Wondering what to do in Sanur? From sunrise beach walks to local food market, these are activities and attractions I always recommend to Sanur visitors.
I’ve lived in Sanur for 10+ years, and the truth is, this isn’t the place to be if you’re looking for fancy restaurants, glamorous boutiques or buzzing nightlife. And honestly, that’s how us Sanur residents like it. This former fishing village in Bali’s southeast coast offers a slower pace and a wholesome community of families, expats and locals. So if you’re spending a few slow days in this charming seaside town, I’ve narrowed down the must-visit places and the best things to do in Sanur. These are activities and attractions I always recommend to visitors of all ages, whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple or travelling with kids. Welcome to my ‘hood!
Why trust this guide
Sanur has been my home for almost two decades. These are tried-and-tested things to do in Sanur that I always recommend to visiting family, friends and Sanur first-timers. I’ve even added unique activities, because Sanur is far from boring! Yep, this is your Sanur local-curated guide, featuring images from our own memory books.
Spending a few days in Sanur? Check out our other Sanur guides:
- The Best Hotels In Sanur
- Where To Stay In Private Villas In Sanur
- Where To Eat In Sanur Right Now
- Top Stores And Boutiques In Sanur
- A Local’s Guide To Sanur With Insider Tips
Good-to-know before you go to Sanur
- Where is Sanur: Bali’s southeast coastal town, approximately a 30- to 40-minute drive from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
- What is Sanur known for: Family-friendly beach and dining spots, calm seas, Sanur Harbour (gateway to the Nusa Islands), residential area for expats and locals.
- When to visit Sanur: Dry season (April to October). The sunny days are ideal for swimming and cycling along the beachfront promenade.
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 or Gojek, or rent a scooter if you’re properly licensed.
Eco-friendly electric shuttles have also been launched earlier in 2026. They operate between Mertasari Beach to Sindhu 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.
Things To Do In Sanur: Beach Life
1. Sunrise stroll or bike along Sanur Beach promenade
Catch Bali’s best sunrise views while cycling or jogging the scenic coast.
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.
Local tip: You can tie in a workout by joining a morning run club. The largest one in the area is Sanur Running Club. You have the option to go for 5 or 10 kilometres, both routes usually take you along the beach. Check out their Instagram for the upcoming dates and meeting points.
2. Water sports with Rip Curl School of Surf
Learn surfing, kitesurfing or SUP-ing in Sanur’s calm, beginner-friendly waters.
Known for its flat water, you may not expect to be able to do water sports in Sanur. That’s why it’s perfect for those who want to test the waters. The world-famous Rip Curl Surf School on the south end of Sanur Beach offers a variety of lessons complete with equipment rentals: surfing, foiling, SUP-ing and kitesurfing lessons with professional instructors.
Local tip: There are lots of spots along the beach where you can rent kayaks and canoes – popular amongst families, since the waves aren’t challenging. Sanur is also home to top diving schools offering PADI and SSI certifications, if you’re looking for underwater adventures with professional instructors.
Address: Hotel Prama Beach, Jl Cemara, Sanur.
Things To Do In Sanur: Arts & Culture
3. Join a pottery class at a Sanur ceramic studio
Hands-on workshops where creativity meets Bali’s artisanal ceramic craft.
Wondering what to do in Sanur on rainy days? Or feeling creative and love ceramics? Then head over to Sanur ceramic studios, which offer 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. Here’s my recommendation if you’re looking for pottery classes in Sanur:
- Kevala Studio Ceramics – One of the most renowned ceramics brands in Bali, you’ll often see the tableware at Bali’s best restaurants.
- Clay Play – Smaller studio hidden in plain sight, the vibe here is more homely with budget-friendly pricing.
4. Art day at Museum Le Mayeur
An art museum showcasing Balinese culture and post-impressionist works in a historic home.
