Sanur and Sanur Beach are often referred to as the “sleepy” part of Bali but we think that’s pretty unfair and as you’ll soon discover, there are plenty of exciting and interesting things to do in the Sanur area.
In fact, we’ve got 45 awesome things for you to do on your next visit to Sanur, which ought to be enough for an action-packed time!
Our 45 Favourite Things To Do In Sanur, Bali
Sanur Beach
Sanur Beach is the main beach in Sanur and it’s an attractive place that hosts the annual Kite Festival and the Bali Arts Festival among other activities.
There are plenty of beach bars and restaurants in the area and it’s one of the best places to rent water sports equipment or to get some lessons.
Where Is It? Sanur, Bali
Sindhu Market
If you’re in the mood for an authentic local dining experience, you can head to Sindhu Market where you will find a huge range of tasty food stalls waiting to serve you.
One thing we really enjoy about eating here is watching the skill of the local chefs as they work on their culinary creations.
Where Is It? 8776+W29, Jl. Pungutan No.2, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228, Indonesia
Sindhu Beach
You can walk to this beach in North Sanur by following Sanur Beach and it’s worth getting there as the sand is brilliant white and super clean.
The natural rock groynes here can be walked on if you’re interested in taking a memorable selfie.
Where Is It? Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Denpasar City, Bali, Indonesia
Pura Tirta Empul Segara Merta Sari
This water temple was founded on a major spring in approximately 962 AD and it offers one of the best chances to see a water purification ritual in the area.
Foreigners are welcome to bathe here, but you will need your own sarong and it’s not easy to get out of the water as the steps are high and quite slippery.
Where Is It? 77Q2+4M3, Sanur Kauh, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Cemara Beach
This small stretch of beach has plenty of character and it’s recently had the path upgraded so that it’s much easier to walk than it once was.
There are plenty of pleasant bars and cafes in the area where you can enjoy a meal and a drink.
Where Is It? 77R5+27Q, JL. Cemara Beach, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Le Mayeur Museum
This museum showcases the skills of a Belgian artist and the beautiful Balinese dancer that he married.
The grounds were once the mansion they shared and it’s an amazing example of local architecture too.
Where Is It? 87G7+2FV, Jl. Hang Tuah, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Big Garden Corner
If you like walking through gardens in preference to rice paddies you’re going to love Big Garden Corner.
It’s a collection of small gardens, including a tiny butterfly garden, where you can wander, and enjoy an ice cream on a hot summer day.
Where Is It? Sanur, Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai, Kesiman, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80237, Indonesia
Kids SoHo Playground
If you want a place where your kids can socialize and play while you’re out doing something in Sanur, then take them to Kids SoHo Playground.
All the staff are trained educators and will ensure your kids are allowed to have fun while they learn new skills!
Where Is It? Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No.278, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228, Indonesia
Sanur Morning Market
We’d recommend getting up early to hit this pleasant local market which sells fresh local products.
It’s fully air-conditioned but as with all wet markets, the scent can get a bit overbearing during the heat of the day.
Where Is It? 8767+Q5X, Unnamed Road, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Denpasar City, Bali 80228, Indonesia
Patal Temple
This small temple near the beach is the perfect place for photographers to go and enjoy testing their skills.
There are very few crowds here and you can enjoy the architecture without being disturbed.
Where Is It? 80228, Jl. Segara Ayu No.1, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar Selatan, Denpasar City, Bali 80227, Indonesia
Karang Beach
Karang Beach is where the daily free yoga classes are held but we’d get there for sunrise and enjoy a pleasant stretch of sand pretty much all to yourselves.
The beachside bars here are among the friendliest and most laidback bars in Bali.
Where Is It? Jalan Pantai Karang, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80225, Indonesia
Padang Galak Beach
This small beach isn’t the prettiest of Sanur’s beaches as the sand can appear almost grey at low tide and disappears at high tide.
