Sanur

Sanur is a town on the east coast of South Bali. Sanur is Bali's oldest upscale resort area and is a mature beach-side town. Despite the abundance of restaurants and accommodation, it has a quiet and relaxed feel to it. Sanur tends to appeal most to middle-aged and older families, especially Europeans. Most hotels in Sanur are big, with spacious gardens.

Understand

The Sanur area is sandwiched between the main Jalan Ngurah Rai bypass and the beach. One main route called Jalan Danau Tamblingan runs north to south through the town and it is easy to orient yourself with reference to this road.

Get in

By car

Sanur is a 20-30 minute taxi ride from the Ngurah Rai International Airport, and a pre-paid coupon costs Rp150,000. There are plenty of metered taxis all over the island who will be keen to take you to Sanur.

If you are driving yourself, this is one of the more straightforward areas of Bali to find as the main Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai is the western boundary of Sanur. There are many well signposted exit points from this main road into the heart of Sanur. Allow about 20 minutes driving time from Kuta or Legian, about 30 minutes from Seminyak or Ubud and 10 to 15 minutes from Denpasar.

By bus

Sanur is well serviced by shuttle buses and bemos from the north and south and also from Denpasar's Tegal terminal.

The bus company Perama has its Sanur office in Jalan Hangtuah, and offers direct transfer here from Candidasa, Kuta, Lovina, Padang Bai and Ubud.

There's also a bus service called Trans Sarbagita that runs the following route Terminal Batu Bulan (Gianyar) - Tohpati (DPS) - Sanur (DPS) - Kuta Central Park (Badung) - Jimbaran (Badung) - Nusa Dua (Badung).

Kura-Kura Bus is another bus company that passes through Sanur and other popular areas in Bali.

By boat

Boats from Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Gili Islands arrive at the Sanur Harbour at the end of Jalan Matahari Terbit, and detailed schedules are given in the Nusa Lembongan article.

Get around

Jalan Danau Tamblingan, the main street in Sanur, has a number of outlets for car, motorbike and bicycle rental. A large number of metered taxis patrol the streets looking for passengers. Local bemos run with some regularity up and down both Jalan Danau Tamblingan and Jalan Danau Poso.

Sanur is also a great place to walk. Distances are not large, the streets are relatively quiet, and there is a splendid, paved beach front path which runs the whole length of the district.

On foot

Walking in Sanur is pleasant. The pavement is about 2.5 m wide along Sanur Beach, suitable for the senior citizens who frequent this town to avoid the loud nightlife in nearby Kuta. Rental bikes sometimes use the pavement, too, but no motorcycles do.

By bicycle

Sanur is possibly the most cycle friendly part of mainland Bali. It has some cycle lanes such as along Jalan Danau Tamblingan going south only (returning via the beach pathway north makes a nice loop ride). The long paved beach pathway allows bicycles as well as pedestrians but you need to cycle slowly giving way to pedestrians. There are plenty of places to rent a bicycle for the day. Along the beach it costs typically Rp50,000 per day. If you hire away from the beach area such as on or near Jalan Danau Tamblingan the price is cheaper, typically about Rp30,000 per day.

See

This is a town with a wealth of cultural, natural and historical attractions, as well as the shopping and beach-related sights.

  • 🌍 Le Mayeur Museum, Jl Hangtuah (go the end of Jalan Hangtuah and turn right at the beach; proceed along the paved footpath through the souvenir stalls and look for the entrance to the museum on your right), ☏ +62 361 286201. Su-F 07:30-15:30. This is the former home of noted Belgian impressionist Adrian Jean Le Mayeur, which is now a museum dedicated to his works. Le Mayeur arrived in Bali in 1932 and soon immersed himself in the culture of the island, and married a noted Balinese Legong dancer. Much of the house stands just as it did when he died in 1958, and apart from viewing his works, visitors will gain an insight into what it must have been like to be one of Bali's very first expats. The whole place is in need of some maintenance, but this remains one of Bali's hidden treasures. Rp 10,000. (updated Apr 2016)
  • 🌍 Mangrove Information Centre (Mangrove Forest Suwung Kawuh), Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai Km. 21, Suwung Kauh (just south of Sanur, signposted east off the main Jl Bypass Ngurah Rai), ☏ +62 361 726969, . Daily 08:00-18:00. Visit the well-appointed Mangrove Information Centre set in the huge 600-hectare mangrove forest which fringes the east coast south of Sanur. There are two different boardwalks through the mangrove forest. This centre is doing great work in educating local schoolchildren as well as visitors, about the importance of mangrove forests. A good place to spend half a day for adults and children. Rp 200,000 for foreigners, Rp 50,000 for locals. 
  • 🌍 Pura Blanjong (Blanjong Temple), Jl Danau Poso, Blanjong (just south of Sanur). The most notable temple in Sanur which contains a major, important inscription on a stone pillar called the Prasati Blanjong. The inscription tells of a Javanese king who visited Bali in the 10th century and installed what was probably Bali's first formal government. This is Bali's oldest known artifact. 
  • 🌍 Serangan Island Turtle Conservation Centre (Turtle Island) (about 3 km south of Sanur, reached by turning east off the main Jl Ngurah Rai bypass), ☏ +62 813 3841 2716. 09:00-17:00 daily. Visit the Turtle Conservation and Education Centre and learn about current conservation initiatives. This island used to be the centre of the Balinese trade in turtle meat until the practice was banned. Donation. 

