Here's all you need to know about Sanur, including where to stay, eat and play in Bali’s family-friendly beach town. Welcome to my home!
Sanur is one of Bali’s most liveable beach neighbourhoods: a slower-paced, family-friendly stretch of the east coast where locals, expats and visitors have mixed easily for decades, and I’d know: I’ve called it home since 2006. It’s changed a lot since then. New restaurants, cafes and villas keep landing, ICON Mall and Bali International Hospital have moved in, beachfront hotels line the shore, and the sleek Sanur Harbour runs daily boat transfers to Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida. What hasn’t changed is the pace: Sanur still feels unhurried, walkable and genuinely mixed-generation in a way few other parts of Bali do. Consider this your Sanur cheat sheet: everything to know before you go, plus where to stay, where to eat, and what to do, from someone who actually lives here.
Why trust this guide
I moved to Sanur in 2006, spent 2010 to 2021 living abroad, and have been back and settled here full time ever since. So this isn’t a fly-in guide, it’s built on years of actually living in this neighbourhood. Everything below reflects what I’d tell a friend before they arrived: where to stay, where to eat, and what to do, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with 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 to 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 to 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.
Things to Do on Sanur Beach
You may be familiar with Bali’s picturesque sunsets, but did you know that the first glow of the day is just as breathtaking? Lucky for us Sanurians, our neighbourhood is one of the best spots to wake up to sunrise in Bali. The seven-kilometre coastline faces the east, drawing early birds from around the area.
Sanur Beach stretches from Mertasari Beach on the south end and up to Padang Galak in the north. It’s also a popular place for a beachwalk or a bike ride, as the promenade is mostly paved.
If you’d rather test the waters, Sanur might just be the place for you! Known for its flat water and home to the world-famous Rip Curl Surf School, Sanur is where beginners can safely learn surfing, foiling, SUP-ing and kitesurfing with professional instructors. Or there are many spots lining the beach where you can rent kayaks and canoes – popular amongst families, since the waves aren’t challenging.
Things To Do in Sanur: Arts and Culture
Wondering what to do in Sanur on rainy days? Or feeling creative and love ceramics? Then head over to Clay Play, which offers hands-on classes for adults and kids. These classes have limited spaces, so be sure to book ahead and allow time in your trip as the final pieces will be ready after a few days in the kiln.
Love museum visits? Head over to Museum Le Mayeur, home-slash-studio of Belgian post-impressionist painter Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merprès. Stepping inside feels like travelling back to the bygone era of Bali, with over 80 exquisite artworks – each a love letter that captures the beauty of the artist’s muse and wife, Ni Pollok. The museum itself is a masterpiece of traditional Balinese architecture, featuring intricate stone carvings and lush tropical gardens.
Things to Do in Sanur: Wellness
1. Workout at Sanur gyms
If you’re wondering where active Sanur residents hang out, you’ll find them at Sanur’s popular health hub, Paradise Bali. It offers CrossFit sessions, HYROX training, fun fitness classes, a fully equipped commercial gym and recovery facilities upstairs. Need more options? Head to these fitness centres:
- Fitness Plus – for flexible, 24-hour gym.
- Billy Pilates – for affordable Reformer classes.
- Sanur Padel Club – for coaching (private and group), court hire by the hour, social mixers and tournaments.
2. Yoga and mingle with local residents at Umah Shakti
In the midst of a Balinese community compound and tropical gardens is a wooden yoga studio, Umah Shakti. This humble studio is where you can learn traditional styles from Balinese instructors, including Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Hatha and Yin, as well as yoga with anti-gravity hammocks.
3. Get a massage at one of Sanur’s best spas
With hundreds of spas in Bali, blissing out with a spa treatment has to make it to every Bali ‘hood guide – and Sanur is no exception. Beachfront massages, five-star wellness destinations and cruelty-free products are on the menu. Head to one of my top picks:
- Shankha Spa – for luxury spa treatments inspired by Balinese traditional rituals.
- Koa Shala – for botanical facials and aromatherapy massages.
- Leha Leha Spa – for affordable Balinese massages.
I’ve got a whole list of the very best spas in Sanur, right here! Alternatively, Sanur is also home to many affordable spas. You can even walk along the beach promenade and find therapists offering massages right on the sands. They usually charge around IDR 100,000 for 60 minutes (cash-only).
4. Retail therapy in Sanur
For shopaholics who find shopping therapeutic, I’ve got bad news: Sanur isn’t really known for its shopping scene. Good news is there’s a handful of boutiques and local shops that you can easily fit into your Sanur itinerary, because of their convenient locations. Check out my Sanur shopping guide, if you’re looking for a recommendation.
Things To Do In Sanur With Kids
Travelling with kids? Sanur is one of the most family-friendly areas in Bali. It’s also home to Bali’s largest indoor adventure park, AeroXSpace. It’s a popular place for families and kids of all ages, particularly during Bali’s wet season (or even when it’s too hot to play outside!). From “ninja” obstacle courses and trampolines to wall climbing and flying fox, it’s a non-stop thrill fest for active kids and the kids-at-heart.
For those aged 4 years and older seeking a vertical challenge, Clip ‘n Climb (the first in Indonesia) offers a safe yet exhilarating environment where children and adults can tackle 90 uniquely themed indoor climbing walls with varying difficulty.
If all else fails, you can take the kids to Timezone (Indonesia’s hub for arcade games) or watch a movie at Bali’s only IMAX studio at Cinema XXI – both are located inside Icon Bali shopping mall.
FYI: All of these spots are indoor, perfect if you’re looking for things to do when it’s raining in Bali (or when it’s too hot to play outside).
Is Sanur Worth Visiting? Pros and Cons
Sanur has been my home for years, so my answer will always be a resounding yes! But the truth is, it’s not for everyone. These are the pros and cons to consider before you book your holiday in Sanur:
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 |
Love this Sanur 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.