What To Do In Sanur Beach Bali: 18 Incredible Activities
Want to know what to do in Sanur Beach when visiting Bali this year?
There aren’t many parts of Bali that can be called a “hidden gem” as the island is such a popular tourist destination, but Sanur Beach is one of them. Imagine sipping a delicious cocktail and feeling the cool ocean breeze sweep across your face. You can find that, water sports and so much more in Sanur.
If you’re planning a trip to Bali and wondering what to do in Sanur Beach, we’ve got you covered. After spending 3 months living and traveling in Bali, we know the best locations and activities to add to your to-do list.
Is Sanur Bali Worth Visiting?
If you love scenic views of the ocean, ancient temples, relics, and getting close to sea life, then Sanur is definitely worth visiting during your trip to Bali.
Besides the fact that you are in Bali, one of the most sought-after destination spots in the world, there are so many different foods to eat, activities to try, and adventures to be had in the small Balinese coastal town of Sanur.
Not to mention, you’ll love the warm and hospitable local people that live in the area. Unlike the hustle and bustle of Kuta or Jimbaran, Sanur is quiet, charming, and full of adventure.
What To Do In Sanur Beach Bali
As you plan your holiday to Sanur, it can become overwhelming; especially if you’ve never been before. With that said, consider adding these 19 best activities and tourist destinations to your Bali itinerary:
1. Visit Mertasari Beach
Mertasari Beach is famous for its magical sunrises, romantic sunsets, white sand and panoramic views. Maybe it’s the aura of being in Bali, but the views here are absolutely incredible.
The mangrove forests that surround this beach and the nearby coast are so unique. The mangroves actually protect the shoreline and beaches from tropical storms and erosion. They also provide an aquatic nursery for octopi, crabs, and all kinds of fish that live in the calm waters. It is a micro-eco system all on its own, so we know you’ll love it.
Note: We must warn you about one thing… At Mertasari Beach, the mosquitos can be quite relentless. Be sure to carry mosquito repellant and appropriate clothing to fend them off.
2. Get A Massage
What could possibly be better than being in Sanur Beach on a perfectly clear and warm tropical day? Getting a massage, of course!
There are several spas that will pamper and cater to your needs in Sanur Beach. One of the best spas in the area is the Nest Boutique Spa. Health, wellness, and relaxation are the driving mission behind the Nest Boutique Spa, so be sure to add this popular place to your busy itinerary.
While it’s fun to get out and explore everything that Bali island has to offer, you’re on holiday… You deserve to sit back and relax, too!
3. Take A Day Trip To Nusa Penida
Still pretty undeveloped, Nusa Penida is a natural paradise offering some of the best outdoor and recreational activities in all of Indonesia. If Nusa Penida is not on your itinerary for when you visit Bali, it needs to be.
The island can be accessed by a quick boat ride from the main island. Prices for the boat trip start from $15 USD one-way and $30 USD return.
You can decide whether you’d like to stay on the island for a few nights or make it a day trip. There are plenty of places to stay that range in style and price.
While on the island, be sure to visit:
✅ Kelingking Beach
✅ Diamond Beach
✅ Thousand Islands Viewpoint
These places have become some of the most famous viewpoints in all of Southeast Asia.
Scuba diving is also a very popular and epic experience here thanks to the numerous offshore reefs. This is one of the best dive spots in the world to view the Mola Mola, also known as the giant sunfish.
👉 Taking a day trip to Nusa Penida? We recommend buying your ticket ahead of time through this tour company!
4. Go Golfing
For some, there is nothing more relaxing than 18 holes of golf. The Bali Beach Golf Course is a 9-hole golf course that is known for its beauty and challenging layout.
18 holes of golf will cost you about $82 USD. Not taking your clubs with you on the airplane? No problem; you can rent everything you need at the clubhouse.
If anyone in your group would like to practice their skill before jumping in with the big dogs, you can set up golf lessons here, too.
5. Hop On A Jet Ski
Perhaps your cup of tea is something a little more exhilarating and adventurous. If you want to enjoy the coast while soaking in the sun, one of the best things you can do is rent a jet ski and zip around near Sanur.
Consider island hopping on your jet ski, too. You can take a guided jet ski tour of the various islands that surround Bali’s east coast.
6. Surf!
Hang ten and shoot the lip (lame?)!
Although it’s not Kuta or the southern peninsula of Bali, Sanur Beach, Bali has some of the best waves for casual surfing. The strong winds also make it a good spot for kite surfing.
7. Go Snorkeling
Don’t have your PADI certification? You don’t have to miss out on Bali’s underwater life. Instead, consider snorkeling in the shallow waters.
We recommend Atlantis Bali Diving for snorkeling tours and/or gear rental. With several different locations to choose from, you’ll be able to pick where you’d like to explore.
You can snorkel the reefs, a shipwreck, the famous Blue Lagoon, or even opt to swim alongside the giant manta rays that frequent the water around Nusa Penida. There is plenty to keep you occupied during the whole day.
8. Treat Yourself To A Floating Breakfast
A floating breakfast is an experience that may trample your previous breakfast experiences.
So what is a floating breakfast? – A truly wonderful thing, that’s what.
In Bali, temperatures skyrocket as soon as the sun peeks over the horizon. Taking a dip in a swimming pool is a must, no to mention it’s a great way to wake up. Next, enter a floating tray carrying some of the most delicious breakfast items and enjoy these in the cool comfort of your private pool. Unique, huh?
One of the best places to experience a floating breakfast in Sanur is The Alantara Sanur Resort. You can also find other floating breakfast experiences by checking out our post here.