As well as shopping and eating, there are plenty of photo opportunities while walking along the splendid 5-km beachside paved path. The local night markets are a sensory delight, with plenty of food options.

Do

Sanur's splendid paved beachfront cycle-path stretches some 5 km from the Jalan Mertasari area in south Sanur, north to the main beach at Jalan Hangtuah. This makes for a lovely scenic bike ride, especially in the early morning. Some bikes are better maintained than others so you might want to test your hire-bike close to home for a while in case the pedals have a tendency to fall off. Bicycles typically cost per day about Rp 30,000 if rented from town, or Rp 50,000 if rented from along the beach.

Diving

Although the diving available around Sanur is not the best Bali has to offer, nearly all of Bali's most established dive operators are located here. All offer trips further afield.


Surfing

Bali is one of the most famous surfing locations in the world and Sanur is one of the most famous surfing locations for intermediate surfers coming to Bali. With already well established surf schools located here, beginner, intermediate and even families can join these establishments for some surfing fun.

Festivals
  • International Kite Festival, Padang Galak beach (just north of Sanur, east off the main Jalan Ngurah Rai bypass). The annual international kite festival takes place here every July. Traditional Balinese giant kites up to 10 m in length are made and flown competitively by teams from different villages around Bali. The origins of this event are as a festival intended to send a message to the Hindu Gods to create abundant crops and harvests. Aside from the organised festival, from June to August each year, visitors will see many giant kites being flown. 

Laundry

There are many places to do your laundry in Sanur. Most hotels provides they own laundry service, mostly with more expensive rates than local laundry rooms. Almost every street corner has a laundry service.

  • Cinta Alam Organic Laundry, Jl. Batur Sari 44 (the end of Jl. Sekuta turn left 50 m left on side), . 08:00-20:00. High-quality laundry service without the use of harmful chemicals. You can choose an aromatherapy fragrance. Pick up and delivery is on request and free in the Sanur area. Rp 15,000/kg. (updated Apr 2018)

Spas

A day at any of the spas in Sanur is exactly what you would expect during your stay in Bali: full service treatment steeped in Balinese tradition. Take advantage of any opportunity to enjoy a spa during your stay, the cost here is at least half what you would pay in North America or Europe. All major hotels have in-house spa facilities and there are also several well established independents in Sanur.

Watersports

The more active could try one or more of the many watersports on offer at Sanur Beach. Try kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, surfing or paragliding. For those less active, hire a banana boat and hit the calm waters.

The surfing here is not great by Bali standards but there are reasonable breaks about 1 km offshore during the northwest wind season (about October to March). In that period you will have no problem locating the breaks — just follow the locals. Boards can be rented on the beach for Rp 100,000.

  • Bali Kite Surfing School, Mertasari (at the beach close to Mertasari temple), ☏ +62 361 7899013. IKO certified kite surfing school. The lessons are conducted in a safe, user-friendly environment and lessons can be structured to suit individual needs. The school uses three specially designed rescue boats to keep a close eye on you. 
  • Blue Oasis Beach Club, Sanur Beach (on the beach in front of the Sanur Beach Hotel), ☏ +62 361 288011. A specialist water sports centre which offers sea-kayaking, kitesurfing, parasailing, wakeboarding, waterskiing and windsurfing, as well as being a dive school. 

Buy

There are countless shops along Jalan Danau Tamblingan and the side streets leading from it. You will find everything from local t-shirts to Balinese handicrafts.

