Welcome to my home: Sanur. Here's all you need to know about the area, including where to stay, eat and play in Bali’s family-friendly beach town.
Having called Sanur my home since 2006, there’s no question that this is my favourite area in Bali. I won’t lie that over the years, this east coast neighbourhood has changed! There’s a growing number of new restaurants, cafes and villas, the addition of ICON Mall and Bali International Hospital, as well as beachfront hotels and the sleek Sanur Harbour (AKA your gateway to Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida).
But one thing’s for sure: Sanur still retains its slower pace of life, family-friendly vibes, and a good mix of locals, expats and visitors, of all ages. To welcome you to my neighbourhood, here’s my Sanur cheat sheet: all you need to know before you go. Plus, where to stay, my favourite places to eat and what to do – from a local living in Sanur!
Why trust this guide
I first moved to Sanur in 2006, so I know this neighbourhood like the back of my hand. This guide includes everything you need to know before you go to Sanur. Plus, my personal recommendations on where to stay, where to eat, and what to do, whether you’re travelling solo, with your partner, and/or the whole family in tow.
All you need to know before you go to Sanur
Where is Sanur
Sanur sits on Bali’s east coast, just south of Denpasar city. It’s approximately a 30- to 40-minute drive from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Because of its convenient location, Sanur also makes a handy base if you want to day trip to Ubud, or further north to Sidemen, and Mount Batur and Kintamani areas. You can also go east to Amed and Tulamben’s famous diving sites, or even island hop to Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida, via fast boats from Sanur Harbour.
Sanur at a glance
You can generally divide Sanur into two halves: the east side of Jalan By Pass (this is the main road you would drive on coming from the airport), and the west. The east is where tourists love to stay, as it’s the beach side of the neighbourhood. This means that you’ll be within walking distance to the shores, and most of the top restaurants, boutiques and souvenir shops in Sanur.
Meanwhile, the west side of Sanur is mostly occupied by local and expat residents living in Bali for a longer period of time. You’ll find prices for accommodation and food more affordable in this area.
Additionally, there’s a few supermarkets (the most well-stocked are Grand Lucky, Pande Putri, Arta Sedana and Pepito), as well as two large hospitals: Bali Mandara Regional General Hospital, and the recently opened Bali International Hospital. Moving to here with the whole family? There are daycare centres, national plus and international schools in and around the area, too.
How to get around Sanur
Sanur is walkable and bike-friendly, with a paved beachfront promenade ideal for cycling or strolling. To explore further, you can use taxis, ride-hailing apps like Grab, Gojek or BlueBird. You can rent a scooter if you’re properly licensed and insured.
Eco-friendly electric shuttles have also been launched earlier in 2026. They operate between Mertasari Beach to Segara area – watch the space, as this route will be extended. These shuttles cost IDR 5,000 per person one-way, and you can catch them at designated shuttle stops. Payment is cashless using prepaid cards which you can purchase at Alfamart and Indomaret convenient stores.
New in Sanur in 2026
- No street parking along Jalan Danau Tamblingan (Sanur’s “eat” and “shopping” street).
- Fixed road and pedestrians’ sidewalk – flatter, more accessible.
- No electric bikes on Sanur beach promenade (push bikes and pedestrians only).
- Eco-friendly electric shuttle from Sanur’s south end (Mertasari Beach) to Segara Beach.
- Bali International Hospital for world-class medical tourism and care.
- New cafes and restaurants opening along Pantai Bangsal Beach.
- Sadly, one of my favourite places in Sanur, Taman Festival Bali, is being demolished – no more haunted abandoned theme park with cool graffiti arts! We’re keeping an eye on the development and what’s to come.
Where To Stay In Sanur
The good news is, Sanur has accommodation to fit pretty much any budget, which is part of why I love it. As a rule of thumb, the closer you are to the beach, the higher the prices are. As such, luxury resorts are located right along the coastline, whereas mid-range and budget hotels are located between Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai and the beach promenade. But don’t worry – they’re usually still a short walk or bike ride away. These are the best hotels in the area right now:
Luxury hotel: Andaz Bali – Hyatt Regency Bali’s sister resort styled as a Balinese village, perfect for families with a kids club, lush gardens and lagoon pools.
