15 Of The Best Things To Do in Sanur
Planning a trip to Sanur but feeling overwhelmed by all the scattered information? This guide can help you.
We’ve compiled 15 must-do activities in Sanur. You can find here everything from relaxation to spirituality to adventure — something for every taste.
But that’s not all. We’ve organised the info practically and clearly so you can easily plan and make your time in Sanur unforgettable.
Relax at Sanur Beach
Sanur Beach is quieter and less crowded compared to the busier beaches in Bali. You must visit this spot a little before sunrise for exceptional scenery.
What’s unique about Sanur Beach?
- The calm, laid-back vibe
- A long shoreline with beautiful views
- Green-blue waters, much cleaner than in other areas
- Scenic boardwalk for walking or cycling
What to do at Sanur Beach?
- Walk along the beach or boardwalk.
- Swim in the calm water.
- Sit back and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
- Rent a sunbed and relax.
- Grab a drink from a nearby beach café.
Dine at an Ocean View Restaurant
Make the most of your time in Sanur by eating lunch at an ocean view restaurant. Two must-visit restaurants are Blossom Steakhouse and Fisherman’s Club. Both places offer outdoor seating with stunning sea views.
What’s unique about Blossom Steakhouse?
- Expertly dry-aged steaks and the freshest seafood
- Curated wines and inventive cocktails
- Family-friendly atmosphere
What’s unique about Fisherman’s Club?
- A mix of Indonesian and international cuisine, including fresh seafood grilled on coconut husks.
- Stylish and comfortable setting
- Lively beach club with cocktails
Tip: Reserve a table just before sunset.
Walk, Jog, or Cycle Along Sanur’s Boardwalk
Sanur’s boardwalk is a scenic path. You can walk, jog, or cycle while enjoying ocean views.
The flat terrain makes it easy for all ages. You can rent bikes from many companies by the waterfront.
The boardwalk connects all of Sanur’s main beaches. It passes by many resorts, popular restaurants, shops, and beach clubs. You can take breaks at a café or shop along the way.
What’s unique about the boardwalk?
- Four kilometres of path along the coastline
- Separate, safe paths for bikes and pedestrians
- No motorbikes are allowed on the boardwalk making it a peaceful walk
Unwind at a Spa
After a day of exploring Sanur, it’s a good idea to relax and recharge with an authentic Balinese spa session.
You can book a session at Nest Spa. They use natural, local ingredients to enhance the experience. You can choose from:
- Traditional Balinese massages
- Body scrubs
- Facials
- Manicures and pedicures
- Deep tissue massages and foot reflexology
After your treatment, enjoy their signature complementary sorbet. Book your session in advance during peak times.
Stroll Around the Morning Market or Night Market
Sanur’s morning and night markets give you a rare glimpse into local Balinese life. They offer diverse experiences.
What’s unique about the morning market?
- Fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices
- Experience how locals shop for their daily items
- Balinese coffee stalls for a local brew
- Handmade goods like traditional textiles, sarongs, and handicrafts
- A quieter, more authentic shopping experience
What’s unique about the night market?
- Street food favourites like satay, nasi goreng, and bakso
- Affordable prices
- A lively, bustling atmosphere
- Local desserts like martabak and es campur
- A chance to see how locals socialise and unwind
Make a Day Trip
Sanur is a great base for exploring nearby spots like Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Ubud.
Nusa Penida
- Dive or snorkel with manta rays.
- Explore dramatic coastal cliffs and hidden beaches.
Nusa Lembongan
- Relax on serene beaches.
- Snorkel to view vibrant coral reefs.
- Enjoy paddleboarding.
Ubud
- Explore hidden waterfalls like Tegenungan and Tibumana for a day picnic or a refreshing dip.
- Visit temples for their serenity and marvellous architecture.
- Watch traditional Balinese dances like Kecak.
Shop at Icon Mall
Icon Mall offers a mix of open-air shopping and beachfront views. It’s more than just a place to shop. It’s a relaxing, family-friendly destination.
What’s unique about Icon Mall?
- Has an open-air layout with beach access. You can shop with the ocean as your backdrop.
- Features international brands like Steve Madden, Sephora and Marks & Spencer
- Houses attractions like:
- Jaje Bali Floating Market for local food and crafts
- Bali’s first IMAX theatre
- Butterfly Park and outdoor exhibitions for added relaxation
After shopping, you can grab a meal at one of the seaside restaurants and stay for the sunset laser show.