Located right on Sanur Beach, this historic site was once the home and studio of Belgian post-impressionist painter Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merprès. Stepping inside Museum Le Mayeur, you are transported to a bygone era of Bali, surrounded by over 80 exquisite artworks – each a love letter that captures the beauty of his muse and wife, Ni Pollok. The museum itself is a masterpiece of traditional Balinese architecture, featuring intricate stone carvings and lush tropical gardens.
Best for: Post-impressionist artwork, Balinese culture and natural landscape through Le Mayeur’s eyes.
Price: IDR 100,000 per adult, and IDR 50,000 per child.
Address: Jl Hang Tuah, Sanur.
Opening hours: Daily, from 8am.
Museum Le Mayeur on Google Maps
Things To Do In Sanur: Food & Drinks
5. Breakfast on the beach at Genius Cafe
Beachfront dining that caters to dietary restrictions, with live music and family-friendly vibes.
For some of the best breakfast menus in Sanur, Genius Cafe truly lives up to its name. It’s been the residents’ go-to for health-conscious eats with toes in the sand, beneath boho-chic macrame umbrellas. From vibrant smoothie bowls to smashed avocado toast and hearty pumpkin soup, every dish is made with fresh, wholesome ingredients – with plenty of gluten-free, egg-free, dairy-free, and nut-free options.
Local tip: You’ll want to come back for live bands playing on most evenings. Dining with kids? The dedicated kids’ menu ensures the little ones eat just as well.
Address: Mertasari Beach, Sanur.
Opening hours: Daily, 7am – 10pm.
6. Dinner at Sanur’s best restaurants
Diverse Sanur dining scene with family-friendly restaurants, local warungs and international cuisine.
Being one of the most family-friendly neighbourhoods in Bali, Sanur restaurants offer laid-back vibes, some with plenty of play areas. Prices are also more affordable here, compared to popular areas like Seminyak and Canggu. As for the menu, you’ll find familiar international cuisines that cater to everyone. That being said, there are a number of restaurants offering bolder flavours and spices, or local warung serving sambal that’s actually spicy. These are some of my favourite restaurants in Sanur right now:
- Curry Traders – for Indian food and spiced cocktails.
- Oliver’s Place – for date night in an air-conditioned, indoor dining space.
- Shotgun Social – for beer garden-vibes with a large outdoor lawn where the kids can play.
- Bonus: Get a scoop of Massimo‘s famous gelato after dinner.
Looking for more? I’ve handpicked the best restaurants in Sanur right now.
7. Indonesian cheese tasting at Cheese Boutique by Rosalie
Artisan cheese tasting experience with locally made cheeses paired with specialty teas in Sanur.
I first found Rosalie Cheese at a food festival in Sanur. Turns out, they have a hidden cafe next to Hatten’s winery on Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai. So, I dropped by Cheese Boutique by Rosalie for a taste of their premium cheeses made in-house, using traditional methods and locally sourced cow and goat milk from Java and Bali. It’s fair to say that I’m hooked on Rosalie’s cheeses. I love that they’re creamy yet lighter compared to European cheeses. And you can pair your cheese platters with artisanal teas – just ask the friendly staff for the best pairing.
Local tip: My favourite pairing is the black ash-coated cheese and the cold-brew Susvada mango tea. Or for something lighter, try the chevre (goat’s cheese) and grilled halloumi.
Address: Jl By Pass Ngurah Rai No. 377, Sanur.
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 7pm.
Cheese Boutique by Rosalie Instagram
8. Wine tasting at Hatten’s The Cellardoor
Wine tasting in Sanur featuring Bali-grown wines, guided flights and tropical winemaking insights.
As Bali’s oldest and most established winery, Hatten Wines has mastered the art of tropical winemaking, using grapes grown in the vineyards of North Bali. At their stylish The Cellardoor in Sanur, expert sommeliers guide you through a curated tasting flight, ranging from crisp, award-winning rosés to elegant sparkling wines. It’s both educational and intimate, best for couples who share a passion for grapes.