  • 🌍 Artasedana, Jl Danua Tamblingan 193, ☏ +62 361 28191. 08:00-22:30 daily. Formerly Hardy’s. This was Sanur's main supermarket before Grand Lucky and a good centrally located place for stocking up on regular items. 
  • Gudang Keramik, Jl Danau Tamblingan, ☏ +62 361 289363. 10:00-22:00 daily. This is the outlet for seconds of the famed Jengala Ceramics company (main showroom in Jimbaran). Their standards are very high and you may not notice why some of these items are classed as seconds. Some superb bargains to be had in everything from decorative vases to flatware. 
  • Nogo Bali Ikat Centre, Jl Danau Tamblingan 104, ☏ +62 361 288765, . M-Sa 08:30-21:00, Su 09:00-20:00. Specialises in the quality woven ikat fabrics from Bali and elsewhere in Indonesia. If you are looking for cheapies, don't go here. You can purchase fabric by the piece, made up as clothing or homewares, and examine their impressive genuine antique collection. 
  • 🌍 Grand Lucky Supermarket. New big supermarket on the bypass. (updated Aug 2022)

Markets

At the northern end of Jalan Pungutan, just before it hits Jalan Danau Tamblingan, there is an art market, sometimes referred to as Sindhu Market. This is a one stop shop for all manner of Balinese handicrafts, sarongs, T-shirts and knock-offs such as sunglasses. A similar set up can be found at beachfront Art Market at the end of Jalan Hangtuah. Take the foot path leading north which weaves through a maze of stalls and the odd cafe.

Eat

For very cheap local food try the Night Market at the northern end of Jalan Danau Tamblingan where it meets Jalan Pungutan.

  • 🌍 Abian Boga Restaurant, Jl Kesuma Sari No 5, ☏ +62 361 284174. 10:00-22:00 daily. Grilled seafood accompanied by a Balinese dance performance. Great service too with a local hotel pick up and drop off. Mains Rp 30,000-60,000. 
  • 🌍 Cafe Batu Jimbar, Jl Danau Tamblingan, ☏ +62 361 287374. Every Sanur expat's favourite cafe hang out. Good deli food and passable coffee. 08:00-22:00 daily. 
  • Kayu Manis, Jl Danau Tamblingan (north end of Jl Danau Tamblingan), ☏ +62 361 289410. 11:00-22:00 daily. Western and Asian fusion cuisine at great value prices. A favourite with both travellers for the price and foodies for the quality of the meals. About Rp 40,000-70,000 per entree. 
  • 🌍 Massimo, Jl Danau Tamblingan 228, ☏ +62 361 288942, . 11:00-22:00 daily. The superb home made gelato here is the ideal treat after a hot day wandering in Sanur. Also excellent pizzas and pastas at this authentic south Italian-owned and -run restaurant. About Rp 100,000 per head. 
  • 🌍 Smorgås Café, Jl Danua Tamblingan/Pantai Karang II, ☏ +62 361 289361. Perhaps the best coffee shop in Sanur. Homemade sandwiches, pastry and quiche. Owned by Swedes and they make their own gravlax. 
  • Stiff Chilli, Jl Kesumasari 11, Semawang Beach (right on the beach at the end of Jl Kesumasari), ☏ +62 361 288371, . 11:00-23:00 daily. Beach-front restaurant from the Stiff Chilli chain. Mid-priced, mainly Italian food in a great location. Most mains about Rp 50,000. 
  • The Village, Jl Danau Tamblingan 66, ☏ +62 361 285025. 11:00-22:00 daily. Attached to the Griya Santrian Hotel, this is perhaps the best known upmarket eatery in Sanur. The food is slick Italian style and they do a reasonable job of creating a suitable atmosphere. Not a good as it was and certainly not cheap, but a decent option in a part of Bali not known for it high quality restaurants. Has an independent street front entrance, and you would not know it is attached to a hotel. Rp 70,000-200,000. 
  • 🌍 Warung Blanjong, Jl Danau Poso 78, ☏ +62 361 285613. Daily 11:00-21:00. One of the best places to eat Balinese in Sanur. They are especially well known for their pepes be pashi (steamed fish wrapped in banana leaves), and the be siap betutu (chicken prepared similarly) is also good. Very much worth a visit. Rp 30,000–70,000 mains. 
  • Fortune Cookie, Jl Sudamala 5 (bet. Danau poso & Mertasari), ☏ +62 361 283342. Daily 11:00-23:00. Healthy western-style Chinese Restaurant, no MSG, organic ingredients, they also have free delivery in Sanur. Popular with expats. 
  • The Fire Station, Jalan Danau Poso 108, ☏ +62 361 285 675, . Daily 16:00-00:00. Gastropub style food, cold beer and cocktails. (updated Apr 2016)
  • 🌍 Salt & Malt (fish and chips), Jalan Wira, Sanur, ☏ +62 851-0079-7962. Friday only 17:00-20:00. British-style fish and chips made by the wife of a Londoner. Optional mushy peas. Rp 65,000. (updated Sep 2019)
  • 🌍 McDonald's. Sanur has a long running McD's that can be a useful landmark due to its main road junction location. (updated Aug 2022)
  • Selada Bali Restaurant, Jl. Sudamala No. 19, ☏ +62 361 4721917, . Serving modern Asian cuisine with distinct European influences. (updated May 2023)

Drink

There are lots of bars along Jalan Danau Tamblingan.

