32 best things to do in Sanur Bali

Sanur is one of those fantastic destinations that people keep returning to in Bali. It does not have the shopping that Kuta has and it does not have the cultural sites that Ubud has but it has just as much to offer any visitor to Bali.

People go to Sanur to walk along the beach, enjoy the sunshine, eat, drink, and relax. Sanur is known for a more relaxed Bali experience, with not as much traffic nor as many people calling you boss and saying I know you.

You’ll find a tiny piece of heaven when you holiday in Sanur Bali, and we would love to show you all the best things to do in Sanur. Here we have 32 of the best things you can do in Sanur on your next trip to Bali that we have personally done!

Where is Sanur?

In the southeast corner of Bali Island, Sanur (pronounced sah-noor) lies opposite Denpasar, Bali’s main city centre, in Indonesia.

The Sanur Region encompasses Sanur Beach, Jalan Danau Tamblingan (Sanur’s main street), the Ngurah Rai Bypass, and a significant portion of land west of the Bypass.

Best things to do in Sanur

Let’s find some Sanur holiday inspiration for your next trip to the best part of Bali, Indonesia. Read our ultimate Sanur travel guide for the best things to do.

Have a Craft Beer

Head to the Sanur Beer Garden to try several locally brewed craft beers on tap. It is a great place for a beer with plenty of seating, live music most weeks, and a swimming pool.

You will also find that at times during the year, sports will be shown on a large TV as well. It is definitely a place to go if you want to hang out with fellow sports followers from your team and the opposition!

Sanur Night Market

Sanur Night Market is held in a small square every evening in front of the morning market building. You’ll find a lively street food scene, with stalls opening after sundown and selling local food.

One thing we love at the Sanur Night Market is everyone is there for great food. Don’t be afraid to ask someone that has delicious looking food where they got it from!

You should also try the little donuts filled with Nutella or jam! They are my favourite and I always pick some up to take on a day trip the next day as a snack for us.

Markets in Sanur: Here is a guide to the unmissable markets in Sanur

Stand-up paddleboarding in Sanur

Explore Sanur’s calm waters and mangroves with stand-up paddleboarding, which is suitable for all skill levels. You can easily hire a board from many beachfront places in Sanur.

Make sure you either have a waterproof bag with you or leave your belongings at your hotel as you don’t want to just leave your things on the beach or at the place where you hired the board from.

Sanur Morning Market

The Morning Market in Sanur starts at the crack of dawn, with vendors setting up inside to sell mostly fresh food, meat, and seafood. You will also find household products and flower offerings.

For some people, the Morning Market in Sanur is a bit different from what they are used to at home. Meat and fish are out in the heat, so it’s not like many places we are used to.

While you are at the Sanur Morning Market have some of the deep fried Banana (pisang goreng) and the deep fried Jack fruit. They both taste amazing.

Le Mayeur Museum – Art and culture attractions in Sanur

Located on Sanur Beach at the north end, this museum showcases artworks and the history of painter Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merpres. The artwork displays classical Balinese elements and sculptures.

Cash or card? Decide what is best for you with our cash vs card in Bali post

Kite Surfing

Experience an adrenaline rush with kite surfing in Sanur. This is a popular activity in the waters off Sanur Beach, where you will see people participating in the exciting activity daily.

Sindhu Beach Market

You will know you are close when the owners of the market stalls start harassing you to come to their shop. All sorts of clothes, bags, and souvenirs are available, so bargain hard for a good price here.

If you don’t like haggling for a price and you prefer a fixed price shop in Sindhu Beach Market, try Jeny’s. She is on the right hand side of the market about half way up. Shop number 29. There is a small concrete sign out the front of the shop.

Hire a jetski

Get ready for real fun and experience the thrill of jet skiing at Sanur Beach. You will find several rental shops offering the activity along the shore.

Before you take off make sure you see if there is any damage to the jet ski. There have been issues with people being accused of causing damage to the jet ski when they are on it, so please just be aware.

