Bali offers many attractive neighborhoods, but when it comes to long-term living, three areas consistently stand out: Canggu, Berawa, and Umalas. Each has its own rhythm, lifestyle perks, and practical advantages. Choosing the right place for you Bali villa rental depends less on trends and more on how you want your daily life to feel. This guide breaks down what living in each area is really like, who it suits best, and what kind of long-stay experience you can expect.
Canggu is known for its fast pace, international crowd, and endless list of places to eat, work, and train. It is one of Bali’s most established hubs for remote workers and creatives, and that shows in daily life.
You will find coworking spaces on almost every main road, reliable internet, and cafés that double as work spots. Fitness options range from large gyms to padel courts and yoga studios, all within short scooter rides. Beaches like Batu Bolong and Echo Beach are part of the daily routine, whether for surfing or sunset walks.
The trade-off is crowds. Traffic can build up quickly during peak hours, and popular cafés are rarely quiet. For people who thrive on movement, social interaction, and convenience, Canggu delivers. For those who need silence all day, it can feel overstimulating.
Who Canggu suits best:
Remote workers who enjoy social energy, easy networking, and having everything within walking or scooter distance.
The biggest advantage of Canggu is efficiency. Daily life is simple because services are built around long-stay residents. Groceries, laundry, gyms, cafés, and wellness centers are integrated into the neighborhood. You spend less time planning and more time living.
For long stays, choosing a well-managed apartment or villa in quieter pockets of Canggu, such as Batu Bolong side streets, makes a big difference. You get access to the lifestyle without being on the main road.
Berawa sits between Canggu’s energy and Umalas’ calm. It offers a more structured and relaxed environment while staying close to everything that matters.
This area is especially popular with families and long-term residents. International schools, Montessori centers, children-friendly cafés, and walkable streets shape the neighborhood. The pace feels calmer, yet places like Berawa Beach, Finns Recreation Club, and popular cafés are just minutes away.
Berawa also tends to feel more organized. Roads are slightly wider, residential lanes are quieter, and daily routines feel less rushed. You still get access to Canggu’s coworking spaces and nightlife, but you can retreat to a calmer home base.
Who Berawa suits best:
Families, couples, and remote workers who want balance between lifestyle access and daily calm.
Berawa’s strength is sustainability. It is easier to maintain routines here, whether that means school runs, regular workouts, or cooking at home. The area supports longer stays because it feels less transient than central Canggu.
For people planning to stay months rather than weeks, Berawa reduces burnout. You still enjoy cafés, the beach, and social life, but your home environment feels residential rather than touristic.
Umalas offers a noticeably quieter atmosphere compared to both Canggu and Berawa. It sits slightly inland, which naturally filters out beach traffic and short-term visitors.
Here, mornings are slower and evenings are quieter. Villas and apartments are surrounded by residential streets, small local cafés, and neighborhood shops. While there are fewer nightlife spots, Seminyak, Berawa, and Canggu are all within a short drive.
Umalas appeals to people who want space, privacy, and predictability. It is common to see long-term residents who rarely move once they settle here.
Who Umalas suits best:
Remote workers, families, and long-stay guests who prioritize peace, space, and a residential feel over being close to nightlife.
Umalas allows you to disconnect without isolation. You are close enough to reach beaches, gyms, and restaurants quickly, but far enough to avoid noise and congestion.
For long stays, this translates into better rest, more consistent work routines, and a stronger sense of home. Managed apartments and villa complexes work particularly well here, as they provide structure, security, and maintenance support without the feel of a hotel.
👉 Also check out the best place to stay for each area!
There is no single best area in Bali, only the best fit for your lifestyle.
Choose Canggu if you want energy, community, and everything at your doorstep.
Choose Berawa if you want balance, family-friendly surroundings, and easier daily rhythms.
Choose Umalas if you value calm living while staying close to Bali’s main hubs.
For long-term stays, comfort often comes from choosing the area that supports your routine, not the one with the most hype.
Which area is best for long-term remote work in Bali?
All three work well, but Berawa and Umalas tend to be easier for long stays due to quieter environments and more residential layouts.
Is Canggu too crowded for living long-term?
It can be, especially on main roads. Staying in quieter lanes or managed properties helps reduce the impact.
Which area is best for families?
Berawa and Umalas are generally better for families due to schools, calmer streets, and more space.
Are rents cheaper in Umalas compared to Canggu?
Often yes. Umalas can offer better value for space and privacy, especially for longer leases.
