Nestled on the southeast coast of Bali, Sanur is a beachside town that offers a lively, charming, and laid-back experience, perfect for families and solo travelers alike. While it used to be a quiet fishing village, nowadays you’ll find the perfect mix of vibrant local life, calm beaches, and family-friendly tourist spots.
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With stunning sunrise views and easy access to water sports facilities and fast boat terminals, Sanur is an ideal home base for those looking to relax, try out new activities, or explore nearby islands like Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida.
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In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything from transport options from the airport and how to get around town to the top accommodations and must-try activities that are sure to make your stay in Sanur one for the books.
How to get to Sanur from Bali Airport
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Just like Kuta and Seminyak, Sanur is only about 20 to 30 minutes from the Ngurah Rai International Airport, which makes it super easy to get to right after you land on the island. There are plenty of transportation options, but here are some of the most popular ones:
Hail a taxi or book a ride-sharing service
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Of course, you can always take an old reliable taxi to get to your hotel. These metered rides cost around 80,000 to 100,000 IDR (5 to 6 USD) depending on the traffic, plus a 10,000 IDR (around 60 cents) toll fare, and are usually paid with cash.
You can also download ride-sharing apps like Grab and Gojek to book a ride. What’s great about these ride-sharing apps is that you can connect your credit/debit card/s to automatically pay for fares online.
Klook tip: As you get ready for your trip to Bali, don’t forget to grab a 5G SIM card or set up a reliable Indonesian eSIM beforehand. This will give you mobile data and internet access, making it super easy to download ride-sharing apps, book your rides, and pull up Google Maps whenever you need it.
Pre-book an airport transfer or car charter
Now, if you value convenience and peace of mind, pre-booking an airport transfer or a private car charter is the way to go. You won’t have to worry about additional steps like waiting for a taxi or booking a ride-sharing service.
All you have to do is wait for the confirmed booking, go to the designated airport pick-up location, and meet your driver. Once everything’s settled, they’ll help you load your luggage and take you straight to your accommodation in Sanur.
Another huge perk of booking airport transfers or car charters is that you can choose from a wide range of vehicles. This is especially helpful if you’re traveling in a big group or you’ve brought a lot of luggage. You can opt to book larger SUVs, vans, or even buses for a more comfortable ride to your hotel.
Klook tip: Some hotels offer in-house airport transfer services so be sure to inquire ahead of time to reserve a spot.
Getting Around Sanur
If you're staying around Sanur Beach in Bali, you'll find that you can easily walk to pretty much anywhere you want to go to! But if you're not much of a walker for you or if your destination is a little bit farther away, here are other quick and easy transportation options to get around the beach town:
By taxi or ride-sharing service
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Like in other parts of the island, there’s no shortage of taxis in Sanur, making it easy to just flag one on the road. Grab or Gojek rides are available in some areas too (ride-sharing services aren’t always welcome in some tourist towns because of local taxi turf conflicts, so just keep an eye out for no-Gojek or no-Grab zones).
These options are really convenient especially if it's too rainy or hot out to walk or ride a motorcycle or bike.
By motorbike or scooter
If you’re the type of traveler who thrives on adventure and spontaneity (and you know how to ride a motorbike or scooter, of course) motorbike or scooter rentals can be a great way to explore the area. They're usually cheaper than car rentals too— only around 50,000 to 100,000 IDR per day, or about 3 to 6 USD.
Renting one is easy as long as you’re prepared. Don’t forget to bring along your valid passport, international driver’s permit, and your home country driver’s license. Also, keep in mind that some rental shops accept cards, while others only take cash. To avoid any last-minute stress, consider booking your motorbike rental online before your trip.
By e-bike tour
If you’re looking for an experience that takes you off the beaten path, try a unique Sanur Village e-bike tour. This eco-friendly and jam-packed adventure lets you soak in the fresh air through Sanur’s nearby rice fields and mangroves. You’ll also have a chance to stop by a Traditional Balinese market, visit a Turtle conservation center, and enjoy a refreshing coconut on the beach.
Plus, the tour kicks off and wraps up right in the center of Sanur, allowing you to explore everything in just one morning and be back at your hotel before lunch!
Accommodation in Sanur Bali
Sanur offers a great mix of charming, affordable spots as well as some more luxurious hotels and villas (rates are definitely more budget-friendly compared to the popular areas of Bali). But it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the amazing accommodations. Don’t worry, though! We’ve put together our top picks to help you find the perfect spot for your stay.
1. InterContinental Bali Sanur Resort
Indulge in the ultimate beachfront luxury experience at the Intercontinental Bali Sanur Resort. This four-hectare property offers a total of 120 suites and villas, all designed with modern comforts and Balinese hospitality in mind.
The resort is equipped with top-of-the-line amenities like a swimming pool, a rooftop terrace, a kid’s club, a fitness center, and an in-house bar. Guests also have quick access to nearby spots like the Sanur Beach Promenade, Chantara Wellness & Spa, and the ICON Bali shopping ball.
There’s also a nearby restaurant called Pier Eight, where both guests and non-guests can enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea or a refreshing cocktail by the beach.