Good to know: Walk-ins are welcomed, but it’s recommended to book ahead if you’re with a group of 4 or more.
Price: Starting from IDR 200,000++
Address: Jl By Pass Ngurah Rai No. 393, Sanur.
Opening hours: Daily, 9am – 8pm.
Things To Do In Sanur: Fitness & Wellness
9. Yoga and mingle with local residents at Umah Shakti
Community-based Sanur yoga studio offering affordable traditional yoga and wellness therapies.
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.
Local tip: They offer special events like trauma healing and acupressure therapies for a well-rounded self-care day out.
Address: Jl Danau Beratan, Gg. XI No. 14, Sanur.
Opening hours: Daily, from 7am.
10. Workout at Sanur gyms
Modern fitness hubs in Sanur with CrossFit, gyms, Pilates and padel for all-level workouts.
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.
11. Get a massage at one of Sanur’s best spas
Unwind with beachfront massages, holistic rituals and tropical spa serenity.
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 – I’ve got a whole list of the very best spas in Sanur, right here! Or, 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.
Local tip: 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).
Things To Do In Sanur At Night
12. Eat local street food at Sindhu Night Market
Feast on authentic Balinese bites and sizzling street eats under the stars.
A trip to Sanur really isn’t complete without grabbing dinner at Sindhu Night Market. It’s a proper street food market – think food carts, smoky grills, long communal tables, all set outdoors in an empty lot that comes to life after sunset. This is the one-stop-destination if you’re looking to eat local Balinese and Indonesian food in Sanur. It’s also home to the best sate ayam I’ve tasted in the neighbourhood, and the legendary martabak man – cameras at the ready, as the man behind the food cart folds and fries it to order, right in front of you!
Local tip: Some carts or the whole market might close on public holidays and religious ceremonies. And bring cash, preferably smaller bills (less than IDR 100,000 bills).
Must-try dishes: Banyuwangi style nasi campur, sate ayam, and martabak.
Price range: From IDR 10,000 to IDR 50,000 per dish.
Opening hours: Daily, from around 5pm.
Sindhu Night Market on Google Maps
13. Sanur bar scene
Laid-back nightlife with live music, beer gardens and casual bars in Sanur’s evening scene.
To be honest, Sanur isn’t known for its nightlife, with many spots (except for sports bars showing live broadcasts) closing at around 11pm. Sanur’s nightlife is more about dinner with live bands, and less about EDM parties or craft cocktails. That said, there are places you can go to if you’re wondering what to do in Sanur at night:
- Casablanca: Live band with a dance floor. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 5pm – 12.30am.
- Hops Beer Garden: Brewery with a spacious lawn, and light bites. Opening hours: Daily, 3pm – midnight.
- Bloom after dark: A brand new vinyl lounge and sober club (no alcohol here, party people!). Opening hours: Thursday to Saturday, 7pm – midnight.
Things To Do In Sanur With Kids
14. Let the kids play in Sanur’s indoor playgrounds
Family-friendly indoor playgrounds and adventure parks with trampolines, climbing walls and games.
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.
Local tip: 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).
Bonus: Unique Things To Do In Sanur
15. Solve puzzles at the Center For Marine Conservation’s themed escape rooms
Educational escape rooms focused on marine conservation, combining puzzles with ocean awareness.
For a unique blend of entertainment and education with competitive spirit, the escape room at the Center for Marine Conservation (CTC) is a must-visit. But this isn’t your typical escape room experience. There are two SOS-themed escape rooms to choose from: SOS From The Deep, and SOS Plastic Danger. Both rooms are designed to raise awareness about coral reef and marine biodiversity protection. With your wits and some serious power of observation, you’ll escape the room and save the world’s oceans – and most importantly, learn along the way whilst supporting a non-profit environmental organisation.
Good to know: There are two themed escape rooms to choose from – save coral reefs in one, or combat plastic pollution in the other.