Mid-range hotel: Artotel Sanur – Stylish, art-inspired boutique hotel with murals, modern rooms and a rooftop pool.
Budget hotel: Taksu Sanur Hotel – Longstanding affordable hotel with modern rooms, essential amenities, and Balinese hospitality.
Want more? Check out my full list of the best hotels in Sanur. If you prefer a private stay, check out my top holiday villas in Sanur, too.
Where I Eat Breakfast In Sanur
Unlike Canggu’s buzzing cafe strip, Sanur cafes are less about “see and be seen”, and more “lazy brunches and slow coffee catchups”. What I love most is that Sanur’s cafes feel like extensions of the neighbourhood rather than Instagram backdrops. You’ll spot the same familiar faces morning after morning, perfect if you love a community-driven cafe culture. My top places for breakfast in Sanur are:
Beachfront breakfast: Genius Cafe – Sanur cafe with smoothie bowls, vegan breakfasts, coffee, and family-friendly dining on the sand.
Coffee & pastry: Daily Baguette – Authentic French bakery in Sanur for buttery croissants, artisan pastries, quality coffee, and brunch.
Healthy brunch: Paradise Bali Cafe – Fitness-focused Sanur cafe with healthy meals, protein dishes, macro-friendly options, and fresh juices.
Work-from-cafe: Rue at Maya Sanur Resort – Street-side Sanur cafe with big breakfasts, fresh pastries, specialty coffee, laptop-friendly indoor and outdoor spaces.
Check out my picks of the best cafes in Sanur, here.
Where I Eat Dinner In Sanur
If you ask me, a trip to Sanur really isn’t complete without trying some local food. Head to Sindhu Night Market if you want a proper street food market. Think food carts, smokey grills, long communal tables, all set outdoors in an empty lot that comes to life after sunset. Psst – it’s also home to the best sate ayam in Sanur, and the legendary martabak man.
There are also roadside eateries AKA warung, if you want more home-style Indonesian food. Here are some of my favourites:
Warung Kecil Infinity – Balinese nasi campur, AKA rice platter. Choose your preferred rice and small dishes for a full nasi campur plate.
Lilla Warung and Warung Baby Monkeys – traditional Indonesian dishes, with a few international options.
Warung Amphibia – beachfront warung serving the freshest seafood, simply grilled to perfection.
Warung Mak Beng – Sanur’s OG trending warung. Even though this seafood warung has stood here since 1941, it still manages to draw in massive crowds.
If you want to dine at restaurants, Sanur has got plenty of those too! But, you won’t find any fine diners in this area. Instead, restaurants here serve a variety of international cuisines in casual, family-friendly settings. These are my top picks:
For families: Jungle Tree – Relaxed open-air dining with large plates to share, live music and a tropical garden feel.
Date nights: Oliver’s Place – Intimate dinner spot serving Western and Indonesian flavours.
Casual group dinners: Shotgun Social – Beer garden with pub staples and a lineup of 16 craft beers on tap.
Hungry for more? I’ve got a full list of the best restaurants in Sanur for dinner, too. Don’t want to go home yet after dinner? These are my top picks for the best bars in Sanur.
My Favourite Things To Do In Sanur
When I’m not eating my way through the neighbourhood, my days here revolve around a pretty simple rhythm: sunrise walks or bike rides along the beach promenade, or a workout at my favourite gym. Then, winding down with a massage comes naturally since there are plenty of budget-friendly spas in the area. For those who love arts, you can get inspired at the famous Museum Le Mayeur, or join a ceramics class and create your own artwork. Families, there are a few indoor playgrounds where you can keep your kids entertained.