However, if you enjoy history, you should know that in 1906, this was the point where a Dutch invasion landed and fought the Balinese people in one of the bloodiest battles of colonial history.
Where Is It? Jl. Padang Galak No.3, Kesiman, Kec. Denpasar Tim., Kota Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Blanjong Inscription
The Blanjong Inscription is one of the oldest known carvings of the written word in Bali and it’s something you can visit in Sanur.
Please Note: As we go to press this site is currently temporarily closed for refurbishment, please check to ensure it’s reopened before you travel to see it.
Where Is It? 77V3+FXR, Jl. Blanjong I, Sanur Kauh, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Pura Dalem Pengembak
This is a very pleasant temple not far from Mertasari Beach and it’s the ideal location for a bit of meditation and quiet contemplation.
Apart from a few local worshippers, there is rarely anyone around and it’s a great place for photographers and those seeking some tranquillity in their lives.
Where Is It? Jl. Pengembak, Sanur Kauh, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Segara Ayu Beach
A small and attractive white sand beach with plenty of outriggers moored just off the coastline.
It can get a bit crowded compared to other parts of Sanur and it’s probably for beach completionists rather than a main holiday beach.
Where Is It? Pantai Segara Ayu, Jl. Segara Ayu No.8, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80227, Indonesia
Pura Dalem Cemara Geseng
This is one of a pair of temples near the main Sanur Beach.
It serves the local fishermen and you can tell by the statues inside that it’s all about protecting the people from the ocean.
Where Is It? C6CV+4F2, Lemukih, Kec. Sawan, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 80352, Indonesia
Kevala Studio Ceramic Classes
This is a very different kind of ceramic art class. Every sculpture you make here is donated to local marine biologists, who will use it to help coral regrow in the local ocean!
If you want to learn about the ecology of Bali, this is a cool place to do it and 50% of the profits go to charity.
Where Is It? Jl. Danau Poso No.20, Sanur Kauh, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80220, Indonesia
Merta Rauh Carving Lessons
If you want to learn to make awesome things with your hands, then a set of lessons at Merta Rauh might be the ideal thing to do.
They can teach you to carve almost anything including local wood, fruit and soap!
Where Is It? Jl Tukad Bilok, Gang Tukad Anyar, No. 10, Sanur, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80227, Indonesia
Mertasari Beach
This beach sees strong winds all year round and that makes it a top choice for wind-based sports like kite surfing and windsurfing.
The nearby flat field also makes it a great place for some paragliding. The light brown sands are very pleasant too.
Where Is It? South Sanur, Bali
Nogo – Bali Ikat Centre
If you’d like to treat yourself to some of the local fabrics or get some clothes made, this is a superb place to do it.
Ikat is a local form of cotton and you can get some of the best Ikat in Bali from this centre in Sanur.
Where Is It? Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.104, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228, Indonesia
SOS From The Deep
If you’re looking for a fun family day out in Sanur, you might want to head to SOS From The Deep!
It’s a marine-themed escape room and the first of its kind anywhere in the world! You need at least two people to play and each session lasts an hour.
Where Is It? Jl. Bet Ngandang II No.88-89, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Baruna Beach Markets
These pleasant market stalls are right next to the beach and have about 30 local stores as well as cheap massage parlours and a tattooist.
Haggling is expected if you buy things here and the good news is that it doesn’t see that many tourists, so they’re not very pushy.
Where Is It? Jalan Sindhu Pantai, Sanur, Bali
Catur Eka Budhi – Balinese Dance Performance
This is a small cultural dance performance. It’s not in the same league as some of the high-budget performances elsewhere on the island but it is quite fun.
When we went they were telling stories from Hindu epic folklore through the dance.
Where Is It? Jl. Waribang No.11, Kesiman Petilan, Kec. Denpasar Tim., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80237, Indonesia
Bali Fire Shooting Club
There aren’t many shooting ranges here in Bali and it’s probably best if it stays that way but if you want to shoot while on holiday, it’s legal and fun at Bali Fire.
