Mark, somewhere on the Sanur beach path with a coffee, as usual.
I'm Mark, one half of Things To Do In Sanur. Along with my wife Bec, I've been coming back to Sanur for over a decade — and this site is where we share everything we've learned, from the best breakfast spots and markets to where to stay and which day trips are actually worth it.
Bec and I are small-town Aussies who've been travelling together for over 26 years and have visited more than 45 countries, almost always while working full-time jobs rather than as digital nomads with endless time. Bali — and Sanur in particular — is the place we keep coming back to. Nearly everything on this site comes out of trips we've actually taken: the hotel we stayed in, the warung we ate at, the market we got up at dawn to visit, the day trip we booked and did ourselves.
I grew up in a small country town a couple of hours east of Melbourne and still live in regional Victoria today. I'm self-taught — no background in web design, writing or SEO, just a lot of years figuring it out by trial and error while working full-time. Blogging started back in 2016 and grew from there. On this site, I handle most of the writing and the reviews; Bec edits and co-writes, and she's the one who hunts down the best breakfasts and knows the Sanur markets inside out.
What I write about on this site
Mostly the practical, first-hand stuff that actually helps you plan a trip to Sanur: honest hotel and accommodation reviews, where to eat and drink, the markets and shopping, and day trips from Sanur that are worth your time. If a hotel's breakfast is overrated or a "must-do" is really a tourist trap, I'd rather tell you than repeat what everyone else has copied from everyone else.
We book and pay for most of what we review ourselves. Where a post includes an affiliate link, it's disclosed, and it never changes what we actually say about a hotel, a café or a day trip. If something wasn't good enough, we say so.
I'm not a travel agent or a journalist. I'm a traveller who's spent a lot of time in Sanur, who checks things first-hand and with our Balinese friends on the ground, and who'd rather tell you a market is a rip-off than pretend everything's perfect.
Elsewhere
I've been part of Travel Massive, the global travel industry community, since 2015. Travelpayouts interviewed me in 2024 about how blogging and affiliate marketing actually work for a family of self-taught Australians doing it alongside full-time jobs. FeedSpot ranked Bec and me in their Top 70 Australian Family Travel Influencers for 2026, ABC News featured our family travels in 2021, and we've written for Klook on their own blog — about our Nusa Penida day trip, which you can do straight from Sanur. We’ve also partnered with brands including Discovery Parks, who featured our family on their site.
Watch instead of read
A lot of what we cover comes with video too, filmed on the day. Subscribe on our TikTok to see the hotel rooms, the food and the honest reactions that don't always make it into the written post.
Other places we write
Things To Do In Sanur isn't the only thing we run. Depending on where you're headed, these might be useful too:
Situated in Sanur on the East Coast of Bali, the Parigata Resort and Spa is an enclosed oasis for travellers seeking a relaxing escape. This boutique resort boasts a charming atmosphere, blending Balinese style with affordable Western comfort. It is just a short walk from Sanur Beach and the main street, Jalan Danau Tamblingan. Parigata … Read more
Your holiday in Bali can be a foodie adventure without leaving the comfort of your villa in Sanur. Food delivery in Sanur can bring you the fantastic aroma of freshly prepared Indonesian food, the comforting smell of freshly cooked pizza, or morning coffee brewed to your liking. All this and more can be delivered right … Read more
Don’t read this post and think you’ll find the things that you usually get in a Bali packing list post. Nope, here you will find actual things that you should pack when travelling to Bali. These are all things that are either very hard to get or extremely expensive to buy in Bali. For many … Read more
I absolutely love shopping in Bali. There’s nothing like picking up a bargain and something that I love, but haggling, bartering and dodging the ladies who follow you gets tiring. The constant ‘how much is this?’ and the inevitable 20-minute battle in the heat that follows makes me sweat thinking about it. For these reasons … Read more
Sanur is a lovely town on Bali’s east coast that attracts visitors with its peaceful vibe, beautiful beaches, and rich culture. It’s an excellent place for romantic getaways and family vacations, offering a mix of relaxation and fun activities. If you have been searching for accommodation in Sanur options, we bet by now you are … Read more
Sanur is not a large area by any means. It’s a small coastal location on the east side of the island. When staying in Sanur, you’ll find a mini-mart every few hundred meters and places like Indo Mart and Circle K for those quick drop-in shops. Sometimes, you need a more extensive shopping experience, a … Read more
Eating food in Sanur is a culinary adventure. Sanur Bali is a melting pot of flavours, offering diverse cuisines to satisfy every palate. It is a true paradise for food lovers, from traditional Indonesian delights to international favourites. For many visitors to Sanur, trying new food is something they love. Dropping into a little Warung … Read more
Planning a holiday to Bali is an opportunity to explore different destinations on the island. Two of the most popular locations to choose from are Sanur or Kuta. Each location offers a different Bali experience, depending on your tastes. Sanur, located along Bali’s southeastern coast, offers a peaceful retreat with its calm beaches and a … Read more
Welcome to the ultimate Sanur travel guide, your go-to companion for exploring our favourite place in Bali. This guidebook features must-visit spots that make Sanur a beloved destination for travellers. We know all of this because we visit regularly! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning adventurer, let this comprehensive guide be your passport … Read more
Sanur, Bali, is not known for its over-the-top entertainment options. It’s more known for its slower pace than other areas in Bali. That said, it is ideal for families with kids in Bali. There is less traffic, the beach is shallow and calm, and some excellent accommodation choices exist. When you visit Sanur with kids, … Read more