If you’re planning a trip to Bali and trying to decide whether Sanur deserves a spot on your itinerary, you’re in the right place. This is your complete guide to Sanur – covering how to get to Sanur, where to stay in Sanur, the best time to visit Sanur, where to eat in Sanur, and all the local tips you need to make the most of your trip.

Sanur is a laid-back coastal town on Bali’s southeast coast, sitting on the calmer eastern side of the island in Indonesia, Southeast Asia. Often overlooked compared to the busier, trendier hubs of Canggu and Seminyak, Sanur is quietly one of Bali’s most underrated destinations.

Sanur is known for its calm waters, making it a perfect destination for swimming and water sports, as well as its beautiful sunrise views. It tends to attract travellers who want the beauty of Bali without the crowds: slow mornings, smoothie bowls by the ocean, golden hour in a hammock with a fresh coconut, and easy access to nearby islands like Nusa Lembongan. It gives off old-school Bali vibes.

Sanur is also the main departure point for boats heading to the famous Nusa Islands (Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida) and farther afield to Lombok, the Gili Islands, and even Komodo. If you’re planning an island-hopping trip while in Bali, Sanur is the most logical base to visit all those beautiful hotspots.

In this Sanur travel guide, I’m going to share all of the best things to do and places to explore so that you can decide for yourself if Sanur is making it to your Bali bucket list. Ready?

A guide to exploring Sanur, Bali

Getting to Sanur

The closest airport is Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, Bali’s main international hub. Direct flights operate from major cities across Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Europe. From the airport, Sanur is about 30 to 45 minutes by taxi or Grab/Gojek (Bali’s version of Uber), and the fare is usually 100,000 to 150,000 IDR, depending on traffic.

Getting around Sanur

Sanur is a compact, walkable town, but the main beach path stretches a few kilometres, and a moped or bicycle makes life a lot easier. You can rent mopeds from guesthouses and local shops for around 60,000–80,000 IDR per day, and bicycles are even cheaper (great if you are on a budget).

Other modes of transport to look out for are the green vans that are usually parked along the main streets; these are local Sanur shared taxis and will take you for shorter distances for just a couple of thousand IDR. Brilliant if you don’t want to walk in the heat. Grab operates well in Sanur for slightly further journeys.

When to Visit Sanur

Bali has two distinct seasons: dry and wet.

Dry Season (May to October) is generally considered the best time to visit Bali. Expect warm, sunny days, lower humidity, and very little rain. July and August are the busiest months; prices for accommodation rise, and the island gets much busier.

Wet Season (November to April) brings heavier rainfall and higher humidity. Showers tend to arrive in bursts rather than all day, and there are long stretches of sunshine even in January. Here’s the thing about Sanur specifically: because of its sheltered east-facing coast, it holds up slightly better during the wetter months. While you might get an afternoon downpour, mornings are often glorious.

My personal recommendation? Aim for May, June, or September if you can. You’ll get beautiful weather, manageable prices, and a Sanur that still has room to breathe.

Where to Stay in Sanur

Sanur has a lovely, varied accommodation scene, and because it attracts a quieter crowd, a lot of the properties here are genuinely beautiful without the inflated price tags you’d find in Seminyak. Sign me up!

Sudamala Resort — It’s just off the main strip, beautifully designed with traditional Balinese architecture, lush gardens, and a pool that makes you want to dive straight in. It’s a little pricier but genuinely worth every rupiah for a special trip or a splurge night.

Rumah By The Sea — A collection of private rooms tucked away from the main hotels/restaurants but still very close to everything. It’s got that magical feeling of having your own little sanctuary while still being within walking distance of everything. Great for solo travellers and couples who want charm without the resort price tag.

Beyond those two, Sanur has a good mix of boutique guesthouses, family-run homestays, and larger beachfront resorts. Most of the hotels are self-contained and set back from the street, so even the larger properties don’t overwhelm the town’s feel.

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Is Sanur Right for You?

Sanur tends to attract a slightly different crowd from the rest of Bali’s tourist trail, and I think it’s worth being upfront about that. It’s quieter and calmer, and the average age of visitors here is slightly older than in the rest of Bali. You’re more likely to find families, couples, and long-stay travellers here than the backpacker crowd gravitating towards Canggu’s beach clubs.

But that’s exactly what I love about it. If you’re after sunrise walks on a flat, paved beach path, fresh coconuts for 15,000 IDR (less than a pound), spa treatments that won’t break the bank, and evenings eating grilled seafood on the waterfront without any crazy queues. Sanur might be the perfect place for you.

To me, Sanur is a breath of fresh air after exploring places like Seminyak and Canggu.

Best Things to Do in Sanur

Walk or Cycle the Beach Path

A flat path that runs the length of Sanur’s seafront is the perfect spot for a walk or a cycle. It’s one of the best things about the town, stretching for about four kilometres and lined with cafes, warungs, juice stalls, coconut carts, and spots to just sit and watch the world go by (or people watch).

