Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Sanur, Bali

Sanur is recognized as a charming coastal town in Bali, providing visitors with a tranquil experience distinct from the bustling areas of Kuta and Seminyak. Families are particularly drawn to its peaceful ambiance and child-friendly beaches. While Sanur lacks powerful surf for wave enthusiasts, it excels as a destination for a relaxing beach holiday in Bali.

In addition to its soft beaches, Sanur boasts a diverse array of dining options, alongside resorts and smaller accommodations. Although it may not have an abundance of attractions like museums, the few that exist are captivating. The primary allure of Sanur is to unwind and appreciate Bali’s natural beauty. One of the most rewarding experiences is to spend the day at the beach and then enjoy fresh seafood dining in the evening, with enchanting bars and live music for evening entertainment.

Let us delve into the most noteworthy activities in Sanur:

1. Admire the Blanjong Pillar

The Blanjong Pillar constitutes one of the most significant historical attractions in Sanur, known for being the oldest historical artifact in Bali.

Dating back to 914 AD, this inscription, produced during the reign of Bali’s first king, Sri Kesari Waemadewa, embodies a fascinating glimpse into the island’s past.

The text is inscribed in ancient Sanskrit and Balinese, and thus remains untranslated and shrouded in mystery.

To locate it, proceed along a quiet side street off Jalan Danau Poso until arriving at Pura Belanjong; take the left alleyway to access the pillar.

2. Grab some gelato at Massimo

Situated on Jalan Danau Tamblingan, Massimo is a renowned establishment in Sanur.

This delightful eatery, framed by a verdant Balinese courtyard, is celebrated island-wide for its Italian cuisine, operated by a local expatriate.

However, the main attraction is not the restaurant itself but the ice cream shop in front, offering exquisite gelato crafted in-house, ideal for those looking for sweet refreshments while strolling past.

3. Go for a walk along the promenade

One of the most appealing aspects of Sanur is its coastline, accompanied by a paved promenade that traces the shoreline, serving as an excellent location for leisurely afternoon walks.

Families frequently visit, as the beachfront path is easily navigable, even for those with young children in strollers, or you may opt to rent bicycles and savor the scenic views.

Notable sights include the traditional boats gliding across the water, while the promenade features various cafes and restaurants, perfect for a refreshing break when needed.

4. Dine on Jalan Danau Poso

Renowned for its dining scene, one of the finest streets in Sanur for a culinary experience is Jalan Danau Poso.

This location boasts a higher concentration of local warungs and cafes compared to other areas, making it an excellent choice for sampling local cuisine in place of international offerings.

Highlights on Jalan Danau Poso include the popular Warung Dapur Sanur, offering a variety of healthy Indonesian dishes, and Warung Jawa, which specializes in the Indonesian nasi campur—a delectable blend of aromatic curry served with assorted vegetable side dishes.

5. Tour Museum Le Mayeur

Museum Le Mayeur stands as one of the more distinctive attractions in Sanur, situated on the grounds of the former residence of Belgian expatriate Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur de Merpres.

Le Mayeur lived in Bali until 1958; visitors can explore his former home, which houses an array of his collections, predominantly featuring paintings of his wife, the Balinese dancer, Ni Wayan Polok Tjoeglik.

Upon Le Mayeur’s passing, his residence was converted into a museum, retaining much of its original charm.

Visitors are also invited to stroll around the surrounding Balinese compound, absorbing the picturesque scenery that inspired many of the artist’s works.

6. Do some shopping on Jalan Danau Tamblingan

The primary street through Sanur, Jalan Danau Tamblingan, features a high density of hotels, dining establishments, and cafés.

This street also serves as an ideal destination for shopping enthusiasts, with an array of arts and crafts shops offering souvenirs and gifts, including a vast selection of local handicrafts.

Visitors can expect to find traditional masks, vibrant paper kites, and intricately carved wooden representations of iconic Balinese figures.

7. Try kite surfing

While Sanur does not boast significant waves, it nevertheless provides excellent opportunities for various water sports.

In fact, the region’s strong winds make it an exceptional location for kite surfing.

