Wondering what to do in Sanur? Calm water, a five-kilometre seaside path, sunrises, night-market food and fast boats to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida.
Sanur is Bali's gentle side. On the island's east coast, it has calm water protected by an offshore reef, a long seaside path shaded by trees, and sunrises instead of sunsets. It's quieter and more relaxed than the west-coast beach towns, which is exactly why families, couples and long-stay visitors love it. It's also the main departure point for boats to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida.
This is our guide to what to do in Sanur, whether you're staying for a week or visiting for the day from Canggu or Uluwatu.
Sanur faces east, so mornings are the magic hour. Get up early, walk down to the sand and watch the sun rise over the water, with fishing boats heading out and, on clear days, Mount Agung and Nusa Penida on the horizon. Locals come down to swim and exercise, and it's the most peaceful time of day.
A paved path runs along the seafront for around five kilometres, past hotels, cafés, temples and fishing boats. Hire a bike for the day and ride the whole length, stopping for coffee and a swim. It's flat, shaded in places and one of the most relaxing things to do in Bali.
An offshore reef shelters much of Sanur's coast, so the water inside it is usually calm and shallow: a rare thing in Bali, and a big reason families choose Sanur. Swimming is best at mid to high tide. At low tide the water can be very shallow with seagrass, so check the tide before you go.
Local boatmen and dive centres along the beach run trips out to the reef, where you can see coral and tropical fish. It's a gentle introduction to snorkelling and diving, and dive schools here are well set up for beginners. Choose an established operator with good equipment.
Sanur is the main harbour for fast boats to the Nusa islands. Nusa Lembongan is around 30 to 45 minutes away, with mangroves, clear water and a relaxed island feel. Nusa Penida is famous for dramatic viewpoints such as Kelingking Beach and for snorkelling with manta rays. You can visit either as a day trip, but staying a night or two is more relaxing.
Every evening, stalls set up at Sindhu Night Market in central Sanur, selling satay, grilled fish, martabak, nasi campur and fresh juice for very little money. Find a plastic stool, point at what looks good and enjoy one of Sanur's best food experiences.
Kite flying is a serious tradition in Bali, and Sanur is its home. From about July to September, during windy season, village teams fly huge traditional kites, some many metres long, over the fields and beaches. The highlight is the Bali Kite Festival, held around July and August near Padang Galak Beach, where teams compete with enormous, colourful kites.
On the beachfront path, the Le Mayeur Museum is the former home of Belgian painter Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur and his wife, the Balinese dancer Ni Pollok. The traditional house is full of his paintings of Bali in the 1930s to 1950s and gives a glimpse of a very different era.
Just south of Sanur, on Serangan Island, the Turtle Conservation and Education Center cares for injured sea turtles and releases hatchlings. It's a short, interesting visit for kids and adults, and a good way to learn about protecting turtles in Bali.
The flat water inside the reef and the steady dry-season winds make Sanur, especially Mertasari Beach at the southern end, one of Bali's best spots to learn kitesurfing. On calmer days, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking along the shore are easy and fun.
Sanur has plenty of spas and simple massage pavilions along the beachfront. An hour of traditional Balinese massage under the trees, with the sound of the sea, is one of the island's great bargains.
Sanur is one of the closest beach towns to Ubud, at about 45 minutes to an hour away. Head up for the rice terraces, temples and the Monkey Forest, and be back on the coast for dinner. See our guide to things to do in Ubud.
Sanur's food scene is relaxed, good value and spread along the beachfront and the main street, Jalan Danau Tamblingan. A few favourites:
Sanur is flat and compact, and the beachfront path makes it one of the easiest places in Bali to get around by bike or on foot. For longer trips, Gojek and Grab work well. The airport is about 20 to 40 minutes away, Canggu roughly 45 to 75 minutes, and Uluwatu about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.
The dry season, from about April to October, brings sunny days and the steady winds that the kites and kitesurfers love, with July and August the busiest months. The wet season is quieter and greener, with short afternoon showers. For more, see our Bali travel tips.
Our villas are on Bali's west and south coasts, and many guests visit Sanur for the day or on the way to the Nusa islands. From Uluwatu, Unite By The Sea and Temple of Tides are about 45 minutes to an hour away. From Canggu, Casa de Loto is roughly 45 to 75 minutes away. Booking direct with us means no platform fees.
Yes, especially if you want a calm, relaxed side of Bali. It has gentle water, a lovely beachfront path, sunrises, good-value food and easy boats to the Nusa islands.
Very. The reef-protected water is usually calm and shallow, the beachfront path is great for bikes and strollers, and the pace is slow. It's one of the best family bases in Bali.
Yes. The reef keeps the water much calmer than on the west coast. Swim at mid to high tide, as low tide can leave the water very shallow.
Fast boats leave from Sanur's harbour throughout the morning and take around 30 to 45 minutes. Book with a reputable operator and travel early, when the sea is usually calmer.
Choose Sanur for calm water, a slower pace and sunrises; choose Seminyak for sunset beaches, beach clubs, shopping and nightlife. They're about 30 to 45 minutes apart.
Stay at our villas in Uluwatu or Canggu and visit Sanur for the day. Best rates are always here, with no platform fees.
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