Address: Jl Bet Ngandang II No. 88 – 89, Sanur.
Opening hours: Daily, 9.30am – 5pm.
16. Seasonal activity: Watch the Balinese tradition of kite-flying
Witness colourful kites soaring high in Sanur’s sky during festival season.
During Bali’s windy season (typically from July to October), you’ll see locals heading down to the beach, carrying gigantic kites and spending the day flying them high up in the sky. Although it seems like just a favourite pastime, it is in fact an important Balinese tradition, believed to ward off pests from the lush agriculture. Head to one of Sanur‘s beaches for the best seat in town to watch this unique tradition.
Local tip: You’ll want to time your visit for Sanur’s annual kite festival and competitions. They usually take place between July and August, on Padang Galak Beach and Mertasari Beach.
Did I miss any? Send us a DM on Instagram or email me on vici@thehoneycombers.com to share your favourites!
One-day Sanur Itinerary
- 6am – Sunrise beach walk
- 7am – Beachfront breakfast at Genius Cafe
- 9am – Kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding
- 11am – Solve puzzles at SOS Escape Room
- 1pm – Lunch at Oliver’s Place
- 3pm – Afternoon spa at Shankha Spa
- 7pm – Dinner at Sindhu Night Market
- 9pm – Late night drinks at Casablanca
Love this guide on things to do in Sanur? Check out all of the best things to do in Bali, too!
More FAQs on what to do in Sanur
Where is Sanur?
Sanur is a seaside town on the southeast coast of Bali. It’s a 30- to 40-minute drive from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, and about 60 minutes from Ubud. It stretches along Bali’s eastern shoreline, known for being a sunrise viewpoint and paved beach promenade for pedestrians and cyclists. Offshore, the waves are calmer and therefore safe to swim and to learn how to surf, stand-up paddleboard, kayak and canoe.
From the west and south sides of the island, you’ll pass Sanur on your way to Sanur Harbour – it’s a newly revamped spot where you can catch a fast boat to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.
Is Sanur worth visiting compared to other parts of Bali?
Yes, Sanur is worth visiting if you prefer a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere compared to the busier nightlife of Canggu or Seminyak. Sanur is known for its calm beaches, cultural charm, international cuisines, and relaxed vibes.
When is the best time to visit Sanur?
The best time to visit Sanur is during the dry season (April to October) when the weather is sunny, and the sea is calm. This is ideal for swimming and cycling along the beachfront promenade. The wet season (November to March) brings more rain but fewer crowds – and like the rest of the island, there are things you can still do indoors.
How do you get around in 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 or Gojek, or rent a scooter if you’re properly licensed.
Is Sanur safe for tourists?
Sanur is considered one of the safest areas in Bali. Like anywhere in the world, petty theft can happen, so it’s wise to keep valuables secure. The roads are calmer than in Seminyak or Canggu, and the beachfront path is pedestrian and bicycle-friendly, making it safe for families and solo travellers.
Are there things to do in Sanur at night?
Yes, but keep in mind that Sanur’s nightlife is more low-key compared to Seminyak or Canggu. There’s no buzzing night clubs or fancy cocktail bars. Instead, you’ll find beachfront restaurants and bars with live music. Venues typically close at around 10pm to 11pm, but a few places like Casablanca or beer gardens and sports bars on streaming nights do open late.
Is Sanur beach good for swimming?
Yes, Sanur Beach is great for swimming, especially for beginner swimmers and children with supervision. The offshore reef protects the coastline, creating calm, shallow waters. At low tide, the beach is perfect for walking and collecting seashells, while at high tide, you can enjoy safe swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding.
Can you surf in Sanur?
Sanur isn’t a top surf spot like Uluwatu or Canggu. However, there are reef breaks further offshore (accessible with a local fishing boat) suitable for intermediate surfers, especially during the wet season (November to March) when swells are bigger on Bali’s east coast. Most visitors prefer swimming, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding instead.