Canggu is one of the most popular areas in Bali for families relocating long-term, thanks to its mix of international schools, family-friendly neighbourhoods, and relaxed coastal lifestyle.
This guide is for families considering a move to Bali who want everyday convenience, access to quality international schools, a strong expat community, and beachside living all in one place.
Families with school-aged children, digital nomads raising kids, couples planning a family, and solo professionals seeking a vibrant yet liveable base in Bali.
Canggu has become one of the most talked-about places in Bali for expats — and it’s easy to see why. What was once a quiet coastal village surrounded by rice fields has grown into a lively hub where education, community, beaches, and modern conveniences come together in one place.
For families relocating to Bali, Canggu often feels like the easiest place to land. International schools are close by, daily life is well supported, and it’s simple to connect with other parents who are navigating the same transition. School drop-offs, playdates, cafés, sports, and beach time naturally weave into a rhythm that feels both active and family-friendly.
That said, Canggu isn’t for everyone, and that’s part of why understanding it properly matters. Traffic, rising rental prices, and a busier pace of life are real considerations. Some families thrive in the energy; others eventually look for something quieter. The key is knowing what life in Canggu truly looks like before you commit.
This guide is designed to give you an honest, experience-based view of what it’s really like to live in Canggu, from schools and housing to community life and day-to-day realities, so you can decide whether it’s the right fit for you.
Canggu has become one of Bali’s most popular places for families who want international schools close by, a strong community network, beach access and an active, social lifestyle. Once a quiet surf town of rice fields and open spaces, it’s evolved into a dynamic town with cafes, international schools, co-working spaces and more.
For some, this feels like exactly the balance they moved to Bali for: nature, play, education and connection — all without sacrificing convenience. For others, the noise, traffic and higher cost can be something to weigh carefully.
What many expats love about Canggu:
What you should consider before choosing Canggu:
Canggu stretches along Bali’s southwest coast and isn’t one single neighbourhood — it’s made up of several pockets that each have their own energy:
| Area | Best For | Vibe |
| Berawa | Families wanting convenience and beach access | Walkable, established, family-friendly |
| Batu Bolong | Social families, remote workers, lifestyle-focused expats | Lively, energetic, café culture |
| Pererenan | Long-term families wanting balance | Greener, calmer, upscale but relaxed |
| Umalas | Families wanting space near amenities | Leafy, residential, peaceful |
| Tumbak Bayuh & Kedungu | Nature lovers and community-oriented families | Spacious, emerging, strong community feel |
| Kerobokan | Budget-conscious families wanting practicality | Local, authentic, well-connected |
| Seseh & Cemagi | Families prioritising tranquility and sea views | Quiet coastal, scenic, growing expat presence |
Traffic + Travel:
Canggu is one of the busiest parts of Bali for expat families largely because of school options within easy reach. Many families choose housing based on proximity to school to reduce time in traffic.
Key schools in the area include:
Most families find the school run manageable (10–20 minutes) when they choose accommodation close to their school, but this is one of the biggest decisions when settling in Canggu.
Learn more about international school pathways in Bali, including the Cambridge Curriculum and Montessori education.
Get the Bali School Guide! Let’s navigate education options with confidence.
Inside the guide, you’ll find:
• 80 School profiles (22 high schools) covering curriculum, fees, facilities, age ranges, and what makes each unique
• Enrollment checklists and school tour questions
• Visa guidance, transport tips, and transition planning
• Clickable Google Map integration to compare locations across Bali
• Real parent insights: what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they knew earlier
Save $10 on Bali School Guide, use SAVE10 upon checkout!
Canggu life is a blend of routines, outdoor play and social connection. Picture mornings with scooters lined up for school runs, afternoons at the coworking space, beach or parks, and evenings chatting over dinner in a cafe with other expats in your community.
Community Vibe:
Expect an international mix of long-term expats, remote workers, wellness seekers, surf families, creatives and entrepreneurs. Parents connect through school networks, playgroups, WhatsApp groups, weekend markets and local events.
Family-friendly cafés such as Milk & Madu and Made’s Warung are local favourites for weekend breakfasts and casual meetups.
Canggu has a wide range of options, but for families, villas are the most common choice.
Typical rent ranges (approx):
Housing tips for expats:
Finding the right home in Canggu is easier with the right people on your side. Through our Silver Membership, you’ll gain access to our trusted network of Canggu real estate agents and villa management companies.