Address: Jalan Kusuma Sari No. 8 (Sanur Beach) (See location)
2. Taksu Sanur Hotel
Taksu Sanur Hotel is the perfect accommodation if you’re looking for a plush and cozy getaway on a mid-range budget. The hotel’s spacious, air-conditioned suites are well-furnished and tailored for comfort, complete with a personal safe, flat-screen cable TV, and a convenient minibar.
You can also enjoy a range of amenities here, including a restaurant, a sun terrace, and an outdoor pool surrounded by beautiful greenery. And, just a 10-minute stroll will take you to nearby restaurants and beaches like Mertasari Beach and Semawang Beach.
Address: Jalan Sudamala No. 26 (See location)
3. Prime Plaza Hotel Sanur
No need to sacrifice your comfort and experience to stay within a budget. At Prime Plaza Hotel Sanur Bali, you can get the best of both worlds. Catering to different types of travelers and numbers of guests, the 4-star hotel features a wide selection of standard rooms as well as one, two, and three-bedroom suites at affordable rates.
You can also take advantage of its different amenities, which include a spa and fitness center, a lagoon pool, a poolside bar and restaurant, and a kids' swimming pool with a 30-meter waterslide (making it a great choice for families with kids).
Address: Jl. Hang Tuah, No. 46 (Sanur) (See location)
Best Things to Do in and around Sanur Beach, Bali
Now that you’re all set with how to get around and where to stay in Sanur, it’s time to think about what to do while you’re there. The good news? We’ve done most of the legwork and prepared a quick list of activities to help you complete your Sanur itinerary.
1. Try delicious Indonesian street food at the Sindhu Night Market
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If you head over to North Sanur, you’ll discover the famous Sindhu Night Market. This spot is a must-visit if you want to try some delicious Indonesian street food at great prices.
You can also pick up fresh fruits, veggies, and even delicious fruit juices from the bustling fruit and vegetable stalls. If you want to beat the crowds, try heading to the market as soon as it opens at 6 pm. It usually wraps up at 11 pm, but don’t be surprised if it stays open a bit later.
If the street food isn’t filling enough, grab a full meal at any of the nearby restaurants or warungs in the area. If you’re looking for ideas, check out Naughty Nuris and enjoy an authentic Warung dining experience with great food and good vibes.
2. Learn a new watersport at Sanur Beach
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Sanur Beach is a fantastic spot for water sports in Bali, and you can find some great deals on lessons too! While surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving aren’t the usual go-to activities here, there are plenty of options for fun watersports instead, including kitesurfing, parasailing, windsurfing, and jet skiing. There are even more family-friendly options like banana boat rides.
Klook tip: For a truly traditional Bali experience, try renting one of the local boats to learn from the local fishermen and enjoy a once-in-lifetime fishing adventure.
3. Indulge in a spa and wellness experience
Take some time to relax and treat yourself to a massage. The Byrd House Spa and Wellness is a great option, offering a bunch of different treatments, like a soothing Balinese massage or a hot traditional massage with coconut oil.
And if you explore a bit around the area, you’ll find that pretty much any spa around offers a great experience. Many of the upscale resorts in Sanur even have their own spa and massage centers, too.
If you're planning to try multiple treatments, you can check out the Bali Spa and Wellness Pass where you can choose multiple spa treatments with just one pass. It's a convenient way to discover and book spas near you too.
No matter where you choose to go, it’s the perfect way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.
4. Enjoy Sanur’s Kite Flying Festival or Sanur Village Festival
Photo credit: @sanurfestival Instagram
This coastal town is known for its seasonal festivals, which are a great way to learn more about Balinese arts and local culture. The best part? They’re free for anyone. But take note that these festivals are not year-round so you do have to confirm dates before planning your trip around the festivals.
Sanur’s Kite Flying Festival usually takes place around July to August when Bali gets strong Eastern winds and conditions become perfect for kite-flying. It's a fun and unique event where you’ll get to see all sorts of quirky, creative, and sometimes even gigantic, kites.
The Sanur Village Festival also happens yearly around July to August along Sanur Beach. It celebrates Balinese food, arts, and culture, with a unique traditional Sanur boat (also known as “Jukung”) show and competition as the main highlight.
See Mertasari Beach's location, where they hold the Sanur Village Festival
Photo credit: @sanurfestival Instagram
5. Go on a day trip to the nearby islands of Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida
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If you’re itching for more adventures and looking to explore nearby tourist destinations, why not try going on a day trip to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan? Sanur is one of the main jump-off points to the nearby Nusa islands, making it easy and convenient to head over to the fast boat harbors in North Sanur.
You can check out the different fast boat companies that run multiple trips to the islands daily and buy your tickets at the harbor (sometimes they do sell out fast so it can be a bit of a gamble). Or, book a fast boat ticket in advance so you’ll have a guaranteed seat on your selected travel dates.
Are you ready for your Sanur, Bali trip? Before you go, don’t forget these Bali must-haves for a fuss-free Bali adventure!
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