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 or 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 40 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.
1. 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!
2. 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 that everyone is there for great food. Don’t be afraid to ask someone who 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 jackfruit. They both taste amazing.
5. Le Mayeur Museum — Art and culture 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.
6. 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.
7. 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 halfway up. Shop number 29. There is a small concrete sign out front of the shop.
8. Hire a jet-ski
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.
9. 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 Belanjong Temple is in South Sanur on Jl. Danau Poso, just past the Sanur Beer Garden.
10. 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.
11. Big Garden Corner — Hidden gems 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 halfway round and have a rest.
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12. 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.
It is recommended that you wear reef shoes when swimming at low tide at Sanur Beach. While it is a calm beach, it can be rocky underfoot and have lots of seagrass.
13. Enjoy a 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.
14. 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.
15. Hire a sunbed
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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
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!
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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. For 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.
21. 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?
22. Find a door — Unique things to do in Sanur
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 Balinese-designed. Grab your camera and go exploring.
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23. 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.
24. Spend the day at a Sanur Spa
Sometimes you just need the works done, and there are so many amazing spas in Sanur that will cater to all that needs to be done.
A while ago you would need to book into several different places to have a complete spa day with your friends or alone, but now there are plenty where you can have milk baths, exfoliation, haircuts, nails, massage and more.
25. Rent a bike
Most enjoy a walk along the beach path, but if you would like to go fully from one end to another, your best bet may be to hire a bike.
You can do this from your hotel, as some will have a selection to hire, but you can also hire them from stalls along the beach. The quality of them can’t be guaranteed, and you may have to check them before you take off to see if the seat is ok, you can reach the pedals or if the brakes work.
Take your time to get the best bike.
At hotels, you may be able to rent electric bikes if you think you won’t make the whole 7 kilometres. These are different from the e-scooters that are no longer allowed on the beach path.
26. Check out some local art
The impressive Artotel 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 at the Artotel. You can catch the sunset in Sanur here.
27. 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.
28. 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 Artotel 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.
29. 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.
30. 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.
31. 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 kites in all shapes and colours.
32. 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.
33. 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.
34. 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?
35. Listen to some Live Music
Sanur is well known for its live music scene. Many of the local restaurants will have a band playing in their restaurant for you to enjoy.
It may take some wandering to find one that you like, but once you find a band or two-piece that matches your vibe, you can ask where they are playing for the rest of the time you are there. They will be happy to share their Instagram or Facebook page with you too.
If you can, please leave a small tip in the musicians’ tip jar if they have really impressed you. It just shows some appreciation for them.
36. Relax, relax, relax
Bali is a known relaxation destination in Asia, but it will depend on where you decide to holiday on the island as to how your time will develop. Many areas are known to have pushy salespeople, drivers that follow you on a bike asking if you want a driver or sellers approaching your table while you eat.
While we can’t say that this will never happen in Sanur, it is less common here, especially if you avoid the very pushy ladies on the beach path at Sindhu Beach Markets!
You can get a beachfront hotel and listen to the waves roll in while enjoying a book, sunbathing, or a beautiful meal without the hassle you might find in other areas of the island.
37. Watch a movie at the cinema
I know you can do this at home, but it feels like you have to take out a loan these days to go to the cinema.
In Icon Mall in Bali is the XXI Cinema, where you can watch current, new-release movies and some oldies as well. Tickets are significantly cheaper than Australian prices (sorry if you reside somewhere else) and the cinema is just as comfortable. Do beware, though — the snacks may not be as they are in your own country.
38. Check out the Rice Fields
This can be seasonal, and if you visit just after it has been harvested, then you may not get the picture-perfect views. Cafe Umago is a great spot to sit and have a cup of coffee or iced tea while taking in the views.
39. Eat all the food
I know we mentioned some warungs above to eat at, but if you are comfortable, try all the food. Sanur has an abundant food scene, and you will find a plethora of amazing places to eat all around, from Japanese to Brazilian BBQ.