We start by understanding your housing wishlist — from location and budget to lifestyle preferences — then connect you with partners who can match you with the most suitable options available, saving you time and avoiding unnecessary stress.
Explore our Silver Membership and take the next step toward securing a Canggu home that truly fits your needs.
Costs vary depending on lifestyle and exchange rates. Here’s a realistic summary for a family of four living in Canggu:
| Category | Estimated Monthly |
| Rent (villa) | IDR 30–70M |
| School fees | IDR 15–30M |
| Scooter rental | IDR 1–4M |
| Groceries | IDR 8–12M |
| Eating out | IDR 6–10M |
| House staff | IDR 3–5M |
Our Bronze Membership includes a detailed Bali Cost of Living Guide, designed to help families budget realistically and avoid common surprises when relocating.
Traffic is one of the most-commented realities of living in Canggu — lanes that once were quiet village roads are now busy, especially during school hours and late afternoons.
Transport insights:
Choosing housing close to your daily routine (school, coworking space, beach) can save hours each week.
Every family’s move to Canggu is unique. Some arrive with young children, others with teenagers, remote work commitments, or major schooling decisions ahead. While guides and planning tools are helpful, many families tell us that hearing from those who have already made the move makes it all feel more real.
Our Family & Expat Stories focus on families who are Our Year in Bali clients living in Canggu. These are real families we’ve supported through the relocation process — from early planning and school selection to settling into life in this vibrant coastal community.
Inside these stories, you’ll find honest insights into schooling options, daily routines, work-life balance, community connections, and the realities of long-term life in Canggu. They go beyond the highlights to show what day-to-day life is truly like once you arrive.
If you’re thinking about moving your family to Canggu, these stories can help you imagine what’s possible and feel more confident about the journey ahead.
Families work with us at many different stages of their journey — from early research through to settling into everyday family life in Bali.
Each year, we support hundreds of families as they navigate the practical realities of relocating, including visas, housing, schooling, healthcare, and household support. Every family’s situation is different, which is why we offer three tailored Relocation Memberships, starting from $375 USD, designed to support you at every stage of your move.
While it’s ideal to begin planning 12 months in advance, it’s never too late to start — even if timelines have shifted or decisions need to be made quickly. Our memberships provide clarity, structure, and trusted guidance so your family can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Linda (from Taiwan/Canada) moved with her two young children to Canggu, drawn by the promise of progressive schooling and a supportive, family-friendly community. She highlights how living near parks, playgroups, cafés, and shops made the transition smoother, allowing her children to quickly settle into school and social life.
Beyond convenience, Linda appreciates the balance Canggu offers: easy access to nature, a close-knit expat network, and the opportunity to embrace a lifestyle that feels both adventurous and grounded. For her, the move has been as much about personal growth and connection as it is about education.
James and Jade Colley moved from New Zealand to Bali after recognising the toll that constant travel, long work hours, and burnout were taking on their family life. With two young children, they were seeking more presence, balance, and time together.
Bali offered the slower pace, outdoor lifestyle, and family-centred rhythm they felt was missing back home, and Berawa in Canggu became the ideal base to reset and rebuild a more intentional way of living.
Zach and Roberta Rea moved from New Zealand to Bali after realising they were looking for a better lifestyle — not just for themselves, but for their children. Seeking a stronger community connection, more balance, and a different pace of life, they chose Umalas near Canggu for its proximity to schools, sports, and family-friendly networks. What they found was a relaxed daily rhythm that felt worlds away from their previous routine back home.
Claire and Stephen relocated from Scotland with their three children after deciding they wanted more sunshine, more outdoor living, and more meaningful family time.
While Bali appealed for its safe, laid-back environment and strong sense of community, Canggu stood out for its family-friendly neighbourhoods, access to schools, and everyday ease — from beaches and cafés to sports and playgroups. The area offered the balance they were seeking: a slower pace without sacrificing connection or convenience, allowing them to intentionally reshape how their family lived day-to-day.
If you’d prefer to talk things through first, you’re welcome to book a free 30-minute Discovery Call.
This call is a relaxed space to ask questions, discuss your timeline, and understand what support might be right for you. Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea of Bali or already preparing to move, we’re here to help you build a life that feels intentional and sustainable.