Many of the local beaches offer kite surfing programs, and even novice participants can experience the thrill of soaring over the water under the guidance of an instructor.

This enables visitors to appreciate the stunning coastal scenery in a unique way, and numerous individuals claim this experience to be the highlight of their visit.

8. Go for lunch at Warung Krishna

While many patrons prefer the main roads of Jalan Danau Poso and Jalan Danau Tamblingan for dining options, those willing to step off the path will discover culinary gems like Warung Krishna.

This quaint traditional Balinese café, located on Jalan Kutat Lestari, offers irresistible dishes away from the tourist hustle.

Signature offerings at Warung Krishna include traditional Balinese fish satay and lawar, a delightful dish made with minced vegetables, aromatic herbs, and abundant shredded coconut.

9. Tour the Griya Santrian Gallery

While Sanur may not be replete with cultural attractions, the Griya Santrian Gallery within the Griya Santrian Boutique Hotel provides a platform for appreciating local art.

The gallery frequently hosts diverse exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing works by local artists and traditional art.

Additionally, various arts events, including book launches and signings, are also organized here, featuring a broad spectrum of artistic expressions such as ceramics, photography, and painting.

10. Go diving

Although Sanur does not feature its own dedicated diving spots, visitors can arrange dive trips that reach several locations merely minutes away by boat.

A multitude of dive shops and schools operate in Sanur, creating an ideal environment for novice divers seeking certification.

Diving classes typically take place in Sanur’s surrounding waters; divers can encounter marine life, including eels, seahorses, lionfish, and a plethora of other aquatic wonders during their excursions.

11. Shop for souvenirs at Hardy’s

At first glance, Hardy’s may not seem very intriguing, as it represents the sole large supermarket and department store in Sanur.

The ground floor features an expansive supermarket, stocked with a variety of local and imported goods; however, the primary attraction lies on the upper level, which offers numerous souvenirs at surprisingly affordable prices.

Here, a vast array of trinkets awaits, from textiles and clothing to wooden carvings and intricate spice mixtures, ensuring visitors will find something to their liking.

Prices are set yet reasonable, providing a more straightforward shopping experience compared to negotiating with street vendors.

12. Travel to the Turtle Conservation and Education Centre

The Turtle Conservation and Education Centre is situated not within Sanur itself but on the nearby Serangan Island, a brief ride away.

This center is an excellent choice for animal enthusiasts, with a commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating injured turtles from the wild.

Focused on educating visitors regarding environmental stewardship, it serves as a wonderful venue for families, especially children, who can engage with tanks showcasing baby turtles born in the center.

13. Sunbathe on Pantai Indah

Residents consider Pantai Indah to be the premier beach in Sanur.

Situated at the center of Sanur, this beach is among the cleanest in the area, characterized by soft golden sands.

Access can be gained by walking along the coastline from another beach, or by taking an overgrown road in front of the well-known Bali Deli, off Jalan Danau Tamblingan.

Alongside excellent sunbathing and swimming opportunities, visitors can enjoy Warung Pantai Indah, a local café ideal for relaxing with a beer or fresh coconut on a warm day.

14. Visit the Bali Orchid Garden

Although the Bali Orchid Garden is not exactly in Sanur, it is located approximately 3 kilometers away along Jalan Ngurah Rai, the main thoroughfare leading out of the area.

Many travelers may be unaware that orchids thrive abundantly on the island, nourished by the volcanic soil rich in minerals.

The Orchid Garden bursts with a spectrum of colors, showcasing thousands of orchids in various shades, making it a worthwhile stop for visitors entering or exiting Sanur.

15. Visit Pasar Sindu Night Market

Pasar Sindu Night Market constitutes a vibrant focal point in Sanur during the evening, providing an excellent venue for night shopping and snacking opportunities.

This market is more static compared to many rotating night markets found throughout Southeast Asia, yet one can find a diverse selection of items for sale, particularly a wide range of exquisite local street food.

The night market is positioned on Jalan Pasar Sindu and typically comes alive as darkness envelops the tranquil streets of Sanur.