They can equip you with a wide range of weapons and ensure that you use them safely.
Where Is It? Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No.206, Sanur Kauh, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding is very easy to get into in this part of Bali and you can rent a board and get lessons on most beaches in the area.
Kite Surfing
Kite surfing isn’t the easiest sport to learn and you may need to put several weeks of effort in to be able to actually kite surf.
That means Sanur is a great place to pick up kitesurfing as it’s cheaper than in the rest of Bali and there’s good wind on the beaches.
Jetskiing
Bali is a brilliant place to do some jetskiing and you can rent a jet-ski on Sanur Beach and explore the ocean to your heart’s content.
Sindu Dwarawati Turtle Conservation Centre
This small turtle conservation centre isn’t one of the better-known venues for the creatures on the island but it is ethical and fun.
Where Is It? 8787+9PG, Jl. Pantai Sindhu, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228, Indonesia
Swimming
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Swimming in Sanur is a real pleasure the main beach is sheltered by an offshore reef and the currents and tides are predictable. It’s the ideal place to learn to swim or for families to swim together.
Spa Treatments
Sanur has plenty of luxury spas and you can easily find a treatment that suits your needs in the area for a reasonable price.
Beachfront Walks
The Sanur Beach promenade (Sanur boardwalk) is one of the nicest walking locations in Bali with a wonderful view over the brightly painted outriggers (a kind of local boat) lining the Ocean shore.
It’s also a nice place to go for a bike ride and when you visit at sunrise, you can be assured of some spectacular light to guide your way down the promenade.
Eat At A Beachfront Restaurant
There’s no doubt that one of the real pleasures of visiting Sanur is eating some fresh seafood at one of the beachfront cafes and bars.
Check Out The Artotel
If you love art, then this hotel doubles as an art gallery and it’s full of eclectic pieces showcasing the best local talent.
Where Is It? Jl. Kusuma Sari No.1, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80227, Indonesia
Enjoy Sunrise
Because of the side of the island, Sanur is on, it’s the sunrises, not the sunsets that are most spectacular here. Get up early and enjoy the view of the ocean as it is bathed in incredible colours.
Free Morning Yoga Class
Hit the beach in front of the Grand Hyatt to enjoy a free yoga class every morning at 7 a.m. It’s a lot of fun and helps you feel energized for the rest of the day.
Where Is It? Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.89, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228, Indonesia
Sanur Kite Festival
This annual festival introduces one of Indonesia’s most popular and spectacular hobbies, kite flying. There’s some serious talent on display and some amazing kites!
Where Is It? Sanur Beach, Sanur
Picnic On The Beach
We love to take a picnic out on the sands (and maybe a few cold Bintang) and enjoy the lovely summer sun in Sanur.
Bali Seawalker
This interesting project lets you walk underwater at the bottom of the ocean using a special helmet. It’s a ton of fun.
Where Is It? Puri Santrian Beach Resort & Spa, Sanur, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228, Indonesia
Blanjong Temple
This interesting temple showcases some amazing sandstone statues of Hindu Gods and it’s considered to be a national cultural heritage site.
Where Is It? Jl. Danau Poso Pura Blanjong No.80227, Sanur Kauh, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228, Indonesia
Taman Festival Bali Ghost Town
This spooky “ghost town” in North Sanur offers a wonderful post-apocalyptic vibe for your Instagram feed.
Where Is It? Taman Festival Bali, Jl. Padang Galak No.3, Kesiman, Kec. Denpasar Tim., Kota Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Pantai Matahari Terbit Beach
The name means “sunrise beach” and though it has no sandy shoreline, it’s a great place to catch the sunrise.
Where Is It? Sanur Kaja, Denpasar Selatan, Denpasar City, Bali 80227, Indonesia
Pantai Segara Ayu
This strip of clean white sand is home to some excellent hotels and it has very calm waters for swimming.
