Sanur

Destination Guide

Sanur

Bali's Original Beach Resort

Relax in Sanur, Bali's first beach resort town, offering calm waters, beautiful sunrises, and a peaceful family-friendly atmosphere away from the crowds.

About Sanur

Sanur is Bali's original beach resort, developed in the 1960s as the island's first tourist destination. Unlike Bali's party beaches or surf towns, Sanur maintains a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with calm waters protected by offshore reefs. The 5km beachfront promenade is perfect for sunrise walks, cycling, and watching traditional fishing boats. Sanur's laid-back vibe attracts families, retirees, and visitors seeking a peaceful Bali experience without sacrificing amenities.

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Top Attractions

Travel Essentials

Best Time to Visit

Season: Year-round destination

Months: Best: April-October for dry weather

Consistently warm, calm seas perfect for swimming and water sports. Less affected by monsoons than other areas.

Getting There

From: Ngurah Rai Airport

Duration: 30-40 minutes

  • Airport taxi ($12-20)
  • Grab/Gojek app

Accommodation

Budget

Guesthouses and budget hotels $25-50/night with pools, close to beach and main road amenities.

Mid-Range

Beachfront hotels and villas $80-180/night with pools, tropical gardens, and family-friendly facilities.

Things to Do

Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking
Cycling along beachfront path
Sunrise yoga on the beach
Kite flying on calm beaches
Traditional fishing boat trips
Snorkeling at offshore reefs
Spa treatments and Balinese massage
Cooking classes
Day trips to Nusa Islands (boats depart Sanur)
Art galleries and craft shopping
Swimming in calm shallow waters
Beachfront dining and seafood BBQs

Essential Travel Tips

  • Rent bicycles to explore the beachfront promenade
  • Sanur is quieter and more expensive than Kuta/Seminyak
  • Perfect for families with young children (calm waters, shallow beach)
  • Many expats retire here - excellent healthcare facilities nearby
  • Jalan Danau Tamblingan (main street) has restaurants and shops
  • Fast boats to Nusa Penida/Lembongan leave from Sanur Beach
  • Limited nightlife compared to Seminyak/Canggu
  • Book beachfront restaurants for sunset dinners
  • ATMs plentiful along main roads
  • Watersports peak early morning before winds pick up
  • Sunday art market on beach promenade
  • Good base for exploring east Bali (Candidasa, Amed, Sidemen)

Frequently Asked Questions

Excellent for families! Calm, shallow waters are safe for children. The beachfront promenade is perfect for family bike rides. Many hotels offer kids clubs and family rooms. Less chaotic than Seminyak/Kuta with a relaxed, safe atmosphere parents appreciate.