Sanur
Understand
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.
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 Rp 150,000. 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 difrect 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 Lembongan arrive at the beach at the end of Jalan Hangtuah, and detailed schedules are given in the Nusa Lembongan article.
Get around
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.
-
address: Gang Telagasari 3, Jalan Danau Tempe IYou can store luggage here.
On foot
Walking in Sanur is pleasant. The pavement is about 2.5m 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 Rp 50,000 per day. If you hire away from the beach area such as on or near Jalan Danau Tamblingan the price is cheaper, typically about Rp 30,000 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.
-
International Kite Festival
address: Padang Galak beachThe 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 actual organised festival, from June to August each year, visitors will see many giant kites being flown. -
Le Mayeur Museum
phone: +62 361 286201address: Jl HangtuahThis 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. -
Mangrove Information Centre
phone: +62 361 726969address: Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai Km. 21, Suwung KauhVisit 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. -
Pura Blanjong
address: Jl Danau Poso, BlanjongThe 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
phone: +62 813 3841 2716Visit the Turtle Conservation and Education Centre here 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.
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 Rp 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.-
phone: +62 361 284 131address: Jl .By Pass Ngurah Rai 96EFull range of dives and courses offered at this PADI 5-star dive operator. English, French, German, Spanish and Indonesian speaking instructors
-
phone: +62 361 270 759address: Jl. Blanjong I No. 333Large and long-established PADI dive centre offering dive trips all around Bali and full range of courses including technical diving
-
phone: +62 361 270852address: Jl Danau Tamblingan 69xPADI Career Development Centre. Dive trips and safaris around Bali, and PADI courses from beginner to instructor. Also offers technical diving courses. Instruction offered in English, Japanese, Mandarin, French, Spanish, Dutch, German and Indonesian.
-
phone: +62 361 286737address: Jl Danau Tamblingan 168This was the first PADI Career Development Centre in Indonesia. A full range of courses is available from intro dives to instructor courses as well as day dive trips and dive safaris around Bali. Offers PADI courses in Swedish, Danish, English, Indonesian, German, Japanese and Mandarin.
-
phone: +62 361 282664address: Jl Danau Tamblingan 27cOne of the best dive centres in Sanur offering dive courses, fun dives and liveaboard trips. Offers a full range of fun dives and courses
-
phone: +62 361 3705262address: Ngurah Rai Bypass 44AA professional, Dutch-owned PADI 5-star IDC dive center offering PADI dive courses, daily dive trips and dive safaris around Bali. Courses are given in multiple languages.
-
phone: +62 361 4490568address: Jl. Suka Merta, Sanur, BaliPADI 5-star IDC and Disabled Divers International dive resort in Sanur, Bali. Take your first breath underwater, go for a fun dive, get your padi certification in Bali or join a family snorkelling trip.
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.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
address: Jl. Batur Sari 44High-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.
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.
-
phone: +62 361271502address: Jl Danau Tamblingan
-
Puri Esthetic
phone: +62 361 286542address: Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai 209
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.
-
phone: +62 361 7899013address: MertasariIKO 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.
-
phone: +62 361 288011address: Sanur BeachA specialist water sports centre which offers sea-kayaking, kitesurfing, parasailing, wakeboarding, waterskiing and windsurfing, as well as being a dive school.
-
phone: +62 361 4490 568 (Front Office), +62 812 3856 1332 (Reservations)address: Jl. Suka Merta, SanurISA and IKO certified surfing and kitesurfing school - biggest, most modern and unique in Bali.
Buy
-
Hardy's Grosir
phone: +62 361 28191address: Jl Danua Tamblingan 193This is Sanur's main supermarket, and a good place for stocking up on regular items. -
Gudang Keramik
phone: +62 361 289363address: Jl Danau TamblinganThis 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. -
phone: +62 361 288765address: Jl Danau Tamblingan 104Specialises 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.
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
phone: +62 361 284174address: Jl Kesuma Sari No 5Grilled seafood accompanied by a Balinese dance performance. Great service too with a local hotel pick up and drop off. -
The Bali Pub
address: Jl Danau TamblinganOwned by a former Masterchef UK contestant. Serves Sunday roasts, steaks, western and Balinese dishes. Live music after 20:00. -
phone: +62 361 287374address: Jl Danau TamblinganEvery Sanur expat's favourite cafe hang out. Good deli food and passable coffee.
-
Kayu Manis
phone: +62 361 289410address: Jl Danau TamblinganWestern and Asian fusion cuisine at great value prices. A favourite with both travellers for the price and foodies for the quality of the meals. -
phone: +62 361 288942address: Jl Danau Tamblingan 228The 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.
