You have planned your trip to Sanur, Bali and now the waiting begins. Everyone has an opinion about what to do, what to avoid and what you absolutely must not miss. It can feel overwhelming. This Sanur travel tips guide is written by people who have been there many times — not people who visited once and wrote a listicle. We cover the practical day-to-day stuff that most travel guides skip.

Is Sanur good for first time visitors to Bali?

Yes — Sanur is one of the best areas in Bali for first-time visitors and we’d argue it is the best. It is quieter and less chaotic than Kuta, Seminyak or Canggu. The beach is calm, the main street is walkable, there are good restaurants and cafes at every price point and the vibe is genuinely relaxed. You don’t feel like you are constantly being hassled.

Sanur also has a good central location — it is about 20 minutes from the airport, easy day trip distance from Ubud, and the departure point for fast boats to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. As a base it is hard to beat.

Sanur vs Seminyak — which is better for first timers?

This comes up constantly. The short answer is: it depends on what you are looking for. Seminyak has more nightlife, more high-end restaurants, better surf and a louder atmosphere. Sanur is quieter, more family-friendly, easier to navigate and the beach is calmer and safer for swimming. If you want to party — Seminyak. If you want to relax and actually feel like you are in Bali rather than a tourist resort — Sanur.

Most repeat visitors we know who started in Kuta or Seminyak eventually migrate to Sanur. We did. It just suits a different pace of travel — one we think most people actually prefer once they experience it.

How many days in Sanur is enough?

Three to five days is a good starting point if Sanur is your base for the whole trip. That gives you enough time to settle in, walk the beach path, try a few restaurants, do a day trip to Ubud or one of the islands, and actually decompress. If you are using Sanur purely as a base to explore the rest of Bali, even two nights works well given its central location.

We have done ten-day stays in Sanur and it never felt too long. The slower pace is the point — you are not trying to tick off attractions, you are trying to have a holiday.

Is Sanur walkable?

Yes — more so than most areas of Bali. The 7km beachfront path runs the full length of Sanur and connects all the beaches, most of the beachfront hotels and the Byrd House at Segara Village. Jalan Danau Tamblingan — the main street — is lined with restaurants, cafes, pharmacies, supermarkets and shops all within easy walking distance of most accommodation.

That said, Sanur is hot. Walking in the middle of the day is not much fun. Early morning on the beach path is genuinely lovely. Mid-afternoon you will want a GRAB or a bike.

Can you swim at Sanur Beach?

Yes — Sanur Beach is one of the best swimming beaches in Bali. The reef protects the bay from large waves which makes it calm, shallow and safe. This is one of the main reasons families and older travellers prefer Sanur to the surf beaches on the south-west coast. There are no big shore breaks to deal with and the water is generally clear.

At low tide the water can be quite shallow and rocky in some sections — best to check the tide before committing to a swim. The beach at Segara Village and around Pura Blanjong tends to be a bit deeper at low tide.

Is Sanur safe for tourists?

Generally yes — Sanur has a reputation as one of the safer and more relaxed areas of Bali. Violent crime against tourists is rare. The main risks are the same as anywhere in Bali: getting ripped off at money changers, card skimming at dodgy ATMs, fake alcohol, and petty theft if you leave valuables unattended. None of these are unique to Sanur — they are just things you need to be aware of.

We have always felt safe in Sanur — walking at night, on the beach path early morning, in markets and restaurants. Use common sense, be aware of your surroundings and you will be fine.

Before you go — Bali checklist

• Flights booked — search and compare flights to Bali
• Travel insurance — Cover-More Bali travel insurance
• Accommodation — search Agoda or Booking.com
• Airport transfer — book via Klook
• Day tours — browse Bali tours on Klook
• Visa on Arrival — book via the official Indonesian immigration website
• Tourist tax — pay at Love Bali
• Customs declaration app — download here

Accommodation in Sanur

Sanur has accommodation at every price point — from budget homestays to five-star beachfront resorts. You will find resorts, hotels, villas and small family-run guesthouses all within a short distance of the beach and the main street.

