When planning our recent Bali holiday, and our first trip with our baby (6 months old at the time), I wasn’t initially sure where to base ourselves. The towns I’d visited as a younger, solo traveller weren’t quite right with busy levels of traffic and party atmospheres. And then I came across Sanur. A calm haven, both stroller-friendly and runner-friendly, packed with excellent cafes, fantastic hotels and a beautiful beach front.
Sanur is actually Bali’s original beach town. It offers a quieter, sunrise-facing alternative to the buzz and hubbub of Canggu and Seminyak. In fact, long before Kuta or Canggu existed on the tourist map, Sanur was where Bali’s tourism industry began in the 1930s. And somehow, it’s kept its slower, more residential and family-friendly character ever since.
Not only is it growing in popularity with overseas tourists, but you’ll also meet plenty of locals enjoying Sanur too. Especially in the evening as the sun goes down, making for a wonderful, welcoming atmosphere.
It’s a brilliant base for families or couples wanting a relaxed pace. In fact, it’s perfect for anyone who’s “done” the party side of Bali and wants something calmer. For our recent trip, Sanur was just perfect!
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip in my complete Sanur travel guide.
Essential Things to Know About Sanur
Location: Sanur sits on Bali’s southeast coast, about a 30–40 minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in the south. It’s roughly 45 minutes to an hour from Ubud and a similar time to Uluwatu.
Sanur is known for: Sunrise views, a calm and shallow reef-protected beach, a fantastic 8km flat beachfront promenade (perfect for walking or cycling), all alongside a laid-back local and expat community.
It is also the main harbour for boats to Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida.
Sanur’s background: Sanur has a deeper history than most of Bali’s beach towns. In fact, its Pura Blanjong temple houses a stone pillar inscribed in 914 AD, which is one of the oldest written records of Balinese history. Sanur was also the landing site for the Dutch military invasion in the early 1900s, and later where Japanese troops arrived during WWII.
By the 1950s and 60s, Sanur had become Bali’s first tourist hotspot, drawing artists, writers and early jet-setters. This was well before Kuta took over as the backpacker and surf capital of Bali.
Interestingly, the Bali Beach Hotel here in Sanur is even the only building in Bali allowed to exceed the traditional height limit (no taller than a coconut tree), a rule introduced after it was built.
Sanur is best for: Families, couples, retirees, and anyone wanting a quieter, more grounded and calmer Bali experience. It’s less suited to travellers chasing nightlife or big surf.
Getting to Sanur
The main gateway is Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). From the airport, your main options are:
- Pre-booked airport transfer. Most hotels offer this, and it’s the easiest option after a long flight.
- Grab or Gojek. These are two popular ride-hailing apps and work well for travelling to Sanur.
- Taxi. The metered Blue Bird taxis are reliable and available at the airport.
If you’re coming from Ubud, it’s around 45 minutes to an hour by car, and there are shuttle and private driver options connecting the two.
Getting Around Sanur
Sanur is one of the few places in Bali that’s actually walkable, thanks to its flat, paved 8km beachfront promenade running from Mertasari Beach in the south up to Padang Galak in the north. And once you experience other towns in Bali, you’ll realise just how much you appreciate the ability to stroll and explore by foot!
- On foot or bike: The beachfront promenade is the best way to explore Sanur. You’ll find bike hire spots all along the way, with many hotels offering free bike rental too. It’s completely flat (bar a few small speed bumps!) and there’s a dedicated cycle lane covering the entire length. Note that electric bikes and scooters are no longer allowed on the promenade itself – it’s push-bikes and pedestrians only.
- Behind the beachfront and all the main hotels and restaurants is another main road called Jalan Danau Tamblingan which runs parallel to the beach. This is also surprisingly good for walking, even with a stroller, and cars aren’t permitted to park so traffic never builds up too badly along here. There is also a zero-emission Electric Shuttle bus that runs up and down here, aiming to reduce traffic congestion. Fares are as little as IDR 5,000 which you pay by tapping an e-card. Read more on the shuttle here.
- Taxis: Grab/Gojek can be a little limited here in terms of coverage but we really had no trouble over the course of a week. Fares are affordable and we found the service to be really efficient.
For exploring further afield from Sanur:
- Scooter rental: Popular for tourists all across Bali, but note you’ll need an International Driving Permit. This is now enforced more strictly across Bali.
