Things to do in Sanur
Sanur is a coastal stretch of beach east of Denpasar in southeast Bali. Located just a 30-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International airport, this place is relatively easy to reach. Sanur is hyped as a haven for retirees, but really, it's for anyone who appreciates the tranquility of Bali and wants to get away from the crowds a bit. Sitting on Bali's eastern coast, it is much chillier than its western counterparts like Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu. The beaches are calmer and less choppy, making Sanur a perfect area for families with children. In this article, we'll dig deeper into the things to do in Sanur Bali. Let's go!
Best Sanur Accommodations
From five-star beach resorts and family-friendly stays to affordable ones, you'll wake up to Bali's best sunrise when in Sanur. It's no secret that Sanur is home to some of Bali's most beautiful hotels! Surrounded by palm and tropical gardens and just steps away from the beach, staying in Sanur means getting an instant dose of vitamin D daily!

Best Restaurants in Sanur
Just like other tourist areas in Bali, the culinary scene in Sanur is no less diverse! Fortunately, the distance from one to another is also within walking distance. Sanur's main street is lined with a variety of restaurants to choose from, ranging from French, Italian, Vietnamese, Thai, Mediterranean, and, of course, Indonesian.

Best Spa in Sanur
Nothing is better than this tranquil coastal town to unwind and take in all of that self-care, with birds chirping all around, blossoming tropical vegetation on every corner, and the gentle aroma of a salty sea breeze in the air. From French-inspired beauty salons to five-star wellness destinations, Sanur's treatment centers are as vibrant as its beaches. The choice is yours whether you want an easy-breezy mani-pedi, facial, a full body massage by the beach, and so much more!
What to Do in Sanur
When it comes to things to do in Sanur, the first thing that comes to mind is swimming, eh? I mean, of course — the waves are calm, the white sand is clean, and fun beach activities like canoeing can be done even by kids here. But beyond that, Sanur has a bunch of activities that you can try, too: from exploring the famous pathwalk by the beach, visiting temples for a spiritual retreat, exploring mangroves, and even spotting turtles and releasing hatchlings onto the beach.
1. Relax at Sanur Beach
Sanur's coastline stretches about 8 km from north to south, between the coastal border of Gianyar Regency and the mangroves south of Denpasar. You can enjoy some of Sanur's famous beaches connected by paved walkways. Around the beach, you will also find many cafes and restaurants. If you want to go local, sit by the beach while enjoying a fresh young coconut and grab a lumpia (a local snack consisting of fried tempeh, tofu, and fried spring rolls doused in peanut sauce).

2. Discover Art at Le Mayeur Museum
If you're an art lover, it's a must that you stop by this small museum at the north end of Sanur Beach. Le Mayeur Museum is named after its founder, Andrien Jean Le Mayeur De Merpres, a Brussels-born artist who was impressed by Bali and the shores of Sanur. The museum features a building structure in Balinese architecture that houses over eighty artworks categorized into five different collections based on the media Le Mayeur used, such as hardboard, plywood, canvas, and paper.

3. Experience Local Flavors at Sindhu Night Market
Skip the usual modern restaurants for a day and explore the local flavors at the Sindhu night market! As the name suggests, this market is only open at night, from 5 pm to 11 pm. Sindhu is a small night market, home to many local food stalls. All the Indonesian favorites are here, from nasi goreng, bakso ayam (chicken/beef meatball), babi guling, chicken and goat satay, Balinese tipat cantok, and more!

4. Stroll Along the Sanur Boardwalk
Whether planned or not, you're bound to stumble upon this place at least once. Boardwalk Sanur is on the beachfront, behind the famous luxury hotels. The area is often used as a jogging track by both locals and tourists in the morning and a cycling path in the afternoon. The boardwalk is neatly paved, so it's quite comfortable to walk across.

5. Visit the Historic Pura Blanjong Temple
Pura Blanjong is a cultural gem hidden deep within Sanur, Bali. The highlight of this temple is the inscribed pillar known as the Blanjong Prasasti, which dates back to the 10th century and contains the oldest inscription in Bali. Beyond its historical value, Pura Blanjong offers visitors a glimpse into the spiritual and religious practices that have formed Balinese culture over the centuries.

6. Enjoy Art and Nature at Big Garden Corner
A unique stone art gallery and statue park that has been around since 2016. Big Garden Corner is home to more than 600 statues, from small to large, including Buddha statues, Borobudur temple replicas, and many more. The statues here can only be seen for their beauty, not for sale. Since it is in an open area, visiting this place during the day will not be very pleasant. I recommend coming around 4 pm to enjoy the tour even more.

7. Discover Marine Life on Serangan (Turtle Island)
Serangan Island is often referred to as Bali's 'turtle island', as it is a frequent nesting ground for green turtles. Serangan is not quite in the Sanur area, but the good news is that it's only a 15-minute drive from the center! Serangan is known for its popular attractions, which include Sakenan Temple, Bali sharks, and the most famous one is the Turtle Conservation and Education Center. Here, you can see many turtles, ranging from babies to adults, ready to be released into the sea. They are home to injured turtles and eggs that, once hatched, will then be released into the wild.

8. Explore the Sanur Mangrove Forest
Who says you have to go far to enjoy a tropical mangrove forest? Located just 20 minutes from the heart of Sanur, this 1000-hectare big mangrove forest offers a different vibe from the crowds. There are also canoes for rent, so you can do more than just sightseeing. A Bali guide is not really needed when visiting here. You can walk around on your own, but if you want some background information, you can get it at the Mangrove Information Center.

9. Explore the Abandoned Taman Festival Bali
Want something more thrilling? Head to Taman Festival Bali, a spooky 'ghost town' on Padang Galak Beach, a secluded coast about 7 km north of the bustling center of Sanur. The deserted main entrance gate, ticket booth, empty cafeteria, and rundown main building with a partially collapsed roof give it an eerie feel even in daylight. Dense vegetation with vines grows over the broken windows, and decorative stone statues loom in the open space, making it a fun place to test your guts. Many locals believe that this long-abandoned site is 'owned' by spirits now.