Where Is It? Jl. Segara Ayu No.8, Sanur Kaja, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80227, Indonesia
Pantai Semawang Beach
There’s a nice artificial wavebreaker on this beach with a Balinese gazebo perched on it where you can sit and soak up the view.
Where Is It? Jl. Setapak, Denpasar Selatan, Bali, Indonesia
Griya Santrian Gallery
This local gallery has some fine examples of local talent and if you want to purchase some art, you can be sure that you’re getting a fair price here.
Where Is It? Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.47, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali 80228, Indonesia
Take A Ride On The Banana Boats
You can find banana boats on Sanur Beach and for a small fee, you can enjoy a ride on these iconic Balinese pleasure boats.
Catch A Fast Boat To The Nusa Islands
Sanur is the main stopping off point for a fast boat to the Nusa Islands and the journey is relatively short and fun.
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5 Awesome Sanur Hotels
There are some really good places to stay in Sanur too including:
Hyatt Regency, Bali – this modern hotel was built on the site of the previous Bali Hyatt and offers 363 elegant rooms to its visitors. With 500 meters of sandy beachfront right next door and 3 swimming pools, you really can’t go wrong at the Hyatt Regency.
The Alcantara Sanur – every guest comments on the immaculately manicured gardens at this resort and the swimming pool is the perfect place for a dip on a hot Balinese summer day. One thing that we love about this resort is that every room is soundproofed which means you can guarantee a good night’s sleep.
Andaz Bali – if you like beautiful architecture and very spacious bedrooms, you might want to check out Andaz Bali. For families, they can offer rooms with connecting doors to ensure that your little ones are safe at all times. The bathrooms are also designed with people with disabilities in mind, which is a rare find in Bali.
Prime Plaza Hotel Sanur – this attractive four-star resort is in a prime location in Sanur within a short walk of the beach and all the other amenities that the town has to offer. The 110-meter free-form swimming pool is a real highlight of this pleasant place to rest for a few nights.
Maya Sanur Resort & Spa – this luxury 5-star beachfront resort has 103 uniquely conceptualized rooms and suites. The 158-meter lagoon pool is a highlight of the three onsite swimming pools. The rooftop restaurant offers excellent food and amazing views over the ocean too.
5 Great Places To Eat In Sanur
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There are plenty of Sanur restaurants to choose from and some of the best restaurants are listed here:
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Naughty Nuri’s Sanur – Nuri’s has become something of an island institution and if you love tasty BBQ pork ribs then you need to spend some time here. The service is first class and they offer a great range of tasty sides to go with the ribs (and other Indonesian food on offer).
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Brasserie Republique – with the vibe of a French Parisienne Cafe this place has exactly what you need when you’re in the mood for a long relaxed lunch or dinner. The food is excellent value for money and we loved the coq au vin on our last visit. The coffee is extremely cheap but on par with the best that we’ve had in Bali.
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Kayumanis Seaside Sanur – beach restaurants don’t get much better than Kayumanis which sits on the white sands of Sindhu Beach and delivers one of the tastiest seafood BBQs that we’ve ever had the good fortune to taste. Just don’t miss out on the lobster which is universally agreed as the best in Bali.
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Gong Restaurant – Gong is a Balinese and Asian fusion place with loads of personality. Don’t miss out on their duck in Balinese sauce or their Babi Guling Campur which are stand-out dishes on an excellent menu that really showcases local ingredients and culinary heritage.
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Warung Makan SMS – if you’re in the mood for a cheap meal and are on the outskirts of Sanur, this little warung is an excellent choice and you can’t beat the value for money it offers. If you enjoy the meal they also offer a cooking class with their chef Mudana. The Nasi Goreng is a real crowd-pleaser here.
FAQs
Is Sanur Worth A Visit?
Yes! Some may sneer and call it sleepy Sanur but when you visit Sanur, Bali, you’ll find an unspoiled area far from the beach clubs and high-end resorts of Nusa Dua.