What to look for when booking accommodation in Sanur

• Location — are you close to the beach path, the main street and restaurants?
• Kids club — if travelling with children, check the age range and what is included
• Essentials — WiFi, air conditioning, pool. Check these are in your specific room type, not just on the property
• Check-in and check-out times — flights from Australia often land late at night or depart mid-afternoon. Know your times and consider booking an extra night if you have a late departure
• Breakfast included or not — worth comparing rates with and without as Sanur has great walk-in breakfast options

Getting from Ngurah Rai Airport to Sanur

Sanur is about 13 kilometres from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Google Maps will say 30 minutes — in reality it can take up to an hour depending on traffic and how many flights have just landed. Your best option is to book a hotel transfer or arrange a private driver in advance.

We have used Putu from Bali Travel Times on numerous occasions — he meets you at the airport with your name on a sign, loads your bags and drives you straight to your accommodation. After a long flight that is exactly what you want.

Money in Bali — what you need to know

The currency in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah. The number of zeros will throw you at first — 135,000 IDR sounds like a lot until you realise it is about $13.50 AUD. The quickest way to get your head around it: one Australian dollar is roughly 10,000 Rupiah. Ten cents equals 1,000 IDR. Once it clicks, it clicks.

Money changing in Bali

Only use official money changers that do not charge commission. Unauthorised exchanges have been known to rip tourists off by hundreds of dollars using sleight of hand when counting out notes. If the rate looks too good to be true, it is.

Signs of a legitimate money changer: large shopfront with a security guard, a receptionist who confirms the rate and amount upfront, money taken to a back room and counted properly, a receipt provided, and once the Rupiah is in your hands they will not touch it again. Count it yourself before you leave. Do not leave until you are satisfied.

ATMs in Sanur

ATMs are located mainly along Jalan Danau Tamblingan. There is a Commonwealth Bank ATM near the Smorgus Cafe at Jl. Pantai Karang. We use our ANZ debit card and ING card — both reimburse international ATM withdrawal fees.

Most ATMs in Sanur have a maximum withdrawal of 3,000,000 IDR per transaction. We prefer to withdraw the maximum amount in one go and return to the hotel immediately rather than carrying large amounts of cash around. We then divide it into daily amounts using ziplock bags — one per day. This keeps our spending visible and controlled.

Credit card and tap-to-pay in Sanur

Most larger restaurants and bars along the Sanur beachfront accept card. Tap-to-pay works at the majority of sit-down restaurants, cafes and hotels in Sanur in our experience — far more widely than most guides suggest. Always ask before ordering if you are unsure. The main cash-only spots are small warungs, market stalls and street food vendors.

Basic prices in Sanur

Western-style food is expensive — expect to pay prices similar to home. Local warungs are cheap and the food is often excellent. Here is a rough guide to what things cost at a Circle K, mini mart or Indomart:

Supermarkets in Sanur

You will find imported goods from Australia, England and Germany at the larger supermarkets — expect to pay more for these as they are imported. For everyday items the Indomart and Circle K mini-marts on Jalan Danau Tamblingan are fine. For a larger shop:

• The Pantry — good range of foreign goods including UHT milk
• Artasendana Supermarket — central Sanur, convenient for most accommodation
• Popular Supermarket — good general grocery option
• Grand Lucky — larger supermarket, short GRAB ride from central Sanur near the port area

Food in Sanur and Bali Belly

Eating is one of the best things about being in Sanur. But Bali Belly can derail a holiday fast. There is a difference between the traveller’s runs — your body adjusting to new food and bacteria — and full Bali Belly. Our doctor told us if it was a mild case with no other severe symptoms, let it run its course. If you were not improving or had other symptoms, see a doctor.

People will tell you to take probiotics, drink Yakult every day or avoid certain foods. Some of it helps. We have tried everything and still managed to get sick at some point across multiple trips. Wash your hands, use hand sanitiser, don’t drink tap water and hope for the best.