Planning a move to Bali with children comes with a lot of moving parts, and it’s normal to feel unsure about where to start or what to prioritise.
This free checklist is designed to bring everything together in one place. It walks you through the key considerations expats need to think about when relocating to Bali, so you can plan your move with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re in the early research phase or already preparing to relocate, this guide helps you step back, see the full picture, and move forward in a way that feels organised and manageable.
Fill in the form below to receive your free Bali Family Relocation Checklist and start planning your move with clarity and confidence.
For most families, community builds naturally over time. Many connections form through schools, children’s activities, sports clubs, and everyday routines. While it can take a little time to settle in, families are often surprised by how quickly friendships begin to form.
Bali has a large and supportive international family community, with many groups and networks centred around shared interests and similar life stages. As part of Our Year in Bali, families also have access to our private community channel, where we share helpful resources and connect families who are navigating a similar move.
You can read more about how to find your perfect family-friendly community in Bali here. If you’d like to talk through what building a support network could look like for your family, we’d be happy to help. Simply book a free 30-minute discovery call with us.
This is one of the first questions most parents ask, and understandably so. Bali is generally considered a safe place for families, with many international families living here long term. Like anywhere, there are things to be aware of — traffic and road safety, health precautions, and choosing the right area to live.
We place a strong focus on helping families feel informed and prepared around safety. As part of our Bronze Membership, we take time to walk through everyday safety considerations, health planning, and practical realities so there are no surprises once you arrive. With the right information and local understanding, most families feel comfortable and confident in their day-to-day life here.
You can explore more about healthcare, safety, and preventative planning on our Healthcare & Safety page, or learn how we support families in depth through our Bronze Membership.
Children can be on a variety of visa types depending on how long your family plans to stay and which visa the parents hold. It’s also important to note that some international schools require children to hold a KITAS, which may be either a student KITAS or a dependent KITAS. This is something families often need to consider early, as it can influence both visa choices and timelines.
The main documents typically required for children include a valid passport with at least six months’ validity and a birth certificate. Understanding which visa structure best fits your family’s plans early on can help avoid unnecessary changes or delays later.
We cover these options in detail during our free discovery call. If you decide to move forward, our Silver Membership allows us to introduce you directly to our trusted visa agents and help get the process started with the most suitable visa for your family, so you can move ahead with clarity and confidence.
This depends on the school. Some international schools have waitlists and application timelines of 6+ months, while others are more flexible. Some age and year levels are more popular than others, for example, primary school ages are more popular than high school. We always recommend researching schools early, as this can influence both timing and where you choose to live.
Many families successfully hire nannies or household helpers in Bali, but the process can look a bit different depending on how you approach it. Some families find help through word of mouth or recommendations from other parents in their school communities and online. Others use local Facebook or WhatsApp groups, or work with nanny and household staffing agencies.
While there are plenty of options, finding the right fit takes thoughtful communication about expectations, daily routines, working arrangements, and fair compensation. Understanding local norms and setting clear boundaries from the start also helps create a positive and sustainable working relationship.
For a deeper look at how many families approach this, practical tips, and things to consider before you hire, check out our full guide on hiring a nanny in Bali.
Families usually rely on a mix of local clinics and international hospitals, depending on the situation. Pediatric care, routine check-ups, and emergency services are readily available in the main areas where families tend to live.
Many parents arrive with understandable concerns about healthcare, but are often pleasantly surprised by the quality of care and level of service in Bali. In many cases, families find healthcare to be accessible, responsive, and more affordable than they expected — especially for everyday medical needs.
Understanding the difference between travel insurance and long-term health insurance is an important part of planning your move. You can read more here to understand the key differences and what to consider.
As part of our Silver Membership, we can also introduce you to trusted, Bali-based insurers who help you secure coverage that fits your family’s needs.
Our consultation service is perfect if you:
Get the Bali School Guide! Let’s navigate education options with confidence.
Inside the guide, you’ll find:
• 80 School profiles (22 high schools) covering curriculum, fees, facilities, age ranges, and what makes each unique
• Enrollment checklists and school tour questions
• Visa guidance, transport tips, and transition planning
• Clickable Google Map integration to compare locations across Bali
• Real parent insights: what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they knew earlier
Spend one hour with Bali relocation expert and education consultant Simone Collins, who has visited and built strong relationships with many of the island’s leading schools. In this personalised session, you’ll get:
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