The Sanur beaches are a must-see when you explore Bali and there’s nothing better than watching the sunrise over the beach before a hearty breakfast.
There are plenty of other things to do in the area and there are regular special events like the Bali Arts Festival, the Bali Kite Festival, and even daily free yoga classes!
Of course, you’ll still want to spend some time at FINNS Beach Club, the world’s best beach club, in Canggu but it’s easy to take a day trip to the busier side of the island and then return to your hotel on the beach in Sanur.
Finally, it’s also worth noting that Sanur Harbour is the best way to get to the Nusa Islands (Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan) home of the manta rays from the South of Bali, Indonesia.
Is There Much To Do In Sanur Bali?
Yes! Not only is Sanur Beach a very attractive part of the island but there’s so much more to do. In fact, if you scroll up, you’ll find over 40 different activities to enjoy in Sanur, Bali.
One of the most popular things to do is to take part in Sanur water sports with equipment hire and tuition coming in cheaper than in the busier beach towns of Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta and Legian.
Sanur is also not far from Denpasar City and that means there’s plenty more to do if you want to do some interesting day trips.
How Many Days Should I Spend In Sanur, Bali?
It really depends on you.
We know many families who spend their entire holiday on a beach in Sanur but if you’re looking to see everything that there is to see and then move on to another part of the island, then, you could probably fit all that Sanur and the Sanur Beach area have to offer into two or three days.
We’d recommend that you think about how much travel you want to do when you book your holiday in Bali.
Most people find it better to spend more time in a few resorts rather than to travel all over Bali, Indonesia and lose a lot of their holiday time to travel.
Is Sanur Better Than Seminyak?
Sanur is different from Seminyak. Sanur Beach is pleasant and relatively unspoiled. Seminyak Beach is covered in resort presences and big brand names.
However, many would argue that the beach in Seminyak is one of the most attractive here in Bali, Indonesia and that Sanur Beach is not as pretty.
However, the real differences between the two destinations run much deeper.
People stay in the Sanur Beach area because they’re looking to get away from it all, there’s not much nightlife in Sanur and most people hit the Sanur Beaches for long walks in the sun and to learn water sports.
Families often prefer Sanur Beach to Seminyak.
Whereas, people go to Seminyak for the nightlife and shopping first and foremost and then there’s an emphasis on fine dining and luxury resorts.
Young people who love to see and be seen make up the majority of visitors to Seminyak, though that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go to Seminyak if you’re older (plenty of people do).
Is Sanur A Nice Part Of Bali?
Yes! In fact, Sanur Beach and the surrounding area are a very pleasant part of Bali and while they may have a reputation for being a bit too laid back, many people appreciate that about Sanur.
After all, if you’ve spent the last year working hard and are going on holiday with your family for a couple of weeks to relax, Sanur is about the ideal destination.
It’s affordable, attractive and has no nightlife to interfere with getting a good night’s sleep and Sanur Beach is great for swimming, water sports and sunbathing.
How To Book A Holiday In Sanur
We always recommend you book your holidays in Bali, including in the Sanur beach area, with the Bali Res Centre.
They can get you the best flight deals and accomodation deals and ensure that your time here in Bali is trouble-free and fun.
The best thing about the Bali Res Centre is that it’s locally owned and operated, so when you book through them, you’re supporting the local economy, not a multinational corporation.
Final Thoughts On Things To Do In Sanur
If you’re thinking of visiting Sanur, what are you waiting for? Sanur Beach and the surrounding area have been growing in popularity in recent years and the area offers some of the best value for money accomodation, restaurants and water sports in Bali.
As you can see from the list above, there’s plenty to do in the area and when you’ve finished exploring the Sanur area, you can always jump on a boat and head to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan (the Nusa Islands home of the manta rays of Bali).
Read more: The Ultimate Guide To The Best Sanur Hotels: Where To Stay In Sanur