- Car with driver: A comfortable, inexpensive way to do day trips or transfers further afield is to rent a driver and a car, often for a very affordable price. You also don’t need to worry about parking, navigation or handling traffic! We actually used drivers with infant car seats too, which was perfect.
How Long Do You Need in Sanur?
Three to four nights is a good amount of time to settle into Sanur’s pace. This gives you enough days for a couple of sunrise beach walks, an afternoon or two cycling the promenade, and enough time to properly indulge in its foodie scene. With an extra day or two, you could also include a day trip to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan. We paired our time in Sanur with Ubud, so we did three nights Sanur, four nights Ubud, three nights Sanur (followed by three nights in Jimbaran).
Best Time to Visit Sanur
Bali’s dry season, April to October, is generally the best time to visit, with the least rain and lowest humidity. June to August is peak season and we did find prices rose at the hotels quite significantly as the Australian winter break coincided with our second time in Sanur.
In July, the Bali Kite Festival takes place near Padang Galak which is well worth timing your trip around if you want to see it. The wet season runs roughly from November to March. And although it doesn’t rain all day, showers are more frequent and humidity is higher. And because Sanur’s beach faces east, it’s a fantastic destination for sunrise year-round!
Practical Tips
Money, Wifi & SIM Cards
- Currency: Is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs are widely available in Sanur (with quite a few located in ICON Bali), but carry cash for local warungs, night markets and beach masseuses.
- SIM cards / eSIM: Telkomsel and XL are the main providers but I definitely recommend arranging an eSIM in advance or grabbing a local SIM from a convenience store in Sanur. Wifi is widely available at cafés and hotels.
- Healthcare: Sanur is now home to Bali International Hospital, a newer, higher-standard option alongside the older Bali Mandara Regional General Hospital.
A Few Local Customs & Etiquette Tips
- Dress modestly when visiting any temples in Sanur. You’ll need a sarong and sash, both of which can be borrowed or rented on-site. Along the beachfront promenade it’s relaxed.
- Always use your right hand to give or receive things, including food and money.
- Small offerings (canang sari) are placed on the ground outside homes and businesses each morning — try to step or cycle around them.
- Sanur has managed to retain strong ties to traditional Balinese village life, you might even see traditional parades or events taking place on the beach side.
Where to Stay in Sanur
Sanur is essentially split into two halves. There is the east side, which is the beach side of Jalan Danau Tamblingan / the Bypass. This is where most tourists stay, and where you’ll find the best restaurants, cafes and the long flat promenade. The west side of Jalan Danau Tamblingan is more residential and popular with longer-term expats. There is better value on food and accommodation – however, the walk to the beach can be quite tricky as crossing Jalan Danau Tamblingan is almost impossible until you find certain crossings.
We stayed at the famous Bali Beach Hotel for our time in Sanur and loved it. It was in an excellent location, just a 10 minute walk to the incredible Icon Bali shopping mall. And then in 20 minutes in each direction, you had a fantastic array of cafes, bars, restaurants and massage spots to pick from. And if you walked inland 5-10 minutes (towards the bypass), you could also have another great selection of places to eat and shop. We couldn’t have loved its location more.
Its poolside setup was fantastic, with brilliant attentive staff and fun daily aqua aerobics. The pool was so spacious and the perfect temperature, and we never had to struggle for sun loungers despite the size of the hotel. Its sister property, The Meru also has an amazing pool and some incredible lush landscaping.
Luxury ($$$):
- The Meru Sanur – This stunning new resort has quickly picked up recognition, including Tatler Asia’s “Indonesia’s Best New Hotel” honours. The poolside breakfast offering is also exceptional! Double rooms from £462 per night (USD 622/AUD 833). Check rates and availability here.
- Bali Beach Hotel – As mentioned above, couldn’t recommend Bali Beach Hotel more! It was the perfect family friendly hotel stay in Sanur. Double rooms from £279 per night (USD375/AUD533). Check rates and availability here.
- Andaz Bali – This gorgeous resort is designed like a traditional Balinese village, and is particularly great for families, with lagoon pools and multiple dining options around a central village square. Double rooms from £239 per night (USD 322/AUD 457). Check rates and availability here.
- InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort – Tucked down a quiet lane, but with a stunning beachfront position, the Intercontinental features private pool villas and a fabulous Indonesian breakfast spread. Double rooms from £191 per night (USD 257/AUD 365). Check rates and availability here.
Mid-Range ($$):
- Maya Sanur Resort & Spa – Beachfront resort with direct beach access, an award-winning spa, infinity pool, and several restaurants right on the promenade. Has a famous onsite restaurant called The Treehouse, which is well worth visiting one evening. Double rooms from £184 per night (USD 248/AUD 352). Check rates and availability here.
- Hyatt Regency Bali – One of Sanur’s original luxury stays, set on nine hectares of tropical garden with three pools and a beachfront position. Double rooms from £164 per night (USD 220/AUD 314). Check rates and availability here.
- eL Hotel & Resort Bali Sanur – This hotel opened earlier this year and has a stunning beachfront pool setup, with great reviews from guests so far. Double rooms from £149 (USD 200/AUD 285) per night. Check rates and availability here.
- ARTOTEL Sanur – A stylish, art-focused hotel a couple of minutes from the beach, with a rooftop infinity pool and murals throughout — great value for the design. Double rooms from £139 (USD 187/AUD 266) per night. Check rates and availability here.
Budget ($):
- Prime Plaza Suites Sanur Double – Offering apartments with kitchens, this is a popular hotel for families and groups, with a stunning central pool. Apartments from from £119 (USD 160/AUD 227) per night. Check rates and availability here.
- Segara Village – This amazing hotel is tucked in near ICON Bali, and features beautiful tropical gardens and excellent facilities. Double rooms from £119 (USD 160/AUD 227) per night. Check rates and availability here.
- The 101 Bali Oasis – This is a clean, modern option on Jl. Danau Tamblingan (so a block away from the beach), but offers a stunning lagoon pool. Double rooms from £53 (USD 71/AUD 136) per night. Check rates and availability here.
- Anindya Homestay – This is a popular and affordable guesthouse with a small pool, kitchenette and modern rooms. Double rooms from £56 (USD 75/AUD 107) per night. Check rates and availability here.
Where to Eat in Sanur
Sanur is really up and coming with its food scene. It doesn’t have some of the ultra cool/Instagrammable restaurants of Canggu or Uluwatu, and less fine dining than Ubud etc, but Sanur offers relaxed, high-quality all-day cafés and beachfront dining. Oh and seriously good local street food, something that can be harder to find in other Bali beach destinations.
We ate really well in Sanur, although travelling with our 6 month old did mean we didn’t get to savour them or sit back and relax quite as much as we’d have liked!
One highlight was Naughty Nuri’s warung, famous for its BBQ ribs. It was packed with locals and Indonesian tourists, as well as expats and holiday makers so we knew we’d found a great spot that catered to everyone. The main dining area is loud, fun and hot, or there’s an air conditioned space at the back which is a bit quieter.
Coffee and breakfast spots:
- Copenhagen Cafe – a great spot on the main road for delicious Nordic coffees and cinnamon buns.
- Bull’s Coffee – a favourite spot of ours for their creative and delicious iced coffees.
- Byrd House Bali – great coffees and an amazing array of baked goods but also great food for throughout the day.
- Morgen Coffee – lovely iced coffees, a little further north up the beach.
- Fore Coffee – This is a very popular Indonesian chain, with a nice spot inside ICON Bali. I loved their Iced Aren Latte which has palm sugar to sweeten it. Delicious!
Cafés & all-day dining:
- Genius Café – This is a popular beachfront, health-focused café at Mertasari Beach. Try their delicious smoothie bowls, as well as their great array of vegan and gluten-free options.
- Sala Bistro – A Sanur favourite since 2017 on the main street. Set over two floors, it features an Aussie-style brunch menu downstairs and a bar upstairs.
- Oliver’s Place – Tucked away down a quiet lane is this cosy neighbourhood spot serving Western-Indonesian fusion. It’s perfect for casual lunches or a relaxed dinner.
Bars & casual dining:
- Shotgun Social – This is mega popular with families since it offers a breezy beer garden with 16 craft beers on tap, big burgers, and an epic playground for kids.
- Naughty Nuri’s – As mentioned above, we had a fantastic meal here. Don’t walk here from the beach though, as it’s a few blocks back on the main bypass and it’s quite busy. I recommend hopping in a Grab to arrive here.