Check out these guides to complete your itinerary:
Pros and cons of visiting Sanur as a tourist
Pros 👍🏽 | Cons 👎🏽 | |
Pace & vibe | Slower, more relaxed pace than other south Bali areas – great for unwinding | If you're after high-energy nightlife or a party scene, you'll be underwhelmed |
Beach | Calm, shallow waters safe for swimming, kayaking and beginner water sports | Sand isn't as powder-white as beaches further south or on Nusa Lembongan |
Families | Ideal, with walkable streets (stroller-friendly), gentle sea, kids' menus everywhere | Fewer big-name beach clubs and party venues that solo travellers or couples might be chasing |
Getting around | Highly walkable beachfront promenade; easy to get around without a scooter | Some of the best local warungs and spas are tucked away in residential lanes, harder to stumble on |
Food | Huge range, from cheap warungs and Sindhu Night Market to beachfront fine dining | Trendiest new restaurants typically open in Canggu, Uluwatu or Seminyak |
Access | Sanur Harbour makes island-hopping to Nusa Penida, Lembongan and Ceningan quick and easy | It's about 30 to 40 minutes from the airport – not the closest base (compared to Kuta or Legian) if you're only in Bali briefly |
Community | Real mix of locals, expats and long-termers, not just a tourist bubble | Less "Instagrammable" than some of Bali's more curated hotspots |
The verdict: Is Sanur worth visiting?
After two decades of calling this place home, my answer will always be a resounding yes! But I’m also a realist, so let me be fair about who it’s actually for.
✅ Sanur is absolutely worth visiting if:
- You want a slower, more grounded slice of Bali: sunrise walks instead of sunset crowds, calm waters instead of big swells, and a genuine mix of locals and long-termers instead of a tourist bubble.
- Families and couples wanting a quieter escape, and anyone who’d rather linger over a good coffee than chase the next beach club.
- You like to island-hop, with easy access to Nusa Penida and Lembongan via Sanur Harbour.
- You’re looking for a good base for exploring central, north and east Bali.
🚫 Finally, skip Sanur if you’re after Bali’s biggest party scene or the newest, buzziest openings and Instagram-famous venues – you’ll likely find those further south and west.
Love this guide? Check out other popular neighbourhoods in Bali’s south too!
FAQs on Sanur, Bali
Where is Sanur?
Sanur sits on Bali's east coast, just south of Denpasar city. It’s approximately a 30- to 40-minute drive from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Because of its convenient location, Sanur also makes a handy base if you want to day trip to Ubud, or further north to Sidemen, and Mount Batur and Kintamani areas. You can also go east to Amed and Tulamben's famous diving sites, or even island hop to Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida, via fast boats from Sanur Harbour.
How do I get around Sanur?
Sanur is walkable and bike-friendly, with a paved beachfront promenade ideal for cycling or strolling. To explore further, you can use taxis, ride-hailing apps like Grab, Gojek or BlueBird. You can rent a scooter if you’re properly licensed and insured.
Eco-friendly electric shuttles have also been launched earlier in 2026. They operate between Mertasari Beach to Segara area – watch the space, as this route will be extended. These shuttles cost IDR 5,000 per person one-way, and you can catch them at designated shuttle stops. Payment is cashless using prepaid cards which you can purchase at Alfamart and Indomaret convenient stores.
Is Sanur worth visiting?
Absolutely! Sanur offers a serene alternative to bustling regions in Bali's south, like Canggu or Seminyak. It's known for its calm beaches, sunrise views, walkable coastal paths, and relaxed community feel - ideal for families, couples, and long-term visitors.
How do I get to Sanur from the airport?
Sanur is approximately a 30- to 40-minute drive from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Kuta. Options include GoJek or Grab rides, local taxis (pre-booked is more stress-free), or ask your hotel if they offer airport transfer services.
Can I walk around Sanur easily?
Yes, Sanur is one of the handful of places in Bali that's highly walkable, especially along its paved and flat beachfront path.
Is Sanur safe for families?
Absolutely. Sanur is best known for its family-friendly atmosphere, gentle sea conditions, and walkable streets. The area is quiet, orderly, and experiences fewer tourist-driven crowds - a great choice for families and the more laid-back travellers.
Can I swim at Sanur Beach?
Yes. Sanur Beach features calm, shallow waters protected by an offshore reef, making it safe and relaxing for swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and beginner-level water sports.