Learn Something New
Sanur offers creative workshops for a unique hands-on experience with Balinese roots.
Cooking Class
You learn to prepare traditional dishes like Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Sate Lilit (minced meat skewers), and Lawar (mixed vegetable dish with coconut) and know the cultural significance behind them. You shop for ingredients from the local market with your chef and cook using traditional techniques. In the end, you savour your prepared food.
Batik Class
You learn how to apply hot wax to fabric in intricate patterns, then dye the cloth to create vibrant designs. The process is meditative. You leave with a beautiful batik piece as a keepsake from your trip.
Jewellery Making Workshop
You work with local artisans to create your ring, bracelet, or pendant. This workshop is small, personalised, and guided by an experienced craftsman.
Visit Sanur’s Museums
Sanur’s museums are a break from the usual tourist spots. These stops aren’t just about art; they help you understand the island’s culture and connect deeper with the island in a more personal way.
Le Mayeur Museum
This museum is the beachfront home of artist Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur. His paintings capture the beauty of Bali’s landscapes and his wife, who was a key figure in much of his art.
Bajra Sandhi MonumentThis monument houses a museum. Inside, you see dioramas and exhibits that tell the story of Bali’s culture and struggles for independence engagingly.
Stop by Blanjong Temple
Blanjong Temple is a historical site. It’s a hidden gem that you mustn’t overlook.
The temple holds the Blanjong Pillar, a 10th-century artefact inscribed in mysterious ancient scripts. Even if you’re not into history, the serene atmosphere and the chance to witness local rituals make it a special, reflective experience.
The quiet setting and sacred energy of the temple offer a deeper connection to the island.
Do a Balinese Purification at Pura Tirta Empul Segara Merta Sari
Pura Tirta Empul Segara Merta Sari is a Hindu Balinese temple. It consists of a bathing structure with holy spring water. Balinese Hindus visit this temple for ritual purification called Melukat. Locals believe that this ritual cleanses their body, mind, and soul, leaving them feeling renewed.
It’s a rare chance for you to experience Bali the way locals do. Whether you believe in its spiritual power or not, the ritual is calming. Visit the temple early in the morning to avoid rush.
Sip Cocktails at a Day Club
Day clubs in Sanur are laid-back and uncrowded. You’ll be sipping perfectly mixed cocktails, have feet in the sand, and stare at the ocean. These spots nail the seafood. You find fresh catches paired with international flavours.
Take Byrd House Bali, for example. It’s family-friendly with a chic setting. There’s plenty of space, a pool, and even a kids’ club.
Then there’s the Beach Club Restaurant. It’s more low-key, has a killer view and offers bistro-style food. More focus on just being in the moment with a killer view.
Get Pampered at the Shampoo Lounge
The Shampoo Lounge is Sanur’s go-to spot for full salon, spa, and barber services, all under one roof. It’s ranked #1 on Sanur’s TripAdvisor.
You’ll get top-notch services from a skilled team of stylists, colourists, spa therapists, and barbers, all at affordable prices.
What you can do:
- Choose from cuts, styling, colour, keratin treatments, extensions, and more.
- Indulge in manicures, eyelash extensions, facials, and rejuvenating massages.
Book in advance to secure your spot, especially for keratin treatments or massages.
Watch a Movie on the Big Screen at the IMAX Cinema
The IMAX Cinema at Icon Bali Mall in Sanur is the first of its kind in the area. With its huge screen and enhanced sound system, it takes movie-watching to a whole new level.
Whether you’re catching the latest blockbuster or enjoying a 3D film, this IMAX cinema offers a more immersive experience than a standard theatre. It’s perfect if you crave a cinematic experience that pulls you into the action. The modern facilities make it a comfortable place to relax after a day of exploring.
Have Fun Jet Skiing, Stand-Up Paddle Boarding, or Kite Surfing
Sanur offers a mix of calm seas and reliable winds. Whether you’re a beginner or an adrenaline junkie, Sanur’s Beach provides the perfect conditions for ocean adventures.
Jet Skiing
You can speed across the surface while taking in views of Sanur’s serene coastline, marine life below and offshore islands. The crowds are few. You get space to truly enjoy the ride.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Early morning sessions are magical. The water is smooth, and the sunrise casts a golden glow over the horizon. You can paddle near the coral reefs.
Kite Surfing: Sanur’s steady afternoon winds make it perfect for kitesurfing. You can feel the thrill of riding the wind and waves in one of Bali’s top kitesurfing spots.
How I can help?