- Warung Old Brick –This much loved local spot is one of the best around for setting and great Indonesian food.
- Rue – A chic new all-day café blending Australian brunch culture with European street-café style. It also has a great kids’ corner.
Local & street food:
- Sindhu Night Market – This is a must-do local food experience in Sanur. Each evening, from around 5pm, this open-air night market opens, with food stalls serving satay, nasi campur and other Balinese classics at low prices.
Best Things to Do in Sanur
Sanur’s order of the day is to take it easy. Here’s my recommendations of the best things to see and do in Sanur:
- Watch sunrise on Sanur Beach. As Sanur’s beach faces east, it makes it one of the best sunrise spots in Bali. It’s well worth getting up early to walk (or cycle) the promenade as the sky turns pink over the water. Also, it gets busier as the morning goes on so it’s a lovely peaceful time to be up exploring.
- Walk or cycle the 8km beachfront promenade. As mentioned, it’s flat, paved and has designated walking and cycling lanes. It stretches from Mertasari Beach in the south to Padang Galak in the north, and passes cafés, coffee spots and small local shops the whole way.
- Try water sports in Sanur’s calm waters. The reef offshore keeps the water flat and shallow in Sanur, making it perfect for families and those keen to learn new water sports. Why not try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or snorkelling.
- Visit Museum Le Mayeur. The former home and studio of Belgian Impressionist painter Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur is located right on Sanur Beach, housing around 80 of his paintings.
- Visit the Sindu Dwarawati Turtle Conservation Centre to see these beautiful creatures up close
- Spend the evening at ICON Bali. This amazing bamboo shopping mall is a new addition to the coastline and pretty incredible. It blends into its surroundings so beautifully. Inside are dozens of food spots, great shopping and a few higher end restaurants with exceptional sea views.
- Day trip to the Nusa Islands. Sanur Harbour is the main departure point for fast boats to Nusa Lembongan (30–40 minutes) and Nusa Penida (45–60 minutes). Lembongan is the more laid-back island, with mangroves and surf breaks and Penida is more dramatic, home to famous sites such as Kelingking Beach, Crystal Bay, and activities such as manta ray snorkelling. Both are easily done as a day trip, though both are popular as island getaways for a few nights too.
- Witness the Bali Kite Festival. As mentioned, this is held near Padang Galak Beach, typically June to August when the winds are strongest. It’s an amazing spectacle with locals flying giant, elaborately designed traditional kites that fill the sky.
- Head to Sindhu Night Market. This must-do local foodie experience opens each evening at 5pm. It’s the perfect place to sample an array of local dishes.
- Book a spa treatment. Sanur has everything from luxury wellness spas to affordable beachfront masseuses working right on the sand. Prices are around IDR 100,000 for an hour’s Balinese massage and most only accept cash. We even found a little waterfront foot spa with amazing volcano views!
- Take a yoga or fitness class. There are several yoga shalas, pilates studios and gyms dotted around Sanur, especially on the more residential side of the bypass. You can also find two padel centres but recommend hopping into a Grab taxi to get to these as not easily walkable.
- Wander the Sunday Market at Byrd House Bali. Open for the afternoon, this is a great spot for picking up some cute clothes, jewellery or other goods.
An Example One-Day Itinerary in Sanur
- 5:30–6:30am: Sunrise walk or cycle along the beach promenade, pick up a coffee from one of the cool coffee shops.
- 7:30am: Breakfast at a beachfront café or back at your hotel.
- 9am–12pm: Beach or pool time.
- 12:30pm: Poolside lunch.
- Afternoon: Spa treatment, or explore the promenade on bike. Followed by a late afternoon sea swim and freshen up.
- Sunset: Drinks at a beachfront bar.
- Evening: Dinner at Sindhu Night Market or a local warung, before getting dessert at ICON Bali.
Sanur Travel Guide, Bali
So that concludes my detailed Sanur Travel Guide. I hope it’s been helpful in planning your trip to Bali, or provided the inspiration to visit this wonderful beach destination. It’s definitely far calmer and more enjoyable to explore than other beach towns in Bali, and really caters to all kinds of people. We LOVED our time here and can’t wait to go back!
Have you been to Sanur in Bali? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.