-
phone: +62 361 289361address: Jl Danua Tamblingan/Pantai Karang IIPerhaps the best coffee shop in Sanur. Homemade sandwiches, pastry and quiche. Owned by Swedes and they make their own gravlax.
-
phone: +62 361 288371address: Jl Kesumasari 11, Semawang BeachBeach-front restaurant from the Stiff Chilli chain. Mid-priced, mainly Italian food in a great location.
-
The Village
phone: +62 361 285025address: Jl Danau Tamblingan 66Attached 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. -
Warung Blanjong
phone: +62 361 285613address: Jl Danau Poso 78One 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. -
phone: +62 361 283342address: Jl Sudamala 5Healthy western-style Chinese Restaurant, no MSG, organic ingredients, they also have free delivery in Sanur. Popular with expats.
-
phone: +62 361 285 675address: Jalan Danau Poso 108Gastropub style food, cold beer and cocktails.
-
Salt n Malt
phone: +62 851-0079-7962address: Jalan Wira No.14, SanurBritish style fish and chips made by the wife of a Londoner. Optional mushy peas. Short opening times and closed on Sundays and Wednesdays.
Drink
There are lots of bars along Jalan Danau Tamblingan.
-
Arena Sports Cafe
phone: +62 361 287255address: Jl ByPass Ngurah Rai 115Austrian owned and run sports bar and cafe. The beer is very cold, reasonably priced and this place is always busy. -
phone: +62 361 288807address: Jl Danau Tamblingan 82Shows all the English football, has friendly staff and also serves food. Live music in weekends.
-
phone: +62 361 283889address: Jl Pantai SindhuSmall coffee and smoothie bar serving Italian coffees, smoothies and fresh juices combined with a breakfast menu, lighter snacks, bakeries and pastries. Free Internet and Wi-Fi for customers.
-
Manic Organic
address: Jl Danau TamblinganExcellent raw juices and smoothies- organic full menu available as well. They also have yoga upstairs daily. -
Angel's Bar
address: Jalan Sekar Waru -
phone: +62 361 286737address: Jalan Tamblingan 168This little bar is found right on the street. They have a nice selection of drinks and snacks. In the back of the bar they also have a diveshop and a hotel. Wednesday nights this place is packed with both divers and non divers alike for quiz night.
Sleep
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
-
address: Jl Danau TamblinganGood, clean budget accommodation in a convenient location. Has a cafe which is open 19:00-23:00. Airport pickup.
-
phone: +62 361 282916address: Jl. Danau Tamblingan No.76Has traditional beautiful garden, but no swimming pool.
-
phone: +62 361 728771address: Jl Pantai Kesumasari, SemawangOn the beach with a spacious and well kept tropical garden and a swimming pool open until 22:00 daily.
-
phone: +62 361 289 902address: 19 Jalan Danau TamblinganNice laidback homestay with a small pool. Good value basic rooms and can get full easily during peak season.
-
phone: +62 361 289 369address: Jl.Sudamala 8Clean new 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.
-
address: Jl Danau TamblinganLong established and well-known budget accommodation at the northern end of Sanur's main street
-
phone: +62 361286369address: Jl Bumi Ayu 23Price includes Wi-Fi and breakfast. The complex, which consists of regular hotel rooms and cottages, has a nice pool.
-
Ratna Beach Hotel
address: Jl Segara AyuPrice includes taxes and breakfast. Hotel rooms, a nice pool and very close to the beach. -
Yulia 1 Homestay
phone: +62 361 288089address: 38 Jalan Danau TamblinganComfortable 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.
Mid-range
-
phone: +62 813 37536464address: Jl HangtuahGood, clean budget accommodation located at Sanur Beach, about 100 m from the Grand Bali Beach Hotel and close to the boat boarding point for Nusa Lembongan. Airport pickup offered.
-
phone: +62 361 288 414address: Segara Ayu Sreet No. 3Cozy framed complex with budget villas. Lots of details that capture your eyes. Very friendly staff, goes well beyond the call of duty. Rooms have hot water, air-com, fridge. Breakfast included. Decent sized pool. Free Wi-Fi. Small library with English, Dutch, German and Swedish literature. Highly recommended for families as well as the lonely traveller. 200 m from the beach, 200 m from shopping street.
-
phone: +62 361 271 070address: Jalan Pungutan, Gang JasminA small service apartment complex with holidays lettings on a weekly basis. All studios and apartments have their own kichenette and private balcony.
