bolong is often seen as the best area to stay in Canggu.
Echo Beach: Surf, Sunsets and a Slower Pace
Best for: Surfing, sunsets, relaxed stays
Vibe: Calm and scenic
Ideal for: Surfers, couples, laid-back travellers
Echo Beach, also known as Pantai Batu Mejan, is well known for its surf breaks, black sand beach and striking sunsets. Compared to Batu Bolong, the pace here is noticeably slower, with more emphasis on beach time and scenery.
Echo Beach appeals to travellers who want to spend their days surfing or relaxing by the ocean and their evenings enjoying sunset views and casual seaside dining.
Why stay near Echo Beach?
- Popular surf breaks for intermediate surfers
- Scenic coastline with memorable sunsets
- Quieter evenings compared to central Canggu
- Villas set among coastal and rice-field surroundings
This area suits travellers who prefer a slower rhythm and more space.
How to Choose the Best Area to Stay in Canggu
The best area for your stay depends on what you value most:
- For cafés and nightlife, Batu Bolong
- For balance and comfort, Berawa
- For surf and sunsets, Echo Beach
Canggu is compact enough that visitors can explore all three areas during their stay, particularly when using scooters or ride-hailing services.
Villas, Hotels and Where to Stay
Accommodation in Canggu ranges from boutique hotels to private villas. Villas are especially popular with Australian and Indonesian travellers thanks to the added privacy, space and value they offer, particularly for groups or longer stays.
Looking for a villa in Canggu? Browse our handpicked Canggu villa rentals to discover options across Berawa, Batu Bolong and Echo Beach.
Final Thoughts: What Is the Best Area to Stay in Canggu?
There is no single answer to this question.
The best area to stay in Canggu depends on your travel priorities.
- Berawa suits travellers looking for comfort, dining and beach access
- Batu Bolong is ideal for social energy and central convenience
- Echo Beach offers surf, scenery and a more relaxed pace
Whichever area you choose, Canggu remains one of Bali’s most appealing destinations for both international and domestic travellers.