What’s Sanur known for?
The coastal resort area of Sanur is actually part of Denpasar but is a million miles from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Home to spotless beaches, great shopping opportunities, luxury villas and boutique spas, Sanur is especially popular among couples.
Sanur is also well-known for its awesome watersports opportunities and is one of the best places in Bali for kitesurfing and wakeboarding. Take a few classes to try it out, or simply float in the calm, crystal-clear ocean at Sanur Beach.
Who should go to Sanur?
This safe and tranquil beachside resort area is the perfect place to travel as a family, with enough fun activities to keep everyone entertained. It is also popular among couples, the idyllic beaches and sensational sunsets creating the ultimate romantic backdrop for a lovers’ getaway.
When should you go to Sanur?
For the weather
Whatever tie of year you visit Sanur, you are guaranteed to get warm weather. The temperature varies very little, fluctuating between 27 – 28 C (81 – 82 F), no matter what month it is. For your best chance of dry, sunny days, however, visit in September or October when Sanur sees the least amount of rainfall.
To beat the crowds
The busiest months in Sanur are July and August when families flock to the cost for the summer holidays. Visit in May or September when the area is much quieter, but the weather’s just as beautiful.
For the coolest events
Bali Kites Festival
Where?
When? July/August
If you’re in Sanur between July and August, you’re in luck! This is when the Bali Kites Festival comes into town, a two-month long event that showcases hundreds of traditional Balinese kites.
Giant kites almost 10 m long are flown competitively by teams from neighbouring villages, in a vibrant aerial display that you won’t want to miss!
Some of these colourful kites are truly gargantuan; the Janggan Kit, for instance, has a cloth tail that can exceed 100 m in length!
Sanur Village Festival
Where? Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel
When? August
This five-day fiesta of food, music, art, culture and sport is held annually in Sanur at the Inna Grand Bali Beach Hotel.
The Sanur Village Festival has an exciting schedule packed with performances, contests, competitions and activities. This eco-friendly venture also features a variety of environmentally-focused events, presentations and activities, so you can do your part and give back to Bali! Get involved with their environmental communal actions while you’re there and join a beach clean up or coral planting project.
Things to see and do in Sanur
Sindhu Market
Shopaholics should check out the Sindhu Market in Sanur, where handicrafts, spices, food and souvenirs can all be bought at low prices. Stop by for the night market in the evening, here you can try authentic Balinese and Indonesian food for very cheap prices.
Bali Seawalker
For an unforgettable experience in Sanur, check out the Bali Seawalker. The specially designed helmet receives oxygen from the boat above you, allowing you to stroll freely along the seabed. Seawalkers can observe all sorts of vibrant marine life, including tropical fish and dozens of coral species.
Try a new water sport
Sanur is well known for being an excellent spot for water sports in Bali, so it’s the perfect place to try something new! Conditions in this region are optimal for kitesurfing and wakeboarding and lessons can easily be found along Sanur Beach. Keen surfers should head a little further up the cast to Keramas beach, where the swell is strong enough to provide some good opportunities for the sport.
Play a round of golf at the Bali Beach Course
Golf enthusiasts should head to the Bali Beach Club Golf Course while in Sanur for a perfect afternoon of play. This beautifully landscaped and maintained course is suitable for all levels of golfer and the club also offers lessons for beginners. Step into the verandah after your game and unwind with a cold beer and tasty food in relaxed, comfortable surroundings.
Treat yourself to some pampering
Sanur is a pamperers paradise and is home to dozens of luxurious spas and wellness centres. Treat yourself to some serious self-care while you’re in town with a range of indulgent treatments, from traditional Balinese massage to cleansing body scrubs. For the ultimate session, book yourself in for a treatment package and leave feeling like a goddess!
Off the beaten path…
Visit Bali’s oldest historical artefact
The Blanjong inscription (or Blanjong pillar) is Bali’s oldest historical artefact, dating all the way back to the Warmadewa dynasty. Established in 914CE, the Blanjong Pillar details the military campaign of King Sri Kesari Warmadewa and is an important monument to Bali’s rich history and cultural heritage.
The pillar is located in south Sanur, but is a little off the main tourist trail and can be tricky to find. The site is poorly signposted, but if you can make it to the Blanjong Temple you should find it tucked away down a side street nearby. Look for the sign reading Cagar Budaya Prasati Blanjong to confirm you’ve found it!
Where to eat in Sanur?
CharMing Restaurant
For fine French food in the tropics, dine at CharMing Restaurant during your trip to Sanur. Both the food and surroundings at this stylish, upmarket restaurant are sensational. Enjoy the unique interior design as you dine, in a restaurant perfect for couples, families, or groups.
Canang Kitchen and Bar
With a varied menu of Asian, International and Fusion dishes, the Canang Kitchen and Bar has dishes to suit everyone. Enjoy incredible food in a lively, buzzing atmosphere and make sure to try their chocolate volcano for dessert!
Jack Fish
The seafood in Sanur is exceptional and you can enjoy the best of it at Jack Fish. Dine on fresh and expertly prepared prawns, mahi-mahi, calamari, snapper and so much more at this cozy beachside warung. Pop into this awesome Indonesian-style restaurant for lunch or dinner for cold Bintang and the best seafood in town.
Where to stay in Sanur
For convenience
To be in walking distance of basically everything in Sanur, stay in the northern part of the area. This puts you close to the restaurants, bars, shops, beach and everything else you may need during your stay.
For secluded luxury
Rent a luxury villa in south Sanur for a quieter, more excluded experience on your trip to Bali. This area is less busy, but still has easy access to all of Sanur’s amenities and gorgeous beaches.
Renting a villa in Sanur
If you’re visiting Sanur as a family, Majapahit Villa Raj may be right up your street! Positioned in a couple of minutes’ walk from the beach, this gorgeous villa is also easily accessible from the Denpasar Airport. The central location of this villa means that shops, restaurants, bars, and beach are right on your doorstep, for perfect convenience during your stay.