Is Sanur a good place to stay in Bali?

We first came to Sanur thinking it would be a quieter base to explore Bali and by the end of that week, we knew we’d be back. There’s something about Sanur we love, maybe its mornings watching sunrise over the sea, maybe its the variety of cafes and places to eat or maybe it just that it seems quieter than Seminyak or Kuta.

Is Sanur a nice part of Bali

Absolutely and we think it’s one of Bali’s hidden gems. Sanur has this calm, coastal charm that’s hard to find in busier parts of the island.

It’s peaceful without being boring, beautiful without being overbuilt, and friendly in a way that makes you feel like part of the community, not just another tourist. Think sunrise strolls, beach cafés, and local markets, all at a slower, more relaxed pace.

What Is Sanur, Bali Like?

Sanur is a quiet beach town on Bali’s east coast, known for its calm waters, laid-back vibe, and community feel. If we had to sum up Sanur in one word, it would be easy—in the best possible way. Time in Sanur moves a little slower here, in the most vacation like way.

It’s the kind of place where mornings begin with your feet in sand watching a sunrise ends with you eating local dishes at any number of warungs, cafes and restaurants under stars.

There’s no loud party scene or hectic traffic here, just locals riding bicycles, kids playing on the sand, and travellers like us enjoying a much-needed break. The beach is long and the beach path is perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling, and it connects you to beachfront bars, and resorts with daybeds and smoothies. It’s great for adults wanting to do watersports, swimming with kids, early morning yoga classes and sunset drinks by the sea.

Sanur balances relaxation with just enough adventure. It’s the kind of place where we feel safe letting our teens wander a little on their own, and where we don’t feel like we’re “missing out” by going to bed early. Sanur might not be as flashy as Seminyak or Ubud, but that’s exactly the point. .

Related article: Stay at 9 of the best Beachfront hotels in Sanur

Is it worth staying in Sanur, Bali?

We’ve stayed in Sanur more times than we can count and yes, it’s 100% worth it. We have stayed at big hotels like Griya Santrian and small homestays like Hotel Jati.

Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with kids, or on your own, Sanur makes a great base. It’s safe, easy to explore, you can be on the beach in minutes or shopping at markets, you can walk along Jalan Danau Tamblingan for happy hour or coffee. Sanur is still be close enough to the rest of Bali to make day trips to Ubud, Nusa Penida, or Seminyak.

Is Sanur better than Seminyak?

It depends on what kind of Bali trip you want, but for us, Sanur wins every time. We have stayed in both Sanur and Seminyak during trips to Bali.

If you’re looking for quitier days, family-friendly beaches, and casual evenings listening to live music and eating gelato, Sanur is perfect. Seminyak is great if you want loud music and beanbags on the beach, late nights in nightclubs, high-end shopping, traffic jams and buzzy beach clubs. We prefer Sanur because it’s easier to relax, and just feels more connected to the Bali we fell in love with.

Is Sanur for old people?

It’s for anyone who wants to slow down, breathe, and enjoy Bali at a slower pace, less people, less traffic, less shops. Yes, Sanur is popular with older travellers

but it’s also great for families, couples, and solo travellers who want calm instead of chaos. Our kids love it here just as much as we do. You’ll find beach yoga, paddleboarding, cycling paths, and great coffee, its not just retirees in sun hats (though there’s plenty of that too).

Which is better, Nusa Dua or Sanur?

Sanur feels more local, Nusa Dua feels more resort. Nusa Dua is beautiful and polished, with luxury hotels, if you want an all-inclusive Nusa Dua is the place for you.

Sanur, on the other hand, has more soul. You can walk to local warungs, chat with shopkeepers, and explore the beach path with ease. It feels like Bali, not just a resort in Bali. For that reason, Sanur’s our pick.

Is Sanur safe at night?

Yes Sanur is one of the safest places we’ve stayed in Bali. We’ve walked the beach path after dark, taken quiet strolls to dinner, and let our teens grab gelato on their own. The vibe is friendly and relaxed, and locals tend to look out for each other (and visitors).

As always, be smart, there are sections of the beach path that are not lite. Don’t leave your phone on the table or your bag unattended, but overall, we feel totally comfortable in Sanut at night.

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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