Bars
  • 🌍 Arena Pub & Restaurant, Jl ByPass Ngurah Rai 115, ☏ +62 361 287255, . Daily 10:00-23:00. Austrian owned and run sports bar and cafe. The beer is very cold, reasonably priced and this place is always busy. 

Coffee shops

Sleep
This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
BudgetUnder US$25
Mid-rangeUS$25-95
SplurgeOver US$95

Most of Sanur's accommodation is in the medium and high sector of the market and is aimed at families. Hotels in Sanur are usually a distance apart, not as close together as Kuta hotels. Hotel price competition in Sanur is tame compared to Kuta, which has a severe oversupply.

Budget
  • 🌍 Flashbacks, Jl Danau Tamblingan, . Good, clean budget accommodation in a convenient location. Has a cafe which is open 19:00-23:00. Airport pickup. from Rp 185,000. 
  • 🌍 Kayu Sugih Guesthouse, Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.76, ☏ +62 361 282916, . Has traditional beautiful garden, but no swimming pool. from Rp 350,000 (fan). US$10/daily surcharge in peak seasons: Jul-Aug and Dec-Jan. 
  • 🌍 Kesumasari Beach Hotel (Kesumasari Guest House), Jl Pantai Kesumasari, Semawang, ☏ +62 361 728771, . On the beach with a spacious and well kept tropical garden and a swimming pool open until 22:00 daily. From about Rp 275,000. 
  • 🌍 Little Pond, 19 Jalan Danau Tamblingan, ☏ +62 361 289 902. Nice laidback homestay with a small pool. Good value basic rooms and can get full easily during peak season. Rp 170,000 - 250,000. (updated Aug 2017)
  • Cafe Locca Homestay (Puri Anom Hostel), Jl.Sudamala 8 (between Jl Danau Posso and Jl.Cemara turistic promenade, 7 min walk to beach), ☏ +62 361 289 369. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Clean renovated rooms,mixed dorm (4-3 bed), private double room with minibar, free WiFi internet broadband. Spacious garden, public cable TV and DVD, kitchen with fridge and cooker, housekeeping daily, towels, toiletries and bedlinen provided. Rp100,000 (A/C bed)-250.000 (private double air-con, fridge). 
  • Puri Mango Hotel, Jl Danau Tamblingan (next to BNI bank). Long established and well-known budget accommodation at the northern end of Sanur's main street. Rp 400,000. 
  • Ratna Beach Hotel, Jl Segara Ayu. Price includes taxes and breakfast. Hotel rooms, a nice pool and very close to the beach. From Rp 350,000. 
  • 🌍 Yulia 1 Homestay, 38 Jalan Danau Tamblingan (next to Maybank), ☏ +62 361 288089. Comfortable and clean rooms are in a garden full of birds with a small pool. Wi-Fi and breakfast of fruit and toast, tea/coffee is included. You can save Rp 30,000 by refusing the included breakfast. Rp 250,000 - 500,000. (updated Aug 2017)