In the mornings, it fills with locals out for their daily walk or jog, and the sunrise views from here are genuinely stunning. Definitely worth the early morning wake-up. Hire a bicycle and cycle the whole strip- a heads-up that there are a couple of gates where you’ll need to hop off, but if you ask me, it’s a perfect way to spend a morning.

Enjoy sunrise at the beach

Set your alarm. Sanur’s east-facing coast means the sunrise views are some of the best on the island, and watching the sky turn pink over the calm water, with local fishing boats in the distance, is worth the early wake-up every single time. Plenty of choice for morning coffee on the beachfront if you need a little pick-me-up, like me, after an early start.

Go Scuba Diving or get your PADI certificate

Sanur is one of the best spots for diving in Bali. The town has several reputable dive operators who run trips to sites around the Nusa Islands, including the famous USAT Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben and manta ray dives around Nusa Penida. Even if you’re not certified, many operators offer beginner discovery dives. A perfect place to try it if you haven’t before.

Book onto a water sports activity!

Sanur’s sheltered bay makes it ideal for water sports; kitesurfing is very popular here. The winds are pretty strong and consistent, and it’s one of Bali’s best spots for it. You’ll also find kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkelling, and boat trips along the beach. It perfectly mixes with the laid-back pace of the island.

Day Trips to the Nusa Islands

This is what makes Sanur a great place to visit; the location is ideal and so accessible. Fast boats to Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida depart from Sanur’s harbour, and it’s the most straightforward place in Bali to organise island-hopping. You’ll find many boat ticket agents along the main strip; have a shop around, as prices vary and some agents will quote double what others do. I’d recommend checking a couple before committing.

Visit Museum Le Mayeur

One of Sanur’s quieter hidden gems. Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur was a Belgian painter who settled in Sanur in the 1930s, married a famous Balinese dancer, and lived here until his death. His home, right on the beach, is now a museum, and it’s a fascinating, atmospheric place to visit. A slice of real Sanur history and perfect if you want to escape the midday sun.

Wander around the Bali Orchid Garden

The garden is home to hundreds of varieties of orchids and tropical plants, and it’s a genuinely beautiful place to wander. Great for anyone who wants a break from sunbathing.

Turtle Conservation Centre, Serangan Island

A 15-minute moped ride from Sanur, Serangan Island is home to a Turtle Conservation and Education Centre where you can learn about Bali’s sea turtle population and, depending on timing, see hatchlings being released. It’s a really meaningful, educational, and lovely excursion.

Surf at Serangan

Serangan also has a great little surf spot. Sanur itself isn’t a surfing beach (the reef keeps it too calm), but Serangan is just down the road and has a much more local, low-key vibe than the main surf beaches around Kuta. Best to hire a moped and head down for the morning.

Enjoy the Night Market

Sanur’s night market is a great evening activity for anyone who loves trying new dishes as much as I do. Local food stalls serve grilled meats, noodles, satay, and traditional Indonesian dishes at very reasonable prices. Much more fun than a restaurant if you’re feeling adventurous.

Relax into a Spa Day

Bali is famous for its spas and Sanur is no exception. Prices here tend to be lower than in Seminyak or Ubud, and the quality is consistently good. The Nest Beachside Spa is a favourite: beachside treatments, friendly therapists, and a setting you won’t forget. If you are after something simpler, there are dozens of walk-in spas along the main streets offering massages, pedicures, and manicures for a few pounds.

Where to Eat in Sanur

Soul in a Bowl — Wholesome, healthy dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients and big flavours. A go-to for lunch or breakfast. It says all you need to know in the name.

Genius — I’m not being dramatic when I say these might be the best salads I’ve ever had in my life. Fresh, inventive, and incredibly good value. Always go back.

Massimo — An Italian-owned gelateria in a great location. The gelato is the perfect sweet treat, and it’s a lovely spot to sit in the evening.

Waterfront Warungs and Seafood BBQ — Some of the best eating in Sanur happens along the waterfront in the evenings, where local warungs and BBQ stalls set up and grill fresh seafood by the sea. Pull up a chair, pick your fish, and eat with your feet practically in the sand. It’s the kind of meal you’ll be talking about for years after your trip.

The Coconut Carts — Not a restaurant, but honourable mention. The little fruit and coconut trucks along the waterfront sell fresh coconuts for around 15,000 IDR – that’s less than £1. Can you get any more island feel than that?

Utama Spice — Technically a gift shop, but worth a mention here because the incense, body scrubs, and Balinese products make for beautiful souvenirs. Pick something up for yourself as much as anyone else.

Sanur is the Bali that doesn’t shout about itself, and that’s exactly why I keep coming back to it. It’s a town that lets you breathe, where you can have a proper Balinese experience, where the pace of life is genuinely slow, and you can immerse yourself in island life.

Whether you’re using it as a base for island-hopping, a peaceful alternative to the west coast, or a place to relax with good food and warm water, Sanur won’t disappoint. This guide to Sanur is your starting point. The rest, you’ll find by wandering.

Have you been to Sanur?

What were your favourite spots? I’d love to know!

Love as always + happy adventuring,

Mollie.