Travel insurance and doctors in Bali

If you cannot afford travel insurance you cannot afford to travel. This is not an exaggeration when it comes to Bali. We have had to call a doctor twice during our stays and on both occasions it was easier than we expected.

Both times we called reception at our accommodation, they arranged for a doctor to come to the hotel. He was at our bedside in under 30 minutes. He assessed us, brought medication with him and told us what to watch for. We paid 1.7 million IDR (about $170 AUD) by credit card — one tap. A certificate for the insurance was provided on the spot.

Our excess was $200 so we chose not to claim that time — but knowing the process was straightforward made the whole situation far less stressful. For more complex needs, the BIMC hospital is the main private medical facility used by tourists in Bali.

Water and drinking in Sanur

Do not drink the tap water in Bali. This also means using bottled water to brush your teeth — not the tap. Most accommodation provides complimentary bottled water in your room. Some people boil tap water in the room kettle — we still wouldn’t risk it and just use bottled water in the kettle too.

Ice in drinks is a common concern. Most larger restaurants and hotels use government-regulated commercial ice — the cylindrical tubes with a hole through the middle. If the ice is that shape you are generally fine. Avoid crushed ice at smaller roadside stalls where you are less sure of the source.

Alcohol in Sanur

Take some care with cocktails in Bali. There have been cases of Arak — a local spirit — being substituted for regular alcohol, which can be dangerous. Your safest option is pre-bottled spirits or beer rather than mixed cocktails from unknown bars. We have had cocktails at a number of places in Sanur without any issues, but there was one occasion where something felt off and a Bintang was the better call.

Never leave your drink unattended. Same rule as anywhere in the world.

What is Sanur nightlife like?

Sanur nightlife is relaxed — which is either perfect or disappointing depending on what you are looking for. There are beachfront bars with live music, a good number of restaurants open late and the Sindhu Night Market which transforms from a daytime produce market into a busy street food hub after dark.

If you want clubs, late-night bars and a party atmosphere, Sanur is not that place. Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu have that covered. Sanur’s version of a big night out is cocktails by the beach, live acoustic music at a bar on Jalan Danau Tamblingan and probably being in bed by midnight. For a lot of people — especially those travelling with families or on longer trips — that is exactly right.

Don’t get ripped off in Sanur — our top tips

1. Money changers — only use authorised exchanges that don’t charge commission. Count the money yourself before you leave. Do not let anything distract you while counting.

2. Mini-marts must scan your items. At Indomart, Circle K or any mini-mart — if they are not scanning and are using a calculator, you are likely being overcharged. This happened to us — a calculator total came to 243,000 IDR. When we asked for a scanned receipt it came to 208,000 IDR. Ask for a receipt every time.

3. Know your money. Know what note you hand over and what change you should receive. With all the zeros it is easy to get confused — that is what people rely on.

4. Use GRAB. Local taxis without meters, or drivers who agree on a price and then change it on arrival, are a common issue. With GRAB you see the exact price before you get in. It is a fraction of what local taxis charge and removes all negotiation. Note: some areas will not accept GRAB pickups due to local driver pressure — be aware of this if you are heading somewhere more remote.

Bartering in Bali

Bartering is expected at markets and souvenir stalls — not at restaurants, mini-marts or supermarkets. Starting at roughly half the asking price is a reasonable approach, then meet somewhere in the middle. These are people making a living so keep it in perspective.

Our approach — if we are happy to pay $5 for something at Kmart or Cheap as Chips, we can pay $5 for it in Bali without needing to barter it down to $1. Some people spend more energy on the negotiation than the item is worth.

Getting around Sanur and Bali

The best way to explore Bali beyond Sanur is with a private driver for the day. You can hire a Bali driver for around $70 AUD — they pick you up from your accommodation, take you wherever you want to go and wait for you at each stop. They know exactly where to go, how to avoid traffic and can give you local knowledge you won’t find in any guide.