When going overseas, it can be scary and intimidating to try new foods, but please do try something that is just a little out of your comfort zone. It’s usually a lower price than at home.
40. Visit Icon Mall
Now, this will not be a place for some people, and to be honest, it’s a controversial inclusion. People will argue that you can visit a Mall at home, and why would you bother going to one when you are overseas that is predominantly aimed at tourists.
The thing about Icon Mall in Sanur is that it is air-conditioned, has great shopping opportunities, and great food options, but it also has free shows daily on the bottom level.
Many people will visit Bali for some culture and traditional experiences but get overwhelmed when they arrive as to what to do when they get there. This is a great way for a short introduction to traditional Balinese dance or storytelling, and from here you can gauge what you would like to look into more.
Sunsets in Sanur
Most people will tell you that you can’t get sunsets in Sanur, but it will just depend on your expectations.
We enjoy a colourful sky, and while you don’t get the full effect of the sun going down, the colours that fill the sky over Lembongan are stunning. It’s even nicer with a drink in hand and a band playing in the background.
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FAQs about things to do in Sanur
What is Sanur best known for?
Sanur is known for its calm, family-friendly beach, its stunning sunrises, and a relaxed pace compared to the busier parts of Bali. The 6-kilometre beach path, the markets, the warungs and the live music scene are all big draws, and it’s the main ferry harbour for day trips to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.
Is Sanur good for families?
Yes. The reef-protected water is calm and shallow, making it one of the safest swimming beaches in Bali, and the flat beach path is easy with kids. Add attractions like the turtle conservation centre, Big Garden Corner and plenty of family-friendly hotels, and Sanur is one of the best areas in Bali for a family holiday.
Can you see the sunrise and sunset in Sanur?
Sanur faces east, so it’s famous for its sunrises — get to the beach around 5.30 am for the best colours. You won’t get a classic ocean sunset since the sun sets behind you, but the sky over Nusa Lembongan often lights up with beautiful colour in the evening, especially with a drink in hand.
How many days do you need in Sanur?
Three to four days is enough to enjoy the beach, walk the path, explore the markets, eat well and take a day trip to the Nusa islands. If you want a slower, more relaxed holiday — which is what Sanur does best — a week is easy to fill without ever feeling bored.
Is Sanur worth visiting?
Absolutely — especially if you want a calmer, more authentic side of Bali. With 40 things to do right here, from beach activities and markets to temples, spas and day trips, Sanur offers plenty to fill a trip while staying relaxed and easy to get around.
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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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I liked how the article covers a nice mix of things to do—like it’s not just about lounging (though that’s definitely part of it!), but also touches on culture, food, and even places to go paddleboarding or cycling. It’s helpful for people who want to balance relaxing with exploring.
The language of the article is super easy to follow—very casual and traveler-friendly. I didn’t notice any major grammar hiccups, though the tone leans a bit informal at times, which honestly fits the laid-back vibe of Sanur itself. It feels like a friend recommending spots, not just a generic guide.
Would love to see even more food-specific recommendations or hidden cafes added in the future, but overall this is a great intro for anyone planning their first time in Sanur. Definitely bookmarking this for when I go back—because I am going back!
Wow, this guide to Sanur really makes me want to pack my bags right now! I love how it highlights the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. The way it talks about wandering along the beachfront, soaking up the sunrise, and exploring the local markets really paints such a vivid picture—you can almost feel the warm sand and hear the gentle waves. I especially like that it doesn’t just focus on the usual tourist spots but also gives tips for experiencing the local culture, trying the food, and discovering hidden gems. It feels like the kind of guide a friend would give you, full of practical advice and little nuggets that make a trip extra special.
I also appreciate how it balances activities for everyone—whether you’re into watersports, leisurely walks, or just enjoying a quiet café by the sea. It’s got that perfect “do a little, relax a lot” vibe that makes a vacation feel effortless. Honestly, reading this makes me feel like Sanur is more than just a destination—it’s a mood, a way to slow down and actually enjoy every moment. Definitely bookmarking this for when I finally get to Bali!