Sanur is known for being one of the quietest and most family-friendly areas of Bali in Indonesia, but there are also a lot of good things to do there.
Families will love the laid-back atmosphere and casual dining on Sanur Beach, and the sunrise views here are some of the best you can find in Bali.
This sleepy coastal town on the southeast coast of Bali was one of the original birthplaces of tourism on the island and is still popular for its beautiful hotels, shops, breakfast, massages and easy access to the Nusa Islands.
Where’s Sanur?
First of all, where is Sanur located?
Sanur (pronounced sah-noor) is located in the southeastern corner of the Island of Bali, opposite Denpasar and the city center.
The Sanur area mainly includes the beach and the main road (Jalan Danau Tamblingan), as well as the Ngurah Rai bypass and a piece of land to the west of the bypass.
The main tourist area is concentrated to the east of the bypass. This is where most tourists stay and there are most (but not all) of the hotels, restaurants, attractions and things to do in Sanur.
Most tourists here don’t venture into the area west of the bypass at all, although there are a few hidden gems, including a few good restaurants and rice paddies. I am sure that this area will become more important as tourism develops.
How to get around in Sanur
If you are staying on Sanur Beach or Danau Tamblingan Street, the whole area is quite walkable and most things are close enough to be within walking distance.
Strangler taxis are still available for short trips around Sanur, but the prices are a bit inflated for tourists. It’s inexpensiveer to use hail apps like Grab and Go-JEK, and the local Taxis in Sanur don’t seem to be actioning this at all (unlike in Ubud, where the local taxi mafia could superior protect your lawn).
If you want to explore something outside the city, you will need to rent a scooter or rent a private car with a driver (both can be booked online). Airport transfers to Sanur from Bali Airport can also be arranged with your hotel or booked online.
The best things to do in Sanur Bali
1. sunrise on the beach of Sanur
Sanur Beach may not be one of the best beaches in Bali, but it certainly shines (no pun intended) as one of the best sunrise spots on the Island.
The combination of a cool morning breeze, the birds singing, the fishermen wading on the reef, the peak Agung volcano in the distance and the whole sunrise display here is simply magical. Sometimes you can even see the distant outlines of peak Rinjani in Lombok.
The sunrise on the beach is definitely one of the best things to do in Sanur! It’s a great way to start the day.
2. Sanur seaside promenade
Sanur beach has a very long coastline (about 7 kilometers) and there is a paved path perfect for a morning walk, a jog or a bike ride.
It is a beautiful picturesque path lined with fishing boats, hotel gardens and seaside restaurants, and you can sometimes spot the peak Agung volcano in the distance.
If you are looking for things to do in Sanur, the Promenade is a great place to start! The entire public beach is free to enter.
3. Sanur beach
To be honest, Sanur beach cannot compete with the most beautiful beaches in Bali, because there are simply too many algae on the shore and the sand is not really white or special.
There are a few exceptions, but most parts of the beach are only average. However, Sanur is ideal for families, and that’s why so many expats and Balinese locals like to come here to the beach.
The calm ocean waves and shallow waters make it an ideal place for children to swim, and a fantastic breeze blows during the summer months (May to August).