Our recommended Bali drivers and tour companies:

1. Bali Travel Times — Putu
2. Family Bali Tours
3. Bali Customized Tours

Things you can hire in Sanur

One of the things that surprised us early on is just how much you can hire or have delivered to your accommodation in Sanur. A friend mentioned getting laundry done for $10 AUD and it opened our eyes to the full list:

• Private driver for the day
• Scooters and helmets
• Laundry service — around 20,000 IDR per kilo
• A chef for your villa
• Baby equipment — cots, prams, car seats
• A nanny for your children
• Pool toys
• Someone to shop for you

Tipping in Sanur

Tipping is not customary in Bali but it is always appreciated. We always rounded up bills or left a small amount. The service in Sanur is generally warm and genuine — we found that the way you treat people from the start sets the tone for the service you receive back.

When we were out with a driver or tour guide for the day, we always asked them to eat with us and paid for their meal. It makes for a much better day — you get to actually talk to someone who knows the island rather than just being driven around silently.

General Sanur travel tips

• Never trust a fart in Bali — carry spare underwear, wet wipes and a sarong
• Bring the lightest clothes you own. It is hot all the time
• Be prepared to sweat constantly
• You will say “no thanks” so many times it will come out accidentally in conversation
• Sunscreen is expensive in Bali — bring it in your checked luggage
• Holiday for yourself — ignore the forums telling you what is bad value or the wrong choice. If you had a good time, you had a good time

FAQs — Sanur travel tips for first timers

I love shopping at markets. The sights, the smells, and the locals always draw me back. Whether I need to buy or not, I can wander the aisles for hours. The markets in Sanur are some of the best markets to visit in Bali and you will be spoiled for the experiences they will give you.

The Balinese people are some of the friendliest in the world, and I love being among them. Tasting their food, watching them interact with each other, and getting the chance to interact again are wonderful things to experience.

Are there different markets in Sanur?

I find that the local food markets can bring that out better than, say, the clothing market or the art market. The morning market in Sanur is one of my favourite markets in Bali, closely followed by the Sanur Night Market.

The clothing markets in Sanur are more aimed at tourists buying replica goods and wanting a great bargain, but if you take the time and get to know the owners, you can learn so much valuable information about this beautiful place.

Must visit markets in Sanur

There are a few distinct markets in Sanur that you may want to visit. There are beach markets in Sanur, a morning market, and an art market.

Sanur Morning Market – Pasar Tradisional Desa Sanur

I absolutely love visiting the morning market in Sanur. Everyone is out and about early to get their stocks for the day, and the stall owners are lovely.

It’s like watching a place wake up and get started for the day. There’s nothing like a beautiful Balinese smile in the mornings.

Address of the Sanur Morning Market:

Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.10, Sanur

Opening times of the morning market in Sanur:

The Sanur morning market runs from 6 a.m. to approximately 9 a.m. The earlier you get there, the better, if you want the freshest items on sale.

Days to visit the Sanur morning market:

The Sanur morning market is open every day of the year, but the vendors may differ. Some stalls will be closed or will not have things out on days that they have a ceremony or have to attend Temple.

Things to buy at the Sanur Morning Market:

• Large amounts of incense
• Pisang Goreng – fried banana
• Fresh fruit and vegetables
• Snacks – nuts, biscuits and packets to make drinks
• Offerings for Temple
• Fresh meat and fish – some may be put off as it is on display in the heat
• Household items like brooms, containers and small amounts of hardware items

Top tips for shopping at the Sanur Morning Market

• Try some of the freshly cooked fried banana and jackfruit
• Take your own green bags
• If you have planned day trips, grab some biscuits and snacks. They are so much better fresh than the ones you get at the supermarket
• Take your time having a look at the stalls

* Some people have had trouble finding it, but most of the time they have arrived after the market has shut for the day. The Sanur night market is much more popular, and if you attend that first, you will notice a large building at the back of the market. This is where the morning market in Sanur is held

Also, there is some serious debate regarding the Sanur Morning Market. The actual address is debatable. Google will tell you it is Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.10, Sanur, but it is actually located on JL Pasar.

For us, our driver dropped us off at Warung Pengkola and we walked the 500 m to the market. You will pass under the sign that says Pasar Sindu Sanur. We hope this is not crazy confusing!

