Did you know that this beachside town on Bali's southeast coast was one of the birthplaces of tourism on the island? And yet, it's still popular for its great hotels, shopping, breakfast, massages, and easy access to clean, quiet white sandy beaches.
Over the years, Sanur has become known as one of the most tranquil and family-friendly areas of Bali, but don't worry if you're coming with a couple or group looking to have some fun - there are plenty of exciting things to do there. Think beachside volleyball, cycling, laid-back restaurants on Sanur Beach, and sunrise views - without further ado, here are the best top places in Sanur we recommend!
Sanur Beach - stroll the boardwalk
It may sound plain and boring, but hey, trust me it's a lot of fun! Sanur beach has a very long coastline: 7 kilometers! There's a paved footpath all the way, so it's perfect for a morning walk, jog, or bicycle ride. It's also a picturesque path lined with fishing boats, beach restaurants, and some fabulous resorts like Prama Sanur Beach Bali or the Intercontinental Bali Sanur resort in sight. Plus, you can see the volcanic view of Mount Agung in the distance.
Ah one more thing, if you are not allergic to peanuts, try Lumpia. This is the favorite snack of local visitors when they come to Sanur beach. You'll find people carrying rectangular boxes on their heads, that's it! A little spoiler, this meal consists of fried tempeh, fried tofu, spring rolls doused in a thick sweet-savory peanut sauce! Okay I'm drooling here (brb, getting my Lumpia).
Turtle conservation centers
Bali's east coast is a popular place for Olive Ridley turtles to lay their eggs between April and October each year. Unfortunately, most of these hatchlings are unable to reach the water due to natural predators: human interference, and hostile conditions. To solve this, many charities and turtle conservation centers have sprung up along the coastline in Sanur. These conservation centers protect turtle eggs until they hatch, then care for and monitor the hatchlings until they are strong enough to be released into the sea. This activity originates from the Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC) on Serangan island (15 minutes from the main road of Sanur), which is supported by WWF and has been working on turtle repopulation and education in Bali since 2006.
They also regularly release hatchlings back into the ocean, at least once or twice a month. If you're lucky, you can join the release with a donation! These releases are not always held in the same months, so you can contact them on Instagram for more information on when and where this will take place the next time.
Sindhu Night Market
You know what the local says? “Dimana bumi dipijak, disitu langit dijunjung” - the closest saying to “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”, if this is easier for you to understand. Yep, the night market is where the locals like to go for dinner, and while you're at it, why not mingle with the crowd and enjoy yourself? Unlike a restaurant with cozy seating and background music, a night market can seem a bit chaotic for first-timers with so many different food stalls, and they number in the dozens!
For me, this is one of the best places to eat in Sanur, especially if you want a different atmosphere and have a lot of options in one place. Don't expect to find steak or pasta, here you will find local food instead. From Nasi Campur, Balinese style Satay, Nasi Goreng, Bakso (meatball), and many more at a much cheaper price.
Taman Festival - an abandoned theme park
This is a creepy abandoned amusement park off the main street of Sanur that has turned into a dark tourist attraction over the years. The Festival Park closed in 1997 during the Asian financial crisis and the decline in tourist interest that occurred at the time.
The abandoned park once had a fake volcano and a pit full of crocodiles, but is now covered in graffiti and eaten away by vegetation. Even a large number of bats have taken up residence here. Of course I understand that exploring a haunted park like this isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I personally think it's an adrenaline rush and besides, it's mesmerizing to see the giant banyan trees that have begun to swallow the buildings. Oh don't forget this- mosquito repellent. You'll thank me later if you plan to pay a visit though.
Sanur Rice Fields - perfect spot for jogging
Ha! I bet you didn’t see it coming - yes indeed, Sanur is very well known for its beaches, but who said you need to go all the way to Ubud to see the rice fields?
This rice paddies areas are hardly known by tourists, yet is just as green as the rest of Bali's rice paddies (Yes, including Ubud & Tegalalang) Located just a 10-minute drive from the beach, the rice paddies in Sanur are quieter and less crowded compared to the rice paddies around Ubud.
It also has a more authentic feel, with many locals still working in the rice fields all day rather than piles of tourists taking pictures on swings. But anyway, if you do stop for a photo, be careful when walking on the terraces. Not only are there rice paddies, you might also run into a snake or two.
Conclusion
Whatever your choice of activity, Sanur is certainly not to be underestimated - craving a lazy day by the beach? Biking? swimming? exploring a lost cause? You can have it all!
With so many places to visit and activities to do, Sanur provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle - whether you're a family, a couple, or a group of friends on vacation.
