Living in Canggu

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.

Who Canggu Is Best For

Families with school-aged children, digital nomads raising kids, couples planning a family, and solo professionals seeking a vibrant yet liveable base in Bali.

Why Families Choose Canggu

  • Walkable neighbourhoods and café culture
  • A large international and expat community
  • Easy access to international schools in and around Canggu
  • Beaches, surf spots, and sunset views close to home

When Canggu Might Not Be the Best Fit

  • You prefer complete quiet or rural living
  • Traffic is a major concern for your daily routine
  • You’re working with a very tight housing budget

Life in Canggu

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.

Talk to Us About Living in Canggu

Is Canggu Right for Me?

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:

  • Easy access to multiple international schools
  • Strong expat & digital nomad communities
  • Beaches, cafés, fitness and surf culture
  • A coastal, active lifestyle

What you should consider before choosing Canggu:

  • Traffic can be heavy and travel times longer than expected
  • Rental prices are higher than in quieter parts of Bali
  • Some neighborhoods feel busier and noisier

Where is 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:

  • Berawa — popular with families; walkable amenities and beach access
  • Batu Bolong — lively, social and energetic; great for restaurants and co-working, but busier
  • Pererenan — greener, quieter, and increasingly favoured by long-term families
  • Umalas — leafy streets and larger homes; calm but near services
  • Tumbak Bayuh & Kedungu — wider plots, more nature, and strong community feel
  • Kerobokan — more local and authentic; affordable long-term rentals and practical access to Denpasar
  • Seseh & Cemagi — quiet coastal living; fewer cafés but beautiful villas, surf access, and a 10–15 minute drive to Pererenan and Canggu
  • Kedungu — peaceful coastal village with rice field views, spacious plots, surf-friendly beaches, and a close-knit community.
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:

  • Airport: ~50–60 minutes
  • Seminyak: ~15–25 minutes
  • Ubud: ~1.5 hours
     (Travel times vary widely in peak hours)

Schools in Canggu

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:

  • Canggu Cornerstone College – New school in the area, July 2027
  • Canggu Community School – International IB pathway
  • Montessori School Bali (Berawa) – the only AMI Montessori school in Indonesia
  • ProEducation School (Umalas & Nuanu Campus) – Inclusive, supportive learning
  • The Garden Early Learning Centre (Berawa) – Early childhood focus
  • Marigold Community Learning (Tumbak Bayuh) – Small, community-led learning environment
  • Sunrise School (Kerobokan) – Nature-based, holistic education approach

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. 

Looking for schools in Canggu that fit your budget?

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!

Get the School Guide Now
Book a School Deep Dive

What It’s Like to Live Here

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.

Housing & Accommodation in Canggu

Canggu has a wide range of options, but for families, villas are the most common choice.

Typical rent ranges (approx):

  • Apartment/ Studio: IDR 12-20m/month
  • 2-bedroom villa: IDR 25–40M/month
  • 3-bedroom villa: IDR 40–80M/month
  • Family compound: IDR 60–90M/month

Housing tips for expats:

  • Close to school = big quality-of-life improvement
  • Larger plots and calmer areas are often found in Pererenan, Umalas, or Tumbak Bayuh
  • Villa markets move quickly — working with a local agent is highly recommended

Ready to Find a Home You’ll Truly Love?

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.

Explore the Silver Membership

Cost of Living Snapshot

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

Want help understanding what these costs really look like for your family?

Our Bronze Membership includes a detailed Bali Cost of Living Guide, designed to help families budget realistically and avoid common surprises when relocating.

Explore the Silver Membership

Traffic & Getting Around

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:

  • Scooters remain the most efficient way to get around
  • Cars are common but slower in peak hours
  • Some expats  hire drivers for peace of mind
  • Rideshare services (like Grab / GoCar) are available but slow when busy

Choosing housing close to your daily routine (school, coworking space, beach) can save hours each week.

Learn more about transport in Bali

Pros & Cons for Expats

Pros

  • Excellent school options
  • Strong digital nomad and expat community
  • Beaches, wellness, social life
  • Modern amenities and services

Cons

  • Busy roads and traffic
  • Higher rental prices
  • Can feel crowded during peak season

Real Family Stories living in Canggu

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.

Explore Our Expat Stories in Canggu
Watch Family & Expat Stories on YouTube

Relocation Support

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.

View Relocation Memberships

Stories of Families in Canggu

Taiwanese Family Finds Community

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.

Read Linda's full story

From Burnout to Balance

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.

Read Their Full Story Here

A New Zealand Family’s Move to Bali for a Better Lifestyle


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.

Read Their Full Story Here

Scottish Family Slow Down to Family Life


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.

Read Their Full Story Here

Book a Free Discovery Call

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.

Book a Free Call Now

Get your FREE Move to Bali Checklist

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bali a safe place to raise children?

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.

Do children need special visas to live in Bali?

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.

How early should we apply for schools?

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.

Is it easy to hire a nanny in Bali?

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.

What healthcare options are available for children?

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.

Will we be able to find community as a family?

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.

Find the Right Membership for Your Move

More Services

Book a Consultation Instead of a Full Package?

Our consultation service is perfect if you:

  • Want answers to specific questions without committing to a full relocation package
  • Need expert guidance at a specific stage of your journey
  • Prefer to handle the move yourself, but want insider knowledge
  • We are already in Bali and need targeted advice
  • Want to validate your plans before making big decisions
Book a personalized consultation

Looking for schools in Bali that fit your budget?

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

Get the School Guide Now

Book a School Deep Dive Zoom Session

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:

  • Tailored recommendations based on your child’s age, needs, and interests
  • Introductions to principals and current parents for firsthand insights
  • Guidance on neighbourhood choice based on commuting and community fit
  • Access to our trusted network of school contacts and relocation resources
Book a School Deep Dive
FREE Move to Bali Checklist!
Get your essential 30-item Moving Checklist delivered straight to your inbox!

Not sure which area suits your lifestyle?

Get our FREE
Areas to Live in Bali Guide

Get It Now