Maybe bartering for the best price at Sanur Markets is not your thing. We have a great article on the best fixed-price stores in Sanur

Sanur Night Market (Sindhu Night Market) – the best market in Sanur

The Sanur Night Market is held at the same place as the Sanur Morning Market, and it is a hive of people from 5 pm onwards. You will find a brilliant mix of locals and foreigners enjoying a meal at the small table out the front of the stalls or in the larger area,

Address of the Sanur Night Market:

Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.10, Sanur – held at the same place as the Sanur morning market.

Opening times of the night market in Sanur:

You will find that times differ from stall to stall at the Sanur night market. Some start a little earlier than others. We normally arrive at about 5 p.m. to watch the craziness unfold and see who is opening their stall that night. It helps us get hungry and

Days to visit the Sanur night market:

Luckily, the Sanur night market is open every night of the week, but again, you may find that some of your favourite stalls may not be open if the owners have other commitments and let’s be honest, everyone should be able to have a day off!

Things to buy at the Sanur Night Market:

• The freshly made doughnuts. The jam-filled ones are my favourite
• Matubak – sweet and savoury
• Fresh juice
• Fried chicken
• Cap Cay, Nasi Goreng and Mie Goreng

Top tips for shopping at the Sanur Night Market

• You will find some small shops open in the square where the market is, but nothing huge
• Try the food. It is freshly cooked and so cheap that you can try a few different dishes
• You can get takeaway if you really want, but it’s such a great atmosphere to experience

* Now, there is some serious debate regarding the Sanur Night Market. It’s actually called the Sindhu Night Market, but most first-timers will not know that. Also, the actual address is debatable. Google will tell you it is Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.10, Sanur, but it is actually located on JL Pasar.

For us, our driver dropped us off at Warung Pengkola and we walked the 500 m to the market. You will pass under the sign that says Pasar Sindu Sanur. We hope this is not crazy confusing!

Bali first-timer? Use this guide for a smooth transition from the Airport to your Sanur accommodation

Baruna Beach Market

Shopping in Bali is one of the top activities for anyone visiting. You may not want to spend days trawling the markets for the best bargains and travelling all over the island to find the items you want.

The Baruna Beach Market in Sanur should be your one-stop shop for all your genuine fake brands.

Address of the Baruna Beach Market:

You can gain access to the Baruna Beach market from 2 locations. The first is off the beach and the second is off Jalan Pantai Sindhu.

* If you take the entrance off Jalan Pantai Sindhu, you don’t have to dodge the ladies that line the beach to get you to their shops. There is a small laneway that takes you straight into the alley that has all the fixed-price shops.

Opening times of the Baruna Beach Market:

Most times we have been, things are really kicking off at about 10 am. Some of the stalls and shops are open earlier at 9 am, but we find most are ready at 10 am.

You do need to be careful, though, as at times some of the shops will be closed for Ceremony and Temple days. If you are going to return or need to go back always check and make sure they are going to be open when you plan to go back

Days to visit the Baruna Beach Market:

Most are open 7 days a week, but again, they may shut for special occasions.

Things to buy at the Baruna Beach Market:

• Every type of genuine fake designer brand you can think of
• Perfume, hair products, skin creams
• Hats, scarves, blankets, shoes, handbags, slides
• T-shirts, shorts, dresses, sunglasses

Top tips for shopping at the Baruna Beach Market

• Enter from Jalan Pantai Sindhu to avoid being harassed by the ladies on the beach
• There are toilets and a small drink station at the Jalan Pantai Sindhu beach entrance
• Some of the shops are air-conditioned and accept card payments
• You will find the most fixed-price shops in Sanur here

Hungry and looking for the best restaurants in Sanur? All you need to know about Sanur food and drink

Sindhu Beach Market

My favourite place to shop is in Sanur, and it is my go-to shop to get all I need when I am on holiday in Sanur. I find it calmer and less busy than Baruna.