9. Sip Some Bali Coffee
I’m sure you know this, but Bali is famous for brewing potent (and decadent) coffee. Sanur Beach is a great place to sip on some of Bali’s good stuff. We recommend grabbing a rich cup of joe from one of the many coffee shops in the area.
10. Scuba Diving
Did you get your PADI certification? If not, acquiring it in Bali might be your best option thanks to decently affordable prices and various dive locations.
Sanur Beach has direct access to some of the best dive spots in Bali, making it the ideal home base for your holiday.
For the avid diver, you can experience everything including beautiful reefs and a wide variety of fish species. Atlantis Bali Diving has a wide range of diving packages to select from, so check out all that they have to offer on their website.
You could also opt for a liveaboard trip where you eat, drink, sleep, and dive several days and nights all from a sailing yacht. Liveaboards are an epic, once-in-a-lifetime diving experience.
11. Pantai Karang Beach
If you love sunsets, then you are going to love Pantai Karang Beach, which is a small and secluded beach just south of Sindhu Beach.
This is a good beach for families with kids thanks to the calm waves and protective coral reef. You’ll also love that there are areas of the beach that are lined and shaded by trees, perfect for relaxation, meditation, and yoga.
12. Segara Sanur Beach Club
I know I said that the west side of Bali is a perfect place to go for beach clubs, but you can also find a few on the east coast of Bali, too.
The Segara Sanur Beach Club is a beachside bar and restaurant with the perfect relaxed atmosphere, not far from Sanur’s main street. Take advantage of sunbathing beds, kayaking, and snorkeling right on the beach area.
13. Sip A Cocktail + Watch The Sunset
We can’t think of a better way to wind down a day in Sanur than sipping a delicious house cocktail on a beach chair and watching the sunset over Mount Agung on the horizon.
The perfect spot to do this along Metasari Beach is the Bamboo Bar and Lounge. You can book lunch or dinner and enjoy delicious food at your own beachside table (sometimes with live music) from 11:00am until midnight.
14. Visit Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is one of three islands that make up the Nusa Penida district. This is a day trip destination that will provide you with beautiful scenery and adventure.
The only way to get to Nusa Lembongan is by boat from Sanur or another nearby piere. But don’t worry, you’ll be sure to find a friendly local who will take you out on their fishing boat, just be sure to leave them a nice tip.
15. Sea Turtles
If you love sea turtles, then one place you will not want to miss out on is Serangan Island. It is conveniently located only 15 minutes from the airport.
The Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC) was established in 2006 by the Balineese Government. Its primary purpose is to crackdown on illegal turtle trading in the area.
Education and is their aim, so you can find a lot of important information at this beachside education center.
16. Check Out Pura Dalem Pengembak
Another popular thing to do is visit the small Hindu temple of Pura Dalem Pengembak. This is a peaceful temple that local Balinese people use to pray and cleanse their soul. This would make a better side trip while out exploring and for most not a single destination
17. Sindhu Night Market
Sindhu night market is an ideal place to get a good variety of Indonesian foods that are locally made. With check prices and fresh cuisine, you can’t go wrong by adding this to your evening to-do list.
Pair a cold beer with local food and enjoy an authentic Balinese experience; something that’s very difficult to find on this popular island.
18. Kayak On The Ocean
A great way to spend a few hours or an all day excursion is to rent a kayak or two and head out on the ocean.
Rip Curl School of Surf also rents kayaks and snorkeling gear if surfing isn’t your game. You can rent single or tandem kayaks for an hour or all day.
It will cost you around $11 USD for an hour of rental or you can spend a little more, $40 USD and rent the kayak all day long.
What Is Sanur Known For?
Sanur is known for being an incredible off-the-beaten-path destination in Bali. The main reason to come here is for the epic sunsets over Mount Agung. There are fewer crowds and more opportunities to enjoy a more authentic Indonesian experience.
How To Get To Sanur Beach Bali
Sanur Beach is located on the southeast coast of Bali. Once you land at Ngurah Rai Internatitonal Airport, the best way to get to Sanur is by taxi, it’s quite easy and only takes 25 minutes along the main road.
But, if you haven’t booked your taxi from the airport to Sanur ahead of time, prepare to be bombarded in the arrival hall. This was always intimidating for us, so we either booked a taxi ahead of time or just drove ourselves to and from the airport by motorbike.
👉 You can book your transfer from the airport to Sanur ahead of time by clicking here.
Where To Stay In Sanur Beach Bali
There are plenty of places to stay in Bali. Spas, luxury hotels, beach resorts, economy accommodations, and Airbnbs are just a few of the types of places you can stay while you are visiting Sanur Beach.
If the idea of an Airbnb sounds good to you, there are plenty of villas to choose from and many will offer discounts for stays of up to a week or more.
There is no limit to luxury, comfort, and style in Sanur Beach. Here are some of the most luxurious places to stay in Sanur:
✔️ Tandjung Sari Hotel
✔️ Maya Sanur Resort and Spa
If you are looking for a nice place to stay and spend a little less money per night, then consider:
✔️ The Oasis Lagoon Sanur
✔️ Taksu Sanur Hotel
✔️ Jukung Guesthouse
The three above accommodation options are all under $100 USD per night.
Best Time To Visit Bali
Simply put, Bali is a great place to visit year round. There is something for everyone during any season with plenty of great things to do.
But, you should keep in mind that Bali is a tropical island and has a dry season and a rainy season. The rainy season runs from November through March. The rainiest of those months are December and January.
Throughout the year, the temperatures hover around the mid-80s to the low-90s with the only variances being relative humidity and precipitation.
The Wrap-Up: What To Do In Sanur Beach Bali
There are bucket list items we all have tucked away in the back of our minds. If visiting Sanur Beach is not on your Bali bucket list, we think you should reconsider!
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