Ubud, Canggu, Uluwatu: 3 Bali Hotspots You Can’t Miss

Bali is an island of contrasts—where serene rice fields meet crashing waves, ancient temples rise beside modern cafés, and jungle calm coexists with buzzing beach life. If you’re wondering where to go on your Bali adventure, look no further than this trio of traveler favorites: Ubud, Canggu, and Uluwatu. Each offers a different vibe, and together, they create the perfect Bali itinerary.

🌿 Ubud: The Spiritual and Cultural Heart

Nestled in Bali’s lush interior, Ubud is where art, wellness, and nature come together in the most enchanting way. It’s a haven for yogis, creatives, and anyone craving a slower, more mindful pace.

Top Things to Do in Ubud:

Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Wander through this mystical jungle, where ancient temples are overrun (charmingly) by playful long-tailed macaques.
Explore the Tegalalang Rice Terraces: Snap that iconic green-on-green photo and maybe try a swing over the fields.
Take a Yoga Class: Studios like The Yoga Barn and Radiantly Alive offer everything from vinyasa to sound healing.
Enjoy a Balinese Cooking Class: Learn to prepare traditional dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
Tour Ubud Palace and Art Markets: Dive into Balinese culture through dance performances and locally made crafts.

Ubud is ideal for: wellness retreats, nature lovers, cultural exploration.

🏄‍♂️ Canggu: Trendy Coastal Playground of Bali

If Ubud is your inner peace, Canggu is your creative spark. This once-sleepy surf village is now Bali’s epicenter of cool—known for its café culture, street art and digital nomad scene.

Top Things to Do in Canggu:

Surf at Batu Bolong or Echo Beach: Rent a board or take a lesson—it’s beginner-friendly and full of energy.
Cafe Hop: Sip on oat milk lattes and feast on smoothie bowls at hip spots like Crate Cafe, Shady Shack, and Nude.
Check Out the Sunday Markets: From artisanal goods to vintage threads, the Canggu Love Anchor market is a treasure trove.
Co-work or Chill: Grab a day pass at a co-working space like Dojo or BWork if you’re mixing travel with work.
Sunset Drinks at The Lawn or Old Man’s: Laid-back vibes, live music and epic sunset views.

Canggu is ideal for: surfers, creatives, remote workers, and social butterflies.

🌊 Uluwatu: Cliffs, Culture and Crystal Waters

Dramatic cliffs, iconic temples, and some of the best surf in the world—that’s Uluwatu. It’s the ultimate coastal escape, perfect for beach lovers and sunset chasers.

Top Things to Do in Uluwatu:

Watch the Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple: Set against a cliff-top sunset, this traditional performance is a must-see.
Lounge at Dreamland or Padang Padang Beach: Hidden coves and turquoise waters make these beaches stunning spots to relax.
Surf the Legendary Breaks: For experienced surfers, Uluwatu’s waves are world-class.
Sip Cocktails at a Cliff Club: Visit spots like Single Fin or El Kabron for panoramic views and great music.
Explore the Hidden Beach Caves: Uluwatu’s coastline is dotted with secret beaches and limestone caves—perfect for exploring.

Uluwatu is ideal for: surfers, romantics, sunset lovers, and beachgoers.

Final Word: Why Choose One When You Can Have All Three?

What makes Bali truly special is its diversity—and Ubud, Canggu, and Uluwatu are the perfect trio to show you every side of the island. Start your trip grounding yourself in Ubud, get inspired in Canggu and then unwind with sunsets in Uluwatu.

Pack your bags—you’re in for the kind of trip that stays with you long after you’ve left. If you’re looking for another amazing travel destination, be sure to check out my posts on Mexico or Hawaii!