You do, unfortunately, have to run the gauntlet of the ladies on the beach, and I can assure you they absolutely do not forget if you promise to go to their shop.

Jeny’s fixed-price shop is in the Sindhu Beach Market, and it is the only fixed-price shop in that market. Some of the other stallholders are clueing into this and are now very aware that people come there just to shop at Jeny’s.

Many will tell you, ‘I do the same price as Jeny’, so if you want to go to the other shops, just remember to know your prices from Jeny’s shop, and you can shop in the other places knowing you don’t have to haggle for prices.

Address of the Sindhu Beach Market:

You can access the Sindhu Beach market off the Sindhu Beach. However, the main road is not accessible from the market.

Opening times of the Sindhu Beach Market:

You will find that the market stalls start to open at about 9.30 a.m, but are fully opened and ready for customers at 10 am.

Days to visit the Sindhu Beach Market:

The market is open every day of the week, but the number of stalls and which ones are open will differ depending on the day you visit.

Things to buy at the Sindhu Beach Market:

• T-shirts, dresses, shorts, sunglasses
• Slides, crocs, incense, wallets
• Handbags, dream catchers, some jewellery

Top tips for shopping at the Sindhu Beach Market

• If a stallholder follows you from the beach, they probably will stay out the front of Jeny’s shop until you leave and want you to go to their shop as well.
• There is also a famous Art seller, Agus Art Shop, in the market as well. His artwork is brilliant. It is located in a row back from the main one.
• You cannot access the main road from the back of the market. You have to enter and exit from the beach.

Sanur Art Market – Jaya Kesuma Art Market

This is down the south end of Sanur, located on Jalan Cemara from the other markets. It’s a much smaller market; you can find artwork, sports tops, clothes and the usual trinkets.

You will find the Popular Express Supermarket right near this market.

Address of the Sanur Art Market:

Jl Cemara No:28 Semawang, Sanur is the address to this market in Sanur

Opening times of the Sanur art market:

We arrived in the late afternoon and things were well and truly open. We asked one of the vendors and it was a toss up between 9 and 10 am.

Days to visit the Sanur art market:

The Sanur Art Market – Jaya Kesuma Art Market is open 7 days a week, but again, you will need to remember that every single store may not be open every day.

Things to buy at the Sanur Art Market:

• Mosaic bowls, metal figurines, paintings
• T-shirts, dresses, singlets, sunglasses
• Giant dream catchers

Top tips for shopping at the Sanur Art Market

• It is one of the hottest markets I have ever been to due to the tarps that are hung
• It probably gets the least of the share shopping wise so we found that the stall holders were a little more cheeky than some of the other places.
• There is plenty of parking if you are on a scooter

Why should I visit a Sanur Market?

Visiting one of the Sanur markets is a wonderful experience. Many locals are more than happy to help you, and if you are really open to it, they are more than happy to let you try things or encourage you to try.

Need supplies? Our guide to the supermarkets in Sanur will have your buying with ease

Are there better Sanur markets to visit than others?

People will always prefer one type over the other. I love the morning market as it has more of a local vibe to it. It is a great way to see how hectic a morning is in the daily life of a Balinese person.

I love Jeny’s at the Sindhu Beach market. I love that she has the prices on the majority of items in the shop and leaves you alone as you shop.

If you ask for help, she is happy to assist and is more than happy to teach you about the changes in Sanur and the local Balinese culture when you ask.

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Thank you for taking the time to read our blog post about Sanur, Bali! We hope you found it informative and helpful when planning your trip to this beautiful region. If you’re looking for more information about things to do in Sanur, recommendations for places to eat, or where to go from Sanur, be sure to check out our website. For additional resources, tips, and updates, visit our Facebook Group and our TikTok account.

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About this site

Mark & Bec

Things to do in Sanur

Two Australians who have been to Sanur many times. We have enjoyed food and drink on the beach, sipped coffee on Jalan Danau Tamblingan, stayed in homestays and hotels in Sanur and made day trips to see the best of Bali. We keep our information fresh by continuing to visit and getting first-hand knowledge from our Balinese friends.

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