-
phone: +62 361 289060address: Jl.Danau Tamblingan No.35A not-very-big beachfront hotel.
-
phone: +62 813 37536464address: Jl CemaraEach tradtional Balinese inspired villa in the compound features its own private entrance and open air living room, dining room as well as a fully equipped kitchen.
-
phone: +62 361 8070181address: Jl Danau Tamblingan 89A quiet, good value. A bungalow style hotel committed to quality, Located nearest to the beach.
-
phone: +61 2 9533 5851 (Australia)address: SanurSmall boutique hotel with personalised service. Includes a restaurant (Benno's) and a pool. Very quiet, suitable for families.
-
phone: +62 361 287881address: Jl CemaraSituated in between the beach and the main road, two levels of standard rooms are arranged around lush gardens and a swimming pool. The hotel is quiet, clean and has fine service in addition to a pleasant morning breakfast.
-
phone: +62 361 287727address: Jl Sekuta No12Each suite has its own living and dining room and fully-equipped kitchen. Facilities include The Cavern Bar, featuring Beatles memorabilia and a large swimming pool.
-
phone: +62 361 288 060address: Jl Danau Tamblingan No 47/Jl Pantai KarangOn Sanur Beach. Restaurant, 24 hour room service, pool, laundry and safe deposit boxes. Note that this is not a villa despite the name.
-
Zen Villas
address: Jalan Kesari II No3bThis is a medium standard private villa rental complex in a good Sanur location not far from the Bali Hyatt. Managed by an Indonesian-Dutch couple. -
phone: +62 361 289091address: Jl Pengembak 14Colonial villa for lovers of tropical gardens and Balinese architecture.
-
phone: +62 361 286737address: Jalan Tamblingan 168A cosy little hotel with 2 floors. Rooms are a little more sophisticated with air-conditioning and direct access to a swimming pool, bar and a restaurant. The hotel is located in the back of a dive school so it's perfect if you want to do some diving while you stay here.
Splurge
-
phone: +62 361 28 1234Large hotel with beachfront location. 5 restaurants, 5 bars, huge gardens and a village style spa. Mature grounds with some well established trees.
-
phone: +62 361 288454address: Jalan Segara AyuContemporary, 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.
-
Kayumanis Sanur Private Villa & Spa
phone: +62 361 270 260address: Jl Tirta Akasa No. 2811 contemporary villas with private pool, fully-equipped gourmet kitchen and 24-hour butler service. -
phone: +62 361 288497address: Jl Tamblingan 29Beachfront 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.
-
phone: +62 361 283939address: Jl Pungutan 311-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom private villas. All have air-con and have private swimming pool, kitchen and living room
-
phone: +62 361 286222address: Jl Pantai Sindhu20 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.
-
address: Jl MertasariLarge resort on the beach towards the southern end of Sanur. 186 guest rooms, large beachfront restaurant, 3 bars and huge pool.
-
phone: +62 361 286286address: Jl Danau Tamblingan 87A 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.
-
phone: +62 361 288009address: Jl Cemara 35Beach 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.
-
phone: +62 361 281781address: Jl Hang Tuah 46Large 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.
Sanur ResidenceThree 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.
-
phone: +62 361 288407address: Jl Segara AyuSprawling, 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.
-
phone: +62 361 289948address: Jl Kesumasari No 4Traditional 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
-
phone: +62 361 8497800address: Jalan Danau Tamblingan No. 89MA beachfront resort with 103 rooms, three swimming pools and a 158-meter divided lagoon.
Connect
There are numerous internet cafes on Jalan Danau Tamblingan as well as cafes offering free wireless internet for customers.
-
phone: +62 361 289 331address: Jl Danau Tamblingan 27A 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.
Cope
-
Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic for Bali and NTB
phone: +62 361 286465address: Jl Pengembak 17 -
Finnish Honorary Consulate in Denpasar, Bali
phone: +62 361 288407,+62 361 288231address: Segara Village Hotel, Jl Segara (PO BOX 91) -
French Consular Agency in Denpasar, Bali
phone: +62 361 285485address: Jl Mertasari Gang 2 No 8, Banjang Tanjung -
German Consulate General in Denpasar, Bali
phone: +62 361 288535address: Jl Pantai Karang No 17, Batujimbar -
Royal Swedish Honorary Consulate in Denpasar, Bali
phone: +62 361 288407, +62 361 288231address: Segara Village Hotel, Jl Segara (PO Box 91 Denpasar) -
UK Honorary Consulate in Denpasar, Bali
phone: +62 361 270601address: Jl Mertasari No 2
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.