Mid-range

Splurge
  • Bali Hyatt (Jl Danau Tamblingan), ☏ +62 361 28 1234, . Large hotel with beachfront location. 5 restaurants, 5 bars, huge gardens and a village style spa. Mature grounds with some well established trees. Double from US$125, $135 with breakfast. 
  • Dampati Villas (A minute walk to famous Sunrise beach of Sanur), Jalan Segara Ayu, ☏ +62 361 288454, . Contemporary, spacious villas with two floors, outfitted with modern touch including private swimming pool, garden, living room, kitchen, bathroom amenities, satellite TV, AC, free Wi-fi, complimentary breakfast, in-dining, daily complimentary water and cleaning, etc. US$80-287. 
  • Kayumanis Sanur Private Villa & Spa (formerly Gangsa Private Villa), Jl Tirta Akasa No. 28, ☏ +62 361 270 260, . 11 contemporary villas with private pool, fully-equipped gourmet kitchen and 24-hour butler service. From Rp7,000,000. 
  • Hotel La Taverna, Jl Tamblingan 29, ☏ +62 361 288497, . Beachfront hotel with an old world Sanur charm. Rooms are simple but charming. Gardens pool and beachfront setting are amongst the best in Sanur. Good restaurant. From US$80. 
  • 🌍 Mahagiri Villas Sanur, Jl Pungutan 31 (near Sindhu beach), ☏ +62 361 283939, . Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom private villas. All have air-con and have private swimming pool, kitchen and living room from US$475. 
  • Villa Mahapala, Jl Pantai Sindhu, ☏ +62 361 286222, . 20 private villas each with their own plunge pools, massage bale and outdoor shower. The resort also has its own French fusion restaurant, a bar and full service spa. From US$325. 
  • Mercure Resort Sanur, Jl Mertasari. Large resort on the beach towards the southern end of Sanur. 186 guest rooms, large beachfront restaurant, 3 bars and huge pool. From US$122. 
  • Parigata Resort and Spa, Jl Danau Tamblingan 87, ☏ +62 361 286286, . A quiet, good value resort just off the main street. High quality in-house spa plus restaurant, bar and pool area. The same group also has an impressive complex of private villas in southern Sanur. From US$100. 
  • Puri Santrian, Jl Cemara 35, ☏ +62 361 288009, . Beach front hotel in the quiet southern part of Sanur. Two pools, beach club and good dining facilities. Choose of regular rooms in the garden block, individual bungalows and some very smart suites. From US$95. 
  • Sanur Paradise Plaza (formerly The Radisson Plaza Hotel), Jl Hang Tuah 46, ☏ +62 361 281781, . Large hotel with numerous facilities including kid's club, in-house spa, fitness centre, restaurant and bars. Good convenient location with easy beach access. Has a nearby sister property which is all suites and apartments. Good family option. From US$95. 
  • Sanur Residence (in Padang Galak, about 5 minutes north of Sanur). Three 3-bedroom villas located on the beach forming a 9-bedroom estate The villas were built for a large family and are normally rented in a block of at least 6 bedrooms thus giving exclusive use of the entire estate along with its private swimming pool. Fully staffed with cooks, maids and gardeners. From US$180. 
  • Segara Village Hotel, Jl Segara Ayu, ☏ +62 361 288407, . Sprawling, refurbished 6-hectare resort complex with 5 distinct traditionally themed Balinese villages. 120 renovated rooms with balcony, private toilet and bath and other amenities. 3 swimming pools, tennis courts and massage services. From US$110. 
  • Stana Puri Gopa Hotel, Jl Kesumasari No 4, ☏ +62 361 289948, . Traditional styled Balinese villas in a lush tropical garden. Private pool villas, restaurant, watersports activities, spa and modern meeting room facilities. Walking distance to the beach 
  • Maya Sanur Resort & Spa, Jalan Danau Tamblingan No. 89M, ☏ +62 361 8497800, . Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. A beachfront resort with 103 rooms, three swimming pools and a 158-meter divided lagoon. (updated Apr 2016)

Connect

There are numerous internet cafes on Jalan Danau Tamblingan as well as cafes offering free wireless internet for customers.

  • Sanur Internet Service, Jl Danau Tamblingan 27 (next to Circle K), ☏ +62 361 289 331. A comfortable and speedy internet cafe. Air-con, 2 seater sofa and equipped with 17-inch LCD monitors, head sets, scanner & printer. Free mineral water and helpful staff. Rp 400/min. 

Cope

Several nations have consulates in Sanur, including some with titles that confusingly include the words "in Denpasar".

  • Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic for Bali and NTB, Jl Pengembak 17, ☏ +62 361 286465, fax: +62 361 286408. 
  • Finnish Honorary Consulate in Denpasar, Bali, Segara Village Hotel, Jl Segara, ☏ +62 361 288407, +62 361 288231. 
  • French Consular Agency in Denpasar, Bali, Jl Mertasari Gang 2 No 8, Banjang Tanjung, ☏ +62 361 285485. 
  • German Consulate General in Denpasar, Bali, Jl Pantai Karang No 17, Batujimbar, ☏ +62 361 288535. 
  • Royal Swedish Honorary Consulate in Denpasar, Bali, Segara Village Hotel, Jl Segara, ☏ +62 361 288407, +62 361 288231. 
  • UK Honorary Consulate in Denpasar, Bali, Jl Mertasari No 2, ☏ +62 361 270601. 

Go next
  • Sanur is a good jumping off point for the nearby island of Nusa Lembongan.
  • If you are heading back to the southern tourist hotspots of Kuta, Legian and Seminyak, this will take about 20 minutes by car. Ubud is about 25 minutes in the opposite direction.
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