See the beauty in Bali: All the romantic things to do in Sanur

Blanjong Temple

The temple displays Bali’s oldest artefact, a stone pillar with Sanskrit inscriptions. that dates to 914 CE, which testifies to the contacts between Bali, Java, and the Indian subcontinent. The Balnjong Temple is in South Sanur on J. Danau Poso, just past the Sanur Beer Garden.

Sindu Dwarawati Turtle Conservation Centre

Located on the beach path at Sindhu Beach is a small turtle conservation centre where turtles are kept in tanks while recuperating before being released into the ocean.

Big Garden Corner – Hidden gems and local attractions in Sanur

The Big Garden Corner features various attractions, including a butterfly park, stone sculptures, and a small waterpark. People come here for the photos of sculptures, the food, and the splash park for kids.

You can also do a tea tasting. If you would like that it is usually part of your ticket price. It is a good way to sit down half way round and have a rest.

Go swimming at Sanur Beach

Sanur Beach is known for its calm, shallow waters, making it an ideal area for swimming, especially suitable for families with children. Late in the afternoon, plenty of locals enjoy the cool waters.

Do high tea in Sanur

You will find a few places in Sanur that offer high tea. One of the most popular places to enjoy your spread of small sandwiches, cakes, pastries, tea and coffee is the Intercontinental Hotel or the Byrd House on the beachfront.

Hire a scooter in Sanur

Many people associate Bali with hiring a scooter. A scooter provides you more freedom to explore Sanur and Bali than ever. With the traffic in Bali, we don’t recommend this if you have no prior experience.

Please make sure it is covered by travel insurance. If you need a scooter, contact Putu at Bali Travel Times.

Hire a sunbed – Relaxing activities for a day in Sanur Bali

If you are not lucky enough to stay at one of the resorts along the beach, you may want to enquire about hiring a sunbed from them. Most beachfront hotels are happy to hire sunbeds and provide you with access to their swimming pools if you purchase a day pass.

You will also find some beds have a sign on the back with a Whatsapp number you can call to arrange the hire of them.

Go on a beach walk or jog

Enjoy a 6-kilometre beach path for walking, jogging, and biking. The beachfront path offers scenic views and access to beach clubs. The path starts near Matahari Terbit Beach near Sanur Harbour in the north and finishes at Merthasari Beach on the southeast coast of Bali.

Street food and night market tour

Exploring the Street Food & Sanur Village Night Market with a local. This tour offers an affordable and local dining experience, which will provide insights into Sanur Bali’s diverse cuisine. Book your Sanur food tour.

Having a local show you the best places to eat and drink in Sanur is brilliant for first-timers to Sanur and also great for people who often visit Sanur!

Eat at a Warung in Sanur

A Warung is a small, often family-owned restaurant serving local Indonesian food. Warungs can be found throughout Sanur and are an integral part of the country’s culinary culture. In Sanur, try Warung Samping or Warung Jawa Budhe.

Get a tattoo in Sanur

One thing Bali and Sanur have plenty of is tattoo shops. Take a walk along J.I. Danau Tamblingan, and you will find tattoo parlours waiting to create a permanent memory of your trip to Sanur.

Get a massage

There is no better way to relax than to get a massage in Sanur. You will find massages available at shopfronts along the streets, and you can even get one right on the beach.

Prices will vary between places. Some will be right on the beach just on a table. These you should expect to pay between 50k and 60k for 30 minutes to an hour. In some of the shops that are spas as well prices will be significantly higher ranging from 150k to 250k per hour.

Forgot to get breakfast included? We have you covered with the best places for breakfast in Sanur

Catch a Ferry from Sanur

The Port of Sanur is a major hub for ferries coming and going to nearby islands such as Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Why not take a day trip to one of these fantastic destinations nearby?

Find a door – Unique things to do in Sanur Bali

As you wander down alleyways and lanes around Sanur, you will find some of the most exquisite doorways anywhere. They are ornate, colourful, and culturally Bali-designed. Grab your camera and go exploring.

