This laid-back coastal town on Bali's eastern shore has a 5km white sand beach, protected by a reef. Morning walks along its paved beachfront path are popular with locals.
Sanur stretches along Bali's eastern coast, where a 5-kilometer paved path connects its beaches and neighborhoods. You can watch the sunrise over the ocean, cycle past beachfront cafes, release baby turtles at the turtle conservation center between June and October, or browse through local dishes at the Sindhu night market. The shallow, calm waters behind the reef make swimming and snorkeling easy, especially for families with children.
Swimming and Beach Activities
A natural reef about one kilometer from shore creates warm, shallow lagoons along Sanur's coast. Children can safely wade in the calm water, and snorkelers can spot tropical fish near the reef's edge. During low tide, you can walk far out on the exposed sand and explore small tide pools teeming with marine life.
Walking and Cycling the Coastal Path
The 5-kilometer paved path connects Mertasari Beach to Sanur Beach, shaded by trees and lined with small cafes and food stands. Rent a bicycle from one of the shops on Jalan Danau Tamblingan and explore the entire path in about 30 minutes, or walk it in sections, stopping at beaches along the way.
Water Sports and Activities
The steady winds from April to October make Sanur popular among kitesurfers, while the calm waters are perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking. Try the Sea Walker experience to walk on the ocean floor at 15-foot depths without diving certification. Several dive shops run daily trips to nearby reefs and to Nusa Lembongan's dive sites.
Local Markets and Food
At Sindhu Night Market, local vendors cook Indonesian specialties like nasi campur (mixed rice dishes) and satay (grilled meat skewers) right in front of you. In the morning, head to the traditional market where you'll find stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, and local spices.
Cultural Sites
Visit the Blanjong Pillar at Pura Blanjong temple on Jalan Danau Poso, a stone inscription from 914 AD written in Sanskrit and Old Balinese. At Museum Le Mayeur, you can walk through a traditional Balinese compound and see paintings by the Belgian artist who made it his home in the 1930s.
Getting Around
You can walk to most places in central Sanur. Green public vans run along the main street - flag one down and agree on a fare (typically 10,000-20,000 IDR per person). The drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport takes about 20 minutes.
Day Trips
Fast boats leave regularly from Sanur Beach to the Nusa Islands. The 30-minute ride to Nusa Lembongan takes you to coral reefs and clear waters good for snorkeling. You can easily spend a full day exploring the island before returning to Sanur in the evening.