Eat Gelato

There are many ice cream places in Sanur selling excellent gelato. Channel your inner Italian and order one of the many flavours on offer as you stroll the streets or the beach in Sanur.

Massimos at the south end of J.L. Danau Tamblingan is the standout place to grab a gelato. Forketta at the Northern end of Danau Tamblingan also has some amazing gelato in Sanur.

Check out some local art

The impressive Artohotel in Sanur doubles as an art gallery. The Artotel features a contemporary gallery and displays original work and installations by talented local artists.

You will also find a brilliant rooftop bar here are the Artotel. You can catch the sunset in Sanur here.

Seasons in Bali can be confusing: Choose your perfect time to visit with our weather in Sanur guide

Watch a Sunrise

Sanur is well known in Bali for its amazing sunrises. As the sun appears, the colours dance off the water. You must be on the beach around 5.30 am to catch the best Sanur sunrises. This is one of the best things to do in Sanur.

Grab a drink at a Rooftop Bar

There is no better way than to spend a few hours late in the day at a rooftop bar in Sanur. Head to the Bar on the Rooftop in the Artohotel or the Tree Bar at the Maya Resort.

You do not need to stay there to grab a cocktail, beer, or food. Just roll in and enjoy the views.

Attend a free yoga class

Do you love yoga, or maybe you want to try it out for the first time while in Sanur? Sanur’s best thing to do is free yoga every Tuesday and Thursday at 4.30 p.m. at Hyatt Beach (in front of the Hyatt Hotel) for all visitors.

Do some shopping

Sanur may not be the shopping mecca that Kuta is, but you will find plenty of boutique shops along its streets. You can easily find clothing, leather goods, jewellery, fake brand products, and more.

Recently opened in 2024 is the brand new Icon shopping mall for that Western shopping feel.

Attend the kite festival

You will often see kites in the air all around Bali at certain times of the year. The Bali Kite Festival is an annual festival held on the island from July to October.

We are not talking about small kites. We are talking about huge monster-size kits in all shapes and colours.

Have a beach picnic

You will find wooden gazebos or Joglo houses all along Sanur Beach. These make a great place to relax and enjoy food in the shade on the water’s edge. They are usually located on a man-made platform and are a great place to enjoy a picnic.

Go fishing in Sanur

Enjoy fishing off the beach. When I say off the beach, I usually mean wading out to waist-deep water to get to a better spot. You can also join boat tours for a more extensive fishing experience further offshore from Sanur Beach.

Now you know what to do! But what types of accommodation does Sanur have?

Do a bar crawl along Sanur Beach

The beachfront at Sanur is known for its resorts, beach clubs, and bars. Why not spend an afternoon exploring different places to eat and drink along the beach?

The best time to visit Sanur Bali

The best time to visit Sanur and other spots in Bali, Indonesia, is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this time, the weather in Bali is generally sunny with low humidity, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as walking, swimming, snorkelling, and lying by the pool.

April and October shoulder seasons can also be good times to visit Sanur, as the weather in Sanur is still pleasant but with fewer crowds. Pack your suitcase and book your flights for one of the best periods to visit attractions such as Bali Zoo, Waterbom and the Monkey Forest.

However, if you don’t mind the occasional rain shower, visiting Sanur during the wet season from October to March can also have advantages. The lush greenery and cooler temperatures can be refreshing, but ensure you have a waterproof bag and umbrella for your outings in case of a downpour.

It’s worth noting that Bali is a popular tourist destination, and the peak season for tourism is from June to August. Planning your visit outside these months is best if you prefer to avoid crowds and higher prices.

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog post about Sanur Bali! We hope you found it informative and helpful in 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.

Our team is dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date and accurate information to make your holiday planning, from choosing hotels on and off the beach to scooter rental, as smooth as possible. Once again, thank you for reading, and we hope our articles continue to be a valuable resource for your travel plans.

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